The Captiva Community Panel recently received updates on several ongoing initiatives at its latest meeting, including the South Seas rezoning, legal efforts in Lee County, and a proposed survey on possible annexation.
South Seas Rezoning and Legal Efforts
On May 14, Vice President David Mintz shared updates from the Protect Captiva coalition, which the panel is a part of, regarding South Seas’ redevelopment and rezoning efforts. Mintz reported that the coalition has filed a complaint in Florida’s Circuit Court to enforce the 912-unit density limit at the Captiva resort. The county must respond to the complaint by May 24.
Additionally, Mintz reiterated that Protect Captiva filed a petition with the county and the Florida Department of Commerce. This two-step process challenges the Land Development Code amendments passed by the county last year, arguing they are inconsistent with the Lee Plan. After an informal hearing, the state agency released its findings, allowing the coalition to seek a formal hearing before an administrative law judge with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. The coalition’s attorneys are currently preparing for this next step.
“We are as confident as one can be, under the circumstances, that our case is strong and better than the county’s case on this matter,” Mintz stated.
He also reported that on April 25, the county’s Zoning Section rejected the revised plan application submitted by South Seas. The application cannot proceed to a public hearing until it is complete.
Proposed Survey on Annexation
President Jay Brown discussed the idea of conducting a preliminary survey of Captiva residents to gauge their stance on possible annexation with the city of Sanibel. A draft survey was shared with the council, which included assumptions such as Captiva continuing to be managed under the Captiva Plan, no significant impact on property taxes, and likely representation on the city council.
“There was quite a bit of concern amongst the council members about doing the survey, and particularly in the way it was worded,” Brown explained. He noted that the council was worried that Sanibel residents might misinterpret the survey and assume the council had agreed to its contents, potentially leading to backlash.
Based on this feedback, Brown will explore other methods for conducting the survey. Mintz emphasized the importance of avoiding misinterpretations. “We just want to make sure that if we even look at annexation as a possible option, we want to do it in the best way possible, so that everybody understands exactly what we’re doing and, more importantly, exactly what we’re not doing,” he said.
In Other News
- Mintz provided an update on a proposed Captiva Drive crosswalk at Sunset Captiva, just south of Jensen’s Marina. The county’s Department of Transportation plans to send a team to assess the area and will report back within 30 days.
- Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported that the EMS helicopter landing zone at the Rauschenberg property is operational again. The Rauschenberg Residency has updated the site to make it a dedicated permanent zone as part of a larger property project.
“We’re glad to have that back and just want to thank them for making that happen,” Pawul said.
- Lee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Rich Zeltman reminded the public that driving ATVs on Captiva Drive or the beaches is illegal. “We’ve noticed that and we’re enforcing it,” he stated.
