Lee County Board of County Commissioners convened Nov. 3, 2026, for proclamations, consent items and multiple public hearings. Key outcomes included approval of a bridge repaint contract with inspection services, a 30-day continuation of an intent-to-award for a Sanibel affordable housing project, parking-rule amendments for Gasparilla Island, LDC amendments for Southeast Lee, and a utilities rate change.

Discussion Points

•ALPR camera density and proportionality concerns were raised; commissioners noted law‑enforcement oversight and suggested contacting sheriff’s office for records.
•Attorney and staff clarified the amendment's scope and proper notice.
•Cell‑tower siting and notice procedures raised by residents; staff advised zoning pathway and suggested follow‑up outside the meeting.
•CHR representatives detailed fundraising, bank underwriting and project readiness; public commenters both supported and opposed the award.
•Church pastors and residents testified on parking equity, enforcement and impacts on tourism and access.
•Commissioner Morgan questioned whether county staff could inspect daytime afterwork to save money and highlighted the CEI fee (23%) as high relative to other projects.
•Commissioners expressed concern over CHR and Sanibel's balance sheets, cost per unit and potential county liability if the project failed.
•Developers and legal counsel said the LDC must implement the comp plan and that developers had already invested in restoration work.
•DOT stressed need for CEI during nighttime work for maintenance‑of‑traffic and environmental containment.
•Environmental groups asked for larger wildlife corridors and argued requirements should remain in the comprehensive plan rather than being shifted into the LDC.
•Human and Veteran Services described 'Leading the Way Home' continuum-of-care approach and cited FY2026 distribution numbers from Harry Chapin Food Bank.
•LCU argued rate adjustments are necessary to fund operations and capital projects.
•Multiple speakers alleged neglect at animal services and asked for independent veterinary review and records; board advised submitting records requests and staff will pass concerns to the responsible offices.
•Proclamations recognizing Everblades championship, epilepsy awareness, hunger & homelessness awareness, National Injury Prevention Day.
•Staff recommended $9.75M intent to award for CHR Riverview II with Sanibel as subrecipient conditional on underwriting and compliance.
•Staff said LCU would remain among lower regional providers after the change.

Decisions

•Board adopted LDC amendments after public hearing.
•Board adopted proclamations as read; no formal policy actions taken.
•Item continued for 30 days to return in December or sooner with updated financial assurances.
•Motion to adopt amendment and committee recommendation carried; staff to continue enforcement and outreach.
•Motion to approve CEI services passed with one objection.
•Rate schedule adopted; vote recorded 4–1.

Directions

•Adopt rate schedule; staff to continue regional benchmarking and project reporting.
•Adopt the LDC amendments and monitor environmental impacts and stakeholder concerns going forward.
•Adopt the ordinance amendment and follow up with enforcement of right‑of‑way plantings as needed.
•Allow CHR to continue fundraising and underwriting, and ask Commissioner to consult with City of Sanibel about being subrecipient/guarantor.
•Proceed with CEI contract with not‑to‑exceed hourly cap; staff to manage on an hourly basis.
•Staff to route technical records requests and refer surveillance and animal‑shelter concerns to appropriate agencies (sheriff’s office; animal services) for follow up.

Oct

Transportation Master Plan Steering Committee - Rescheduled from September 10/21/2026

The Sanibel Transportation Master Plan steering committee reviewed the draft final report and moved the document to the planning commission after removing a controversial recommendation to open Beach Road to through traffic; the meeting featured extensive public comment on Beach Road safety and committee discussion of multimodal, wildlife and evacuation recommendations.

Discussion Points

•Committee wants to accelerate short-term safety projects such as high-visibility crosswalks
•Consultants reiterated the plan is high-level and iterative; some options included as analytical possibilities, not decisions
•Coordination with Lee County and integration with comprehensive plan
•County owns and operates the causeway; coordination with Lee County is required for lane changes or reconfiguration
•Crash analysis used FDOT and city crash data; data limited on 'near misses'
•Emphasis on moving people instead of vehicles; constraints against widening roads or using signals
•Extensive public comment objecting to Beach Road reopening; staff said they had no objection to removal of the recommendation
•Include language acknowledging recent city-council speed-limit work
•Need to call out Captiva growth and link to regional models
•Procedural approvals of minutes and excused absence
•Recommend feasibility studies (transit, ferry, pull-offs) and grant research
•Request feasibility studies for constrained corridors such as Periwinkle Way
•Roundabout may improve intersection operations, but causeway operations (toll booths, lane capacity, rubbernecking) also factor into backups
•Safety and pedestrian concerns framed the opposition; request for season-peak counts and pedestrian analysis from residents
•Votes taken to remove two proposed road-gap projects after public input and staff advice
•Wildlife recommendations were reduced and reframed as feasibility items where appropriate

