The Captiva Community Panel was updated on the Rauschenberg property and heard from the fire district about the election referendum at its recent meeting, as well as selected its officers for the year.
On Jan. 13, President David Mintz reiterated that there were four finalists in the running for the purchase of the approximately 22 total acres that the Rauschenberg Foundation listed for sale.
The Captiva Island Fire Control District had a bid on the table for some parcels, while a community investor bid on the total 22 acres with the intent to sell the fire district the land that it sought and to preserve the rest. A regional developer also bid on the full 22 acres, but added that the bids from the fire district and investor be considered first. The fourth bidder was believed to be South Seas.
He continued that the foundation’s board was scheduled to meet before Thanksgiving to decide on the bids, but it was canceled. After the new year, they received an update from the foundation’s broker.
Mintz shared that a contract has been signed, but not with the district, investor nor developer.
He added that in late December, South Seas’ attorneys requested information from Lee County on zoning, the county Code and Captiva Plan for the 22 acres. Mintz reported that while there has been no official confirmation yet from the foundation, there is strong evidence that it signed with the resort.
Earlier in the meeting during his monthly update on the district, Captiva Fire Chief Jeff Pawul shared that they also had learned that the foundation had entered into discussions with one of the bidders.
“We are not that buyer,” he said.
Pawul continued on to discuss the special election set for Feb. 10, which asks voters if the district can issue bonds not to exceed $24 million to purchase and improve property for public safety purposes.
He reported that while the intent behind doing the referendum was to buy some of the Rauschenberg property if given the opportunity, the language is written so that it is not tied to any specific land.
Pawul explained that the district is currently not prepared for the next 10-15 years. He pointed to needing a new emergency helicopter landing zone, additional staff housing and storage for apparatus, a staging area following disasters, dock for public safety vessels and dedicated fire training facility.
“All of the things we need have not changed,” he said, noting that if the Rauschenberg property is developed, it will bring even more people to Captiva. “So all of these needs will be more important.”
Pawul encouraged the community to get out and vote.
“The referendum is still important,” he said.
Pawul added that if the referendum passes, the district cannot just go out and spend the money. It would have to identify land to buy, go through a transparent public process, get the board’s approval and more. If that happens, the district would aim to keep the tax increase at or below about 1 mill.
Fire Commissioner Jeff Brown, who worked with the chief on trying to secure some of the Rauschenberg property for the district, was also in attendance for the panel’s meeting.
He explained that the approval would be for up to $24 million, but the district does not have to spend the full amount. If it identifies a property to purchase for less, than the total figure would decrease.
“To me, this referendum is about supporting the needs of the fire district into the future,” Brown said.
Also during the meeting, the panel elected its officers for 2026.
Panel Member Jay Brown nominated Mintz to continue to serve as president, which received an unanimous vote for approval.
Mintz nominated Vice President Bruce McDonald to continue to serve in his position, which received unanimous approval.
Mintz nominated Brown to serve as secretary, which received an unanimous vote for approval.
Mintz nominated Sandy Stilwell Youngquist to serve as treasurer, which received unanimous approval.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Panel Member and Infrastructure Committee Member Mike Bennett provided an update on the county’s planned project to improve resiliency at the Jensen’s curve and in the Santiva area.
It is engaged in the process to select the consultant to plan and model the project.
The county is also looking at possible repairs and additional fortification at the Blind Pass Bridge.
– Lee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Rich Zeltman reported that they received a report of a golf cart on the dunes. He reminded that those are not allowed on the beach nor dunes, per county ordinance.
“It is against the law,” Zeltman said.
He also advised the public not to enter construction zones or drive past construction cones.
In addition, Zeltman provided an overview of the LCSO’s numbers for last year.
He reported that the Captiva crew and he responded to about 4,000 calls for service, which included everything from burglaries to water rescues. There were about 500 traffic-related enforcement actions.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email