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Lee County Florida District 4 Blog
Commissioner Tammy Hall

North Fort Myers Community Planning Panel - next meeting

Attn: all planning panel members, property owners and residents of N Ft Myers.

 Just another reminder that the N Ft Myers Community Planning Panel’s next meeting is Monday November 16th at 6:00

The meeting will be at the Shell Factory in the Chamber of Commerce office.

Jim Larue and his staff will be presenting more information regarding Land Development code changes.

There will be a question and answer time after the presentation.

If you have questions that you want to submit prior to the meeting please email them to:

Nftmyers@larueplanning.com

 

This will give the team a chance to research ahead of time and have the information available for you.

 

Please inform your friends and neighbors about this event

 

Thanks,

John Gardner

N Ft Myers Community Planning Panel

Census Jobs available
U.S. Census Bureau and would like to let you know that we are bringing hundreds of jobs to the Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, South Fort Myers, San Carlos Park and Fort Myers Beach areas..
 
We are taking applications for employment for our field jobs, which pay between $13.50 to $15 per hour. We are hiring now.
 
Please let your constituents know that we have these jobs available right now.
 
They can call 239-689-2080 to sign up to come in and fill out an application.
 
We would be happy to drop off recruiting materials at your offices for more information.
 
Thank you.
 
Brigid O'Malley
Assistant Manager for Recruiting
U.S. Census Bureau
239-689-2080
 
Agenda Item - NFM Recreation Center - Construction & Design contract
 

The following item is scheduled for November 3, 2009 BoCC Consent Agenda:   Award Professional Services Agreement for CN-09-01 North Fort Myers Recreation Center to Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects, Inc., in the lump sum amount of $454,925.00.  Also, authorize Chairman to execute Agreement on behalf of the Board.  Further approve interest bearing load from General Fund to the North Fort Myers Community Park Recreation Center project in impact fee district 22 for $500,000.00 and approve a budget transfer and 2 budget resolutions to fund the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.

 
Babcock Ranch Community
Subject: The Babcock Ranch Community (#070330-5) Charlotte and Lee Counties

 

Click on the link below to view the staff report for the above

referenced application number.

 

http://my.sfwmd.gov/cmsdk/content/ifs/apps/RegDocFolder/PermitsAndStaffReports/070330-5_DrftStaffRpt_541811.pdf

 

Babcock Ranch Community Permit Application 070330-5

The Babcock Ranch Community

Environmental Resource Permit Application No. 070330-5

 

Dear Interested Citizen,

 

According to our records, you have expressed interest in being notified by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), and requested to be copied on correspondence generated by our Agency on matters pertaining to the Babcock Ranch Environmental Resource Permit Application No. 070330-5.  

 

The applicants (Babcock Property Holdings LLC, Babcock Ranch Community Independent Special District, MSKP Town and Country Utility LLC) are pursuing an Environmental Resource Permit to authorize construction and operation as well as conceptual authorization of a surface water management system to serve a 22,363.1 acre mixed use development known as Babcock Ranch Community with discharge to the Caloosahatchee River via Owl Creek, Trout Creek and Telegraph Creek. The project is located in Charlotte and Lee Counties.

 

The Environmental Resource Permit Application has been deemed complete and a preliminary staff report has been generated for discussion purposes, which is subject to further revisions.  An electronic copy of the preliminary staff report is attached.  It is also available online by accessing the following link: (Ctrl+Click to follow the link)

 

070330-5 Preliminary Draft Staff Report - The Babcock Ranch Community

 

Additional exhibits that are referenced in the preliminary staff report are available by accessing the link below, under the “Application Number” link “Permits and Staff Reports” folder: (Ctrl+Click to follow the link)

 

Application Details

 

We welcome your comments and to that effect, have made arrangements to hold a public meeting to discuss matters pertaining to the Environmental Resource Permit Application for the Babcock Ranch Community. This public meeting is open to the general public and is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the South Florida Water Management District Lower West Coast Service Center - First Floor Conference Room located at 2301 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33901. We request that you read this preliminary draft of the staff report and come prepared to this meeting with specific water resource related comments.

 

Upon review of comments, a staff report will be issued establishing the proposed agency action on this permit application.  At the time, a notice setting forth the rights of persons to challenge the proposed agency action will be included in the proposed agency action. 

 

For additional information, please contact Mary Ann Campbell at: (239) 338-2929 ext 7722 or Florida Toll Free: (800) 432-2045 ext 7722.

 

Sincerely,

Ricardo A. Valera, P.E

Division Director – Regulation

 

Commissioner Hall supports local artists - PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: September 15, 2009

CONTACT:  Commissioner Tammy Hall – District 4 Commissioner

 (239) 533-2226 office

 

ART DISPLAY CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IN COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE

FORT MYERS, FL — Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall is supporting local artists by giving them an opportunity to display their artwork in her Fort Myers office.