Decisions

•Add language to plan clarifying wildlife measures as subject to feasibility and pilot studies; flag some short-term safety items for accelerated pursuit
•Draft report forwarded to planning commission; Oct. 30 final-edit deadline set
•Keep roundabout as a concept in the draft but flag the need for county coordination and further study
•Motions passed; draft forwarded to planning commission
•Motion to remove Beach Road gap approved and the plan will be forwarded to planning commission with committee comments.
•Plan remains a high-level, implementable guide; specific projects require follow-up analysis

Directions

•Add language to the plan noting dependencies and recommending a future operations analysis of the bridge/causeway and intersections
•Committee will forward draft to planning commission with cover memo
•Include cover memo to planning commission summarizing public comment and committee edits
•Include feasibility studies before any capital investment; prioritize safety and wildlife studies
•Refine wildlife recommendations based on feasibility and environmental studies; prioritize short-term safety upgrades for earlier implementation
•Remove Beach Road opening from recommended projects or include language flagging it as not recommended
•Staff to accept minor editorial edits by email and produce consolidated draft by Oct. 30
•Staff to document decisions and include discussion summary in cover memo to planning commission

Oct

Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) Meeting 10/21/2026

Lee County Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee considered two property nominations (Nom. 675, a 43-acre mangrove island; Nom. 676, a ~10.4-acre Pine Island Flatwoods parcel), voted to forward both for acquisition review (each recommended at tier 2), heard a presentation on the county's land-acquisition program finances, and held officer elections.

Discussion Points

•Access concerns: no guaranteed access from nearest subdivision; potential prescriptive rights/easements issues.
•Acquisition fund balance reported at approximately $17,252,000.
•An adjacent 10-acre tract under contract will close in November for $400,000 (context for pricing).
•Both nominations carried after motions and seconds; no formal roll-call vote with named tallies recorded in the transcript.
•Budget: one member questioned spending taxpayer funds vs accepting dedication.
•Maintenance: parks staff would not remove dead mangroves unless invasive species or increased human use required management.
•Nominations taken from the floor for chair and vice chair under Robert's Rules.
•Parcel contains a ~1,200-square-foot home that county would ask be demolished; staff will require closing/abandoning the well and septic if acquired.
•Program acquired 51.41 acres during FY25–26 for just over $740,000.
•Program totals since 1996: ~180 properties, ~31,770 acres, total cost ~$408 million.
•Scoring discrepancy (48 vs 31) depending on whether adjacent acreages are considered.
•Staff will follow up on open due-diligence items.
•There is a reported legal access easement across county and adjoining properties, but staff said title/access questions will be handled by the county attorney.
•Two acquisition nominations advanced; officer appointments made.

Decisions

•Motion to forward Nomination 675 for acquisition review recommended as tier 2; passed with one dissent.
•Motion to move Nomination 676 forward for acquisition review with conditions; carried despite three recorded nays.
•Nomination 675 advanced with tier-2 recommendation (one dissent).
•Nomination 676 advanced subject to conditions (three nays).
•Ron Inch elected chair; Carl Baraco elected vice chair.

Directions

•Staff to confirm habitation status, pond purpose, and easement details; staff to attempt price negotiation with owner and return with updated recommendation.
•Staff to ensure minutes reflect the statistics and circulate related documents; staff to bring a summary of any member comments back to the next meeting.
•Staff to follow up on access, price negotiation and structural mitigation.
•Staff to return with negotiated price information and recommendations for tier re-evaluation if issues are resolved.
•Staff to verify access (easements/prescriptive rights) and inspect site conditions, including any evidence of prior development or structures.

Oct

BoCC Zoning Hearing 10/21/2026

Lee County commissioners held a Oct. 21, 2026 hearing on multiple rezoning requests and comprehensive-plan (LEAP) amendments, approving three zoning items and adopting large Southeast Lee LEAP amendments after extensive public comment and staff presentations.

Discussion Points

•Amendments remove outdated language, improve consistency, and follow expedited state review; staff corrected the summary regarding number of responding state agencies.
•Applicant described compatibility with surrounding uses, wetlands to east and access roads; staff recommended conditions and noted prior airport-related zoning history.
•Applicant proposed up to 86 units on 56 lots with option for 30 duplex lots; one lot set aside for gopher tortoises could be replatted after relocation.
•State agencies (DEP, FWC, SFWMD) provided comments prompting added language on utility expansion in BMAP areas, wildlife corridors and clarifications on hydrologic-modeling requirements; staff said the amendments reduce potential dwelling units by nearly 5,000 and preserve about 61,000 acres of conservation/open space in the planning area.

Decisions

•Board adopted the Southeast Lee LEAP amendments.
•Cleanup amendment adopted; staff to implement edits.
•Rezoning approved; conditions to be managed through site-plan review.
•Rezoning approved; staff to administer conditions in development review.

