The Captiva Island Fire Control District\u2019s commission discussed the upcoming election referendum and Rauschenberg property during its recent meeting, plus heard an update on the ladder truck agreement.<\/p>\n
On Jan. 13, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul shared with the commissioners what he reported at the Captiva Community Panel meeting: the Rauschenberg Foundation has entered into discussions with a potential buyer, but it is not the district nor the island-friendly developer that the district had planned to work with.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Jeff Brown, who has been working with the chief on attempting to secure some of the parcels, added that the full property \u2014 approximately 22 total acres \u2014 appears to be under contact.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sale has not closed yet,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Brown continued that the broker for the foundation reported that they are currently conducting their due diligence on the possible sale. However, if the sale falls apart, they will contact the district.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it was a good process to go through,\u201d he said, explaining that the commission learned a lot and it will learn where the community stands on the district acquiring land in the future with the election.<\/p>\n
Pawul reiterated that the bond referendum on Feb. 10 is not tied to the Rauschenberg parcels or any specific property or even time period, which he reported he also explained at the panel\u2019s meeting.<\/p>\n
Brown added that the district recently posted a \u201cBond Referendum FAQ\u201d page on its website.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis page provides factual information about the upcoming bond referendum so residents can understand what is being proposed,\u201d according to the page. \u201cThe district cannot advocate for a voting outcome and presents this information solely for public awareness and transparency.\u201d<\/p>\n