[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6367096,"mediaKeyId","2159195-f20dfaafcefd83e7501a099d441ec161","parentId",2159195,"title","Commissioners pledge to pursue federal help after residents report failing mailbox kiosks and delivery gaps","audioSeconds",530,"startMs",6358000,"endMs",6888000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159195-f20dfaafcefd83e7501a099d441ec161&start=6358&end=6888","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159195-f20dfaafcefd83e7501a099d441ec161/thumbnail_6358000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6367096/Hendry-County/Florida/Commissioners-pledge-to-pursue-federal-help-after-residents-report-failing-mailbox-kiosks-and-delivery-gaps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367096-e17c440b6afa9eadcb9849a586fbc093/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495562&Signature=hZuPQqVimTLMKq0VWT4tenh4pblvH2DM~uxJR1jyOwnHtcdy6~1AnMMFebL-IgsIed92HUo6es~qTR8oMVyfOAjo1aFRyfPIjx5WICn4UqGQeJmbsGsj97W4VRUGH1jo8DRct2F7D-vxt4pnxYNQKHxeESHYwFu-WaxlswnEkZI9kYERXX~lbjyHP10NunCp7I46vaSpqyUBaWiGGsAKLx2xO1o1252MBwdzhXGuCoJCrqIcxQAzkD3fX7SDflxXsLFwtAu9rXb2ZEgh1K3ndePn7BHlaw~QQd-rSFSoNoVfjXARonKd79neV~2u1pO1CzjyjE218nQubLiE17MdoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hendry County, FL","date","2025-01-28T23:03:36Z","article","Residents from multiple unincorporated areas told the board about persistent problems with rural mailbox kiosks, delivery routing and post office capacity; commissioners directed staff to gather records and prepare letters to federal representatives and postal officials.

Several residents and commissioners described damaged or inadequate clustered mailbox units (kiosks) in communities including Montura and Hookers Point and said those kiosks are weather‑damaged, have doors missing or allow mail to get wet. Commissioners reported difficulty securing postmaster response and said congressional offices have requested formal letters to escalate the issue to USPS headquarters. County staff and members asked for a coordinated package of correspondence and supporting records to send to federal representatives.

Commissioners and staff discussed that some delivery routes in the county are administered from neighboring postal areas (Lee County or Miami offices), complicating local accountability. Staff said central county records and prior correspondence exist and that special districts have already sent letters; the board asked staff to collate those materials, include photos where available, and draft letters for the chair to sign. The meeting record indicates the board intends to send multiple letters covering affected communities so the effort addresses the countywide problem rather than a single neighborhood.

Speakers also raised related infrastructure and service issues during the same segment: a resident asked about status of a title search and grant pursuit for Polliwad (Pollywild) Creek cleanup; county staff responded that a title search is under way and grant consultants have been notified. Other public commenters described heavy commercial truck parking on private roads and long‑running code‑enforcement complaints; staff said code enforcement already has active cases and provided contact information for follow‑up.

No formal board vote was recorded on the postal matters; commissioners asked staff to prepare and circulate the draft letters and supporting documentation, and to coordinate with congressional offices that have requested evidence of the county’s efforts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hendry County BOCC Commission Meeting 01/28/25","oneSentenceSummary","Residents and commissioners pressed county staff to press the U.S. Postal Service for repairs and improved delivery after years of damaged kiosks and delivery routing problems; the board asked staff to prepare letters and supporting records for federal offices.","taxTitle","Hendry County, Florida","taxId",27816,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6367101,"Public works outlines options for countywide solid‑waste RFP; commissioners direct staff to bid multiple service scenarios",1664,2596000,4260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159195-f20dfaafcefd83e7501a099d441ec161&start=2596&end=4260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159195-f20dfaafcefd83e7501a099d441ec161/thumbnail_2596000.jpg","/articles/6367101/Hendry-County/Florida/Public-works-outlines-options-for-countywide-solidwaste-RFP-commissioners-direct-staff-to-bid-multiple-service-scenarios","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367101-60f16eb2db1394497410bc9ad15637a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495562&Signature=L1fqjghS~7N5AtUcs-raKeENN~WF8MNqsWKpRZrndRIqZjUhdw~fs1lh0dS-0aRSrrNqJBe8qusEePYcKyCm94E1POzJGlqKhvPtZ4T6kvVKeIPT9QHP0JY3j5n1F8ULvVuGYwJY-qMwPgkPiW0DsnNiWwlrKZeBKjwqqjW-CrZxi-FLTzLleXdnH5ZWqxK3oTIikDnxyLRL632KjhsXZOC7Oe5aLnftbl3OvvPUXjRvRnlH6zcT5ZVE~MeFhFh6en18IyHA3vPB~b9~WjPUdkvGM0X9M2tdQyPAoaDrtOWP94E~9xZ0nsKcOU8YsGtR0l6lOKqQWICuQNiQiZEUkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shane Parker, Hendry County Public Works director, presented a list of recommended parameters and open questions for a request for proposals to select the county’s franchise hauler for solid waste and recycling collection in the unincorporated area.