Directions

•Staff to proceed with land-development-code updates incorporating technical clarifications and implementation details

Oct

BoCC Workshop 10/20/2026

County commissioners workshop covering two substantive items: staff proposal to transfer/sell manatee-protection boat-slip credits and multi-option plans for improvements at Mike Greenwell Regional Park (including discussion of a possible bond).

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked about timeline, ballot process for bonds, whether cities must opt in, and continued use of the existing civic center.
•Commissioners questioned valuation, internal transfer feasibility, and protections against credits being bought and not used.
•Commissioners requested documentation and more detailed estimates and asked staff to preserve 4‑H resiliency features.
•Facilities staff explained cost assumptions and escalation methodology.
•Several commissioners indicated a preference to preserve 4‑H upgrades now and let voters decide later on a larger arena (Option 3).
•Staff presented three distinct options and clarified constraints from floodplain regulations and CDBG‑DR funding.
•Staff reported an initial inventory of 445 credits with a recommended offer of up to 225 from the Formal Cove parcel.
•Staff summarized Manatee Protection Plan and slip-credit transfer mechanism, including compatibility requirements and admin-code references.

Decisions

•No formal decision; board requested follow-up information.
•No formal vote; board consensus leaning toward Option 3 and requesting further detail.
•No formal vote; consensus direction to staff to return with ITN package.

Directions

•Staff to prepare ITN and draft recommended amendments to Lee County Administrative Code 13-21; staff to include cost-recovery approach and proposed uses of proceeds (water-access improvements).
•Staff to return with refined cost scenarios and alternate mixes of site/building improvements to better use the available $50 million and show optional uses for an additional ~$10 million.
•Staff to return with substantiated cost estimates, escalation rationale, and alternative mixes to reach the board's $50M spending target.

Oct

BoCC Regular Meeting 10/20/2026

Lee County Board of County Commissioners met Oct. 20, 2026; business included a landfill-odor resolution asking state enforcement against SLD Landfill, approval of delegated authority to sell up to $256 million in water and sewer bonds, denial of a COPCN application for MedTrek Medical Transport, approval of multifamily bonds reauthorization, approval of an impact-fee credit agreement for the Kingston/True North charter school, a $1,000,000 supplemental payment for Captiva erosion work, and extended public comment on a challenged 149-foot monopole permit.

Discussion Points

•Applicant submitted letters claiming long delays for transfers and said it serves Collier County currently.
•Commissioners debated budget precedent and use of reserves vs. the adopted budget.
•County attorney clarified legal roles: board administers impact fee credits; charter contract is separate.
•County attorney said the HECS decision is final because no timely appeal was filed within 30 days after Aug. 4 decision date.
•Developer argued credits are necessary to build campus and delays cost the school funding.
•Multiple residents alleged lack of required mailed notice and raised health, wildlife, and property‑value concerns.
•Parameters: up to $256M and max 6.5% interest.
•Plan to demolish 50 obsolete units and build 102 senior and 96 family units across two phases.
•Project total ~$31.4M; county share under formula estimated ~$3.2M.
•Public commenters reported more than 300 odor complaints since March 2026 and urged enforcement.
•Purpose: finance South County and Fort Myers Beach reclamation facilities.
•Relocation plan: tenant protection vouchers and first right of return for existing residents.
•School district requested delay citing financial methodology and student yield uncertainties.
•Staff described FDEP history, monitoring and capping requirements tied to the second amended consent order.
•Staff found five of six COPCN criteria met but insufficient evidence of public necessity; CAD data showed fewer than one transfer per day on average.

Decisions

•Board adopted resolution and authorized the letter to be sent.
•Board approved impact‑fee credit agreement.
•Board approved letter of support.
•COPCN denied.
•Delegation approved.
•No action taken by BOCC on the monopole due to lack of jurisdiction.
•One‑time $1M supplemental approved (3–1).

Directions

•Chairman to send letter and resolution to SLD Landfill, Charlotte County and FDEP.
•Chair to sign sale documents within delegated parameters.
•County attorney to preserve records and staff to provide brief clarification to speakers; legal remedies outside BOCC recommended.
•Deny COPCN; staff to record denial and notify applicant.
•Staff to document credits and return with finalized paperwork if necessary.
•Staff to prepare interlocal amendment documenting allocation and return to board.
•Staff to send letter of support to HUD and coordinate with Housing Authority on relocation documentation.

Oct

Metropolitan Planning Organization Meeting 10/16/2026

At its Oct. 16 Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting, the board approved minutes, directed staff to draft a letter to the state delegation about FDOT district boundaries, discussed a proposed three‑county MPO consolidation study and several long‑range plan amendments, heard an FDOT safety plan presentation, and received transit and DOT updates.

