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Fort Myers staff unveils $297.4 million capital plan for 2026, including police headquarters and parks work
Summary
City staff presented a $297.4 million slate of capital projects for 2026 that includes utilities work, park renovations and an initial $50 million allocation for a new police headquarters; the plan would be funded partly by debt, bonds and reserves.
City staff presented the city's proposed capital program for fiscal 2026, saying the total of new projects next year would be $297,400,000 and outlining a range of park, public‑safety and utility investments. The presentation listed projects from park boardwalk and pool renovations to multi‑year utility plant expansions and an initial funding tranche for a new police headquarters.
“The total of dollars we're adding in 2026 for capital projects amounts to $297,400,000,” the staff member said while summarizing the plan, adding that roughly half of the funding would come from operations and the remainder mainly from debt. The staff member listed program highlights that included $50 million budgeted next year as the initial funding for a new police department facility and an $182.1 million line for a new or renovated fire‑station program.
The plan groups projects into categories that include utilities (the largest share), parks and recreation, streets and sidewalks, public safety and technology. Notable entries included design funds for a Black History Cultural Center, stadium demolition and a suite of Midtown infrastructure projects tied to redevelopment. Staff said some utility projects rely on State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans that carry low interest rates and principal forgiveness in certain cases.
Staff emphasized that several projects are multi‑year and that capital funding will combine reserves, SRF loans, lines of credit and new bond issuances. Councilmembers asked staff for follow‑up details and a condensed list of projects that are funded specifically for 2026 so the council can prioritize when it adopts the five‑year plan next Monday.
