Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in environment
SLD/Zemel Road landfill odors
Residents near the Charlotte County line have logged 300+ odor complaints since March against the privately operated SLD landfill. The board's resolution and letter back FDEP enforcement now that the state's amended consent order is enforceable.
Captiva beach funding
Captiva's $31.4 million beach renourishment is done, and the district asked the county for $4.5 million extra. The board gave $1 million from tourist-tax reserves — one commissioner warned exceptions to the budget become entitlements.
SLD landfill odors in North Lee County
Residents with Homeowners Against Landfill Odors said rotten-egg smells from the Waste Connections SLD landfill persist despite a new consent decree, with odors reported all but four days in a recent stretch. They asked the county to press FDEP, coordinate with Charlotte County, and formally add the issue to a future agenda.
Conservation 2020 land purchases on Pine Island
Residents and the Calusa Land Trust praised the county's Conservation 2020 purchases of Pine Island parcels, saying they preserve the island's rural coastal character, wildlife habitat and flood protection.
Emergency waterway debris response funding
The county asked the West Coast Inland Navigation District to earmark $2 million for fast debris clearance of canals and waterways after a natural disaster — a lesson learned from Hurricane Ian's slow, piecemeal response.