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.

Boca Grande community members are invited to join Lee County officials at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, for a ribbon cutting and sneak peek at Lee County Parks & Recreation’s soon-to-open dog park on Wheeler Road.  The specific opening date for the Wheeler Road Community Dog Park is yet to be announced. But the ribbon […]

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 […]

The American Imperative provides insight into the complex foreign policy underbelly of our government. While it is largely ignored by the popular media, its mission is critical and clear cut: The U. S. shouldn’t attempt to be the world’s fixer, “but it must use every tool at its disposal to help developing nations move toward self-reliance and become viable allies and partners.” 

Wini Smart loved two things the most, painting and helping people. In her honor, Smart Studio is hosting a benefit art show and sale featuring original watercolor and oil paintings by the late artist. The show will include local scenes as well as paintings from her travels to tropical islands and Europe. Wini was the founder of Smart Studio Art Gallery, which is now owned and operated by Wini’s artist granddaughter, Rebecca Cleveland. 

Inn Marina Manager Brian Knight recently received a letter that made him quite happy. It came from Mercury Marine, and declared the Inn Marina to be number one in service, as nominated by their customers. In 2006 Mercury Marine implemented the Service CSI Award to recognize the dealers who “set the mark” in delivering customer […]