WEEK OF JANUARY 17, 2024
VOLUME 62, NUMBER 9
Group asks for repeal of changes to county Code
Shell museum announces new programming for new year
By STAFF REPORT
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
A coalition seeking to maintain the longtime building height and density limitations on Captiva has filed a petition with the county challenging recent amendments to the Land Development Code. On Jan. 8, the Captiva Civic Association — on behalf of Protect Captiva, the group established by citizens and organizations opposed to increased building heights and density — filed the petition with Lee County. It objects to changes in the LDC and Lee Plan approved by the county board last year. In a prepared statement, the CCA reported that the new development regulations increase building heights on Captiva, along with the building heights and hotel density for the South Seas resort. See COUNTY CODE, page 17
As the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel works toward reopening early this year, it is starting off the new year by expanding upon its educational mission by offering a new lineup of lectures, classes and field education. The Lecture Series will feature talks by prominent authors and scientists, including: ∫ Jan. 31: “Loving Icons to Death: The Story of Florida’s Horse Conch” by Dr. Gregory Hebert, associate professor of Geosciences at the University of South Florida ∫ Feb. 19: “Remarkably Bright Creatures: Animals, Humans, and Stories” by New York Times bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt See SHELL MUSEUM, page 17
IslanderInsIde
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is kicking off the new year with a new lineup of lectures, classes and field education on Sanibel and throughout Lee County. CARLY HULSE
Fire board OKs bid opening for fire station construction By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's commission approved three resolutions during its recent meeting, as well as authorized staff to purchase a Starlink kit for improved internet service. On Jan. 10, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution to approve the solicitation and funding plan for the construction of Fire Station 172. Prior to the vote, Fire
Fire Chief Kevin Barbot
Chief Kevin Barbot explained that it would open a six-week window for bids to secure a general contractor for the project. He noted that because the project is state and federally funded, the contract will go to the lowest proposal received as long as the bidder is eligible and meets the criteria outlined by the project.
“The lowest bidder will end up getting the work,” Barbot said. Also at the meeting, the commission voted 3-0 on a resolution to purchase a replacement, administrative staff vehicle and to authorize the sale of the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. Before the vote, Barbot reiterated that the subject was discussed by the board during its budget workshops. He continued that staff located a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at Estero Bay Chevrolet that would cost about $46,035, which would be cheaper than going See FIRE BOARD, page 17
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