Discussion Points

•Board members described declining perceived responsiveness from nonlocal FDOT staff and argued for local representation or a dedicated district office.
•Board questioned staffing, rent, and audit cost assumptions in the consolidation draft.
•Concerns that wording of any outreach could be interpreted as a push for consolidation were raised.
•District strategic plan emphasizes safe‑system approach, partner engagement and behavior changes.
•Draft consolidation assumes startup subsidy and capital flow requests to state; per‑capita local asks in draft higher than Lee County’s current rate.
•Electric buses and charging equipment delivered ahead of schedule; ADA stop improvements in design and construction.
•FDOT described procurement strategy for SR 31 and SR 78 and timing expectations.
•FY26 ridership and paratransit trip counts and performance improvements.
•Local contributions and project phasing (shortening limits) were discussed as strategies to advance construction sooner.
•LRTP amendments include project status and cost updates for major corridors.
•Programs include StreetSafe (K‑12), teen driver rallies, and STEP enforcement pilots with evaluation plans.
•Public comment urged CRA/TIF to acquire properties near the Fort Myers Beach bridge to address congestion.
•Staff presented past studies and statutory language on FDOT district formation and operational costs.

Decisions

•Discussion only; no board action recorded.
•Discussion only; no board action recorded on the safety plan.
•Motion to draft the letter approved unanimously.
•No formal action recorded.
•No formal action taken.
•No formal votes on LRTP amendments at this meeting; items discussed for future action.

Directions

•FDOT will continue MPO briefings and seek local partnerships for outreach and enforcement pilots.
•LeeTran to proceed with equipment installation and launch seasonal service Nov. 19.
•Staff and board attorney to draft a letter to the delegation and return it for board approval.
•Staff to continue monitoring the consolidation study and report updates.
•Staff to refine cost estimates and project schedules and return with updates.

Oct

Tourist Development Council Meeting 10/08/2026

Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau advisory meeting heard a final update on the destination strategic plan, reviewed bed-tax and hotel performance data showing mixed summer results despite rising collections, recognized graduates of the Guest 1st program, and debated marketing spending versus reserves.

Discussion Points

•August bed-tax: ~$2.7M (up 14.6% YoY); YTD through August: $54.5M (up 21.6%).
•Calendar of autumn events and promotional goals.
•Concern that increased bed-tax receipts are being placed into reserves rather than used to increase marketing in the off-season.
•Concern that passenger counts alone do not show flight load or capacity changes.
•Festival Park features and passport program mechanics.
•Hotel occupancy ~49.4%; ADR ~$129; RevPAR down ~3.4% YoY; vacation rentals show stronger ADR and RevPAR gains.
•Industry representatives noted inland hotels face much lower occupancy than beachfront properties and want targeted marketing support.
•Overview of Guest 1st program curriculum and delivery (8 sessions, virtual/in-person).
•RSW passenger traffic down in recent months; Punta Gorda growth may reflect Allegiant and Sun Country flight additions.
•Summer cohort had 50 participants; total certified now 1,274.

Directions

•Advisory members to consider recommending reserve-policy changes or a targeted off-season marketing fund to BOCC.
•Invite RSW or air-service director to a future meeting to present flight-load and operations data.
•Invite RSW or air-service director to present flight operations, load factors, and explanations of airline schedule changes.
•Report on events results at the next applicable meeting (November).
•Staff to compile more granular airport and flight-load data for a future meeting.
•Staff to identify required reserve levels vs. overage and to produce hotel-inventory counts since 2019 and estimates of vacation-rental compliance.
•Staff to provide counts of new hotel rooms added since 2019 and more granular inventory data.
•Staff to share event details and promotional materials with partners.
•Staff to welcome graduates to a reception; invitation for employers to refer employees for fall sessions.

Oct

City Council

Sanibel City Council met Oct. 6, 2026 to consider land-use changes including a proposed ordinance to allow miniature golf in commercial districts, a 2-year coyote research contract with University of Florida/USDA, pension board elections and appointments, a proposed switch of the city's employee health insurer if Lee Health remains out-of-network, and other routine proclamations and administrative business.

Discussion Points

•Capture/welfare protocols and non-target risk
•Cigna quote and disruption estimates, and potential additional fiscal impact to city payroll and employee deductions
•Community events (Nov. 12) and outreach to recruit returning families
•Definition and prohibition of themed novelty structures including Sanibel-themed elements
•Enrollment figures and on-/off-island residency mix (212 total; 114 on‑island)
•Lee Health announced it might drop UnitedHealthcare; risk of out-of-network costs for city employees
•Safety coordination and reunification planning with Sanibel Police
•Timing and usefulness of results for sea-turtle protection
•Traffic generation calculation requirement and consistency with prior conditional-use practice
•Use of collar and genetic data to target deterrents or removals
•Whether miniature golf should be accessory to another principal use or allowed standalone

Decisions

•Advance ordinance to first reading with amended language, public hearing set for 2026-11-03
•Approve contract; require interim data and ongoing coordination with Natural Resources and SCCF
•Contingency switch approved; proceed with employee communications.

