[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_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",6122023,"mediaKeyId","2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d","parentId",2696442,"title","Punta Gorda council approves memorandum with ICE after wide public opposition","audioSeconds",2065,"startMs",2494000,"endMs",4559000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d&start=2494&end=4559","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d/thumbnail_2494000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6122023/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Punta-Gorda-council-approves-memorandum-with-ICE-after-wide-public-opposition","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122023-ad41ed9a849658ad3feb1ddf2b34c287/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445403&Signature=XKE4w-aSInzp~Hysr2-2kxOHHahM03I07Bkpgo7t~1nTuHiIcF~-QScSv6dpzryG5-HIJG8im39LyG19jV4xchWQMJ2OZbFnGMvGrW4fhxFASH9LjkC6OPYedd-klmlKlxJVf84r2PGkARh63YxLl7QUPl5o3QN8TNotJSJ5GRdIe4K1U3~XPrAR85fVPGUZ3UzWxL3YqcsmWDbbU6otPfpGWST0kmpkWzslD1G72GvfT1H-G2CEfLUF1OmuzC8xsf3gpDvp9yIgyyXRj4XCubHE-YFlVN4GYRUT7pk7PoVDHpgo9FJ0DsXFIcDzJNI~mIu7nuwniiSFxTWR0s4Svw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Punta Gorda, FL","date","2025-03-19T19:12:36Z","article","PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The Punta Gorda City Council voted to approve a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 19, allowing Punta Gorda police officers who volunteer for training to assist federal immigration authorities in specific situations.

The MOA drew a large public turnout and sustained comment from residents and advocacy groups, many urging the council to reject the agreement on civil‑liberties and resource‑burden grounds. Multiple speakers said the MOA risked warrantless arrests and racial profiling; other residents and an attorney urged the council to allow trained local officers to support federal enforcement.

The council’s decision followed a staff presentation and a lengthy exchange in which Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith said the agreement would not create federal ‘‘roundups’’ or task‑force raids. ‘‘The word task force makes it sound like we are gonna be joining some other agency and going around other areas out of our local jurisdiction,’’ Smith said, adding the intent presented to her was that officers would, in the normal course of duties, follow up when an administrative immigration warrant already appeared on a record check. She said training and federal instructors would be provided and that ICE would pay travel and per‑diem if officers attended out‑of‑town training.

Residents who spoke against the MOA framed their objections around constitutional protections and local priorities. Maria Lara of LULAC said, \"That agreement does not address criminality,\" and warned it authorized intrusive practices. Jim Blue, a LULAC and NAACP member and Punta Gorda resident, told the council: \"I think it's a bad idea. Very bad.\" Several speakers, including education and immigrant‑rights advocates, warned that deputizing local officers for immigration duties would damage trust between police and immigrant communities and could increase legal exposure for the city.

City Attorney (Mister Levin) urged caution, saying provisions in the MOA went beyond giving officers authority to handle administrative warrants. Levin flagged paragraph Roman numeral 5 of the agreement and quoted language that, in his view, ‘‘would authorize the local police officers the power and authority to interrogate any alien or person believed to be an alien, as to his right to remain in United States,’’ and noted other clauses that could authorize arrests and issuance of immigration detainers. Levin said those broader powers raise potential liability and that the MOA does not obligate ICE to reimburse the city for legal costs or interpreter expenses.

Attorney Steven Leskovich, speaking in favor of approving the MOA, said the U.S. supremacy clause and longstanding cooperative agreements with federal agencies mean local officers can lawfully assist in certain federal investigations. \"They're City Of Punta Gorda Police Officers who would be trained by federal agents,\" Leskovich said, arguing training and retained local policies would limit misuse.

Council members asked for clarifications during discussion. Chief Smith said participation by officers would be voluntary and that the department would continue its policies against racial profiling. After the public comment period and discussion, a council member moved to approve agenda item 5(d), the MOA; the motion was seconded and, after a voice vote, the council approved the agreement.

Council and chief also agreed to follow up with community outreach: at least one resident requested regular meetings between community members and the police; Chief Smith said she would meet with community members and that the department would organize continued engagement about the MOA’s implementation.

The council did not record a roll‑call tally in the discussion; minutes record the motion carried on a voice vote. The MOA will be processed as a consent‑agenda item with the implementing documents handled by city staff and the police department.

What happens next: the police department will identify officers who volunteer for the training, coordinate instruction with ICE (which provided training resources in staff discussions), and the city manager’s office will monitor any legal or budgetary impacts. City Attorney Levin recommended limiting the scope of the city’s participation if the council later sought to reduce potential liabilities.

Community members who addressed the council included officers, advocates and several residents who said they would watch the implementation closely and asked for regular public updates.

