Lee County hearing on rezoning of former Magnuson Hotel draws resident worries about wells, parking and traffic Petitioners told a Lee County zoning hearing they plan to convert the vacant Magnuson Hotel in Dixon into about 70 market-rate apartments, funded initially with private money. County staff said R-4 residential zoning would better match nearby homes; neighbors raised concerns about water supply, parking, traffic and property values. No vote was taken; the matter moves to the county board.

Plans are underway to transform the vacant Magnuson Hotel into 70 market-rate apartments, but neighbors are raising serious concerns about wells, parking, and traffic.

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#LeeCounty #IL #UrbanDevelopment #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #LeeCountyHousing #CommunityConcerns

Hellman Lee County IMPACT Grant announced in honor of community leader Merlin Hellman – Muddy River News Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend the KACF & NLCF grant workshop luncheon to be held at Fort Madison’s Turnwater Reception Room on Feb. 25.

muddyrivernews.com/business/hel... #IMPACT #LeeCounty

🧑🏼‍⚖️ Lee County, Florida Schools Discipline Nearly 2,500 Students Over Anti-ICE Walkouts

www.undergroundusa.com/i/189409695/...

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#News #Politics #Government #LeeCounty #Florida #AntiIceProtests #Students #Suspensions @highlight @everyone

Lee County sets budget tone: commissioners back flat departmental budgets, ask staff for sales-tax and Civic Center scenarios Commissioners endorsed asking departments to submit flat budgets for next year while directing staff to prepare multiple infrastructure-sales-tax scenarios and cost options for a potential Civic Center replacement or multipurpose facility.

Lee County commissioners are taking a cautious approach to budgeting, asking departments to maintain flat budgets while exploring innovative funding options for critical infrastructure projects.

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#LeeCounty #FL #TaxPolicy #CitizenPortal #CivicCenter #InfrastructureFunding

Lee County staff warn state homestead changes could cut hundreds of millions from local budget County staff told commissioners that House proposals to expand homestead exemptions could reduce Lee County's ad valorem revenue by roughly $83 million in year six and about $263 million once fully phased in, prompting discussion of replacement revenues and service protections.

Lee County officials are sounding the alarm: proposed changes to homestead tax exemptions could slash local revenue by over $263 million, threatening essential services and leaving commissioners scrambling for solutions.

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#LeeCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #LocalGovAI

Calhoun County vs. Lee County | Counties Across Texas Spotlight Series — TEXAS FORWARD PARTY Discover the industrial coast and the BBQ belt and see why Forward believes that the plant operator in Calhoun County and the pitmaster in Lee County both fuel our state.

Beach & Brisket. 🏖️🥩 Today’s #CountiesAcrossTexas match-up: #CalhounCounty (Coast/Industry) vs. #LeeCounty (Wendish/BBQ). A spotlight on Texas flavors ➟ www.texasforwardparty.org/counties-x-t...

Forward believes that the plant operator in Point Comfort and the pitmaster in Lexington both fuel our state. In #CalhounCounty, the industrial workforce is key. #OpenPrimaries would allow the diverse community to elect leaders who prioritize safety, jobs, and coastal protection, rather than partisan rhetoric. #RankedChoiceVoting would help the coastal towns work together. In #LeeCounty, culture is the asset. #RankedChoiceVoting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize heritage tourism and small business support. It ensures that the Wendish history and BBQ legends are protected.

From Shell Beaches to Snow's BBQ. 🏖️🍖 Calhoun & Lee Counties delight the senses.

Full series found here ➟ www.texasforwardparty.org/counties-x-t...
Link to match up in comments below ⤵︎

#CountiesAcrossTexas #ForwardTexas #ForwardParty #CalhounCounty #LeeCounty #WeLoveTexas

Lee County planning board backs transmittal of map amendment for 13.2‑acre US‑41 parcel amid neighbor objections The Lee County Local Planning Agency voted Feb. 23 to recommend transmittal of CPA2025‑0003, a future‑land‑use map amendment for a 13.2‑acre parcel on South Tamiami Trail (US‑41). Neighbors and the Forest Property Owners Association raised notice, wetlands, coastal hazard and density concerns, including potential Live Local Act impacts.

