Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues with medium priority
Kingston Two and Kingston Three Community Development Districts
New special-purpose districts within the Kingston development would finance roads, utilities, and amenities through assessments on future homeowners.
Tourist Development Tax Ordinance Amendment
Ordinance 26-10 would change how the county's tourist tax — paid by visitors on hotel and short-term rentals — is used.
Lee County Utilities Rate Increase
Water and sewer customers will see a rate increase under the newly adopted LCU rate schedule, which passed 4-1. Staff says rates remain among the lowest in the region and the money funds capital projects.
Gasparilla Island Parking Rules
Boca Grande's emotionally charged parking fight got a narrow fix: churches can now use the Gilchrist median between Second and Third Streets on Sunday mornings and Christmas Eve, matching the parking committee's 12-2 vote. Critics say the broader ordinance has cost the county federal beach funding and hurt tourism.
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.
MedTrek ambulance certificate denial
MedTrek wanted to run hospital-to-hospital ambulance transports in Lee County, arguing patients wait 6-8 hours for transfers. Staff found the county does less than one such transfer a day and both hospital systems said their needs are met — the board denied the certificate.