January 2013

Wetlands lost?

Not too long ago I became aware of an attempt by a property owner to get approval to fill in over 5 acres of wetlands in Lemon Bay in order to build new homes. I filed my objections to the Southwest Florida Water Management District on the grounds of environmental changes to the area, which includes destroying mangrove trees and upsetting the breeding grounds of numerous species of fish that use that area. Lemon Bay Cove, as it is to be called if built, is to be situated on Beach Road - next to Sandpiper Keys - and is owned by a resident of Fort Myers (in Lee County). My objections were dutifully filed with the Southwest Florida Water Management District for consideration in the matter. In December I received the following reply:
Thank you for providing comments to the Southwest Florida Water Management District regarding the Lemon Bay Cove environmental resource permit application. Your correspondence is now part of the official file of record for this permit.
The District issued the permit on December 20,2012 in accordance with Florida statutes. Though not required, this permit will provide additional water quality treatment that meets heightened aquatic preserve standards.
In addition, impacts to mangrove wetlands at the project site will be offset by mangrove improvements at the Little Pine Island Mitigation Bank in Lee County. There will be no net loss of wetland functions in the mitigation bank service area. The mitigation bank was permitted by the Department of Environmental Protection and its service area includes Lemon Bay.
Environmental resource permits protect wetlands and floodplain functions, treat water quality of stormwater runoff and reduce the risk of new development causing flooding. The District permit does not relieve the applicant from having to obtain any other necessary local, state or federal permits.
The District solicited comments from other agencies on the permit application and did not receive any agency objections.
Attached is a copy of the final agency action. The notice includes information regarding the rights of individuals whose substantial interests are or may be affected by the District’s action.
Again, thank you for providing your comments. We appreciate your input.
I find it incomprehensible how we can fill in the bay to create more waterfront homes, that really are not needed, and as an additional slap in the face to local residents grant the owner of the property mangrove improvements to an area in which she lives (Lee County). Unbelievable.

Children's Playground.

Work is well underway for a children's playground area in the Ann Deevers Memorial Park. The playground is located adjacent to the tennis courts and the skate park. Bathroom and baby changing facilities are right there.  This is a great, and thoughtful, addition to the Park System of Charlotte County.

 Makeover and Upgrade.

Taco Bell has recently reopened their restaurant after completing a complete interior and exterior refurbishment.

The interior has a more open look and feel, the booths in the center of the dining area have been removed in favor of circular tables and stools. New bathrooms round out the modifications.  Taco Bell is located next to the Wells Fargo Bank at S. McCall Rd and Placida Road.