Advance on insurance reignites sheriff’s deputy house fundraising

BY LARRY HANNAH

Time is of the essence to get our current sheriff’s deputy out of the camper he and his wife are spending time these very hot summer days.

After a resolution from Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka, the Board of Lee County Commissioners at their June 17, 2025, meeting voted 5-0 in favor of his motion that Lee County front the funds from insurance proceeds and a FEMA application to accelerate the construction of a raised modular cottage on the existing site, just south of Wheeler Road.

The house will meet all requirements for flood elevation on this existing site. The total cost of the project will be $686,000 including site preparation, engineering and survey and the actual construction of the new home. Architecturally, this new house will resemble other homes on Wheeler Road.

Why is this home necessary? The previous house was destroyed by Hurricane Milton. To assemble and build a modular cottage on this site is much more efficient than having a rotating Lee County Sheriff living off island, paying high rents and being 15-20 minutes from possible calls of an emergency nature on Boca Grande.

The Boca Grande Disaster Fund has committed $228,000 to this project and Lee County will be matching, per the LCBCC motion on June 17, 2025. This leaves $230,000 to raise immediately to commit to this facility to be built and assembled on site.

Using the Boca Grande Disaster Fund, we will be able to raise funds to build the new house and have donations 100 percent tax deductible for the donor.

All funds should be sent to the Boca Grande Disaster Fund, which is administered by the Lighthouse United Methodist Church. The fund is managed by Larry Hannah, Mary O’Bannon, Stephanie Newman and Sharon Cross.

All contributions should be sent to:

Boca Grande Disaster Fund

c/o Lighthouse United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 524

Boca Grande, FL 33921