Dear Friends of Captiva and Sanibel Islands:

At 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, on Tuesday, June 20, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will hear the highly controversial amendments to Lee County's Land Development Code that would benefit South Seas Island Resort. These amendments have been proposed without input from the Captiva community.

If they vote no, the quality of life on our islands as we know it will remain.

If they vote yes, our islands will forever be negatively altered. Almost all island civic organizations, as well as many residents and guests, have expressed opposition to these amendments that will increase building height on Captiva, and allow for SSIR to request additional density through a zoning change.  

IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND TUESDAY, JUNE 20 MEETING

If you agree that tall buildings and runaway growth by one hospitality company will harm Captiva and Sanibel islands forever, and negatively impact your quality of life, it's vital you respectfully express your concerns to each county commissioner before tomorrow's meeting. Their contact information is here. Please be courteous to their staff as you help them understand why these amendments are wrong for Captiva.

District 1: Kevin Ruane: Dist1@leegov.com or 239.533.2224

District 2: Cecil Pendergrass: Dist2@leegov.com or 239.533..2227

District 3: Ray Sandelli: Dist3@leegov.com or 239.533.2223

District 4: Brian Hamman, Chairman: Dist4@leegov.com or 239.533.2226

District 5: Mike Greenwell, Vice Chairman: Dist5@leegov.com or 239.533.2225

IF YOU CAN, PLEASE ATTEND THE TUESDAY, JUNE 20 BOCC MEETING AT 9:30 A.M., LOCATED AT 2120 MAIN STREET IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

Here are important tips to do, and to avoid, if you attend in person:

DO:

Arrive at the meeting location prior to 9:30 a.m., with plenty of time to find parking and make your way to the meeting chamber.

Fill out a Public Comment Card to let County staff know that you wish to speak. Include your name, address, and who you represent. Check the box marked Public Hearing and write 2 in the Item Box number. Submit your card.

Be respectful. The Commissioners have not made a decision, and you're helping them gather facts. They are not an opposing party or antagonistic to your position.

State your name for the record. Know what you're going to say, and make sure you stay on message — you only have 3 minutes. State that you want the proposal rejected.

Prepare written comments to submit to County staff if you have more to say than 3 minutes will allow.

If you wish, highlight specific issues with lack of process and community engagement, as well as the importance of maintaining island character.

Anticipate being there for a while, as many have expressed an intent to provide comment, and other issues will be heard before the proposed Land Development Code Amendments.

DON'T:

Make any personal attacks on the parties, Commissioners or staff.

Waste time on greetings or telling stories, the 3-minute limit is strict.

Cry out or applaud from the audience. Be respectful of all speakers and save any noise for outside of the hearing.

Get off topic. The hearing is for the proposed amendments to the Land Development Code Chapters 30, 33 and 34.

It is SCCF's position that if these amendments are approved by the County Board of Commissioners, significant and irreparable harm will be incurred — to our barrier island ecosystem, wildlife, marine life, water quality and overall quality of life. Further, SCCF questions the feasibility of limiting these exemptions to one corporation, which could lead to the possibility of unlimited additional growth by similar companies and industries. View our CEO's opinion published Sunday in the Fort Myers News-Press, here.