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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Lee County Department of Health issues blue-green algae bloom alert

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the Caloosahatchee River. The public should exercise caution in and around the Caloosahatchee, particularly in the Overiver Drive area.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.

• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.

• Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Lee County Commissioners recognize retiring county manager, approve contract for successor

To the Editor:  The Lee Board of County Commissioners today recognized retiring County Manager Roger Desjarlais for his 10 years of leadership and approved a contract for Deputy County Manager Dave Harner to assume the role, effective Aug. 1.  “I am deeply grateful to Roger for his service to the county over the last 10 […]

Lee County fertilizer restriction period now in effect

Lee County reminds the public that fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorous may not be used on lawns and landscapes during the rainy season, between June 1 and September 30. Excessive nutrients – nitrogen and phosphorus – from fertilizer used on urban lawns and landscapes can have a detrimental effect on water quality in Southwest Florida. […]

Lee County Commissioners approve donation from Disaster Relief Fund to county for tennis and pickleball courts at Wheeler Road

At their monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 6 Lee County Commissioners approved the donation agreement between Lee County and the Boca Grande United Methodist Church, Inc., dba Boca Grande Disaster Fund, in the amount of $150,000 for improvements at the Wheeler Road Community Park. It was determined that the budget for FY 22/23 would be amended accordingly.

Lee County launches Ian Progress Report

Lee County has launched the Ian Progress Report, a data-driven site dedicated to updating the community on the fiscal needs, progress and opportunities with state and federal partners as Lee County moves forward after the hurricane.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Vertical Bridge exec issues statement on local committee’s proposal for Lee County Commissioners to vote on cell tower to only include tower, not site

According to the agenda published by Lee County government two days ago, Lee County commissioners were supposed to gather for their regular monthly meeting to discuss many items, including the Gasparilla Island cell phone tower and surrounding site. The agenda describes the item as a decision to be made to allow the new tower’s construction, as it has to be approved by county commissioners because of the Gasparilla Island Conservation District Act. The GICDA specifically addresses any buildings or structures over 38 feet, which are not allowed on the island. 

However, the Community Cell Tower Committee, which is the island’s group of community leaders and emergency officials overseeing the new cell tower project, said they have asked that the description of the agenda item be changed due to a few miscommunications, primarily due to the historic nature of the buildings around the site. The committee was surprised to see this item on the agenda, as they hadn’t even had time to get a good look at its contents.

Staff recommended that the Board approve the item to “maintain consistent, reliable telecommunication services for residents of Boca Grande,” which makes sense. It had also already been signed off on by Community Development Director Dave Loveland, Anne Henkel of Budget Services, Peter Winton of Budget Services, County Attorney Michael Jacob and Marc Mora from the County Manager’s office.

But there were still a few questions from island committee members that had not been answered at the time they last met with Vertical Bridge (the cell tower company) … questions that were supposed to have been answered prior to final submittal of a plan to the county.

West County turns out in force to support lower density

West Charlotte County residents turned out in great number to let Charlotte County Commissioners know they are adamant that densities in their area need to be controlled for the protection of the people, wildlife, economy and overall wellbeing of their corner of the county … and they are most certainly concerned about putting anything that […]

Density meeting in Charlotte County set for February 28

The Charlotte County hearing on Cape Haze density is set for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28 in Room 119 of the Murdock Administration building.  Charlotte County government has proposed a rule that would limit density to 15 units per acre, but would allow a developer to ask for up to 65 units per acre […]

Lee County Sheriff and staff meet with island organization heads to discuss employment of person on sex offender list

The explanation is this: Currently Lee County looks at the entire grounds of the Boca Grande Community Center as a “park.” A park has more restrictions than a school, in the fact that a sex offender can be at a school with proper supervision, and with good reason to be there (and prior approval). A sex offender cannot be at a “park” in Lee County while children are present.