September 18, 2012, 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting - Mysanibel.us

SANIBEL CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS (MacKenzie Hall)
800 DUNLOP ROAD
SANIBEL, FLORIDA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012
9:00 A. M.
________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
A COPY OF THE AGENDA PACKET IS ON THE CITY’S WEBSITE
www.mysanibel.com
“The Rules of Civility for Public Participation” as adopted by City Council can be found
on the last page of this agenda. Reminder: Please turn all cell phones on to vibrate while
in MacKenzie Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (Councilman Congress)
3. PRESENTATION(S)
a. Presentation of the “Circle of Excellence Award” to the Sanibel-
Captiva Community and City of Sanibel Employees by the United
Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties; Sanibel Captiva
Campaign Committee – Tom and Linda Uhler, Tony Lapi and Dick
and Debbie Riley
4. Planning Commission Report (Commissioner John Talmage)
5. Public Comments for non-Agenda items (Maximum time allotted, 20
minutes, with a limitation of 3 minutes per speaker.)
6. Council Comments
7. CONSENT AGENDA (ANY PERSON MAY REQUEST THAT
COUNCIL REMOVE AN ITEM FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
FOR DISCUSSION BY NOTIFYING THE CITY MANAGER/CITY
CLERK, OR A COUNCIL MEMBER, PRIOR TO THE MEETING)
a. Approval of Minutes – July 17, 2012 and September 08, 2012
Regular Meetings
b. Approval of a 3-year agreement between the City of Sanibel and the
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc. and authorize the City
Manager to execute same

c. Request from the Sanibel Community Association (SCA), 2173
Periwinkle Way to increase the amount of Special Events by 54 for
the 2013 season (this request has been approved historically)
d. RESOLUTION 12-090 APPROVING BUDGET
AMENDMENT/TRANSFER NO. 2012-051 AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE (To transfer $90,900 from the reserve for disasters
for costs incurred during Tropical Storm Isaac. This budget amendment does not
increase or decrease the FY12 budget)
e. Approval of an amendment to CDBG agreement #5989 for a not to
exceed amount of $18,671.59 to change the completion date from
September 30, 2012 to December 31, 2012 and authorize the City
Manager to execute same
f. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Florida
Wildlife Services for a grant in the amount of $50,000 for wetland
restoration, woody plant removal and herbicide treatment the
botanical site located south of San-Cap Road and approximately
2.25 miles from Tarpon Bay Road intersection and authorize the
City Manager to execute same
g. RESOLUTION 12-091 APPROVING A LABOR
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANIBEL AND
THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND
MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
h. Approval to renew the agreement between the City of Sanibel and
the Sanctuary Golf Club, Inc., from October 01, 2012 for a period of
one year to provide golf lessons, donation of a utility golf cart and
$1,000 payable by November 01, 2012 for a corporate membership
at the Recreation Center
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. Discussion regarding the Evaluation and Apprasial Report (EAR)
based amendments to the Sanibel Plan as recommended by the
Planning Commission
9. BOARDS COMMITTEE COMMISSION
a. RESOLUTION 12-092 CONFIRMING THE ELECTION OF
TWO TRUSTEES OF THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES’
RETIREMENT PLAN BOARD OF TRUSTEES BY THE
MEMBERS; REAPPOINTING TWO MEMBERS OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES; APPOINTING ONE NEW

MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES;
ESTABLISHING AND DESIGNATING A COUNCIL
MEMBER LIAISON TO SUCH BOARD; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
10. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion regarding a request by Sanibel Captiva Conservation
Foundation (SCCF) to use Roadside City Park, 1442 Periwinkle
Way as the entryway to the Bailey homestead
b. Request by Sanibel Captiva Chamber for installation of pavers on
the City owned lot adjacent to the Chamber parking lot
11. CITY MANAGER
a. Informational Items
i. City of Sanibel Labor Attorney’s legal opinion regarding
domestic partner supplemental healthcare benefits
12. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
13. COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORT
a. Attendance at the Tourism Development Council meeting of
September 14, 2012 (Mayor Ruane)
b. Update regarding meetings with members of the Lee County Board
(Mayor Ruane)
c. DRAFT Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Plan 2012 -2017
(Vice Mayor Denham)
d. DRAFT Horizon Council Strategic Plan (Councilman Harrity)
14. PUBLIC COMMENT
15. ADJOURNMENT
IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION MADE BY THE COUNCIL ON ANY
MATTER CONSIDERED AT THIS MEETING/HEARING, SUCH PERSON MAY NEED
TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, TO
INCLUDE THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH ANY SUCH APPEAL IS
TO BE BASED.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS
NEEDING A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING,
TO INCLUDE HEARING IMPAIRMENT, SHOULD CONTACT JIM ISOM, DIRECTOR
OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, NO LATER THAN ONE DAY PRIOR TO THE
PROCEEDINGS AT (239) 472-3700. FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE IF HEARING
IMPAIRED, TELEPHONE THE FLORIDA RELAY SERVICE AT 711.
Citizens may request to receive Sanibel City Council and Planning Commission meeting
agenda directly via e-mail. Citizens wishing to receive a copy of the agenda via e-mail may do
so by visiting the City’s website at www.mysanibel.com. Additionally, citizens may register to
receive City announcements such as press releases.
Prior to requesting the agendas, the website reminds citizens that all e-mail addresses and
requests submitted to the City are public information and governed by the applicable Florida
Statute.

HORIZON – UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday
September 25, 2012 Yom Kippur begins at sunset through nightfall Wednesday,
September 26, 2012
Tuesday October 02, 2012 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 06, 2012 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Friday November 09, 2012 Student Government Day 10:15 a.m.
Sunday November 11, 2012 Veterans Day
Monday November 12, 2012 City Hall will be closed in Observance of Veterans Day
Official Veterans Day Program at City hall Flagpole 10:45 a.m.
Thursday & Friday November 22 nd & 23 rd
City Hall Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving
Tuesday December 04, 2012 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Friday December 07, 2012 Pearl Harbor Day
Tuesday December 25, 2012 Christmas Day City Hall Closed in Observance
of Christmas Day
Tuesday January 01, 2013 New Year’s Day City Hall Closed in Observance of
New Year’s Day
Tuesday January 15, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Monday January 21, 2013 City Hall Closed in Observance of MLK B-day
Tuesday February 05, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 05, 2013 Sanibel Election Day
Tuesday March 05, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.

HORIZON – UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday March 19, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Oath of Office New Councilmembers
Election of Mayor/Vice Mayor
Monday March 25, 2013 sunset of Passover begins through nightfall Tuesday, March 26
Tuesday April 02, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 07, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 08, 2013 Victory in Europe Day
Monday May 27, 2013 City Hall Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
Tuesday June 04, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Thursday June 06, 2013 D-Day
Thursday July 04, 2013 City Hall closed in Observance of Independence Day
Tuesday, July 16, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Setting Proposed Millage Rate
Tuesday August 06, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 14, 2013 Victory in Japan Day
Monday September 02, 2013 City Hall closed in Observance of Labor Day
Wednesday September 04, 2013 Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset through Friday, September 06
Saturday September 07, 2013 First Budget Hearing MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Regular Meeting MacKenzie Hall 1:00 p.m.
Friday September 13, 2013 Yom Kippur begins at sunset through Saturday, September 14
Tuesday September 17, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Final Budget Hearing MacKenzie Hall 5:01 p.m.

