Panel updated on stormwater, iguanas and more
The Captiva Community Panel heard about the stormwater management study taking place for the island, upcoming discontinuation of the iguana control services and more at its recent meeting.
On June 9, panel Secretary and Stormwater Committee Chair Jay Brown provided an update on Lee County’s project to address rainfall and flooding on Captiva. He reported that its consultant is zoning in on two possible different strategies, which are based on stormwater modeling that was recently done.
The first would entail raising Captiva Drive so it remains passable. Brown told the county that he did not think that would help as it would lead to more flooding on side streets and make things worse.
The second would be to collect the stormwater in the Village at a holding site, where it would be cleaned and then released out into the bay. The county does not think it is a viable option, however, because there is no available land in the area large enough that could serve as the collection point.
He recommended to the county that it recognize street flooding is the issue and focus on option two.
“So that’s where that stands,” Brown said.
The consultant is expected to make a public presentation to the island in October.
“What would be our opportunity to give input,” he said.
The consultant will take the input, possibly make revisions and issue a final report in November.
Also during the meeting, Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) General Manager Brighton Heard reported in his monthly update that the commission has decided to end the iguana eradication.
He explained that the CEPD will no longer be reimbursed by the state for the services, so the board tabled the iguana control until other funds become available or the service needs to be reengaged. Brighton added that it chose to request funds for more dune plantings instead of iguana eradication.
Asked by the panel, he reported that the cost is $16,000 a month for two trappers.
Panel President David Mintz pointed out that they originally oversaw the iguana control before it was passed off to the CEPD because it could apply for funding. He asked if they should pick it back up.
“I don’t think we just want to let it lapse at this point,” Mintz said.
He suggested getting the details from the CEPD and contacting the two trappers.
“If we can get some funding from somewhere, or consider other options for iguana control,” Mintz said. “I don’t think we want to lose control of this.”
The panel agreed.
“We’ve done it before,” Brown said.
Heard reported that he would provide the panel with the details.
Also at the meeting, Mintz provided an update on behalf of Protect Captiva — the coalition seeking to maintain longtime building height and density limitations on the island — and the ongoing lawsuits.
He reported that the Captiva Civic Association’s attorneys are appealing the decision by the Sixth District Court of Appeal, which reversed Circuit Court Judge James Shenko’s decision enforcing the 2003 settlement agreement. His ruling said the total dwelling units at South Seas is limited to 912.
They are asking for a full court review — all 12 judges — to reverse the decision of three.
“We think it was a bad decision,” Mintz said. “We think Judge Shenko was correct.”
An appeal was also filed in the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) case.
“That case is being appealed also,” he said. “So those two things are being appealed.”
In addition, South Seas has now petitioned the Court of Appeal to remove Shenko from the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act case after a motion to disqualify him was denied.
Also during the meeting, Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Sgt. Adam Winton gave his update.
With July 4 approaching, he reminded the public that fireworks cannot be lit on the beach.
“Please remember, fireworks and alcohol do not go hand in hand,” Winton added, noting that open alcoholic containers are prohibited in open spaces in the county, which encompasses the island.
He also pointed out the noise ordinance.
“Just be a good neighbor,” Winton said. “We would prefer not to get involved if possible.”
In addition, he reported that Blind Pass has started to clear out from the sand that built up, so they expect an increase in visitors. They will be proactively enforcing littering and trespassing laws.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Winton provided the following LCSO statistics for May for Captiva: 288 service calls; one arrest related to a traffic offense; two traffic crash investigations; and 80 citations or warnings issued.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email