Ending: The MOA’s approval does not change current Punta Gorda arrest policies by itself; the council and the police chief said they will keep the community informed and will monitor legal and operational outcomes as training and implementation proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting 3-19-2025","oneSentenceSummary","PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The Punta Gorda City Council voted to approve a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 19, allowing Punta Gorda police officers who volunteer for training to assist federal immigration authorities in specific situations.","taxTitle","Punta Gorda City, Charlotte County, Florida","taxId",54477,"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},6122006,"Votes at a glance: Punta Gorda council actions, March 19, 2025",1589,5702000,7291000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d&start=5702&end=7291","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d/thumbnail_5702000.jpg","/articles/6122006/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Punta-Gorda-council-actions-March-19-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122006-242045d976a58179e2ca8a65cb508f27/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445403&Signature=gzPqUes3U4ADihUwYIMBLfZlCPotHTeqouTGFf5Auq1V~79ud5PwPIPNu3RzD2EJbZTxDbYBEpHNS6zcrByNTCJFJeOzsjiZwNA2Qp13bchutrqFgNM0JGezWAWczLEeirIXK287ifUIECBBOabUd3nF7tDzOd9kSZtJ3ZgjUMJYp64Oj7lPPQXZPXp44b8aaKM2ePPl5OlBXsXD37T5pa2UjF8PIDDNTq6tBt0PJpBzvPpZXF43RH6G4dn0A2mHns12hsadrzQLr5DKJtGZNXGDTBnWl7PHh9zhm3yi4e7PuvT18ZqK8MBWC4Hc84NvwsnuGq1PcOafa78~AeHAmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The Punta Gorda City Council made several formal actions at its March 19 meeting. These items were approved or denied by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript. Brief summaries and outcomes follow.

- Agenda item 3(a): Ordinance (first reading) to expand the city's potable water and wastewater service area by roughly 19.8 acres (developer request). Outcome: Motion to deny carried (motion to deny approved by voice vote).

- Agenda item 4(a): Resolution adopting the Punta Gorda 2024 Climate Adaptation Plan update and vulnerability assessment. Outcome: Adopted by council (voice vote).

- Agenda item 4(b): Resolution amending the fiscal year 2024–25 budget for reappropriations (items in exhibit A). Outcome: Approved (voice vote).

- Agenda item 4(c): Second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending the City of Punta Gorda Firefighters retirement system (purchase of prior service credit wording). Outcome: Approved (roll‑call not recorded; voice vote recorded as \"I, I, Opposed I\" in transcript then motion carries).

- Agenda item 4(d): Resolution for supplemental appropriations for opioid settlement revenue and code vehicle funds. Outcome: Approved (voice vote).

- Consent agenda (items not individually discussed): Council approved the consent agenda with item 5(d) pulled for discussion; consent approved as moved (voice vote).

- Agenda item 5(d) (pulled): Memorandum of Agreement with DHS/ICE regarding limited training/assistance by city police. Outcome: Approved (voice vote) after discussion.

- Agenda item 6(a): Special event permit for a Torah completion ceremony (parade and temporary road closures). Outcome: Approved (voice vote) with conditions (advance notice to affected properties, signage, police coordination, and emergency vehicle access maintained).

- Agenda item 6(b): Rent abatement (three months) for Herald Court tenant Morgan Stanley related to hurricane damage assistance. Outcome: Approved (voice vote).

- Agenda item 6(c): Consent to assignment of a Herald Court lease to a purchaser (Love Live Laugh LLC) subject to short due‑diligence condition. Outcome: Approved with condition that purchaser provide due‑diligence information within 10 days.

- Board appointment (firefighters pension): Justin Giroux reappointed to the Firefighters Pension Board for a two‑year term through 05/01/2027 (majority vote recorded).