HORIZON – UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday October 08, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 05, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Friday November 08, 2013 Student Government Day 10:15 a.m.
Saturday November 09, 2013 Veterans Day Program City Hall Flag Pole 10:45 a.m.
Monday November 11, 2013 City Hall will be closed in observance of Veterans Day
Thursday & Friday November 28 th & 29 th City Hall will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving
Tuesday December 03, 2013 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Saturday December 07, 2013 Attack on Pearl Harbor
Wednesday December 25, 2013 City Hall Closed in Observance of Christmas Day
Tuesday January 07, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 04, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 04, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 01, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Annual Election of Mayor/Vice Mayor
Tuesday May 06, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00a .m.
Thursday May 08, 2014 Victory in Europe Day
Monday May 26, 2014 City Hall Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
Tuesday June 03, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Friday June 06, 2014 D-Day

HORIZON – UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
Friday July 04, 2014 City Hall Closed in Observance of Independence Day
Tuesday July 15, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Set proposed Millage rate
Tuesday August 05, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Thursday August 14, 2014 Victory in Japan Day
Saturday September 06, 2014 First Budget Hearing MacKenzie Ha 9:00 a.m.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday September 16, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hal 9:00 a.m.
Final Budget Hearing
5:01 p.m.
Wednesday September 24, 2014 Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset through Friday, September 26
Friday October 03, 2014 Yom Kippur begins at sunset through Saturday, October 04, 2014
Tuesday October 07, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 04, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Thursday & Friday November 27 th & 28 th City Hall will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving
Tuesday December 02, 2014 City Council Meeting MacKenzie Hall 9:00 a.m.
Sunday December 07, 2014 Attack on Pearl Harbor

As approved 022007
“RULES OF CIVILITY FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION”
In recognition that public discourse is essential to the democratic system of government on
April 16, 2002, Sanibel City Council adopted a Proclamation embracing civility in public
deliberations. These rules were updated February 22, 2007.
Therefore, Sanibel City Council sanctioned these rules for public participation while
conducting meetings and workshops:
1. Speakers are permitted to deliver his or her comments without interruption.
2. Speakers and debates should focus on issues, not on persons or personalities.
3. Persons are encouraged to participate in the governmental process.
4. To allow time to hear all points of view, speakers are allotted 3 minutes each time
they are recognized.
5. Sidebar discussions while others are speaking are not permitted in Council
Chambers. These discussions are to be removed from the chamber so as not to be
disruptive to those conducting and following Council business.
6. Only the speaker recognized by the Chairperson has the floor. Speakers should
raise their hand to be recognized. Speakers should identify themselves for the
record. Speakers should utilize the microphone so that their comments can be
recorded.
7. Anyone wishing to speak on an issue is given an opportunity to speak before
speakers are recognized for an opportunity to speak a second time on an issue.
8. We seek to understand one another’s points of view.
9. Anger, rudeness, ridicule, impatience and lack of respect for others are not
acceptable behavior. Demonstrations in support or opposition to a speaker or idea
such as clapping, cheering, booing or hissing or intimidating body language are not
permitted in Council Chambers or workshop facilities.
10. We should all take initiative to make things better. Our goal is to foster an
environment, which encourages a fair discussion and exchange of ideas without
fear of personal attacks.

SANIBEL CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2012
Mayor Ruane called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Vice Mayor Denham gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATION (S)
Presentation of the “Hometown Hero” Award to Vice Mayor Mick Denham from Scott
Dudley of the Florida League of Cities (FLC)
Mr. Scott Dudley, Florida League of Cities (FLC) Legislative Director spoke to the award and presented it to
Vice Mayor Denham.
Vice Mayor Denham spoke to the encouragement from Council and his involvement with FLC and Legislative
Affairs consultants relative to water quality, fertilizer and municipal home rule.
Forest Banks, Ft Myers Commissioner and President of the Southwest Florida League of Cities spoke to the
diligence of Vice Mayor Denham when trying to complete a task.
Special Recognition of City Employees for Extraordinary Efforts to Humanely Relocate
Florida Black Bear
Mayor Ruane recognized those employees involved in the capture and relocation of the Sanibel Black Bear. They
are as follows:
James Evans Lt. Jamie Phillips Officer Rick Kennedy Chief Bill Tomlinson
Joel Prosser Colt Masters David Lawler David Fehlandt
Ed Ploskonka Brett Dierken
Presentation of the Employee Dependent Scholarship Awards for Academic Year 2012-
2013
Mayor Ruane recognized those employee dependents to receive scholarships. They are as follows:
Elizabeth Chamberlain Taylor Ashby Miranda Ashley
Joseph Earle
Andrean Galician
Planning Commission Report
Commissioner Chris Heidrick gave the following report of the July 10, 2012 Planning Commission meeting:
Compiling revisions of the Sanibel Plan as the EAR process
Permitting process review subcommittee focusing on conditional use section of the code
Public Comments
Rae Ann Wessell, SCCF spoke to a meeting and proposal of the SFWMD trying to address the low flow releases
of to the Caloosahatchee River. She explained that the Board is focusing on back-pumping to Lake Okeechobee
and the proposal would not be acceptable to put 359 metric tons of nitrogen in the lake. She further noted that the
nitrogen would create 10 metric tons of phosphorus and the cost to remove the nitrogen from the Caloosahatchee
would be in the millions. She also spoke to alternatives, but the staff and governing board has discontinued
discussion. She advised that there was an upcoming Board meeting.
Council Comments
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 1
July 17, 2012

Councilman Jennings congratulated Vice Mayor Denham. He further spoke to Independence Day fireworks and
notice that the Chamber backed the fireworks.
Councilman Harrity thanked Councilman Jennings for being in the Independence parade.
First Reading of an ordinance and scheduling of public hearing.
ORDINANCE 12-006 AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 90 -
FEES, ARTICLE V. RECREATION USER FEES, DIVISION 1 – SANIBEL
RECREATION CENTER, SECTION 90-501 – RECREATION USER FEES;
PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
ORDINANCE 12-007 AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 90 -
FEES, ARTICLE V. RECREATION USER FEES, DIVISION 2 – SANIBEL
RECREATION CENTER, SECTION 90-531 – MEMBERSHIP FEES; PROVIDING
FOR CODIFICATION AND SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE
Ms. Zimomra read the title of Ordinance 12-006 and 12-007.
City Council set the second reading and public hearing for 9:20 a.m. on Tuesday, August 07, 2012.
RESOLUTION 12-046 OF THE SANIBEL CITY COUNCIL TO DETERMINE THE
PROPRIETY AND ADVISABILITY OF ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING
THE NERITA STREET PAVING PROJECT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND THE
FUNDING THEREOF, AND TO ADOPT THE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE
FUNDING OF SUCH PROJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
RESOLUTION 12-050 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANIBEL
SITTING AS THE SANIBEL EQUALIZATION BOARD; EQUALIZING AND
APPROVING A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE PAVING OF NERITA STREET;
PROVIDING FOR PREPARATION AND FILING OF A FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL
FOR SAME; PROVIDING FOR CONFIRMATION OF THE PROJECT AND
ASSESSMENT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Ms. Zimomra read the title of Resolution 12-046 and 12-050.
Mr. Cuyler spoke to the following:
Resolution 12-046 first step of concluding process of the Nerita paving assessment district; establish and
approve district
Resolution 12-050 includes the original 12-035 that began the process, calculation and assessments
Assessment could be paid without interest by November
Assessment could be paid annually at a 3.5% interest rate in the total amount of $502.67
When Council sits as the equalization board any resident of Nerita Street would come before Council for
consideration
Councilman Harrity moved, seconded by Vice Denham, to adopt Resolution 12-046.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 2
July 17, 2012

Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Councilman Congress, to adopt Resolution 12-050.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Vice Mayor Denham asked that item (a) be pulled and Mayor Ruane noted that a request was made to pull item
(p) to be heard at the August 07, 2012 meeting.
a. Approval of minutes – May 01, 2012 and June 05, 2012 regular Meeting
Vice Mayor Denham noted that the minutes showed he received the Hometown Hero Award. The City Clerk
advised that the change had been made.
Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Councilman Harrity to adopt the above-mentioned minutes.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried
p. Award Farmer’s Market Lease agreement to Local Roots, Inc. in the amount of $2,000
annually and authorize the City Manager to execute same
Pulled until August 07, 2012.
b. RESOLUTION 12-058 THE SANIBEL CITY COUNCIL RELATING TO THE
COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLES AND
HORTICULTURAL WASTE, IN THE CITY OF SANIBEL; CONSTITUTING THE
CITY’S 2012-2013 FISCAL YEAR INITIAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION
RELATING TO THE ANNUAL SPECIAL SERVICE ASSESSMENT TO FUND
THE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLES AND
HORTICULTURAL WASTE AGAINST ASSESSED PROPERTY LOCATED
WITHIN THE CITY OF SANIBEL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OCTOBER 1, 2012
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; CONFIRMING AND AUTHORIZING
MATTERS RELATING TO SUCH ASSESSMENT; SCHEDULING A PUBLIC
HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL RATE
RESOLUTION AND TO CONFIRM COLLECTION OF SUCH SPECIAL
SERVICE ASSESSMENTS THROUGH THE UNIFORM METHOD OF
COLLECTION (i.e. ANNUAL LEE COUNTY TAX BILL); PROVIDING
DIRECTION FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE ASSESSMENT ROLL AND
NOTICES REQUIRED BY LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
c. RESOLUTION 12-065 APPROVING 2 ONE YEAR EXTENSIONS TO THE TERM
OF THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANIBEL AND
VEOLIA ES SOLID WASTE SOUTHEAST, INC. (“VEOLIA”) TO OPERATE THE
SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLES AND HORTICULTURAL WASTE
COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICE WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS
OF THE CITY OF SANIBEL, FLORIDA; ACKNOWLEDGING VEOLIA’S
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 3
July 17, 2012

COMMITMENT THAT THE SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLES AND
HORTICULTURAL COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICE COSTS
CHARGED BY VEOLIA TO THE CITY FOR THE NEXT 2 FISCAL YEARS (FY
2012-2013 AND FY 2013-2014) SHALL BE NO GREATER THAN SUCH CHARGES
TO THE CITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
d. RESOLUTION 12-066 APPROVING A SOLID WASTE RATE STRUCTURE FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013 WHICH RESULTS IN A 3% DECREASE IN
RESIDENTIAL RATES, A 1.6% DECREASE IN COMMERCIAL CURBSIDE
RATES AND A 5.8% DECREASE IN DUMPSTER RATES; APPROVING A SOLID
WASTE FRANCHISE FEE AND A SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SURCHARGE;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
f. RESOLUTION 12-059 APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT/TRANSFER NO.
2012-042 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (To eliminate one full-time authorized
position and authorize 3.8 FTE part-time positions as follows: 1) add a new part-time .88 FTE administrative
receptionist in the legislative department ($16,765); 2) add 1.2 FTE part-time planners in the planning
department (funds were previously authorized on BA 2012-040) and; 3) add..4 FTE part-time as needed
police aid in beach parking for banking deposits (funds were previously authorized on BA 2012-018) and; 4)
eliminate 1 FTE full-time environmental specialist in the natural resources department and authorize a .96
FTE environmental specialist. The full-time position being eliminated includes benefits; none of the parttime
positions include benefits. This amendment also includes funds from ending fund balance for the prior
natural resources director’s leave payout ($35,767). This amendment does not increase or decrease the FY12
budget)
g. RESOLUTION 12-060 APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT/TRANSFER NO.
2012-044 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (To transfer $19,850 from fees
generated by the recreation center for operating supplies required but not previously budgeted. This
amendment does not increase or decrease the FY2012 budget)
h. RESOLUTION 12-061 APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT/TRANSFER NO.
2012-045 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (To allocate from the General Fund
additional payments to the General Employees Pension Plan and the Municipal Police Officers pension Plan.
Allocations are as follows. Building Department Fund ($239,576), Sewer Fund ($514,284), Beach Parking
Police ($209,419) and Beach Parking General Employees ($163,485). Increase sewer utility and sale of
treated effluent revenue by $146,376 and $13,799 respectively to FY12 estimated actual revenues. This
amendment increases the FY12 budget by the increased revenue estimate of $160,175)
k. RESOLUTION 12-062 APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE WEST
LIGHTHOUSE CARETAKER’S COTTAGE WITH RANDALL D. WRIGHT; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
l. RESOLUTION 12-063 APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE EAST
LIGHTHOUSE CARETAKER’S COTTAGE WITH DENNIS L. ROBERTS; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 4
July 17, 2012

. RESOLUTION 12-067 APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT/TRANSFER NO.
2012-043 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (To return funds to the General Fund
that were previously transferred to the Rabbit Road Fund and the Tarpon Bay Road Fund. Bids that have
been received for the Tarpon Bay Road and Rabbit Road projects are lower than budgeted. Additional road
impact fees have been received that are eligible for the Periwinkle Way project enabling the return of
$160,000 to the General Fund. This amendment increases the FY12 budget with $30,412 additional impact
fees and $4,680 of additional interest income)
t. RESOLUTION 12-068 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF
OBSOLETE OR SURPLUS FIXED ASSETS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE (Police Department and Public Works equipment)
Ms. Zimomra read the above-mentioned titles.
Vice Mayor Denham moved, seconded by Councilman Harrity, to adopt Resolutions 12-058, 12-065, 12-066, 12-
059, 12-060, 12-061, 12-062, 12-063, 12-067 and 12-068.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
e. Approval of a contract between the City of Sanibel and Blackhall Consulting Company,
d/b/a Business Computer Skills for on-site Windows 7 Microsoft Office 2010 training for
City staff for approximately $20,000 to replace the New Horizons Computer Learning
Centers contract as they can no longer provide the required training and authorize the City
Manager to execute same
i. Approve purchase of 4,000 cubic yards of shellrock material for road re-shelling from
Florida Dirt Source in the amount of $50,120 at $12.53 per cubic yard ($60,000 in the adopted
FY12 budget for this purchase and does not increase/decrease the adopted FY12 budget)
j. Award contract for 2012 Shared Use Path Repair Project to Bonness, Inc., in the amount of
$143,175.66 and authorize the City Manager to execute same (this project is funded through the
adoption of the FY12 budget and does not increase/decrease the FY12 adopted budget)
m. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and the School Board of Lee
County for a School Resource Officer in the amount of $40,000 from August 11, 2012
through August 10, 2013 and authorize the City Manager to execute same
n. Approve purchase of Kubota L3800 Model Small backhoe off the Florida Sheriff’s
Association State Contract in the amount of $37,219
o. Council ratification of previously approved purchase of a 150 Kw generator through the
“piggybacking” of the Florida Sheriff’s Association bid (specification #84) from ACF
Standby Systems in the amount of $58,167 (previously approved by Council as an
intended”Piggybacking” of a state-approved contract bid)
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 5
July 17, 2012

q. Request from Ted Tyson and John Boone (Co-Applicants) for consideration to waive fees
associated with their application for a Special Events Permit for the annual Veteran’s Day
Program, Monday November 12, 2012 and requesting City of Sanibel co-sponsor the event
at City Hall flag pole, 800 Dunlop Road (this is a grandfathered event and the waiver amount is $50)
s. Request to increase the pay rate for Part-time Recreation Center Administrative
Receptionist
Vice Mayor Denham moved, seconded by Councilman Congress, to approve the above-mentioned items.
Pubic Comment
None
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Update from Vice Mayor on water quality issues
Update regarding the proposed Educational Program
Proposed Request for Proposals (RFP) for Public Relations Campaign
Vice Mayor Denham spoke to the following:
Have a defensive plan
o Suggested area captains for response – first meeting July 18th
Put together legislation
o Work with Legislative Affairs consultants to wait to possibly develop as not to bring forward
more opposition
Citizen d legislative
o Have public relations plan
o Lee County had developed plan
o Further modified program for a regional approach and work with Lee County
o Mayor/Vice Mayor worked with Lee County Board to develop program
o Continued to have series of meeting with representative of Lee County municipalities
o Attend each Lee County municipality for funding assistance in the near future
o End of August engage Lee County
o Continue to work with SCCF
o Continue working with local Council’s and Mayors
Discussion ensued regarding working hand in hand with Lee Bounty, should work in close collaboration, Lee
County plan different and lending additional funds could make plan more regional, expand Lee County program
rather than an individual program, question posed to Lee County during discussions of expanding program or
individual, what would be the dollar amount, possibly $100,000 or less due to Lee County program, working with
County on several items, staff interpretation of some agreement appear county wants to end, need synergy and
work with County, work collectively to save money, have Interlocal that should be honored, expand County
program, but do not want to lose any ground, beneficial for Mayor to contact County Board, Mayor agreed, Vice
Mayor to work with local Council’s, maybe the need for a Mayor’s roundtable, those suspended until after
election, financial assistance, County allocation for program, James Evans, Director of Natural Resources noted
that the Lee County budget was initially $200,000 and overall a lot of work was put in to their program, Ms.
Zimomra noted that staff obtained County program, City Manager to send to Council, she noted a combination of
wrap around, billboard and electronic, she further noted that if Council happy with message and creative work,
but may want to ask that something was incorporated to regional agenda, County did not cover regional aspects,
tight budget this year, may not be able to do and limit if incorporated in budget, concern of timing due to budget
funds, may happen after budget approval, Bonita Springs included $5,000 to $10,000 for program, may need a
hard ask with appropriate funding, excellent idea to piggy-back and enhance County program, trying to achieve a
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 6
July 17, 2012