The Lee County Local Planning Agency has ignited a heated debate by recommending a controversial map amendment that could dramatically increase density on a prime parcel along US-41.

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#LeeCounty #FL #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #LeeCountyProperty #CommunityConcerns

Commissioners approve amendment to Hancock Bridge Marina plan; fewer boat slips, taller dry storage approved The board approved amendments to the Hancock Bridge Marina commercial plan development to reduce vested boat slips for manatee protections and allow a taller dry-storage building, with staff saying noise/hours conditions and architectural review will be handled at development order.

Lee County commissioners have approved a key amendment to the Hancock Bridge Marina plan, reducing boat slips for manatee protection while allowing for a strikingly taller dry-storage structure!

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#LeeCounty #FL #UrbanDevelopment #LeeCountyMarina #CitizenPortal

Board approves Pine Island commercial-parking rezoning after extensive public comment The board approved rezoning 3.69 acres on Pine Island (Upper Captiva Carriage Club) to a commercial plan development for consolidated commercial parking; residents raised traffic, wildlife and spot-zoning concerns while proponents said it would aid deliveries and recovery to outer islands.

Lee County commissioners have approved a controversial rezoning on Pine Island, sparking heated debates over traffic, wildlife, and community needs.

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#LeeCounty #FL #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #WildlifeProtection #PublicSafety #LeeCountyCommunity

County awards $4.6 million contract for Bob James Preserve restoration; project to rehydrate wetlands Staff reported awarding a $4.6 million construction contract to Thomas Marine for Bob James Preserve restoration work aimed at rehydrating wetlands and reducing nutrient loads to the Caloosahatchee River; $2.5 million of the construction funding came through DEP/Water Management District channels, staff said.

Lee County has just awarded a groundbreaking $4.6 million contract to restore wetlands at Bob James Preserve, promising to revitalize ecosystems and protect the Caloosahatchee River!

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#LeeCounty #FL #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal #LeeCountyParks

Lee County CFO says management fund cut was temporary; transfers to return to prior levels County CFO Pete Wynton told the Conservation 2020 committee that the county reduced its annual transfer to the management fund to $3 million to avoid an unspent reserve and plans to raise it to $4 million this year and $5 million next year; roughly $4 million covers in‑house salaries and about $1.4 million is budgeted for contractor work, including exotic species removal.

Lee County's CFO reveals a strategic plan to temporarily reduce management fund transfers, promising a return to full funding over the next two years while ensuring vital environmental projects stay on track.

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#LeeCounty #FL #FiscalManagement #LeeCountyConservation

Remand hearing for Southeast Water Reclamation Facility approved despite petitioners' legal and environmental objections After a court-ordered remand, the board approved a rezoning for a proposed Southeast Water Reclamation Facility (DCI 202300011) to allow an advanced treatment plant on about 112 acres; petitioners raised alleged procedural due-process defects, ongoing construction and environmental and aviation-safety concerns, which county counsel said would be addressed through the record and appeals process.

The Lee County Board of Commissioners has approved a controversial rezoning for the Southeast Water Reclamation Facility, despite mounting legal and environmental objections from concerned citizens.

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#LeeCounty #FL #LeeCountyEnvironment #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Resistors! Events alllllllll over the state for Friday Feb 20th! #resist #strongertogether #Florida

#BabcockRanch #LeeCounty
#Orlando
#OrmondBeach
#Brooksville

Board approves $20M in CDBG‑DR funds for 5300 Summerlin affordable housing project The Lee County Board authorized $20,000,000 in CDBG‑DR funding toward the 5300 Summerlin Road affordable housing development, a 30‑year affordability project for 230 units with total project cost reported at $93.6M; one public commenter raised concerns about rent increases and resident displacement.

Lee County just approved a monumental $20 million funding boost for the 5300 Summerlin affordable housing project, promising 230 units to combat the housing crisis—but concerns about rent increases linger.

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#LeeCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #DisplacementConcerns

Commissioners agree to engage on South Florida Water Management District rulemaking and back PD&E study for Del Prado/I‑75 interchange The board directed staff to engage with the South Florida Water Management District on proposed restricted allocation areas affecting North Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres and agreed to draft a chairman‑signed letter requesting local workshops; commissioners also authorized a letter supporting state and federal funding for a Del Prado / I‑75 PD&E study.

