0:49 → 2:14(1m 26s)
A Chapter 164 conflict-assessment hearing convened to resolve a dispute between the Town of Fort Myers Beach and the Lee County School District over the future of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. The town urged the district to honor an interlocal agreement (ILA) to rebuild and reopen the campus using FEMA and state recovery funds; the district said repeated storm damage, falling enrollment and high per‑pupil costs raise questions about long‑term sustainability and described outstanding structural repairs and federal funding procedures. After public comment, the town proposed leasing the historic building to the town (nominal/long lease) while requesting roughly $12 million from the district toward a new, resilient campus; district and town counsel/staff agreed to continue technical and legal discussions and report back to their respective boards in November–December.