Parker sought direction on 15 key items so staff can finalize the RFP. Commissioners agreed on several points by consensus and directed staff to solicit bids that allow the board to evaluate alternate service levels and contract structures.

Major topics discussed and the guidance recorded in the meeting included:

- Service district: commissioners favored keeping a single service district covering the unincorporated county rather than splitting north and south.

- Contract term: commissioners agreed to a shorter tested structure and expressed support for an initial five‑year term with a single five‑year renewal option (a 5 + 5 arrangement), to allow the board to revisit terms after 10 years.

- Annual rate adjustments: the board endorsed keeping a consumer‑price‑index (CPI) adjustment with a 5% cap per year.

- Collection frequency and level of service: staff was directed to bid the RFP both ways (once‑per‑week and twice‑per‑week collection scenarios) so the board can compare costs and service levels. Commissioners noted twice‑weekly collection tends to reduce roadside dumping and litter but asked to see pricing trade‑offs.

- Commercial service and exclusivity for roll‑offs/construction debris: staff will include options in the solicitation to compare maintaining franchise exclusivity for commercial and construction/demolition collection versus allowing competitive self‑haul or third‑party services; bidders will be asked to present pricing both ways.

- Container program: staff recommended issuing 64‑gallon blue toters for recyclables and 95‑gallon toters for solid waste to unincorporated customers; commissioners supported providing toters to residents and removing older, inconsistent containers to standardize service and predict volumes.

- Community service and debris pickup: staff proposed increasing the county’s allowance for county‑directed claw‑truck pickups (used for neighborhood cleanups and storm debris) from 120 cubic yards per year to 360 cubic yards; the board agreed with the increase.

- Office/operations yard: the board concurred that the franchise contractor should maintain an office and operations yard within Hendry County.

- Automation/collection method: staff will allow bidders to submit proposals with automated trucks or traditional rear‑load service; vendors may present the option they prefer and staff will evaluate costs and reliability.

- Procurement process: the board asked staff to require a mandatory pre‑bid meeting, use a selection committee to shortlist respondents, and present finalists to the board for interviews and ranking. Financial proposal weight was discussed; staff proposed keeping the financial component at approximately 50% of evaluation points.

Parker noted tradeoffs among these choices: exclusivity can reduce commercial rates and franchise fees but limits market access; allowing open competition for roll‑offs can reduce franchise revenue and requires ordinance changes. Commissioners asked staff to prepare the RFP to show both sets of outcomes when appropriate so the board can make an informed selection.

No final contract was awarded at the meeting; the session provided direction to finalize the RFP language and evaluation criteria and to return shortlisted proposals and recommendations to the board for decision.","Hendry County Public Works presented draft terms for a new solid‑waste franchise RFP and commissioners directed staff to solicit bids that compare multiple service levels and contract options.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6367106,"Hendry County commissioners approve special exception for Ladeca 'glamping' site amid neighbor objections",2423,93000,2516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159195-f20dfaafcefd83e7501a099d441ec161&start=93&end=2516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159195-f20dfaafcefd83e7501a099d441ec161/thumbnail_93000.jpg","/articles/6367106/Hendry-County/Florida/Hendry-County-commissioners-approve-special-exception-for-Ladeca-glamping-site-amid-neighbor-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367106-c40c75e98c1d01a36455137e7277e7e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495562&Signature=W1eZsUfM59m5BT6mn3qGmQZn84z4LgeZvRZRpy5oXjBqsdca4mUHmWuSAfpo1D5QRyxWIHusUbmMAiYW3bF5ff--p2U6yZD-co45BguJEQ~NHZV2owBCESKZ9Q3wa6Y9lpSYgqL37ikp2R1ajynkhAeyfX194eZqvLFXkCYNty9hXWTRtk0dFb6JfvL13LikS3X~u9zK1d-5kXEwMPs66gr5V8zxhG18T0QDssA-Yf-g85xpFEUpSQWGkhjXnjbekBaSeRkwG3mGZLyxtrYkyoL2G6S8ZzBX-hEJmIOd-E0MVaiynKnI-ls2miksc-p1UMHgzCw-6rxoxvXd64CRRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hendry County commissioners voted to approve a special exception for SE 24-001, known as Ladeca Glamping, allowing an upscale, low‑impact camping operation on a property zoned General Agriculture, after hearing presentation from the applicant’s agent, extensive public comment and a split discussion among commissioners.