common goal, Director Evans noted that all communities with impaired water bodies were working on Total
Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) and basin management action plans and part of the action plan credit was would
be given for environmental education on fertilizer and nutrient reduction and may be a selling point, Director
Evans and Mayor work with County, may have challenges with inland cities, ask City Manager to have City
Clerk schedule meeting with Chairman Manning with Mayor Ruane and Director Evans, County Board back in
August, approach SWFMD and Phil Flood for funds, City Manager continue to look for potential educational
grants, does SFWMD have other program similar to Lee County and Vice Mayor meet with Phil Flood.
Public Comments
None
Council recessed at 10:18 a.m.
Council reconvened at 10:32 a.m.
Status report regarding Community Housing Resources, Inc. (CHR)
CHR Contract (proposed)
Draft language for EAR as proposed by CHR, Schedule and Timeline
CHR Financials as of June, 30, 2012
Councilman Congress spoke to the following:
Contract follow-up
o Expires September 20, 2012
o City Attorney incorporate matrix to contract
o CHR requested revisions as follows
• Section 3d i, ii, and iii – in the event CHR was required to relocate
• Based on budget CHR would not be moving and completing eliminate moving item
Discussion ensued regarding CHR and Seniors happy, repair roof and air to relieve pressure of potential moving,
inclusive of 740 square feet and options was to move did staff look at empty store fronts in City, spoke to seniors
and see no need to move, if economically able may move entire senior and CHR operation, concerned with
property values continuing to decrease, must live within means, and Mr. Cuyler noted that moving did not need to
remain in contract.
• New Section 7 when CHR comes back to Council with annual goals from 90 days to
120 days as it relates to EAR
• Added language addressing implementation of actual items EAR relating to EAR
Discussion ensued regarding changing the foal in EAR as it relates to number of units to a percentage and change
number may not be wise and EAR thoroughly address with CHR Board
• Restore strike through CHR reporting to Council regarding annual plan in October
• Recommend Section 8 striking out allocation of points after completing needs
assessment – would like City essential workers
Discussion ensued regarding main purpose of CHR was to provide City essential workers in CHR housing, fees
paid to CHR – section 3 a and b, City trying to live within means, reducing people, city salaries, problem with a
3% escalator to CHR, CHR needs to live within their means, contemplating reducing further City benefits,
$174,000 per year to CHR, concern to increasing the fee paid to CHR from $240,000 to $274,000, huge
difference between CHR and other budgeted items, CHR been through turbulent times and no fat in their budget,
reviewed City budget that could be leaner, was there a risk that CHR budget could be balanced, have measures in
place to balance CHR budget, have aggressive fund raising plan, but nowhere to cut, if Council invest in CHR
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 7
July 17, 2012

would pay-off in the long run, one year that CHR forged the 3%, 20% down in City budget, looking forward and
concerned in next 5 years, with everything considered how does Council agree to a CHR escalator, community
may not understand where CHR has been and mission statement, believe that CHR budget needs the 3% escalator
and concern CHR had no reserves, City had reserves, incremental increase would be $50,000, reviewing situation
can not approve 3% escalator, could include based on setting goals give incentive for increase, concern this was a
5-year contract, develop fundraising effort could raise needed funds, have to restore reputation, Council provide a
one-time payment for a fund raising campaign, Richard Johnson, CHR Board President suggested Council allow
Board to work with liaison and bring back an action plan for 3% escalator, made significant progress, he
recognized CHR did not begin with strength and trimmed budget to much, may include incentization, possible 3
year contract rather than 5 years, City Attorney incorporate other changes and Councilman Congress to work with
CHR.
Council by consensus decided to bring back at the August 07 meeting.
• EAR portion of agreement
• Allow CHR to review
• Staff presented a mark-up of Section 3.6.1 of code with language for discussion
• CHR had Board retreat to discuss EAR
• Goals and objectives presented in the agenda packet
• Pages 10 and 11 real discussion
• Council decision to bring back to Council, then refer to Planning Commission
• Goal today to discuss what CHR working on with goals and objectives then send
document to Planning Commission
Discussion ensued regarding pages 10 and 11, CHR currently had 88 Below Market Rate units, 74 units were
rental units and 14 limited equity units, currently Section 3.6.1 as per 2004/05 EAR calls for 3% of residential
units which would total 103 or 104, was 3% the correct figure and what was the goal, CHR priority was fiscal
responsibility, invest in physical housing stock, did not completely blend with the community and create a fund
raising program to reach objectives, then a perform a full needs assessment, CHR did not want to touch 3%
escalator without feasibility study or needs assessment completed, when EAR completed criteria was different,
uncomfortable including 104 CHR units, which infers that the City would have an obligation, included in contract
would put City in a box, uncomfortable with inclusion of units, 103 units way beyond any expectation, page 11
third paragraph wording of “to maintain the commitment of 103 units”, maintain housing stock and not commit to
further construction, include language to the effect of the previous comment, should not include 103 units, was
City required to have a certain number of units in EAR, Mr. Cuyler explained that the state had become less
involved in community housing, he continued to state that the Sanibel Plan was a legally binding document as a
broad policy statement in most cases and the 3% Director Jordan noted at the current time there was no longer a
state requirement to assess housing needs, sitting on Regional Planning Council no other community planning
document includes, Mr. Cuyler stated state less involved in community housing, Sanibel plan a legal binding
document implemented through land development code and 3% was a target and does not say the target needed to
be accomplish within the 7 year period until the next EAR review and no penalty, he noted that on the other hand
someone could point the 3% in the comprehensive plan that was a target of what the city should be doing, “ add
to page 10 “based on 2012/13 CHR would perform a needs assessment and feasibility study and recommend to
City a revision or reconfirmation of suggested units”, do not take way percentage until CHR was able to assess,
and allow Planning Commission to fine tune wording and objective was to concentrate on fiscal responsibility.
By consensus Council decided that Councilman Congress would work with CHR for the Planning Commission
meeting on July 24 th and/or bring back new language to Council at the August 07 meeting and Council decide to
include on the August 07 meeting agenda.
Public Comment
Armand Ball commented is appreciation of Council’s attention to CHR and the budget struggle CHR and Council
was discussing.
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 8
July 17, 2012

