Category: SWFL Update

In a move to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, and address growing expenses, the Naples City Council voted to increase the property tax rate to 1.23 mills for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This slight tax increase, approved by a 6-1 vote on September 5, is expected to generate an additional $2.05 million in revenue, raising the city’s budget from $197.2 million to $208.8 million starting October 1.

The increase from the current 1.17 mills comes after discussions about the need for investments in essential city services. Vice Mayor Terry Hutchison was the sole opposition, citing concerns about residents already struggling with the rising cost of living. Hutchison had also opposed last year’s increase after the millage rate had remained unchanged since 2020. For context, one mill equates to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value.

Despite the tax hike, there was no public comment during the first budget hearing. Mayor Teresa Heitmann emphasized that the budget focuses on essential areas like public safety and overall quality of life, thanking city staff for their work on a “fiscally responsible” budget. The second and final budget hearing is scheduled for September 18 at 5:05 p.m.

According to Chief Financial Officer Gary Young, the additional funds will support salary increases, personnel expansions, and improvements in police, fire, parks, recreation, and planning services. The need to manage rising operational costs, while maintaining city services and building financial reserves, was also highlighted. Public safety and quality of life initiatives represent over 80% of the budget, with $20.64 million allocated to the police, $26.33 million for fire services, and $13.42 million for parks and recreation.

Personnel costs will rise from $69.5 million this year to $74.5 million, while operating expenses will increase to $76.1 million. Capital expenses, however, will see a slight decrease, dropping from $57.8 million to $55.8 million.

Even with this tax increase, Naples maintains one of the lowest property tax rates in the state. Property values in Naples have surged, totaling over $38.5 billion in 2024—a more than 11% increase from 2023, which will generate an additional $3.8 million in revenue.

This budget is designed to ensure the city continues to meet the needs of its growing population while enhancing the resilience and safety of its infrastructure.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided an update on the ongoing work on the Sanibel Causeway. Traffic has now been shifted to the permanent lanes, marking a significant milestone in the project. Please note that the causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway remain an active construction zone and are closed to public access, including from the water.

East of the Toll Plaza:

• McGregor Boulevard Traffic Adjustments: Traffic on McGregor Boulevard is reduced to one lane in each direction for approximately a half-mile stretch from Shell Point Boulevard to just west of Port Comfort Road. Both directions are currently utilizing the north side of the roadway. Later this fall, traffic will shift to the south side, allowing crews to work on the north side. This shift is essential for reconstructing an underground pipe crossing. Expect one lane of travel in each direction to be maintained through early 2025.
• Daytime Lane Closures: Motorists should anticipate temporary daytime lane closures on McGregor Boulevard, both eastbound and westbound, from Shell Point to Punta Rassa Road. These closures will occur as crews move equipment and materials as needed.
• Eastbound Lane Closure: One eastbound lane remains open from the toll plaza to Shell Point on the south (beach) side of McGregor Boulevard. The shoulder on this side is fully closed to access as crews excavate and install marine mattresses to reinforce the shoreline. This closure is expected to continue through early fall.

West of the Toll Plaza:

• Protected Beach-Nesting Birds: The Causeway Islands are currently home to protected beach-nesting birds. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and remain vigilant, as birds may be flying close to the roadway.
• Equipment Crossings: Expect occasional traffic stops at the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road with materials for work on the south side of McGregor.
• Ongoing Earthwork: Crews are continuing earthwork and debris removal along the Causeway Islands. Construction equipment may periodically enter or leave the travel lanes, with efforts made to minimize disruptions during peak hours.
• Westbound Merge Location: The westbound merge is situated west of the toll plaza. Motorists should exercise caution, adhere to the posted 20 mph speed limit, and be aware of construction vehicles and equipment entering or exiting the staging area near this location.
• Off-Island U-Turn Work: Crews are also working in the area of the off-island U-turn under Span A.

General Advisory:

With many oversized vehicles crossing the causeway to support recovery efforts on the island, travel may be slower than usual. Bicyclists are advised to consider alternative transportation options for crossing the causeway, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway at this time. All motorists are reminded to observe the posted 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone.

Please be aware that while the above activities are scheduled, unforeseen underground conditions and weather may impact the project timeline.

For the latest information on the project, visit FDOT’s Sanibel Causeway Project page.

Fort Myers is making it easier and more affordable to park downtown!

The City has launched a new 10-trip parking pass that can be used in the City of Palms and Main Street garages. Perfect for visitors and part-time employees, the pass offers significant savings compared to traditional hourly rates.

For just $41, you can enjoy 10 trips valid for up to three years. This flexible option provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for those who don’t require daily parking.

Whether you’re exploring downtown shops and restaurants or commuting to work part-time, the new parking pass is a game-changer.

Beat the Heat with Craft Brews, Food Trucks, and Family Fun at Fort Myers Brewing Company’s Summer Beerfest!

The summer sun is blazing, but there’s a cool way to beat the heat this weekend! Head over to Fort Myers Brewing Company’s annual Summer Beerfest, happening from June 20th to 23rd.

This family-friendly event is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the season. Grab an ice-cold craft beer, savor delicious food from a variety of food trucks, and relax to live music performances. Whether you’re with friends, family, or even your furry companions, there’s something for everyone at Beerfest.

Don’t miss out on the fun! The event kicks off on Thursday and continues all weekend long. With Friday expected to draw a bigger crowd, we recommend arriving early to secure your spot.

Ready to hop on over? Visit Fort Myers Brewing Company this weekend and experience the perfect summer celebration – delicious craft beers, tasty food, live music, and good company!

Heart Mac & Cheese and More, a burgeoning restaurant chain, is setting up its first location in the region this fall.

