The Captiva Island Fire Control District\u2019s commission agreed to submit a $4.5 million offer on an island property for the expansion or improvement of the district\u2019s services at its recent meeting.<\/p>\n
On June 4, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution approving the purchase of two residential parcels that make up the property and have been identified as suitable and a strategic site for district purposes, including the development of a resilient medical evacuation helicopter landing zone, training facilities and related public safety infrastructure for a total amount not to exceed $4,500,000.<\/p>\n
Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul and Commissioner Jeff Brown \u2014 who have been leading the land search \u2014 gave an update on the five-acre Captiva Drive property on the Roosevelt Channel.<\/p>\n
Brown reported that Pawul and he looked at the property, which is listed for $4.9 million.<\/p>\n
It has a former guest house on it, which would require a lot of work if the district wanted to use it as housing for Lee County EMS and free up space again at the station for the fire crew. He cited the windows, roof, signs of water intrusion, the A\/C units and water heater, plus questionable plumbing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s what you would expect of a home built in the early 2000s,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n
He noted that the focus, however, is to secure a permanent helicopter landing zone for the island.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe property itself, the five acres, is more than ample what we need,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n
He continued that they also talked to the county about maybe relocating EMS.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re not really that excited about relocating from the existing station because it is central to the island,\u201d Brown said, adding that they disagree though because it spreads out coverage across Captiva.<\/p>\n
The Realtor thinks that the owner is willing to sell the two parcels for $4.5 million.<\/p>\n
He reported that they found out on June 3, however, that the property is now under contract with a remote buyer \u2014 they had not personally visited it \u2014 who was expected to visit it in the coming days.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe appreciate her candor with us on that,\u201d Brown said. \u201cIt\u2019s important for us to know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what their needs are,\u201d he added of the potential buyer. \u201cTo me, it\u2019s a land deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pawul reported that the Realtor recommended that they submit a backup offer.<\/p>\n
Brown suggested that the board authorize the chief to do so and asked for input on the $4.5 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m definitely for it,\u201d Commissioner Sherrill Sims said of submitting an offer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think we have much choice,\u201d Commissioner Carole Campbell added. \u201cWe\u2019ve run out of options, basically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brown agreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe threw our hat in the ring with the Rauschenberg property, we\u2019ll throw our hat in the ring with this one, and see what happens,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
On a related note, Brown and Pawul reported that they had had discussions with a couple of island property owners and got a few comments about the land search and plans \u2014 all were positive.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody was in favor of it that I spoke to,\u201d Pawul said.<\/p>\n
He noted that one person did suggest building a helipad over the water on the bay instead.<\/p>\n
IN OTHER NEWS<\/p>\n
\u2013 The commission voted 3-0 on a resolution to purchase three new gear storage lockers as capital furniture\/equipment at a cost not to exceed $3,500.<\/p>\n
\u2013 The commission voted 3-0 on a resolution accepting the financial statements for the district\u2019s fiscal year 2024-25 as audited and prepared by the firm CliftonLarsonAllen.<\/p>\n
Before the vote, principal Chris Kessler presented the final report.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything was clean,\u201d he said, adding that it was an unmodified opinion.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo issues, no concerns, no challenges,\u201d Kessler said.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Pawul reported that the district responded to 50 incidents in May.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Pawul reported that the district conducted 14 inspections in May.<\/p>\n