The Captiva Community Panel continued its discussion on alternative governance options for the island, rather than remaining a part of unincorporated Lee County, during its recent meeting.

On Feb. 13, President Jay Brown reiterated that the panel had previously directed him and and Panel Member Linda Laird to research alternative forms of governance and they presented their findings. He reported that one option of creating a Captiva Island Conservation Area through state legislation is not moving forward and incorporation would likely be difficult due to the limited population on Captiva.

Another option was annexation with the city of Sanibel. Brown continued that at the city council’s recent meeting, it agreed to having the administrative staff engage in discussions with the panel on fact finding regarding annexation and what is possible. He asked for the panel’s appetite on that option.

Panel Member Ken Suarez voiced concern about Captiva losing its identity with annexation.

“I just see major complications,” he said.

Panel Member Ken Gill reported that he has asked community members about the possibility of annexation with Sanibel and those surveyed expressed the same worry as what Suarez said. However, Gill expressed support for participating in the research with the city in order to have all the facts.

Panel Member John Jensen agreed with Suarez’s viewpoint.

“They have a lot of their own rules that we don’t have,” he said of the city. “I’ve felt like Captiva’s never wanted to go that route.”

Panel Member Sandy Stilwell echoed the concern of the island losing its character and charm. She noted that she would not do it at first blush, but questioned if Captiva might be able maintain its rules.

Vice President David Mintz pointed out that Captiva is facing the possibility of incorporation or annexation versus continued increased development such as is being proposed at South Seas.

“I think we’re faced with a choice,” he said.

Mintz added that he does not know where the South Seas proposal will go or how the county will respond to other possible proposals, but he supports the research to know what is and is not possible.

Laird agreed with continuing with the research, adding that they may “need a contingency plan.”

“I’d rather be part of Sanibel than where Lee County is going,” she said.

At the end of the discussion, Brown proposed continuing forward with meeting with city staff on the fact finding. At that time, he will share the panel and community’s concerns and try to get answers.

IN OTHER NEWS

– Mintz provided an update on the South Seas redevelopment rezoning and the county, along with a legal and legislative update on behalf of the Protect Captiva coalition, of which the panel is a member.

– Mintz reported that the county recently sent out a team to look at the equipment needed to clean up the vegetation along Captiva Drive. He expects workers will be out soon to clean up the shoulder.