Directions

•City Attorney to revise ordinance language to ban themed novelty features and clarify definitions
•Implement collars Jan–Feb 2027 if contract proceeds; assemble local coyote working group; staff to seek grant/partner funding for follow-up monitoring
•Manager authorized to execute switch if FMIT cannot provide written assurance by Oct. 31; staff to provide employee notice and support; contract to be brought back for ratification.
•Planning Director to prepare map/notice guidance for town-center and general commercial districts
•Principal to report back in Nov/Dec with enrollment update and plan details
•Staff to prepare applicant guidance and environmental assessment checklist for reduced setbacks

Oct

BoCC Regular Meeting 10/06/2026

Lee County Board of County Commissioners convened Oct. 6 for proclamations, presentations and several funding and project decisions, including awarding $50 million in CDBG‑DR funds for the Mike Greenwell Regional Park concept plan and approving a change order settlement for the Big Carlos Pass Bridge claim.

Discussion Points

•CEI required expanded dynamic pile testing and set checks, causing additional testing, equipment and delay.
•FEMA 50% rule limits rehab spending on existing civic structure (~$7.9M appraised value; ~ $4M allowable without elevating structure).
•Interlocal agreements fund monitoring, access, maintenance and other shoreline projects recommended by the Tourist Development Council.
•Legal risk of litigation versus negotiated settlement costs.
•Public commentary strongly favors enclosed indoor space over an open amphitheater due to climate and emergency sheltering needs.
•Public request for coordination with waterfront businesses and potential lane closures.
•Public request to prioritize 4‑H‑specific facilities when allocating state grant funds.
•Request that the county press FDEP for enforcement and that staff prepare a briefing and draft resolution.
•Residents report continued odor complaints and say prior consent order may lack enforceable mechanisms.
•Scope includes reanalysis of outfalls, added outfall, improved drainage infrastructure, water main replacement, sidewalk replacement and resurfacing.
•Staff recommended award to proceed with procurement and design; highlighted grant performance deadlines and constraints.
•Timeline of NOI (03/14/2024) and claim submission (10/09/2025).

Decisions

•$15M award approved; staff to manage design and outreach.
•$50,000,000 CDBG‑DR award approved; staff to proceed with procurement and public engagement.
•$600,000 agriculture grant accepted; $3.9M in beach/shoreline interlocal agreements authorized.
•Board directed staff to prepare the follow‑up agenda item and draft resolution.
•Change order approved; retainage remains until contract closure.

Directions

•Accept grant and execute interlocal agreements; consider 4‑H priorities in design discussions.
•Approve staff‑recommended settlement and finalize change order; provide additional documentation to commissioners during closeout.
•Award funds and procure design services; maximize indoor floor area within funding rules; hold public workshops including a 30% design workshop; explore blended funding sources.
•Proceed with design and procurement; prioritize communications and coordination with businesses and property owners.
•Staff to prepare presentation of complaint history and draft a resolution to send to FDEP and the landfill operator for compliance action.

Oct

BoCC Workshop 10/06/2026

Lee County commissioners held a workshop to review revenue-replacement modeling tied to a proposed homestead exemption change (referred to as Amendment 3). Staff and the property appraiser presented options that trade off roll-up millage, fee increases and cuts; commissioners pressed staff on assumptions about enterprise funds and year‑2 impacts.

Discussion Points

•Ambulance billing multiples (200%–300% of Medicare) could yield $2.2M–$4.5M in example years.
•Caldwell expects a flat tax roll year‑over‑year; Amendment 3 would shift tax burdens rather than reduce total tax revenue.
•Commissioners prefer confirming true costs before relying on fee increases or a roll‑up to fix budget shortfalls.
•Enterprise funds may be subsidized by the general fund; board asked for a comprehensive review.
•Independent fire districts at maximum millage could face immediate fiscal distress and may seek county support.
•Interactive spreadsheet models $150k and $250k exemption scenarios and allows roll‑up/fee inputs.
•No votes or formal actions taken at the workshop.
•Parking, boat ramp, camp and permitting increments each produce incremental revenue but together did not close modeled gaps in staff’s example.
•Staff emphasized model is for planning; final scenarios to be returned after election outcome.
•Staff will re-run and return with scenarios after Amendment 3 election results.

Directions

•Staff to incorporate commissioner feedback and conservative year‑2 assumptions in next scenarios.

Oct

HEX - REZ2026-00001 / First Auto Credit Dealership Rezoning 10/01/2026

A representative for an applicant asked the Lee County hearing examiner to rezone a 1.02-acre parcel from Community Commercial to General Commercial to allow a small vehicle/equipment dealer; county staff recommended approval subject to site-design requirements and possible administrative variances, and the examiner said a final decision would be issued within a week.

Discussion Points

•Applicant asserted site is infill, served by utilities, and consistent with LEAP plan.
•Applicant requested rezoning from CC to CG to permit vehicle/equipment dealer.
•Examiner completed site visit and prepared to decide.
•No vote recorded; staff recommended approval.
•Staff identified specific site-design challenges (buffers/setbacks) under LDC 34-13-52.
•Staff pointed to LDC 34-13-54 allowing administrative variances for sites under 3 acres as the likely relief path.
•Staff presented analysis finding conformity with LDC and recommended approval.

