The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission provided direction on its search for possible island property for the expansion or improvement of the district’s services at it recent meeting.
On April 7, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported that the Rauschenberg Foundation sold the approximate 22 total acres on Captiva to South Seas, including the three bayside parcels of about 9.81 acres that the district was hoping to buy to set up a permanent medical helicopter landing zone, boat dock and more.
As for using the lawn at the Rauschenberg Residency as a landing zone, which the district has historically done, it has received permission to continue to use the site for the time being.
“Eventually, they’re going to use the property for something,” Commissioner Jeff Brown said of the resort, referring to when the sales transaction is complete and the property finally changes hands.
He and Pawul had worked on trying to secure the three bayside parcels.
Brown noted that one topic appears to be the priority in his discussions with the community.
“I think the mandate is clear,” he said. “The landing zone is important.”
Based on the likelihood that the district will eventually lose access to the Rauschenberg site, Brown reiterated that they are doing fact finding and due diligence into other potential options on Captiva.
He asked Pawul where they should be looking in terms of possible land.
Pawul explained that the district has traditionally maintained three landing zones: Osprey Way Drive on the south end, Rauschenberg for the central area, and the golf course at South Seas at the north.
“Now, we’re down to Rauschenberg,” he said.
Pawul continued that the resort has redeveloped the north site, and the Osprey site is a vacant residential lot that the district received permission to use, but it is not as reliable as it was.
He explained that it is not ideal to transport a patient from the north all the way down south to relay with the helicopter, but they also do not want to go in the opposite direction from the hospital — south to north. If a patient’s condition changes during a transport, they may no longer be eligible to fly out.
“I think it makes sense to look at something central and something south,” Pawul said.
Brown suggested looking at converting a residential site to a landing zone.
Pawul reported that he has spoken with Lee County staff about creating a permanent landing zone rather that just something in a field. They suggested buying land, designating it as station property and having the land rezoned as such — the same process that the district did for its current fire station.
“They said that’s the easiest way to do it,” he said.
“But it would be up to us to do education for the neighbors in the area,” Pawul added.
Asked about the residential Osprey site, he explained that the annual usage probably averages out to once a month for 10 minutes. Pawul noted that it is no more or even less intrusive than the Lee County Mosquito Control District’s helicopter treatments, and the district has never received any complaints.
Commissioner Sherrill Sims asked if they could add a landing pad to the station’s roof.
Pawul reported that they are not able to add to the existing station. If they were building a new fire station, he would do that. Pawul noted that they also had use of all three sites when it was built.
The commission voiced consensus and agreed with Pawul on exploring the south end.
As for the central area of Captiva, Brown reiterated that they do not know what South Seas might be planning for the Rauschenberg property, but maybe it could incorporate a dedicated landing zone.
“That would be extremely helpful,” Pawul said.
The commission discussed approaching the resort about potentially buying some of the land. Brown also noted that any proposed project will go before the county, so maybe they should talk with it.
“I think we need to stress to the county commissioners the importance of the landing zone,” he said.
Also as part of the discussion, the subject of the current station being maxed out on space came up. Brown and Pawul explained that the referendum could be used to buy housing property, which could be rented to EMS — even the Lee County Sheriff’s Office — which frees up room for district crew.
“If we need more space for our guys, we will need to remove EMS,” Brown said.
The commission again voiced consensus and agreed with Pawul on looking into the central area.
“We definitely need to explore every single option,” Commissioner Carole Campbell said. “We know our priorities and we know our limitations — we can’t just sit around and wait for stuff to pop up.”
“We have to be proactive,” Sims added.
Brown confirmed that they would start the search and bring back any options.
“Hopefully, by the next meeting we’ll have something,” he said.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Pawul reported that the district finished its new hire testing and extended employment offers to two candidates, who will likely start next month. In addition, a third candidate was extended an offer, contingent on a current employee who is anticipated to leave the district in the next couple of months.
Nearly 20 candidates underwent the testing. He reported that the field was narrowed down to four finalists, who were all great. He would have hired them all if they had four openings instead of three.
– Pawul reported that the station’s security system is coming up for renewal.
It will cost about $8,000 for the three-year contract.
– Pawul reported that the district responded to 55 incidents in March.
“There was quite a few calls last month,” he said. “That’s pretty normal for this time of year.”
– Pawul reported that the district conducted nine fire inspections in March.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email