The vote authorizes a special-exception use for a glamping operation on the applicant’s property, subject to the conditions recommended by county staff. The board approved the motion to grant the special exception by a 3‑2 roll call vote after an earlier motion to deny failed.

The application was presented by the applicant’s agent, identified in the record as Rock, who described a wooded, phased development planned to preserve trees and limit impacts. Rock said the proposal is “a pipeline of a 15 acre site in Ladica,” and described design measures intended to keep guests on site and limit traffic impacts. Daisy Prieto, who identified herself as one of the property owners, told commissioners the project reflects a long‑held family plan and a wellness business they hope to expand.

During the public hearing, multiple nearby residents urged denial. Concerns raised included increased traffic on rural roads, fire risk and the capacity of the nearest volunteer fire service in Pioneer, potential impacts on property values and agricultural character, enforcement and the effect of overnight visitors on neighbors’ livestock and farm operations. Several speakers noted the property owners live outside the immediate neighborhood and said approving a commercial use there could set a precedent for more commercialization of the area.

Commissioners asked about compatibility with existing residences, water and septic plans, and enforcement mechanisms. Commissioners and staff discussed that the operation is intended to use well water and septic systems; a package treatment plant was mentioned as a possible condition if necessary, but the hearing record does not contain a finalized engineering design. Rock said the project would be phased and that not all 20 proposed sites would be developed at once; the transcript records a maximum of 20 sites and that development would be phased.

There were two formal motions. Commissioner Atkinson moved to deny the special exception, seconded by Commissioner Wills; that motion failed on roll call (those voting in favor of denying the application: Commissioner Wills and Commissioner Atkinson; those voting against the denial and therefore opposed to denying: Commissioner Iglesias, Commissioner Howard and Chairperson Byrd). Commissioner House then moved to approve the special exception “based on the evidence given to us and with the conditions set by staff,” seconded by Commissioner Iglesias; the motion to approve carried on a roll call (Commissioners Iglesias, Howard and Byrd in support; Commissioners Wills and Atkinson opposed). The board recorded that approval was subject to the staff conditions contained in the planning packet.

Staff and commissioners noted the special‑exception approval contains enforcement teeth: if the applicant violates conditions, the county can revoke the approval. Several commissioners said that mechanism is a primary tool to ensure compliance. The record includes multiple public comments asking for tight conditions or denial; the applicant and agent said they have invested in preparing the project and would accept staff conditions.

Commissioners who supported approval said the site could bring tourism dollars and that staff conditions and enforcement offer safeguards. Commissioners opposed raised compatibility and emergency‑service concerns and said the location sits in the middle of a residential/agricultural neighborhood.

The board did not adopt additional conditions on the record beyond those prepared by staff; the approval, as announced, carries the staff’s written conditions. The transcript includes references to monitoring for compliance and the county’s ability to remove the special exception if the operators fail to meet conditions.","After hours of public comment and split discussion, the Board of County Commissioners approved a special-exception permit for SE 24-001 (Ladeca Glamping) with staff conditions; neighbors raised concerns about fire response, traffic, water and compatibility with the agricultural neighborhood.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners pledge to pursue federal help after residents report failing mailbox kiosks and delivery gaps

Public works outlines options for countywide solid‑waste RFP; commissioners direct staff to bid multiple service scenarios

Hendry County commissioners approve special exception for Ladeca 'glamping' site amid neighbor objections