Notes: Several items were carried by voice vote; the transcript does not include full roll‑call tallies for those votes. For items pulled for discussion (notably 5(d)), the record shows deliberation, public comment, legal counsel advice and a motion that passed. The council asked staff to follow up on implementation details for several approved items (particularly the MOA with ICE and the climate plan adoption).","A roundup of formal votes taken at the March 19 Punta Gorda City Council meeting, including approvals and denials on ordinances, resolutions and consent items.",{"_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},6122010,"Punta Gorda staff presents five‑year financial plan; officials flag hurricane recovery and pension costs",1721,8525000,10246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d&start=8525&end=10246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d/thumbnail_8525000.jpg","/articles/6122010/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Punta-Gorda-staff-presents-fiveyear-financial-plan-officials-flag-hurricane-recovery-and-pension-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122010-235fb45b0829a7fe971ef660b02023da/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445403&Signature=FNq7nSVflF6luFFdX25OFj2f2PcAZ5wd1col0SV3LkeU42~msOzkvuGBQfNocGFNg7b~5Qn7BQlUYXr6EZJoc23vXdkTyAS6evOpcz9bujRHnhJJGxG3~~oeaedRjemMygCLFeQtGHJ3Q-IYlgKPWyA0UIfYKRiv3r3Tzjd0CdLNBMxqz1jac21ryWJDMq3hEQvuKZIn8fb6SDc7J2JxlJS~h5fMETGIGt01w7bR53uaFVisxVMXOqcP~xZaE3csLqcSooTe~58Y6leFpwTz1vqPX~WG35GVvZ70NfzL2tXQy0Z~YuqVEYn9HyZaBXdwwQtej4JDzAOmCnSRxm-6hQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — City finance staff presented a five‑year long‑range financial forecast to the Punta Gorda City Council on March 19 and highlighted fiscal pressures tied to hurricane recovery costs, pension and insurance increases, and potential rate needs for utilities.

Finance Director Kristen Semillon (presenting) reviewed the pro forma for fiscal years 2025–2029. The presentation started from the adopted fiscal year 2025 budget and projected revenues and expenditures forward under a range of assumptions: a baseline 5 percent property‑tax increase used in the original pro forma, operating revenue growth of 1–2 percent, and modeled scenarios in which property tax growth flattened. The staff noted that if the assumed growth did not materialize, general‑fund reserves could drop below the city’s policy minimum by fiscal year 2028 and reach a shortfall by 2029.

Semillon emphasized three recurring drivers of cost pressure: pension obligations (noting sharp actuarial swings in recent years), rising insurance costs including workers’ compensation and flood insurance, and the fiscal impact of permanent hurricane recovery work. The presentation said the 2024–25 update includes a $50,000 climate adaptation plan paid through FDEP grant funds and reiterated that seeking grants would be essential to offset large capital outlays such as reverse‑osmosis plant debt service for water and seawall and canal repairs tied to hurricane damage.

Utilities staff reported that proposed or pending changes outside city control — including a possible statutory change to remove a 25 percent surcharge for customers outside the city service area — could reduce utility revenue by roughly $1.1–1.2 million if enacted. The utilities pro forma assumes a 6 percent rate increase and 0.5 percent growth; absent rate action, the fund could face structural pressure.

Councilmembers discussed staff’s scenarios and asked for more detailed analyses as the budget process proceeds. Council directed staff to continue work on the rate‑sufficiency study for utilities, refine CIP timing, and prioritize applications for federal and state grant funding where possible. Departments were told to submit flat baseline budgets to begin the process, with directors justifying any increases.

Ending: City staff will return with a more detailed departmental budget, a utilities rate study in progress, and project‑level estimates of hurricane recovery needs and likely grant‑funding gaps.","Finance staff presented a five‑year pro forma showing reserve pressures if revenue growth slows, noting hurricane recovery costs, pension and insurance increases, and the need for rate adjustments and grant funding.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":80,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6122015,"Punta Gorda council adopts 2024 climate‑adaptation plan update to pursue grant funding",3670,3621000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d&start=3621&end=7291","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d/thumbnail_3621000.jpg","/articles/6122015/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Punta-Gorda-council-adopts-2024-climateadaptation-plan-update-to-pursue-grant-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122015-1a41667ef18d1b2ffbcad8c03ceae9bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445403&Signature=NAy~MvkDuwyxIWWWZZ2HNw7zYkQvQxsQZrapEcfsO2-La5tiJny-XKsf7Uhy5cFMzqFnDh8kNqVkf7DG~FUaxCJ3aJVHgqaXWg8dXBnVv0SU71mRfu6UTsW9Ve-L4a5A5ubsWe794~w5rIHPTJfPIhR6tjomtIfYPe2meyvEbvGqZrCVTKNwOpk4ldHDqPWiJgsFOGl6a21GLVg5mc9LynMtIzdKat70eibOui5DULE-p61np-0RUQr-Z3-AlDKtn2lMIEySSe0HUKMs7wzKmlIP1e-cD~OgG~XxY7RN-zHGEwOZfkmCU0Qc061hQjKee6iy49TS7Jd4gck-j~rUCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The Punta Gorda City Council adopted the Punta Gorda 2024 Climate Adaptation Plan update and vulnerability assessment on March 19, a technical update the city says will improve access to state and federal grants and help guide long‑term infrastructure decisions.

