The board had begun discussing the need for an elevator some 10 years ago, she said, but actually voted to initiate this aspect of the project three years ago. Among the first things necessary was to find an architectural firm to design and plan out the work required to add an elevator to the facility. The choice was not difficult, based on the success of the library renovations made in 2012 and 2013.

There’s some big changes taking place down at the end of Wheeler Road. The dog park plan is starting to take shape, with fences being installed and sod being laid down. A cul-de-sac has appeared as well (see top left) and parking for the big and little dog parks has been paved. Lee County officials said they are currently in the process of selecting a date for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to happen in the month of November or early December. As far as the tennis/pickleball courts are concerned, they are still closed.

FEMA supplied the County with the updated preliminary maps back in 2019, at which time the County set up outreach meetings to inform the public of the upcoming map changes. Citizens and business owners viewed the new maps and asked questions of FEMA and County staff. The meetings were very well attended, and FEMA representatives praised County staff on their outreach and marketing efforts. Charlotte County had more people attend the community outreach meetings than all the community meetings in Southwest Florida combined.