Ms. Zimomra noted that staff was pursuing a county declaration for Tropical Strom Debbie. She further noted
that the City also needed to have a declaration due to damages in the amount of $160,000. She asked that the
agenda be amended to include an emergency declaration through resolution.
Vice Mayor Denham moved, seconded by Councilman Harrity, to amend the agenda to include the above.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried
Discussion regarding the Historical Museum and Village Contract expiring September
30, 2012
Current Agreement
Financial Statement year ended September 30, 2011
Contract Matrix
Profit and Loss Comparison ending December, 2011
3 rd Quarter Financials
Councilman Harrity spoke to the matrix included in the agenda packet as follows:
Spoke to the fiscal performance
New 5-year lease
Section 1 shows great funding raising and would not change
Section 2 and 3 City contributes in-kind costs with repairs and maintenance in the amount of $25,000
Section 2, 3 and 4 would be $45,000 in administrative fees and $38,000 for salaries
Total City expenses $108,000 per year
Section 3 and 4 reduce by 4to 6% over an annualized basis and compounded over the life of the contract;
about $20,000 less
Section 5 – reports timely
Section 6 – no change
Most expenses self-funded
Section 7 and 8 no change
Increase special events
Requests for service of alcohol beverages must come before Council for approval
Mr. Werner spoke to:
Section 3 and 4 reduce $20,000 over all over a period of 5 years
Discuss at Board meeting
Discussion ensued regarding eventually would be a stand-alone program, $400,000 in assists and $300,000 in
liquid assists, when would the stand-alone happen, which was to be from the last contract five years ago for a
stand alone entity, Mr. Werner spoke to a different need and economic situation, no Board of directors, 501 3 (c)
established, no wording that there would be a standalone facility, fundraising Putin reserves for new housing, new
building would be multi-purpose building, need reserves for emergency situation, difficult to project stand alone
entity, have 2 employees and hired bookkeeper, no computerized cash register at entrance of museum, cost about
$120,000 to run entity, resubmit packet with expected expenditures at the August 07 Council meeting and
ultimate goal was to have an independent entity.
Council by consensus asked this topic to be included on the August 07 Council meeting.
Mayor Ruane announced the following that Council was convening the below at 12:05 p.m.
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 9
July 17, 2012

Convene an EXECUTIVE SESSION RELATING TO UNION NEGOTIATIONS
In attendance shall be only the following persons:
Mayor Kevin Ruane
Vice Mayor Mick Denham
Councilman Doug Congress
Councilman Marty Harrity
Councilman Jim Jennings
Sanibel City Manager Judie Zimomra
Sanibel City Attorney Kenneth B. Cuyler
Jim Isom, Director of Administrative Services
Wayne Helsby, Labor Counsel (Allen, Norton & Blue) (by phone)
Council reconvened into open session at 12:55 p.m.
Council recessed at 12:55 p.m.
Council reconvened at 1:04 p.m.
FY12 Budget Issues
Budget Calendar
City Council FY 11/12 adopted goals
Ms. Zimomra spoke to the following:
Invested in reducing unfunded liability for the 2 pension plans in the amount of $5 million at Council’s
direction
Council’s direction to reduce debt load invested $1.2 million for payment of recreation center
Loaned the sewer fund $1 million from the general fund in an effort to reduce debt
Property values about 21% lower
Ending fund balance lower than in past years
Attempted to maintain Council goals
City salaries remain flat for the 5 th consecutive year
Staffing levels reduced 142 in 2007 to 114 in current draft budget
Major change – allocation for health costs for general employees and dependents were reduced by 10%
in current levels
Draft budget assumed that $6.1 million in disaster, environmental contingency fund would be spent
before October 01, 2012 beginning next fiscal year and no plans to spend, but reallocate to funds next
year
$100,000 spent for damages related to Tropical Storm Debby – advised Lee County adopted an
emergency declaration; state reimbursement was 70 to 75% and would go back into disaster fund will try
to recoup
Solid Waste reduction fees shown in budget; residential rates reduced by 3%, commercial rates reduced
to 1.6%, commercial dumpster reduced by 5.8%
Solid Waste contract extended and freezes collection costs; solid waste cost made up of 2 elements; 1)
disposal cost, which Lee County controls; 2) collection costs, which was control by contract
Draft budget maintains sewer rates – rate study called for 3% increase, but budget called for
Building fees reduced by 25%
Certain Planning fess reduced
TDC grant approved in the amount of $1.2 million at TDC level, but contracts have not been received
Recreation fees stay flat based on Council’s previous direction
Restructuring Police Department and Planning Department
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 10
July 17, 2012

City contribution to the Historical agreement was included at a flat level
CHR 3% increase was include for one year
$700,000 project included for Center4Life, amount reduced to $400,000 due to appraised value
$129,000 spread over 2 years 1)$40,000 for recreation center/school playground over 2 years; 2)security
system for playground; 3)$14,500 for city-share for ballfield repair – County and School District not
replied
$2.2 million for capital improvements for Shared Use Path project on East Periwinkle Way to Kings
Crown to Lighthouse moving path and widening
Discussion ensued regarding piggy-backed on Lee County to submit claims for Tropical storm Debbie, $160,000
identified fro Tropical Storm Debby, anything in budget that City Manager would be uncomfortable with, Ms.
Zimomra noted the fact the first year no additional money in reserves, 2 yrs ago fully fund disaster and totally
refunded, last year $1.6 million and now stepping down with a possible exposure, major algae outbreak
historically TDC returned funds, but need up front money for reimbursement, 2 nd area overall reserves $6.1
million spent before no additional money, Council directed $600,000 last year and this year to pay down debt and
could put aside and slow down paying debt, have funds in-hand at an appropriate level, budget presented with
Council previous direction, find some way to put more money in fund, if capital projects were deferred it still
would not allow more funds, investments in technology offered a return on investment and reduce approximately
$12,000 with the upgrade, timed technology investments was so staff would not be too far below cutting edge,
putting additional $1 million in GEPP, may need to cut some capital projects, uncomfortable with nothing in the
reserves, deferring recreation center debt pay down, millage rate staying the same, should have $3 million in
reserves, then how does Council find more money in reserves, 3 components; 1) millage rate; 2) paying off debt;
3) reserves, Council could reassign money in November, what level of risk was Council comfortable with, Ms.
Zimomra advised that the total amount spent for Hurricane Charley was between $10 and $12 million including
95% reimbursable and non-reimbursable, greatest financial risk was a greater storm with no declaration,
insurance deductibles were increased, the reason to contribute to the disaster fund was risk factors, need $4.5 in a
disaster fund, need to discuss managing risk for an emergency storm, major event like Hurricane Charley cash
flow was in question, had the ability to borrow money if needed, safest place for reserves in unrestricted reserves,
Ms. Zimomra stated early in process staff did white-glove restoration then met with FEMA and need to separate
and document, fight to receive reimbursement for debris on private streets, got additional and alternate funding,
such as a grant from agriculture for waterways and policy issues that underline those items, treat any disaster as
was done after Hurricane Charley, moneys relative to Charley, no sewer increase, realignment breakdown for
Police Department re-alignment, and separate worksheet on capital funds, $1.5 in reserves.
RESOLUTION 12-069 ADVISING THE LEE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER OF
THE PROPOSED OPERATING MILLAGE RATE, THE ROLLED-BACK RATE,
THE PROPOSED AGGREGATE MILLAGE RATE, THE MILLAGE LEVY FOR
THE SEWER VOTED DEBT SERVICE, THE LAND ACQUISITION VOTED DEBT
SERVICE, AND THE RECREATION CENTER VOTED DEBT SERVICE AND THE
DATE, TIME AND PLACE AT WHICH A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD TO
CONSIDER THE TENTATIVE OPERATING MILLAGE RATE FOR TAX
(CALENDAR) YEAR 2012 AND TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF
SANIBEL 2012-13 FISCAL YEAR; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATION OF SAME; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
Ms. Zimomra read the title of Resolution 12-069. She noted the blanks as follows:
Substection A - 1 2.1398
Section C - 2.1398
Subsection 2 - $8,733,402
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 11
July 17, 2012

Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Denham, to adopt Resolution 12-069 and blanks were item a
blank 2.1398 mills; item c 2.1398 mills and section 2 $8,733,402.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
Center4Life Issues and Alternatives, 2401 Library Way and direction to Staff AND
Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Bessolo Design, Inc., for
architectural engineering services in the amount of $87,595 and authorize the City
Manager modify scope as necessary and execute same
Scott Krawczuk, Acting Public Works Director and Andrea Miller, Recreation Director advised of the following:
Mr. Krawczuk:
$400,000 enough to repair the roof and AC system
Request was design money
Redesign scope to decrease
Allocation for architectural fee
Discussion ensued regarding using an architectural for design, $275,000 for hip rook and $90,000 for flat roof,
not supporting architectural study, go back to architect for hip roof, disadvantages with flat roof over long-term, if
Council wants to maintain building as is, then flat roof would be fine, but for the long-haul a hip roof was needed,
give architect a scope could be savings, $87,000 for a comprehensive study, 2 looks, flat and hip roof, Council to
decide which one is wanted, HAVAC cost $130,000 and hip $275,000, and cost out extra square footage.
Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Councilman Harrity, to narrow the scope, include flat and hip roof including
the HVAC in keeping with $400,000 and potentially increasing size of aerobics room.
Motion was amended upon agreement of Mayor Ruane and Vice Mayor Denham to include direct staff. The full
motion as follows:
Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Councilman Harrity, to direct staff to narrow the scope, include flat and hip
roof including the HVAC in keeping with $400,000 and potentially increasing size of aerobics room.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION 12-070 OF THE SANIBEL CITY COUNCIL RELATING TO THE
DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE CITY OF SANIBEL BY TROPICAL STORM DEBBY;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Ms. Zimomra read the title of Resolution 12-070.
Discussion ensued regarding should declaring an emergency in the title and Mr. Cuyler noted that Lee County did
not declare an emergency, but at the state level Lee County was one of the counties name for reimbursement as a
result of damages.
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 12
July 17, 2012

Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Denham, to adopt Resolution 12-070.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
CITY MANAGER
Informational Items
Analysis of the Reported Bicycle and Pedestrian Incidents 2006 – 2012
Ms. Zimomra spoke to the following:
Shared report with Bike Club
Report shows a relatively small number of accidents
Path system extremely safe
Some vegetation needs to be cut and work with residents to trim vegetation
Update regarding request for individual Council email addresses
Ms. Zimomra noted that staff compiled municipal information relative to individual Council emails.
Discussion ensued regarding the need to get rid of junk mail, Ms. Zimomra noted similar that City Manager does
triage Council mail and general solicitation Council does not receive, the same standard could be used for
sancouncil email, different question was individual Council emails, get rid of junk email, Ms. Zimomra noted that
she triaged City Council mail the was not relevant and she could triage sancouncil email.
Councilman Congress moved, seconded by Councilman Harrity, to have individual email addresses.
Ms. Zimomra noted that some municipalities have an email policy. She further noted that if Council wanted a
policy brought back it could be placed on the August 07, 2012 agenda. She also noted that if Council members
wanted new email addresses new business cards should be considered.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried 4 to 1 with Vice Mayor Denham voting in opposition.
Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Councilman Congress, to triage sancouncil email and emails sent from
Council’s individual email accounts be sent to the City Manager.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
Causeway counts, April and May 2012
Building Department Monthly Revenue Report, June 2012
Building Department Monthly Permit and Inspections, June 2012
Planning Department Permit Activity Report, May, 2012
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 13
July 17, 2012

Planning Department Code Enforcement Activity Report, May, 2012
Grease Trap Report, June 2012
Status report of drainage improvements to the ballfields
Ms. Zimomra noted that $14,500 was the total cost of ballfields.
Status report regarding the proposed playground
Ms. Zimomra noted that Council had asked for quotes for the playground with cameras, and correspondence
to Lee County was included. She noted that there had been vandalism at the ballfields
Status report regarding Shorehaven Caretaker Cottage, 111 Birdie Lane
Ms. Zimomra noted that the above had been found to be a historical structure by the Historical Preservation
Committee as a display for African American history.
Distribution of Historical Analysis of the Sanitary Sewer Utility
Ms. Zimomra noted this was included in the agenda packet and additional information was requested by
Councilmembers and would come back at the August 07, 2012 City Council meeting.
Ms. Zimomra spoke to the following:
Council taking a very deliberate approach to maintain property values
Goals at the August 07, 2012 meeting
After Hurricane Charley Council bifurcated rredrrede2velopment and buildback focusing on buildback
Resort District Resort discovering that resorts in the resort district were different to resorts in residential were
very different
Resorts in Resort District was taken up next
Contractor working out of Planning working on green checklist
Next would be Resorts in the Residential District
Recommended discussing the Commercial Redevelopment rather than Resorts in the Residential District
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
None
COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORT
Councilman Jennings thanked Mr. Cuyler for his opinion regarding the placement of political signs.
Report regarding the invitation and attendance of the Maret School, Washington, D.C.
Sunday, June 23, 2012 function and proclamation
Councilman Congress spoke to the following:
Students interested in learning about the economy and environmental
Proclamation would be mailed to Maret School
He further spoke to the increase in Causeway vehicles and thought that the number of people visiting Sanibel was
not necessarily reflected of the counts due to the causeway improvements.
Ms. Zimomra noted that there was significant increase in complaints from bay front property owners due to the
increase in activities. She noted that the County was looking at an enforcement officer. She further noted that the
hot dog stand would be gone as of August due to children crossing the street.
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 14
July 17, 2012

Attendance to the MPO June 22, 2012 meeting
Councilman Congress noted the Sarbanes Study was approved.
Report of attendance at the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) Annual
Conference and meeting June 01, 2012
Report regarding the June 08, 2012 Tourism Development Council (TDC) meeting
Mayor Ruane spoke to the following:
FMIT returned member dividends
FMIT approved 8% insurance increases
TDC adopted $1.2 grants
Sanibel MPO seat up in 6 months
Laundry list of items to go over with Commissioner Manning
Vice Mayor Denham announced grandson was leading in the Alabama golf competition.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Gloria Hannan spoke to the Causeway Island and noted the enforcement was terrible i.e., vehicle parked for 4
days, launching jet skis from causeway, need trash pick-up,
Claudia Burns spoke to being very impressed with the bike analysis. She asked what items were in the bear
goodie bags.
Ms. Zimomra noted that everyone received a bear t-shirt, personnel file letter, and small check of compensation.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 2:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Pamela Smith, MMC
Sanibel City Clerk
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 15
July 17, 2012

SANIBEL CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2012
Mayor Ruane called the meeting to order at 11:12 a.m.
Vice Mayor Denham gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members present:
Mayor Ruane, Vice Mayor Denham, Councilman Congress, Councilman Harrity and
Councilman Jennings.
Public Comments
Karen Storijohan asked what procedure would be followed when the EAR report comes back to City Council.
Ms. Zimomra noted that the EAR comes to Council, and then goes back to the Planning Commission, then back
to Council for approval.
Council Comments
Councilman Jennings spoke to residents in tune to the weather during Tropical Storm Isaac.
Vice Mayor Denham spoke to being approached by a resident regarding beach carrying capacity. He further noted
Council may want to spend some time discussing.
First Reading of an ordinance and scheduling of public hearing
ORDINANCE 12-008 PERTAINING TO CHAPTER 90 OF THE SANIBEL CODE
ENTITLED “FEES”, ARTICLE I, IN GENERAL, AMENDING SECTION 90-17,
VEGETATION PERMITS, SUBSECTION 2(b) TO REDUCE THE PERMIT FEE FOR
MANGROVE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL; ESTABLISHING SUCH REDUCED
FEE AND SUPERSEDING AND REPEALING ALL PRIOR ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Ms. Zimomra read the title of Ordinance 12-088.
City Council scheduled the second reading and public hearing for Tuesday, October 02, 2012 at 9:15 a.m.
Sewer Rates
RESOLUTION 12-085 ADOPTING AND ESTABLISHING A REVISED SCHEDULE
OF RATES FOR THE SANIBEL SEWER SYSTEM AND PROVIDING FOR A 1%
INCREASE IN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERICAL RATES AND CONNECTION
FEES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Ms. Zimomra read the title of Resolution 12-085
Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Denham, to adopt Resolution 12-085.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION 12-086 ADOPTING AND ESTABLISHING A RATE SCHEDULE FOR
THE SANIBEL SEWER SYSTEM AND PROVIDING FOR NO INCREASE IN RATES
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 1
September 08, 2012