Rick Lempel, the city’s grants coordinator, said the update used 2019 LIDAR and 2022 NOAA data and evaluated projected sea‑level scenarios extending decades into the future. \"We took all that data, put it onto our critical assets, and projected that onto a map,\" Lempel said. The vulnerability assessment identifies at‑risk public assets and offers strategies — including elevation, retreat and retrofits — for potential implementation over 30 to 50 years.

Councilmembers praised the engineering work and noted the plan does not require the city to implement every recommendation. Commissioner Janine Polk urged residents and council members to read the study and said, \"This is done by engineers\" and can help identify where flooding originates and why. Council discussion focused on how to use the plan: several members endorsed adopting the plan now to open grant opportunities, while others asked to bring a separate agenda item later to review which specific plan recommendations should guide changes to the city’s land‑development regulations and the comprehensive plan.

The council voted to adopt the resolution as presented; staff stressed adoption does not automatically change land‑use rules but will help the city pursue funding and prioritize projects. Councilmembers asked staff to return with a follow‑up agenda item that compares the plan’s recommendations with pending updates to the land‑development regulations so the council can decide whether to amend rules.

Ending: With adoption complete, Punta Gorda will more readily qualify for certain grants and will schedule further public workshops to weigh the plan’s recommendations against local land‑use rules and other regulatory changes.","Council adopted the Punta Gorda 2024 Climate Adaptation Plan update and vulnerability assessment, a technical document that maps critical assets against sea‑level projections and outlines strategies to guide future adaptation projects and grant applications.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6122019,"Council denies request to extend Punta Gorda utility service area to 19.8 acres",716,5001000,5717000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d&start=5001&end=5717","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696442-4c70620123f78553c38221fa4cdc769d/thumbnail_5001000.jpg","/articles/6122019/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Council-denies-request-to-extend-Punta-Gorda-utility-service-area-to-198-acres","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122019-1225c9eeaac890be5e2533aad34bbafc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445403&Signature=LxSGKqWfFRObH~8au3oiUXnRST0orUBax0hffzfH4BufGLDP7Wqk-8HkeRGcu1wEL0i9tMg0wYeteWEMMrX1xABi6Pgel2I~y~UYzujuS-i96a~T9tuN1KVYwFh3pwxp91UAWswiAHIpFrY3VXcAxNmhqQ-cDoVZf24BkDQuL0V6deCmkvNOxFaTDNQpeyrXWk3THNVl21dgG4GS~hn4IQbZ0xPKByjcj5yQyowquG516xktuZPzqzdOx3xIWJuRFbIUpXDYhGbC8blTdZ06Q--5D9U38PaKxS1b09kEtTlE~uRlxcvNXNDldHPZud1mtP7sJ44ARwhNEfNlSW0OQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The Punta Gorda City Council on March 19 rejected a request to expand the city’s extraterritorial water and wastewater service area to include about 19.8 acres in Charlotte County, a developer proposal tied to a larger residential project.

Tom Spencer, utilities director, told the council the full development encompasses about 143 acres and 615 units; approximately 565 units would be within the city’s existing utility service area while about 53 units on roughly 19–20 acres lay outside the boundary. Spencer said the requested addition would increase water demand by about 11,600 gallons per day for that portion, and that the owner would be responsible for design, funding and installation of on‑ and off‑site utilities and any needed upgrades.

Residents at the public hearing urged caution. Gary Skilicorn questioned supplying water outside the service area given limited local water supplies and the city’s consumer limits; Kaye Epps said the city should not extend service to properties that offer no clear tax benefit to Punta Gorda residents. Tim Ritchie warned about broader regional water pressures and urged conservation.

Council members discussed long‑standing policy: the council had not extended service area boundaries since 2006. After public comment and staff clarification that 565 of the 615 units would be within the existing area and the request concerned only the roughly 20‑acre portion, a council member moved to deny agenda item 3(a). The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The council’s action keeps the city’s utility boundary unchanged; Spencer said the city will continue to evaluate any requests under its ordinance and capacity rules, which consider water supply and first‑come, first‑served basis for new connections. The developer may pursue other water supply options or appeal to county authorities.

Ending: The council asked staff to continue monitoring regional water supply and to bring future extension requests back with additional analysis of capacity, impact fees and long‑term resource implications.","The council voted to deny a developer request to expand the city's potable water and wastewater service area to include roughly 19.8 acres in Charlotte County, following public concern about limited water resources and policy on serving areas outside city limits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Punta Gorda council approves memorandum with ICE after wide public opposition

Votes at a glance: Punta Gorda council actions, March 19, 2025

Punta Gorda staff presents five‑year financial plan; officials flag hurricane recovery and pension costs

Punta Gorda council adopts 2024 climate‑adaptation plan update to pursue grant funding

Council denies request to extend Punta Gorda utility service area to 19.8 acres