The new restaurant will find its home at The Pointe at Founders Square, situated on the southeast corner of Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard. This development is poised to become a foodie destination, with I Heart Mac & Cheese joining at least six other restaurants.

Get ready for a cheesy adventure! I Heart Mac & Cheese, hailing from Boca Raton, is renowned for its build-your-own mac and cheese bowls and gourmet grilled cheese creations. Diners can craft their ideal mac and cheese masterpiece by selecting from a variety of mouthwatering toppings and sauces.

The mastermind behind bringing this cheesy haven to Southwest Florida is Alfonso Olivos, a Naples native with a deep appreciation for delicious food. Though currently holding a full-time position in banking and finance, Olivos is taking the leap into the restaurant world with this exciting franchise opportunity. “The chance to bring I Heart Mac & Cheese here was simply too good to pass up,” Olivos remarked.

In even cheddier news, Olivos has secured the franchise rights for all of Collier County, with the first-refusal rights for Estero and Bonita Springs. This paves the way for even more cheesy goodness to potentially arrive in Southwest Florida!

So, cheese enthusiasts, mark your calendars! This fall, prepare to experience the melty magic of I Heart Mac & Cheese!

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported positive developments regarding the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), the updated management plan for Lake Okeechobee. On May 24, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the plan, signifying its nearing completion.

LOSOM aims to optimize water flow distribution from Lake Okeechobee. The plan prioritizes supplying the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie watersheds with low or optimal levels of lake water, while also increasing the volume directed south towards the Everglades and Florida Bay. The SCCF actively participated in the LOSOM development process over the past five years, providing data analysis, evaluation, and feedback on proposed strategies.

The FEIS is currently undergoing a 30-day public review period. Following this phase, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to issue and sign a Record of Decision (ROD), officially implementing LOSOM.

“The upcoming wet season makes this a crucial time for LOSOM’s implementation,” said SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis. “This plan offers the operational flexibility to potentially minimize the negative consequences of harmful algal blooms (HABs) impacting our northern estuaries. While LOSOM is not a complete solution, it will significantly reduce the number of harmful discharges transporting polluted lake water into these ecosystems. As our recent study revealed, even a single HAB event can devastate the economies of our coastal communities.”

The SCCF highlighted some of LOSOM’s anticipated benefits, including recognizing the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s distinct water needs, reducing pressure on the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries, enhancing water flow southwards, and providing better management of HABs.

“With LOSOM in place, we’ll be closer to safeguarding our estuaries, bolstering our communities, and restoring America’s Everglades,” DePaolis remarked.

The SCCF acknowledged that the FEIS emphasizes the ongoing need for additional water storage solutions as envisioned in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Additionally, a recent SCCF Marine Lab study underscores the importance of addressing local watershed pollutants to fully protect the Caloosahatchee Estuary.

Public Meeting Opportunity

The public is invited to attend and participate in a virtual LOSOM Project Delivery Team Meeting on July 24th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Details for joining the meeting are as follows:

• WebEx Link: [WebEx link not provided due to privacy concerns]
• Call-in toll-free number (ATT Audio Conference): 1-844-800-2712
• Call-in number (ATT Audio Conference): 1-669-234-1177
• Access Code: 1997788788

For inquiries regarding the FEIS, you can email LakeOComments@usace.army.mil or mail your correspondence to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Attn: Jacob Thompson, Project Biologist 701 San Marco Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207-8915

FEIS Access

The FEIS can be accessed at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll7/id/20286

Movie and entertainment lovers in Naples rejoice! Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has officially opened its doors, marking the first Florida location for the popular dine-in cinema chain.

The grand opening was a festive affair, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Jurassic Park-themed attraction – HappyLand Movie Miniature Golf. Get ready to putt your way past prehistoric giants as you tee off inside the theater itself!

Step into a world of cinematic bliss with 11 cutting-edge auditoriums, boasting luxurious recliner seating for ultimate comfort. But the fun doesn’t stop there – the Alamo Drafthouse Naples boasts a unique golf-themed interior, complete with a captivating 9-hole mini golf course right in the lobby!

This is more than just a movie theater; it’s an immersive entertainment experience for the whole family.

The awe-inspiring Florida International Air Show is returning to Punta Gorda Airport this November, and tickets go on sale today, Friday, June 14th at noon! Don’t miss your chance to witness this incredible multi-day event showcasing breathtaking aerial performances and fascinating static displays of aircraft and military vehicles.

This family-friendly event is organized by the Florida International Air Show (FIAS), a dedicated non-profit organization. Over the years, FIAS has contributed nearly $3 million to Southwest Florida Charities.

Mark Your Calendars!

The air show will take place on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, at the Punta Gorda Airport.

Secure Your Tickets Today!

Advance ticket sales begin at noon today. Be sure to grab yours early to secure your spot for this thrilling event!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Florida International Air Show website.

Florida International Air Show

March brought significant growth to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), with passenger traffic soaring by 29% compared to the previous year. According to data from the Lee County Port Authority, RSW served a total of 1,509,777 passengers, marking the second-highest March performance in the airport’s 41-year history.

Year-to-date, RSW has experienced a robust 25% increase in passenger traffic, reflecting a strong trend of growth. Leading the pack in March was Southwest Airlines, with 278,639 passengers. Following closely behind were Delta (260,718), United (195,560), American (180,831), and Spirit (140,160).

Moreover, RSW witnessed a combined total of 11,621 aircraft arrivals and departures, representing a notable 25% increase compared to March 2023. Additionally, Page Field in Fort Myers experienced a substantial uptick in activity, with 15,610 arrivals and departures, marking a 19% year-over-year increase.