Captiva fire board continues talk on land search
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission continued discussing the search for possible island property for the expansion or improvement of the district’s services at its recent meeting.
On May 5, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul and Commissioner Jeff Brown — who are leading the land search — discussed two potential sites that they identified and sought feedback from the other commissioners.
Pawul reported that having a landing zone for the medical helicopter on the south, central and north areas of Captiva would be ideal, but if they can only do two sites, it would be the north and south.
“If we can only do one, south is better than north,” he said, adding that they could consider a north location in the future and may have to due to the increase in density being proposed in the area.
Commissioner Carole Campbell noted that they also do not know how much longer the district will have access to the Rauschenberg property as the central site with the current sale going through.
Commissioner Sherrill Sims agreed.
“We can’t wait until we don’t have it,” she said. “We definitely need something at the south end.”
Brown reported that there are a few parcels in the south that fit what the district is looking for. He provided an overview of two properties on Captiva Drive, located near the Roosevelt Channel. One is about five acres and the other is about three acres, with one about 300 feet wide and the other 150.
Asked by the commission, Pawul reported that the bigger one would provide for more future use.
“I’d go for the bigger of the two,” Campbell said in agreement.
Sims echoed support.
Brown added that the larger parcel has an existing elevated guest house. He explained that it could be adapted as housing for Lee County EMS, which would free up space at the station for the fire crew.
Pawul noted that the EMS crew is also assigned to Sanibel, so it would be closer for those calls.
“They’re not just dedicated to Captiva,” he said. “They’re just housed on Captiva.”
Sims reported that they need to be proactive because the land could sell if they do not move on it.
“It makes sense to go ahead and pursue it now,” she said. “I think it’s a no-brainer.”
Brown reported they have asked for an appraisal of the property and will also get an independent appraisal. He noted that they can pay less, but not go over the amount that the voters approved.
Brown continued that the parcel was originally listed for $14 million, but then reduced multiple times down to $4.6 million. It is about a mile to Blind Pass and a little under two miles to the fire station.
Pawul noted that the site would not have to be rezoned to serve as a landing site for the medical helicopter. Only if the district wanted to put in a permanent helipad would it need rezoning.
Campbell asked about using the property for a storage building or training tower.
“Five acres definitely gives you options to work with,” he said.
Campbell and Sims agreed that they want to see the appraisals before talking about an offer range.
Brown and Pawul reported that they will continue to evaluate the site and share the appraisals with the full commission as soon as those are received. They will also draft a potential community handout.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Pawul reported that the two new hires started, with a third to start in a couple of months.
– Pawul reported that the district responded to 36 incidents in April.
– Pawul reported that the district conducted 12 fire inspections in April.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email