At a Lee County Commission meeting, commissioners set a public-comment period for the county's draft solid waste management plan to run from Dec. 15 through Jan. 26, 2026, and scheduled a public hearing for the plan at the Jan. 26 commission meeting.

Why it matters: The timeline gives residents a defined window to review the county's proposal for managing trash and recycling and to submit written comments or testify at a public hearing, a step officials said is intended to gather community input before final decisions.

Mr. McDonald, who presented the plan to the board, asked the commission "to set a public comment period for the solid waste management plan that would commence on December 15, next Monday and run through the close of business on 01/26/2026." He said printed copies of the draft will be available at the probate office, the environmental services office and the commission office, and that a copy will be posted on the county website.

Public commenters urged wider notice. John Sophocles asked the commission to "put it on social media, give us links and stuff to respond," saying online publication would help residents engage during the comment window.

A commissioner moved to set the comment period and hearing and the motion was seconded; the commission approved the dates by voice vote. County staff said the Jan. 26 meeting will include a public hearing where residents may testify in person.

Next steps: The draft plan will be available in county offices and online during the comment period; the commission will hear public testimony at its Jan. 26 meeting and may consider adoption after the hearing.