Charlotte delegation hears business concerns over Gasparilla parking
At a joint meeting of Charlotte County’s state delegation, Sen. Ben Albritton, Rep. Danny Nix and Rep. Vanessa Oliver heard from constituents about the budget year ahead, and in a long listening period that followed, took comments on the parking issue in Boca Grande.
Senate President Albritton said that he was “just learning about this” and promised to “dig into this thing and understand the legal ramifications, not just the practical ramifications which you have been very clear on and make perfect sense to me.”
The gathering is an annual constituent meeting, this year held on Monday, Aug. 11. At the end, a public comment period included remarks to Albritton, Nix and Oliver from Charlotte County residents concerned about the closure of Lee County’s beach parking streets on Gasparilla Island.
Speakers included Cape Haze resident Jeff Lendroth, who expressed concern over losses of tourism development tax revenue, and its effect on state tourism strategy overall. He cited the state’s nullification of a ban on large cruise ships in Key West.
Nicole Killian of SUP Englewood, called it a cross-county and statewide concern, and talked of canceled bookings. “Economic impacts are already starting,” Killian said.
Barbara Plante, owner of Barbara Anne’s Jewelry & Boutique in Boca Grande for 35 years, said that it “will destroy the small businesses on Boca Grande which were already struggling to recoup from the recent hurricanes.”
Paula Marum of Sisters Restaurant got a round of applause for her pizza after her introduction, and then shared concerns about business survival. “We have been there for 17 years,” Marum said. “Our businesses are not going to survive out there. The negativity is driving me nuts, literally. We just need to come together and find a solution.”
Nikki Heimann of The Pink Pony, spoke on the divide felt on the island, and with Charlotte County residents who are boycotting Boca Grande, “even though this was not the businesses decision or desire.”
“The legitimacy of the economic impact study by Lee County Commissioners is uncertain,” Heimann said. “I am urging you all to help us find solutions to restore a cohesive relationship between our counties.”
In response, Albritton referred to the old adage of measuring three times and cutting once.
“I am going to start measuring this afternoon,” Albritton said. “We will dig into this thing and understand the legal ramifications and practical ramifications … I am not promising anything.”
Albritton continued, “This thing in Boca. I am going to talk to lawyers. We have lawyers on the president’s staff. I am not a lawyer. I am just a farmer.”
Rep. Danny Nix, who lives in Placida, also addressed the crowd after the comments and the “negative stuff going our way.”
“What’s happened at Boca has really hurt me a little bit, my heart a little bit,” Nix said. “I know what it’s done to my district, because we are the ones that are out there probably more than people in Lee County. I am grateful for the president to look into this. While he’s measuring three times, I will be measuring nine, ‘cause this is just the way I work.”
He also said he appreciated that Charlotte officials had addressed the issue with Lee County.
“We are going to look into this and see where the chips fall,” Nix continued. “Again, no promises, but it is something that has to be explored. It has to be looked into.”
Other presentations included Florida Gulf Coast University, Lee Health, Mote Marine, Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity and Advent Health.
The meeting at Charlotte County’s Murdock campus began with a welcome from Commissioner Joseph Tiseo of Charlotte County, as well as Kim Amontree of the Charlotte County School Board. Also welcoming the delegation was Melissa Reichert, city manager of Punta Gorda.