Decisions

•Final decision pending; no formal vote at hearing.
•No formal vote recorded at hearing; staff recommended approval; examiner to issue final decision within a week.
•Staff recommended approval of rezoning; the examiner will issue a final decision after reviewing the record.

Directions

•Any site-specific buffering, setback, or landscaping deviations would be addressed during the development order (DO) or via administrative variance if eligible.
•Final decision to be issued by the examiner within about a week.
•Site-design issues to be resolved at the development order stage or through administrative variance procedure.

Sep

City Council - Final Budget Hearing

Final budget hearing on the City of Sanibel proposed FY2027 budget, including votes to set the millage rate at 2.5000 mills (6.9% above the rollback), adopt a $187,622,061 budget across all funds, and establish committed reserves for emergency and operational support; discussion focused on Hurricane Ian recovery funds and public requests for a citizen-friendly budget guide.

Discussion Points

•About $80–85M in active grants relate to Hurricane Ian; $6M are CDBG-DR pass-throughs for Fish and the fire district.
•City will not withhold administrative fees on those pass-through grants to avoid increasing recipient costs.
•Council discussed the appropriateness of the millage given ongoing Hurricane Ian recovery.
•Hurricane Ian drew immediate reserve funds (~$5.9M) for debris and emergency response; FROC provides advanced funding on projects but not direct operational revenue replacement.
•Resident recommended a simplified guide explaining revenue sources and spending to prepare for public interest in tax changes.
•Staff acknowledged the need and said they would publish a printable budget book and work on clear narrative explanations.
•Staff emphasized grant-driven portions of the budget and directed members to fund-level details for the sewer fund and capital improvement plan.
•Staff indicated potential to open a line of credit for operational continuity during disasters.

Decisions

•Adopt final FY2027 budget at $187,622,061 via Resolution 26-043.
•Adopt Resolution 26-044 to formalize committed reserves.
•Maintain pass-through approach without administrative deductions for these grants.
•Set millage at 2.5000 mills by resolution 26-042 (5–0).

Directions

•Staff to finalize FROC participation for FY27 and report back on line-of-credit options.
•Staff to label grants clearly in individual fund pages and the capital improvement plan for public review.
•Staff to produce a citizen-friendly budget guide and publish printable PDFs and budget book on the budget webpage.
•Staff to publish printable PDFs and a budget book on the online page.

Sep

9/28/26 Local Planning Agency Meeting

Lee County Local Planning Agency reviewed a county-initiated comprehensive plan amendment to extend the planning horizon to 2050 and make implementation changes to Table 1B; the board voted to recommend transmittal with staff follow-up. The panel also approved land-development code changes to align accessory-structure rules with FEMA guidance and adopted an administrative-variance option for larger at-grade accessory buildings.

Discussion Points

•Adopt FEMA administrative-variance option for at-grade accessory structures between 601 and 1,200 sq ft; align definitions with state guidance; ensure variance process is practical for property owners.
•Approval of minutes; recommendation to transmit CPA 2025-00004 with clarifications; approval of LDC Chapter 6 amendments.
•Lewis recounted Fort Myers’ community-engagement process and urged the LPA to seek broader public input for amendments.
•Staff recommended 2050 planning horizon and a 10%/10-acre exceedance allowance; members requested implementation clarifications and objective language for triggers.

Decisions

•All motions passed on voice votes.
•LPA approved the Chapter 6 amendments with requested wording change.
•LPA voted to recommend transmittal to the Board of County Commissioners.

Directions

•Staff to develop draft procedures for the administrative-variance option and update wording in section 6-556 from 'below' to 'under'.
•Staff to include explanations of the 10% allowance and commercial/industrial allocation changes in the transmittal packet.
•Staff to provide packet explanations and draft variance procedures.

Sep

9/24/26 - HEX - REZ2025-00007 PONDELLA HOLDINGS

A Lee County hearing examined a conventional rezoning request by Pandella (Pandola/Pandella) Holdings LLC to rezone 6.42 acres at 333 Pandella Road to CT (tourist commercial); staff recommended approval but the hearing examiner flagged an outstanding code violation (overgrown vegetation and a homeless encampment) that may block any effective permit until it is abated.

Discussion Points

•Applicant presented a request to rezone 6.42 acres at 333 Pandella Road to CT; staff said parcel conforms to Lee Plan and mixed‑use overlay.
•Applicant represented that potable water exists and that sanitary sewer would require an ~800‑ft extension to North Cleveland Avenue at DO permitting.
•Because the application is for conventional CT zoning, specific uses and access details will be determined at development order stage, with a community meeting.
•Examiner found no order acknowledging compliance for an identified code violation (overgrown vegetation and homeless encampment).
•Examiner will consult county attorney on whether she can issue any effective approval while violation remains.
•Hearing examiner raised an active code violation (overgrown vegetation and homeless encampment) that could prevent any effective permit.
•Neighbor asked where a secondary entrance would be located; staff said Betmar is unlikely due to separation requirements and that Blair or Holly are more probable.
•Staff confirmed the property was inspected and listed as awaiting compliance inspection; earlier nuisance remediation had been partially done.

