FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pete Winton, Lee County Administration
              (239) 335-2777

BOARD APPROVES HIRING OF MORE BUILDING INSPECTORS/REQUESTS MORE FRESH WATER FOR THE CALOOSAHATCHEE

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 25, 2004) - The Board of Lee County Commissioners today approved the following items during its regular weekly meeting.   They are:
(backup can be viewed at http://www.lee-county.com/meetings/agendafiles/2004/05-25-04/052504/052504.htm)

New Inspectors - Approved 11 new positions in the Community Development Department (9 building inspectors and 2 administrative assistants) to keep up with permitting and construction growth. Building inspections is a 100% fee-supported program. To maintain a satisfactory level of service in the building inspection areas, additional staff is needed. In the first quarter of 2004, Lee County building inspectors have performed more than 52,000 inspections, a 25 percent increase over last year. Additionally, permitting activity has set new records. For example, an all-time record of 632 single-family permits were issued in April. Single-family permits for the first quarter of 2004 totaled 2,215, an increase of 63% over the same time last year when 1,357 permits were issued. It does not appear that this trend of increased demand for service will lessen anytime soon.

Impact Fees Lawsuit - The county prevailed in the recent School Impact Fees litigation (ruling was released this morning). Received an update from the County Attorney.

Blasting - Made minor exceptions to the Emergency Blasting Ordinance to allow the three outstanding blasting permits to complete their blasting. They are Heron's Glen, Gulf Coast Town Center, and the Habitat. The permits must meet minimum blast levels, however, measurements for just these three do not have to be taken from the nearest above- or below-ground structures, which exempts underground utilities and roads.

Water Releases - Made a formal request of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District to begin minimum water releases of 500 cubic feet per second down the Caloosahatchee River because lack of fresh water has been harming the estuaries. At the end of this information release is the text of the letter.

Babcock Ranch - Received an update from Commissioner Bob Janes on efforts to create a non-profit, 501c3 foundation that could begin receiving donations for the acquisition of Babcock Ranch.

Jail Population - Received an update from the county's Court and Corrections Planning Consultant on jail population trends. There has been a dramatic increase in jail admissions and average daily jail population this year. The county is working to make diversion programs more efficient, but still is faced with the prospect of building more jail bed space at the Ortiz Correctional Facility.

Conservation 20/20 - Approved three new positions in Parks & Recreation to assist with land stewardship plans and management activities on Conservation 20/20 preserves.

Bond Refinancing - Accepted the proceeds of $8.32 million on the refinancing of Tourist Development Tax bonds originally issued to pay for the Lee County Sports Complex. The bonds were sold May 11 at a present value savings of 3.42%, or $279,971 over the life of the bonds.

Lakes Park - Authorized the Department of Parks and Recreation to spend $400,000 for exotic removal, planting of native vegetation and repairs to Lakes Park through an agreement between the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, Inc. and Lee County. The foundation will donate $138,330 of labor and equipment. This begins implementation of the Lakes Park Master Plan.

Other Action:

• Directed staff to continue working with the City of Fort Myers to see if reclaimed water can be used for irrigation at the Parker Daniels development.
• Voted to require members of the newly formed Blasting Ad Hoc Advisory Committee and Local Rule Review Committee for Manatee Zones file financial disclosure forms.
• Requested the Expressway Authority concept be discussed at the Board's June Management & Planning Workshop, including any interest Sarasota County may have and ideas for making proposed state legislation for next year more county friendly.
• Requested a letter be sent to U.S. Representative Katherine Harris thanking her for efforts to get $8 million for a multi-county Environmental Impact Study on phosphate mining.

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Letter to Col. Carpenter (USCOE) and Henry Dean (SFWMD)

Subject: Imminent MFL exceedence, Caloosahatchee River

Dear Colonel Carpenter and Mr. Henry Dean:

Today's data indicates an MFL exceedence for the Caloosahatchee River is occurring. This will lead to die offs of the grass beds, which--among other issues--is forage for the West Indian Manatee. The river water quality, habitat, and Manatee are recurring issues for our Caloosahatchee Regional community with State and Federal agencies. Additionally, increasing chlorides approaching public health concern levels is being noted at our Olga water plant.

Today the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted 5-0 to request an immediate release of river water, to 500 cfs, to reverse the salinity increase. Please take whatever action you can to authorize an immediate environmental release to our estuary.

We understand that no releases are currently authorized as a normal operational action under the Water Supply and Environmental schedule (WS/E) for Lake Okeechobee. We do note, however, with the Temporary

Deviation that was successful, some problems with the WS/E are now known and some answers are given through the Temporary Deviation. We are requesting that you exercise your "on the spot" initiative to prevent this exceedence from causing further significant harm.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter,

Sincerely,

Commissioner John Albion,

Chairman