FOR GENERAL RECLAIMED WATER CUSTOMERS; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
Ms. Zimomra read the titles of Resolutions 12-086.
Vice Mayor Denham moved, seconded by Councilman Harrity, to adopt Resolution 12-086.
Public Comment
None.
The motion carried
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Jennings asked to pull item v, Ms. Zimomra ask item a July 17, 2012 minutes be
pulled for correction and until the September 18, 2012 City Council meeting, and item r for
correction.
r. Request authorization from City Council to serve alcohol (2 oz. wine) tasting during
intermissions at B. I. G. Arts 900 Dunlop Road cultural events from October, 2012 through
March, 2013
Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Denham, to approve through April, 2013.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
v. Approval of architect agreement for Center4Life, 2401 Library Way project and authorize
City Manager to execute same
Councilman Jennings suggested that the aerobic room be increased in size and asked staff to come back with
recommendations.
Ms. Zimomra spoke to the following:
5 % FEMA rule applies
Initially staff looked at roof, air conditioning and structural improvements
Recognized based on 50% rule there would be very little funds left
Determine which roof design
Last Council meeting Council directed a skinner scope and eliminated interior modifications and HVAC
Mayor Ruane asked to remove and discuss on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 realize roof savings, refine the
budget and need to be cognizant that if rooms were expanded parking needed to be considered for intensity.
Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Councilman Jennings remove and discuss for Tuesday, September 18, 2012.
The motion carried.
Council directed City staff to identify designating a flat roof and additional architectural services for room
expansion.
Public Comment
Karen Storijohan noted a hip roof had the ability to move walls, flat roof could not.
Mayor Ruane noted that building a hip roof would increase the construction cost.
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 2
September 08, 2012

Discussion ensured regarding if staff had gotten another appraisal and Ms. Zimomra noted that Council decided
another appraisal was not necessary.
j. RESOLUTION 12-064 OF THE CITY OF SANIBEL, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF THE LOCAL MITIGATION STRATEGY, PREPARED BY
THE LOCAL MITIGATION STRATEGY WORKING GROUP OF LEE COUNTY,
AS THE FORMAL GUIDE FOR THE CITY OF SANIBEL HAZARD
MITIGATION ACTIVITIES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
k. RESOLUTION 12-084 TO CARRY FORWARD THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012
CLASSIFICATION PLAN AND PAY SCHEDULE REFLECTING PAY GRADES
AND PAY RANGES FOR NON-UNION AND UNION CITY EMPLOYEES FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
t. RESOLUTION 12-088 DETERMINING THE REQUEST FOR AN
ENTERTAINMENT TAX RECEIPT BY SANIBEL SUNDIAL PARTNERS LLC,
AT THE SUNDIAL BEACH & GOLF RESORT, 1451 MIDDLE GULF DRIVE;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
u RESOLUTION 12-089 APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT/TRANSFER NO.
2012-050 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (To transfer $7,620 from the reserve for
contingencies for computer training classes not originally anticipated for FY12 training. This budget
amendment does not increase or decrease the FY12 budget)
Ms. Zimomra read the title of Resolutions 12-064, 12-084, 12-088 and 12-089.
Vice Mayor Denham moved, seconded by Councilman Harrity, to adopt the above.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
a. Approval of minutes – July 17, 2012 and August 07, 2012 Regular Meeting and August
25, 2012 Emergency Meeting
b. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Mahnaz Bassiri not to exceed
the City’s budget amount of $13,600 for Land Aerobics and Body Sculpting programs at
the Recreation Center and authorize the City Manager to execute same
c. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Kris Brown not to exceed the
City’s budget amount of $11,385 for Yoga programs at the Recreation Center and
authorize the City Manager to execute same
d. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Patricia Gennity not to exceed
the City’s budget amount of $8,305 for Yoga programs at the Recreation Center and
authorize the City Manager to execute same
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 3
September 08, 2012

e. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Harry L. King not to exceed the
City’s budget amount of $11,400 for Yoga programs at the Recreation Center and
authorize the City Manager to execute same
f. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Dalia Jakubauskas not to
exceed the City’s budget amount of $14,025 for Cycling and Bosu Ball programs at the
Recreation Center and authorize the City Manager to execute same
g. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Sonia Dalmau not to exceed the
City’s budget amount of $14,190 for Zumba programs at the Recreation Center and
authorize the City Manager to execute same
h. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Meta Roth not to exceed the
City’s budget amount of $40,095 for land Aerobics, Cycling, Pilates and Power Sculpting
programs at the Recreation Center and authorize the City Manager to execute same
i. Approval of an agreement between the City of Sanibel and Laura McGowen not to exceed
the City’s budget amount of $7,425 for Small Group Weight Room Orientation and
Resistant Training programs at the Recreation Center and authorize the City Manager to
execute same
l. Approval of a West Coast Inland Navigation District (WICND) grant (L-359) in the amount
of $111,000 for Marine Law Enforcement and authorize the City Manager to execute same
m. Approval of the Community Housing Resources (CHR) contract for 5 years and authorize
the City Manager to execute same
n. Approval of an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Sanibel, Lee County Emergency
Operations Center, Lee County Port Authority, City of Fort Myers, and Lee County
Sheriff’s Department for the Code Red Emergency Notification System, which is a cost
sharing project; Sanibel's portion is $2,900 and authorize the City Manager to execute
same (the $2,900 is within the draft FY13 budget)
o. Request City Council waive the bid process to allow on-site installation of in car video
systems purchased under the State of Florida Bid Contract at a cost of $7,385 per vehicle
which includes cables, routers, power adapters and antennas. The total cost of the in car
video systems for five road patrol vehicles is $35,470 (this project was budgeted for $50,000 in
the FY 11-12 budget and does not increase/decrease the budget)
p. Request from the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society for approval of their 2013 Wildlife
Conservation Lecture Series to be held at the Sanibel Community House (SCA), 2173
Periwinkle Way, under one Special Event Permit beginning Thursday, January 3, 2013,
and continuing on 1/10/13, 1/17/13, 1/24/13, 1/31/13, 2/7/13, 2/14/13, 2/21/13 and 2/28/13
(this request has been historically approved)
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 4
September 08, 2012

q. Approval of a Lease Agreement between City of Sanibel and Local Roots, LLC, for
operation of a farmer’s market at 800 Dunlop Rd (City Hall property) on Sundays from
November 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 (one year lease with 2 one year extensions
available at the option of the City and authorize the City Manager to execute same
s. Approval of an agreement with the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management
for federally funded public assistance for Tropical Storm Debby and authorize the Mayor
and City Manager to execute same
w. Approval of an agreement with American Fidelity Assurance Company in coordination
with the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust to provide and administer Flexible Spending
Accounts for Unreimbursed Medical Expenses and Dependent Care and other voluntary
benefits for City employees and authorize the City Manager to execute same
Mayor Ruane moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Denham, to approve the above.
Public Comment
None
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Water Quality Issues
Update regarding water quality issues
Follow-up to Board of County Commissioner meetings
Current Lee County Fertilizer Education program
Vice Mayor Denham spoke to the following:
Fertilizer bill coming forward to State Legislature
Work with team captains
Educate public
50 ordinances
Evidence that not fertilizer lawns impact water quality positively
Discussion ensued regarding talk to Lee County Mayor’s, have other municipalities involved monetarily, with
Ray Judah leaving have no environmental voice in Lee County, Vice Mayor Denham asked to fill the spot, allow
involvement of Lee County Mayor and see how things evolve and Lee County fertilizer education program
included in packet.
Draft Historical Museum and Village, Inc. Agreement (Councilman Harrity)
Proposed 3-year Agreement
Mayor Ruane noted that there were some misunderstanding and asked the agreement be on the September 18,
2012.
BOARDS COMMITTEES COMMISSION
Report from Jean Ann Dewalt, member regarding Lee County Human Services Council
Ms. DeWalt spoke to the following:
3 members that sit on a 3-D project and try to get national and/or state grants
Try to equal Boards
Include all non-profits eligible
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 5
September 08, 2012