Decisions

•No change to rezoning application; access location will be determined during subsequent DO process.
•No effective zoning or development permit issued pending compliance.
•No final, actionable approval issued at hearing; record closed pending examiner's order.

Directions

•Owner advised to address the violation immediately; examiner to consult county attorney and then issue an order.
•Staff to provide the neighbor with the commercial corridor permitted uses list; community meeting at DO will offer further input.
•The examiner will consult with the county attorney about whether any actionable zoning approval can be issued prior to an order acknowledging compliance with code enforcement.

Sep

"Going with the Flow" with LCU | Generators

Agency official from Lee County Utilities described the county's fleet of emergency standby generators, maintenance regimen, fuel capacity, and how generators supported recovery after Hurricane Ian.

Discussion Points

•County maintains 155 emergency standby generators across treatment plants, wells, booster sites, and lift stations.
•During and after Hurricane Ian about 250 generators operated across county facilities.
•Fuel logistics include a county tanker, trailers, and nearly 165,000 gallons of fuel in generator tanks.
•Generators range from 30 to 2,200 kilowatts and are intended to power pumps/equipment to keep water moving.
•Preventative maintenance is performed at least four times a year with weekly/monthly exercises.

Sep

9/15/26 Final Budget Hearing

Final public hearing on Lee County fiscal year 2026–27 budget: commissioners adopted the Port Authority and county budgets, approved millage rates (countywide millage 3.7623 mills), approved a 5% one-time countywide pay raise after a 3–2 vote, and heard public comments urging restoration of the Conservation 20/20 fund and support for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center.

Discussion Points

•Board discussed whether the budget hearing was the appropriate forum for the salary change and noted prior evaluations and benchmarking.
•CFO outlined the countywide millage and reasons for increases over rollback (public safety, EMS, transportation, health fund, wages).
•Chair proposed raising countywide employee pay to 5% at the final hearing; commissioners debated timing and reserves.
•Commissioner Hammis argued a 30–40K pay gap existed between the Port Authority director and other employees and moved to increase the director's salary.
•Commissioners acknowledged the center’s work and the recommended award in the proposed budget.
•Commissioners debated fiscal reserves and whether to adjust employee pay proposals.
•Ellis alleged the county failed to maintain the Conservation 20/20 fund floor and criticized county budget priorities.
•Opponents favored sticking with workshop decisions and preserving reserves for potential revenue declines.
•She linked local funding risks to a pending state property-tax amendment.
•Turner described services supported by county Partnering for Results funding and asked the board to protect PFR funding in light of a possible property-tax amendment.

Decisions

•Board adopted special taxing unit millages, countywide millage (3.7623 mills), and final total county budget for FY 2026–27.
•Motion to raise Port Authority director salary adopted and included in finalized FY 2026–27 Port Authority budget.
•Motion to set countywide pay raise at 5% approved (3–2).

Directions

•Adjustment incorporated into adopted Port Authority budget; Port Authority to implement per budget procedures.
•County attorney confirmed public hearing requirements before salary change was adopted.
•County Budget Office to publish adopted millage rates and budget per statutory requirements.
•Human Resources and Budget offices to implement the 5% raise in payroll and update budget documents.

Sep

9/15/26 BoCC Regular Meeting

Lee County Board of County Commissioners held its Sept. 15 meeting: commissioners recognized veterans and community causes, approved several consent and funding actions including a temporary EMS facility lease and starting a $5.7M Restore-Act drawdown for Molok Creek boat ramp, and voted to pause and reschedule certain comprehensive-plan amendments for more public outreach.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked staff to expedite engineering and design work if possible.
•Commissioners expressed concern about prior single-property approaches and asked for multiple site options and environmental/access analysis.
•Commissioners praised the examiner's fairness and management of public hearings.
•Commissioners questioned operational hours, co-location with fire stations, and funding implications.
•Commissioners raised concerns about the volume of documents (nearly 500 pages in total) and insufficient time to digest changes.
•Remarks emphasized gratitude for long service and guidance to newer commissioners.
•Shelter reported recent Clear the Shelters adoption numbers and ongoing sterilization/voucher programs.
•Staff and commissioners referenced prior funding moves and stressed a holistic process.
•Staff described the 12–18 month federal review process and need to start now to avoid delaying submission a year.
•Staff explained options to transmit separate comp-plan amendments and that LDC amendments remain local ordinances.
•Staff presented drive-time modeling showing need for improved EMS coverage north of the river.