Lee County commissioners are pushing for public workshops on critical water management rules that could impact local residents and the future of the aquifer!

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#LeeCounty #FL #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #LeeCountyWaterManagement #TransportationInfrastructure #WaterResources

Lee County approves contract to rebuild Fort Myers Beach wastewater plant with elevated, flood-resilient design The Lee County Board approved a contract to restore and upgrade the Fort Myers Beach Water Reclamation Facility after Hurricane Ian, approving resilient design elements (buildings elevated about 16 feet), contingency review limits for change orders and a multi-year construction timeline with substantial completion targeted around 2030.

Lee County just approved a groundbreaking contract to rebuild the Fort Myers Beach wastewater plant with an innovative flood-resilient design—set to elevate infrastructure and protect against future storms!

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#LeeCounty #FL #LeeCountyWaterReclamation #CitizenPortal

Residents urge moratorium on data centers and fracking; commissioners schedule SELC and economic briefings Dozens of Lee County residents urged the Board of Commissioners to adopt a moratorium on data centers, crypto mining and drilling, citing water and quality-of-life concerns. Commissioners did not declare a moratorium but approved invitations for the Southern Environmental Law Center and an economic-development briefing to present to the board.

Lee County residents are demanding a moratorium on data centers and fracking to protect their water quality and communities from potential environmental hazards.

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#LeeCounty #NC #LeeCountyEnvironment #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #WaterQuality #CommunityInput

Fifty-three Dogs Allegedly Found in Hoarding Home With About Half Dead: Seek Justice - ForceChange Fifty-three dogs were allegedly found in a hoarding situation, with about half discovered dead. Demand prosecutors seek justice for these animals who reportedly suffered on a massive scale.

PETITION / Fifty-three Dogs Allegedly Found in Hoarding Home With About Half Dead: Seek Justice forcechange.com/661770/fifty...
#USA #Alabama #LeeCounty #AnimalRights #justice

Staff backs rezoning of North Fort Myers site for mixed-use development amid school-capacity questions Lee County staff recommended rezoning about 134 acres in North Fort Myers to a Commercial Plan Development and a Residential Plan Development that would allow up to 250,000 sq ft of light industrial (or an alternate mix), 20,900 sq ft of retail, 360 assisted-living beds and 600 residential units; the Lee County School District told staff the plan would strain middle-school capacity and mitigation will be considered at development-order stage.

A proposed mixed-use development in North Fort Myers could reshape the landscape with 600 residential units and 250,000 sq ft of commercial space, but concerns about school capacity loom large.

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#LeeCounty #FL #LeeCountyDevelopment #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning

TDC accepts Q1 budget reports; sports tourism hailed for high media value from Fort Myers tip-off The Lee County Tourist Development Council accepted quarter 1 budget reports and heard a sports tourism update that credited the Fort Myers tip-off with an estimated $5.1 million in media value tied to a $220,000 TDT investment. Members also reviewed seasonal room-night figures and event pipelines for 2025–26.

The Lee County Tourist Development Council just reported a staggering $5.1 million media value from the Fort Myers tip-off, showcasing the booming potential of sports tourism in the area!

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#LeeCounty #FL #SportsTourism #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #LeeCountyTourism

Lee County TDC: December bed-tax receipts surge; council hears Q4 visitation gains and discusses AI-driven marketing At its Feb. 12 meeting the Lee County Tourist Development Council heard that December bed-tax (TDT) receipts were nearly $4.3 million — up about 19% year over year — and that Q4 visitation, room nights and direct spending rose. Staff and members also discussed how AI and changing traveler behavior are reshaping marketing and website strategy.

Lee County's tourism is booming with a nearly 19% increase in bed-tax receipts, but how will AI impact future travel marketing strategies?

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#LeeCounty #FL #VisitorSpending #CitizenPortal #LeeCountyTourism #TourismRecovery #AIMarketing

Lee County updates highway building plan; utility access and $8 million grant bid discussed County staff reported borings and site work completed for a proposed highway building, a roughly $400,000 local set-aside for initial costs, a planned nearly $8 million federal BUILD grant application due Feb. 24, and potential delays to secure NICOR natural-gas service that may require an ICC process.

