January 2023 Meeting Agenda

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Hurricane Ian Recovery Updates from Lee County Officials Will be Focus of January GPICA Meeting

Do you have questions or concerns about Hurricane Ian recovery efforts on the Island? Then be sure to attend the next meeting of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association, as we welcome Lee County elected officials and staff to provide updates and address areas of concern.

  • When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10
  • Where: In person at the Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island Road NW, Bokeelia, 33922.
  • Online: We will also be live-streaming the event to our Facebook page. Click here.

Attending the meeting will be:

  • Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane, who represents our district;
  • Assistant County Manager Glen Salyer;
  • Solid Waste Director Doug Whitehead;
  • Community Development Director Dave Loveland and building official Shawn McNulty.

In addition to focusing on hurricane recovery efforts, the meeting agenda will also include opening the nomination/election process for the GPICA Board of Directors. As always, members and non-members are welcome to attend the meeting. You can also join the GPICA or renew your membership before and after the meeting.

Other Hurricane Recovery News

Remote Permitting Office Opens Tomorrow on Pine Island

The Lee County Department of Community Development has opened a remote permit office at the Pine Island Public Library, 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia, to allow residents to obtain permits for repairs to existing buildings damaged by Hurricane Ian.

  • When: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays starting tomorrow, Jan. 4 through Jan. 18
  • Who Can Use the Office: Residents acting as their own contractors can submit permit applications, have them reviewed and issued from the remote office. Applicants need only a description of the work and their address and staff will walk them through the process.

Important Notes:

  • Hired contractors are asked to continue to use the existing electronic permitting process.
  • Residents seeking a full demolition or complete replacement of a structure will need to visit the Department of Community Development permitting office at 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers.
    The remote permit office is in response to Pine Island citizens’ request to have staff readily accessible to help them navigate the permit process as many residences remain without internet service.

Deadline Looming to Apply for FEMA Assistance

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is next week: Jan. 12

There are multiple Disaster Recovery Centers operating throughout the impacted area. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362.

It’s not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

If you have insurance, you’re encouraged to file a claim for damage to your home, personal property and vehicles before you apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate other sources of assistance you may have received.

Upcoming Public Hearing

Property and Location: 3640 SW Pine Island Road, 1.4+ acre parcel on the south side of Pine Island Road, about a half-mile west of the intersection of SW Pine Island Road and Veteran’s Parkway

  • Zoning Change Request: The request is to change the property zoning from agricultural (AG2) to commercial planned development (CPD).
  • Why: The property owner is seeking to allow for a maximum of 2,000 square feet of commercial area for an office, small retail and similar uses. The primary purpose is to use the building for a vehicle dealership to sell used cars and rent vehicles to tourists.
  • Additional: The request is also accompanied by a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the land use category from rural to commercial in order to permit the planned use.
    Hearing Information: 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, in the Hearing Examiner’s meeting room, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, 33901.
  • Important to Note: If you want to address this rezoning request with Lee County Commissioners during the final public hearing, you must FIRST speak during the Hearing Examiner’s hearing.
  • Would you like to attend the meeting? We’re hoping that Pine Islanders will join us in opposing this change to the Comprehensive Plan. Please email us at info@gpica.org if you’d like to attend the meeting to speak.

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