Decisions

•6% merit increase approved.
•Agreement approved; motion carries.
•Motion approved; staff tasked with outreach plan.
•Motion approved; staff to return with options.
•Motion approved; staff to start the application and scoping work.

Directions

•Approve agreement with developer to place a temporary EMS facility on North River Road.
•Authorize staff to initiate the Restore-Act drawdown process for $5.7M for Mulock Creek boat ramp.
•Cancel the current schedule for CPA 20‑26‑005; direct staff to return with a proposed schedule and outreach plan.
•Continue processing CPA 20‑26‑004 (the 11 transmitted applications).
•Direct staff to investigate candidate sites including San Carlos Island and prepare a recommendation with environmental and access analysis.
•Prepare design/engineering scoping to accelerate construction readiness.
•Staff to continue response-time modeling and pursue permanent station siting.

Sep

9/10/26 - HEX - DCI2026-00007 ALESSIO AIR COMMERCE PARK

Donna Marie Collins, the Lee County hearing examiner, presided over a zoning hearing on a rezoning request for 12891 Commerce Lakes Drive (Alessio Holding FL LLC). Staff recommended approval with conditions and two deviations; transportation, buffering and environmental protections were central topics. The written record was left open until 4 p.m. on Sept. 18 for revised conditions.

Discussion Points

•2023 protected-species survey and 2024 jurisdictional determination on file; no endangered species observed
•Applicant seeks MPD rezoning for roughly 20.64 acres
•Conservation area and schedule of uses limit certain impacts
•Conservation area provides about 34% open space (7.08 acres)
•Daniels Parkway currently operates at failing LOS regardless of project
•Deadline for revisions set for Sept. 18 at 4 p.m.
•Deviation 1: request to reduce buffer from 50 ft to 15 ft along Daniels Parkway
•Deviation 2: request to avoid parking-lot interconnection with adjacent parcels
•Environmental conditions from Z21-007 to be carried forward with edits
•Examiner to perform site visit before recommendation
•Examiner will conduct a site visit and leave record open for revised conditions
•Mitigation and signalization to be determined at development order
•Project increases peak-hour trips by ~116 due to added daycare and industrial floor area
•Site was observed cleared despite conditions referencing pre-clearing status
•Staff agreed the deadline was sufficient
•Staff recommended approval with modified conditions from Z21-007
•Staff recommended carrying forward prior deviations with edits
•Staff will review and reword or remove affected conditions

Decisions

•Record left open until 4 p.m. on Sept. 18 for revised conditions
•Record left open until that deadline

Directions

•Applicant to provide detailed TIS at time of DO
•Environmental conditions to be included in revised conditions filing by Sept. 18
•Examiner to perform site visit and prepare recommendation
•Staff to file revised conditions by deadline
•Staff to incorporate deviation language into revised conditions filed by Sept. 18
•Staff to reword conditions to tie any signalization agreement to development order
•Staff to submit revised conditions and deviations by 4 p.m. on Sept. 18

Sep

9/10/26 - HEX - SEZ2025-00024 JOES DOCKSIDE MARINA COP

A Lee County hearing examiner heard a special-exception request from Marine Holdings LLC to allow outdoor beer-and-wine service at a proposed second-floor bar at Joe's Dockside Marina (18400 San Carlos Boulevard). Staff recommended approval with conditions (including hours and noise limits); neighbors raised concerns about scale, amplified sound and late hours; the examiner said she will issue a decision after this case is next in her queue.

Discussion Points

•Applicant emphasized ancillary nature and mitigation (speaker orientation, compliance with noise ordinance)
•Applicant presented request for COP (beer and wine) ancillary to marina, historic operation since 1980, rebuild after Hurricane Ian
•Neighbor expressed concerns over scale, amplified sound, TVs and late hours; applicant stated intent to be a good neighbor and limit events
•Record closed after applicant, staff and one public comment; examiner will issue written decision.
•Resident estimated large seating/TV count and expressed concern about amplified music carrying to condos
•Staff cited decibel limits and confirmed support for hours aligned with the county ordinance
•Staff clarified temporary event permitting threshold (1,000 people) and noise decibel limits
•Staff described temporary-event-permit thresholds (>1,000 people) and required agency sign-offs
•Staff reviewed LDC/LEAP compliance, parking, environmental permits and recommended approval with conditions
•Staff reviewed LEAP/LDC standards, parking and environmental documentation and found criteria satisfied.

Decisions

•Decision pending and to be issued administratively by the hearing examiner.
•No decision announced at hearing; examiner will issue written decision after other pending cases.
•No decision; examiner will issue written decision later.
•Staff recommended approval with conditions; examiner will issue a later written decision.

Directions

•Applicant and staff to comply with conditioned terms if approved; any expansion of COP area requires a new special exception; temporary-event permitting thresholds require agency sign-offs if attendance >1,000
•Events predicted >1,000 attendees require temporary-event permit and agency sign-offs.

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