The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved the five-year strategic plan at its recent meeting, as well as heard updates on the Palm Ridge Road and Sanibel-Captiva Road fire stations.
On March 12, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot presented the 2026-31 Strategic Plan for the district.
He explained that the district is required to have a five-year plan. Barbot added that the auditors reviewed and approved the draft plan, which now requires board approval to meet the requirements.
Going through the plan with the commissioners, Barbot opened with background about the district, including an organizational overview and organizational chart, plus the boundaries of the district.
He reviewed “From Recovery to Readiness: The Post-Ian Planning Shift,” which entailed “The ‘Why’: A Narrative of Strategic Resilience,” transition to the 2026-31 strategic cycle, and capital improvement projects and infrastructure modernization.
Barbot outlined the district’s current levels of service, including equipment and staffing.
He concluded the plan with a budget overview, which entailed the FY2026 budget summary, and budget trends and capital improvement funding. It also included the district’s future service levels and facilities, covering current facilities and immediate focus, east end expansion strategy, equipment, staffing, revenue, and future objectives.
A motion to adopt the document was approved unanimously 3-0.
To view the 2026-31 Strategic Plan, click on STRATEGIC PLAN.
Also during the meeting, Barbot provided a construction design update for Station 171.
He reported that the district is in the middle of permit review with city staff. It is also waiting on Lee County to authorize the construction administration contract and review the construction services.
Once they get the green light, staff will seek a special meeting for commission approval.
Also at the meeting, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson gave an update on Station 172.
He reported that the district recently received a large water bill from the Island Water Association (IWA). Jackson explained that they were not allowed on the city’s reclaimed water system at the time of construction because of the high salinity levels on the new plants, so they went with city water.
They asked about switching to reclaimed, and the city suggested that they wait until the rainy season.
He reported that the district will pay to get added onto the other system at that point.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria reported that the district responded to 152 calls in February, compared to 159 calls for the same month last year. It has responded to 355 calls this year, compared to 385 calls for the same time period for 2025.
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 17 fire plan reviews and 101 fire inspections in February.
– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: firefighter Rob Bell for five years; Administrative Assistant Greta Fulkerson for four years; firefighter Austin Lambert for one year; firefighter Mike Tejeda for four years; and Capt. Rob Wilkins for 13 years.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email