 

This month we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with The Latino Artists Association.  Four local Hispanic artists will display various acrylic and oil paintings in Commissioner Hall’s downtown Fort Myers office until October 22nd.    The public is welcome to view the artwork and learn more about the artists (see below).  Please call 533-2226 to confirm office hours for viewing the artwork.  All artwork is for sale.

 

“The arts are an important part of the cultural and development of our community” says Commissioner Hall.  “I believe that government can play an important role in public awareness, developing the use of public spaces for display and interaction of art, and for the encouragement and commitment of continued financial support both public and private of all the arts.” 

 

Other local artists will be featured every four to six weeks.  Commissioner Hall’s office is on the first floor of the Old County Courthouse, 2120 Main Street in downtown Fort Myers.

 

Commissioner Hall is the recent recipient of the Angel of the Arts Award – Business Sponsor 2009.  She was elected to the Board of Lee County Commissioners in 2004 and re-elected in 2006.  Her district includes North Fort Myers and the central and northern portions of Cape Coral. For more information on this program, please contact Carmen Salomé, Executive Assistant, at 239-533-2226.

 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: 

Ann Abreu -  At an early age she migrated to New York City , where she continued her secondary studies and obtained the highest honor in art at her High School. Ana attended New York City College in Brooklyn, where she majored in Commercial Arts. Not long after, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell.  After graduation, Ana traveled to London where she expanded her knowledge of the Masters while visiting some of Europe’s most famous museums. She later returned to Massachusetts and began her art career with exhibitions in Lawrence, Massachusetts and New York . Abreu arrived in Southwest Florida, where she further developed as an artist.  She has become a well known Latin American Artist and has exhibited at many venues in the region like; the Southwest Florida Museum of History, Dore Fine Art Gallery, the Alliance for the Arts, Cultural Institute of the Mexican Consulate in Miami, Fort Myers Toyota’s Latin Art Exhibition, the Union Street Artist Company Gallery and the very popular Daas Gallery in downtown Fort Myers, where she gained recognition and an honorary mention for her painting “What’s Up?” in their Pop Art exhibition. Abreu continues to exhibit at many other well known places throughout Southwest Florida . Ann Abreu has also launched a career as a published author.  Her first Children’s book entitled: La Hadita Florisol, (Florisol, the little fairy), a bilingual book, in English and Spanish, directed at parents with children battling eating challenges and obesity. Her literary works have been published in several magazines, newspapers and featured on local TV programs.    Abreu lives in Cape Coral.

Cecilia Valadez - is a painter and muralist. Since a young age, Valadez has had an inclination towards the arts and painting. She studied under the mentorship of Maestro Jose Luis Rodriguez Escalera, Director of the Museum Casa Mata. At the beginning, Valadez started by painting nature and from pictures. In 1996, she relocated to Fort Myers focusing on murals and canvas paintings.  She emphasizes on the human figure, integrating textures in high relief and tonalities clarified with metallic colors. Her mural work (Las Manos de Dios 2007/God’s Hands 2007) can be seen at Christ the Worker Church (Iglesias Jesus Obrero) in Fort Myers.  Her work can also be seen in many residential homes throughout Lee and Collier counties. Valadez has become a widely respected and recognized artist exhibiting at many venues within the Southwest Florida region including; The Southwest Florida Museum of History, Dore Fine Arts Gallery, Daas Gallery, the Alliance for the Arts, Cultural Institute of the Mexican Consulate in Miami, Cinco de Mayo Festival, the Union Street Artist Company Gallery and Fort Myers Toyota’s Latin Art Exhibition. Valadez has joined a select group of Hispanic artists in Southwest Florida dedicated to promoting their art and culture throughout the world.  Valadez currently lives in LeHigh Acres.

Dilya Schauer  - began her lifelong passion for the arts at a very young age. Since her childhood, Dilya was fascinated by her studies for the arts. She initiated her studies at the Art School of Columbia. She was able to work under the auspices of fame masters such as Luis A. Acuna, S.A. Gelvis and Rodriquez Naranjo. She furthered her studies by attending the Art Students League of New York. Dilya’s work is representative of her sensitivity to the intricacies of nature and still life. As a painter, Dilya’s medium is as varied as the rhythms of the parts that compose each piece. Her work is rich in glorious color as nature is the center of her work. She is an accomplished painter, who is capable of creating admirers the moment her aesthetic talents are recognized. She is inspired by memories and feelings painting from the heart. Dilya is now part of this select group of Hispanic artists joined together to promote their artwork and culture.  Schauer lives in Cape Coral.

