The Captiva Community Panel (CCP) convened on January 13 for a packed meeting, addressing the future of the Rauschenberg property, upcoming fire district elections, and infrastructure resilience.
Rauschenberg Property: A Contract is Signed The future of the iconic 22-acre Rauschenberg Foundation property appears to be taking a definitive direction. CCP President David Mintz reported that while no official confirmation has been released by the foundation, a contract has been signed.
Mintz clarified that the contract is not with the Captiva Island Fire Control District nor the community investor group that sought to preserve a portion of the land. Instead, strong evidence points to South Seas as the buyer. Mintz noted that attorneys for the resort recently requested information from Lee County regarding zoning and the Captiva Plan specifically for those 22 acres.
Fire District Referendum: February 10 Despite the developments with the Rauschenberg land, Captiva Fire Chief Jeff Pawul emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming special election on February 10.
Voters will decide on a referendum allowing the district to issue bonds—not to exceed $24 million—to purchase and improve property for public safety purposes. Chief Pawul clarified that while the original hope was to acquire part of the Rauschenberg site, the district’s needs remain urgent regardless of that specific parcel.
Current critical needs include:
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A new emergency helicopter landing zone.
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Additional staff housing and apparatus storage.
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A post-disaster staging area.
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A dock for public safety vessels.
“All of the things we need have not changed,” Pawul said, noting that potential development on the Rauschenberg site would only increase the island’s population and safety requirements. If passed, the tax increase aims to stay at or below 1 mill, and funds would only be spent after a transparent public process to identify suitable land.
Infrastructure & Resiliency Panel Member Mike Bennett provided updates on key county infrastructure projects:
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Jensen’s Curve/Santiva: The county is currently selecting a consultant to plan and model resiliency improvements for this area.
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Blind Pass Bridge: Officials are exploring possible repairs and additional fortification for the bridge.
2026 Officer Election The panel unanimously elected its officers for the 2026 term:
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President: David Mintz
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Vice President: Bruce McDonald
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Secretary: Jay Brown
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Treasurer: Sandy Stilwell Youngquist
LCSO Safety Reminders Sgt. Rich Zeltman of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents and visitors that golf carts are prohibited on dunes and beaches. This follows a recent report of a violation. “It is against the law,” Zeltman stated. He also reported that the Captiva crew responded to approximately 4,000 calls for service last year, ranging from water rescues to traffic enforcement.
