The Captiva Community Panel heard about the stormwater management study taking place for the island, upcoming discontinuation of the iguana control services and more at its recent meeting.<\/p>\n
On June 9, panel Secretary and Stormwater Committee Chair Jay Brown provided an update on Lee County\u2019s project to address rainfall and flooding on Captiva. He reported that its consultant is zoning in on two possible different strategies, which are based on stormwater modeling that was recently done.<\/p>\n
The first would entail raising Captiva Drive so it remains passable. Brown told the county that he did not think that would help as it would lead to more flooding on side streets and make things worse.<\/p>\n
The second would be to collect the stormwater in the Village at a holding site, where it would be cleaned and then released out into the bay. The county does not think it is a viable option, however, because there is no available land in the area large enough that could serve as the collection point.<\/p>\n
He recommended to the county that it recognize street flooding is the issue and focus on option two.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo that\u2019s where that stands,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n
The consultant is expected to make a public presentation to the island in October.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat would be our opportunity to give input,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The consultant will take the input, possibly make revisions and issue a final report in November.<\/p>\n
Also during the meeting, Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) General Manager Brighton Heard reported in his monthly update that the commission has decided to end the iguana eradication.<\/p>\n
He explained that the CEPD will no longer be reimbursed by the state for the services, so the board tabled the iguana control until other funds become available or the service needs to be reengaged. Brighton added that it chose to request funds for more dune plantings instead of iguana eradication.<\/p>\n
Asked by the panel, he reported that the cost is $16,000 a month for two trappers.<\/p>\n
Panel President David Mintz pointed out that they originally oversaw the iguana control before it was passed off to the CEPD because it could apply for funding. He asked if they should pick it back up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think we just want to let it lapse at this point,\u201d Mintz said.<\/p>\n
He suggested getting the details from the CEPD and contacting the two trappers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can get some funding from somewhere, or consider other options for iguana control,\u201d Mintz said. \u201cI don\u2019t think we want to lose control of this.\u201d<\/p>\n
The panel agreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve done it before,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n
Heard reported that he would provide the panel with the details.<\/p>\n
Also at the meeting, Mintz provided an update on behalf of Protect Captiva \u2014 the coalition seeking to maintain longtime building height and density limitations on the island \u2014 and the ongoing lawsuits.<\/p>\n
He reported that the Captiva Civic Association\u2019s attorneys are appealing the decision by the Sixth District Court of Appeal, which reversed Circuit Court Judge James Shenko\u2019s decision enforcing the 2003 settlement agreement. His ruling said the total dwelling units at South Seas is limited to 912.<\/p>\n
They are asking for a full court review \u2014 all 12 judges \u2014 to reverse the decision of three.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe think it was a bad decision,\u201d Mintz said. \u201cWe think Judge Shenko was correct.\u201d<\/p>\n
An appeal was also filed in the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) case.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat case is being appealed also,\u201d he said. \u201cSo those two things are being appealed.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition, South Seas has now petitioned the Court of Appeal to remove Shenko from the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act case after a motion to disqualify him was denied.<\/p>\n
Also during the meeting, Lee County Sheriff\u2019s Office (LCSO) Sgt. Adam Winton gave his update.<\/p>\n
With July 4 approaching, he reminded the public that fireworks cannot be lit on the beach.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease remember, fireworks and alcohol do not go hand in hand,\u201d Winton added, noting that open alcoholic containers are prohibited in open spaces in the county, which encompasses the island.<\/p>\n
He also pointed out the noise ordinance.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust be a good neighbor,\u201d Winton said. \u201cWe would prefer not to get involved if possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition, he reported that Blind Pass has started to clear out from the sand that built up, so they expect an increase in visitors. They will be proactively enforcing littering and trespassing laws.<\/p>\n
IN OTHER NEWS<\/p>\n
\u2013 Winton provided the following LCSO statistics for May for Captiva: 288 service calls; one arrest related to a traffic offense; two traffic crash investigations; and 80 citations or warnings issued.<\/p>\n