Lee County is making strides on its highway building project with $400,000 set aside and an ambitious $8 million federal grant application on the horizon, but delays loom as they tackle utility service challenges.

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#LeeCounty #IL #LeeCountyHighway #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding

Reagan Mass Transit reports rising ridership, seeks vehicles and facility bids Reagan Mass Transit told the county committee January ridership is increasing toward roughly 90,000 rides for the fiscal year; the operator plans to request new vehicles in the next CVP round and anticipates bidding a new facility project at Pines Road and Route 2.

Reagan Mass Transit is experiencing a surge in ridership, nearing 90,000 rides this fiscal year, while also planning significant expansions and new vehicle requests.

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#LeeCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #LeeCountyTransit #PublicTransportation #CommunityOutreach

Lee County approves combined safety package for Burnt Store Road, including paved shoulders and passing lanes After reviewing crash data and options, the Lee County Board authorized a combined interim treatment — rumble striping, passing lanes and 4‑ft paved shoulders — for the two‑lane Burnt Store Road corridor, directing DOT to proceed to design and bid.

Lee County commissioners have approved a comprehensive safety upgrade for Burnt Store Road, combining rumble striping, passing lanes, and paved shoulders to enhance road safety and reduce crashes.

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#LeeCounty #FL #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #LeeCountySafety

Lee County OKs IDA authorization for up to $475M in Lee Health hospital revenue/refunding bonds The board adopted a resolution authorizing the Lee County Industrial Development Authority to issue hospital revenue and refunding bonds (not to exceed $475 million) for Lee Health; staff emphasized the bonds rely on Lee Health revenues and do not create county debt.

Lee County just approved a groundbreaking resolution allowing up to $475 million in bonds to boost healthcare facilities, including a new medical campus in Fort Myers!

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#LeeCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #HealthcareImprovements #LeeCountyHealthcare

Lee County prioritizes housing as commissioners approve CDBG‑DR reallocations and reserve funds for island projects The Lee County Board of County Commissioners approved a package of reallocation directions for Hurricane Ian CDBG‑DR funds Jan. 20, prioritizing three housing projects (including Community Housing and Resources’ Riverview 2 on Sanibel) and reserving funds for Tolles Garden and Barrett Park while asking staff to seek HUD timeline extensions.

Lee County is taking bold steps to prioritize housing and infrastructure recovery after Hurricane Ian, setting the stage for thousands of new homes and vital community projects.

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#LeeCounty #FL #InfrastructureImprovements #CitizenPortal #LeeCountyHousing #AffordableHousing

#ICE #DHS #LaMigra #IceAlert #FortMyers #Florida #Tice #LCSO
#Marceno (he's mentioned in the files, btw) #RSW #LeeCounty

Lee County Sheriff pulling over work vehicles, driving while brown, calling ICE on Palm Beach Blvd, Hwy 80. Marsh Ave, Van Buren, Tice St, etc...

Lee County OKs lease for property appraiser to move downtown office to former CenturyLink building The Board approved a lease and capital funding transfer to relocate the property appraiser’s office to the former CenturyLink (Lumen) building in downtown Fort Myers, citing space limits at the Melvin Morgan complex, a negotiated right of first refusal, and a plan to keep near‑term capital outlay under $5 million.

Lee County has secured a prime downtown location for the property appraiser’s office, promising improved access and efficiency while keeping costs under control!

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#LeeCounty #FL #UrbanDevelopment #LeeCountyPropertyAppraiser #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #CapitalFunding

County approves $20 million CDBG‑DR loan for 378‑unit Wave at China affordable housing project Lee County authorized execution of loan documents to provide $20 million in CDBG‑DR funding for the Wave at China, a 378‑unit affordable multifamily development. The loan term is 50 years with a 99‑year affordability period; staff says lending secures affordability and creates a revolving fund for future projects.

Lee County is set to invest $20 million in affordable housing, paving the way for 378 new units to help combat the housing crisis in Fort Myers.

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#LeeCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EconomicResilience #CommunityDevelopment #HousingAccessibility #LeeCountyAffordableHousing