Quintin Perez Martinez  - painter, muralist and poet.  Quintin is an accomplished muralist with murals in México City; Guanajuato, Mexico; Fort Myers and Sarasota, Florida . Quintin has joined a select group of artists in Southwest Florida dedicated to promoting their art and culture throughout the world.   Perez lives in Fort Myers. 

You may contact the Latin Artists Association through: 

Bob Encarnacion

Email: reecorp@yahoo.com

Tel. 239.243.6253
Website: Under Construction

 

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) agenda item

I am forwarding the agenda for the Metropolitan Planning Organization's meeting scheduled for Friday September 18th. Please note that item 14 on the MPO agenda is the time when members of the public may address the organization on matters not on the agenda.

Here is an opportunity for the public to voice their concerns related to the development of the Babcock Ranch.

Citizens who are concerned about impacts from the development of the Babcock Ranch Community can attend MPO meetings and voice concerns and preferences on improvements to the transportation network during the part of the agenda that allows for public comment on matters not on the agenda.

 

Upcoming public hearings on Babcock
Please note the following:
The Regional Planning Council pubic hearing on Babcock Increment 1 is scheduled for November 19th. The RPC meeting starts at 9:00 AM. Meeting location is on Victoria Street Fort Myers.
 
The Charlotte County Commission hearing is tentatively set for December 15thThe Board meeting starts at 9: AM. The location of this hearing is in Charlotte County in the Commissioner Chambers.
 
Members of the Public interested expressing their opinions on the desired priority of road improvements considered by the RPC and the Charlotte Commission should write or contact members of the RPC staff and members of the Charlotte County staff and Board well in advance of those meetings. Staff reports are finalized prior to hearing day. 
 
Public participation at the actual public hearings/meetings will be important as well.
 
FDOT Regional Workshops 2010 Strategic Plan Update
We are forwarding this for your information.   Many of you have expressed an interest in transportation. 
 

The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting a regional workshop about the 2010 Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) Strategic Plan Update.  We encourage you and your transportation manager to attend.  

District One invites you to join us at the regional workshop about the SIS Strategic Plan Update at the location most convenient for you.  Your comments and feedback on draft proposal for updating the Strategic Intermodal System Strategic Plan is encouraged and welcomed. 

Fort Myers:                                                  

Harborside Event Center                

1375 Monroe Street                                    

Fort Myers, Florida                                       September, 3rd  2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

 Workshop materials are available on line at http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/sis/strategicplan/update/workshops/  If you would like additional information, please contact Trinity Caudill-Scott at (239) 461-4300.

Thank you. 

Stanley M. Cann, P.E.

District Secretary

District One

Florida Department of Transportation

(863) 519-2201, Fax (863) 534-7265

stan.cann@dot.state.fl.us

 

Paradise Preserve - updates
These are the most recent updates (8/31/09) on Paradise Preserve. 
 
FROM CODE ENFORCEMENT:
As you may recall, we cited the property owner for a lot mowing violation and we had our lot mowing contractor mow it to comply with the lot mowing ordinance. Also we had a fine accruing against the property for the rocks and concrete piled on the property, creating a nuisance.  When CODE and county attorney's office representatives met with the new property manger , we advised him the nuisance violation needed to be abated.  Code suggested they secure the property and post no trespassing signs.  Code Enforcement has visited the site this morning (8/31/09) and they have secure and posted the property.  It appears they are attempting to remove the rocks and concrete.  We will continue to monitor .
 
From the County Attorney's Office:
This was an e-mail rec’d on the 8/17/09  from Mr. Caskey, the property manger for the Paradise Preserve property.
Good Morning Gentleman,

I wanted to send you both an email and let you know all the items that were discussed in our meeting have been resolved.  I am attaching some photo's for your review but would be more than happy to make an appointment with you to view the property and see first hand that all the violations have been rectified.

As you can see by the photo's; the front drives of the old clubhouse buildings have been chained and padlocked, the pool area has been chained and padlocked, the walk in freezer by the old restaurant has been padlocked, all buildings are secured and locks changed, a contractor late last week completed a 10 day project of removing all the broken asphalt and concrete that were in violation, and per the request of the neighborhood group "No Trespassing/No Fishing" signs are posted at all the entrances to the property off of Birkdale Ave. 

As we discussed my client is diligent about staying in compliance of all county ordinances and being a good neighbor to the community.  I personally would like to thank you both for your time in meeting last month and consideration in granting the time to resolve all the items that were of issue.  Everyone is fully aware even though we are new faces to the situation,  the issues we discussed have been long term problems for the community.  I mentioned in our meeting I now have a full time presence here at the property and am here to cooperate and continue to build on the strong working relationship we seem to have started.

Thank you again and please contact me at any time if you have any questions or requests.

Regards,

Ken Caskey
Florida Realty Management Services LLC
312-401-8289
 
 
 
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