To provide information regarding 3-D project
Letter involving pre-school activities to give to Council
Mayor announced that the meeting was recessed at 12:22 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., and City Council would go into the
Executive Session as noted below.
Convene an EXECUTIVE SESSION RELATING TO UNION NEGOTIATIONS
In attendance shall be only the following persons:
Mayor Kevin Ruane
Vice Mayor Mick Denham
Councilman Doug Congress
Councilman Marty Harrity
Councilman Jim Jennings
Sanibel City Manager Judie Zimomra
Sanibel City Attorney Kenneth B. Cuyler
Jim Isom, Director of Administrative Services
Wayne Helsby, Labor Counsel (Allen, Norton & Blue) (by phone)
Council reconvened the meeting at 1:00 p.m.
CITY MANAGER
Informational Items
Building Department Monthly Revenue Report, July and August, 2012
Building Department Monthly Permit and Inspections July and August, 2012
Planning Department Permit Activity Report July, 2012
Planning Department Code Enforcement Activity Report July, 2012
Grease Trap Report, August, 2012
City of Sanibel Quarterly report for period ending June 30, 2012
Causeway counts for June, 2012
Ms. Zimomra called Council’s attention to the reports.
Discussion ensued regarding issues on the Causeway.
Ms. Zimomra noted that there was a meeting with the Assistant County Manager and it appears law enforcement
have had a greater presence.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Mr. Cuyler noted that the boat dock case was dismissed, but he had received an email that there would be an
appeal. He mentioned that the City was in a good position and there was 30 days to file notice of appeal.
COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORT
Attendance at the Tourism Development Council (TDC) meeting of Friday, August 10,
2012
Mayor Ruane noted the following:
Spoke to Commissioner Manning regarding the Sanibel seat up early next year
Potential for legislation for Sanibel to maintain the current seat
Would speak with each commissioner
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 6
September 08, 2012

Attendance at the Florida League of Cities Conference August 23 to 25, 2012
Councilman Congress spoke to speaking with other elected officials, but the sessions were subpar.
Vice Mayor Denham added the Florida League of Cities speakers were not quality of speakers.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Pamela Smith, MMC
Sanibel City Clerk
Sanibel City Council Regular Meeting Page 7
September 08, 2012

AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made and executed this 31 st day of July, 2007 18 th day of
September, 2012, by and between the CITY OF SANIBEL (hereinafter “City”), a Florida
municipal corporation, and The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc., a not-forprofit
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida,
(hereinafter collectively referred to as “Parties”).
In consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations specified herein,
acknowledged by the Parties to be sufficient consideration, the Parties hereto hereby
agree as follows:
1. Effective October 1, 2007, 2012, The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village,
Inc. will collect and be entitled to retain all admissions, donations, memberships,
museum store proceeds, tour proceeds, and rental proceeds generated by The
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village Facility located at 950 Dunlop Road,
Sanibel, (hereinafter the “Premises”). The Sanibel Historical Museum and
Village, Inc. is responsible for directly paying all applicable sales tax.
2. The City agrees to maintain at its cost current levels of utilities ($5,250), phone
(4 in-coming lines, 2 for communication; 1 for fire alarm; 1 for security alarm),
alarms ($2,664), ground and parking lot maintenance and repairs ($7,500),
maintenance of structures ($9,897), and pest control and insurance for the
Premises. Long distance calls will be the sole responsibility of The Sanibel
Historical Museum and Village, Inc. The City agrees to pay the cost of the sewer
connection for the restrooms scheduled to be constructed on site.
1

3. Payments to The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc., for
administrative expenses by the City shall be as follows:
(a)
Annually beginning fiscal year 2007-08 (fiscal year will begin on
October 1 st of each year), $45,000 will be paid to The Sanibel
Historical Museum and Village, Inc. by the City as its total
financial commitment for the administrative budget to be utilized
for printing, promotions, office supplies and other operation
expenses.
3. (a) Payments to The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc., for
administrative expenses by the City for fiscal years 2012-13 through 2014-15
shall be as follows:
(i) For fiscal year 2012–13, the City’s payment shall be $40,500.
(ii) For fiscal year 2013–14, the City’s payment shall be $36,450.
(iii) For fiscal year 2014–15, the City’s payment shall be $32,805.
(b) In the event that the City exercises it’s option to extend the term of this
Agreement for an additional one year term, or two additional one year terms,
pursuant to section 11 of this agreement, the City’s payment for administrative
expenses shall be as follows:
(i) For fiscal year 2015–16, the City’s payment shall be $29,525.
(ii) For fiscal year 2016–17, the City’s payment shall be $26,573
(c) Such payments shall be the City’s total financial commitment for the
administrative budget to be utilized for printing promotions, office supplies and
other operational expenses.
2

(b) (d) Payment to The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc. for such
administrative budget shall be made in quarterly installments of one-quarter the
amount budgeted for the fiscal year (fiscal year will begin on October 1 st of each
year), payable within the first week of each quarter of the City’s fiscal year.
4. Payments to The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc., for staff
support expenses by the City shall be as follows:
(a)
Annually beginning fiscal year 2007-08 (fiscal year will begin on
October 1 st of each year), $38,000 will be paid to The Sanibel
Historical Museum and Village, Inc., by the City as its total
financial commitment for contractual staff support utilized for or
by the Premises.
4. (a) Payments to The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc., for staff
support expenses by the City for fiscal years 2012–13 through 2014–15 shall be
as follows:
(i) For fiscal year 2012–13, the City’s payment shall be $34,200.
(ii) For fiscal year 2013–14, the City’s payment shall be $30,780.
(iii) For fiscal year 2014–15, the City’s payment shall be $27,702.
(b) In the event that the City exercises it’s option to extend the term of this
agreement for an additional one year term, or two additional one year terms,
pursuant to section 11 of this agreement, the City’s payment for staff support
expenses shall be as follows:
3

(i) For fiscal year 2015-16, the City’s payment shall be $24,932.
(ii) For fiscal year 2016-17, the City’s payment shall be $22,439.
(c) Such payments shall be the City’s total financial commitment for
contractual staff support utilized for or by the premises.
(b) (d) Payment to The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc., for such
staff support shall be made in quarterly installments of one-quarter the amount
budgeted for the fiscal year, payable within the first week of each quarter of the
City’s fiscal year.
5. Within twenty (20) days after the end of each fiscal quarter during the term of
this Agreement, The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc. shall submit to
the City Manager a balance sheet prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting procedures and a line item accounting, including detailed transactions
in “date order”, of its administrative expenditures for such quarter including, but
not limited to, administrative budget and contractual staff expenses. In addition,
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc. shall provide an annual audited
income statement for the prior fiscal year no later than January 1 st of each year.
6. The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc., shall use the Premises only
for its offices, storage, meeting of its members and Board of Directors, and
Historical Events, Performances and Educational activities that are consistent with
the Sanibel Plan. Any rentals to the public of the Premises will also meet these
conditions unless expressly approved by Sanibel City Council.
4

7. The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc. shall submit an annual written
report on the status of operating The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village to
the City Council.
8. The City shall be permitted reasonable use of the Premises, upon written prior
notification, without charge.
9. Consistent with City ordinance, The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village,
Inc., shall obtain a Special Events Permit as applicable for events held at the
Premises. The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc. shall coordinate
parking with B. I. G. Arts, the City, and other neighboring properties to promote
efficient, non-disruptive parking.
10. Consistent with City ordinances The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village,
Inc. will not sell, use, or serve, nor permit the sale, use, or serving of alcoholic
beverages in connection with any use on the Premises, except with prior approval
of the City Council.
11. This Agreement shall terminate midnight September 30 th , 2012, 2015 unless
extended pursuant to this section or terminated by either party in accordance with
section 12 of this Agreement. The term of this Agreement may be extended for
two additional one year terms under substantially the same terms and conditions
(with the City’s payments for administrative expenses and staff support expenses
for the extended term(s) set forth in Sections 3(b) and 4(b) of this Agreement) at
the option of the City through approval of such extension(s) by its City Council
provided, however, such term extension(s) must be approved by the Sanibel
Historical Museum and Village, Inc. in writing prior to taking effect. Written
5

notice to extend shall issue from the City to The Sanibel Historical Museum and
Village, Inc., on or before September 1, 2012 for the following fiscal year
term(s). Written acceptance of The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc.
shall be provided to the City on or before within 30 days after receipt of such
notice to extend, but in no event later than September 30, 2012 prior to the
commencement of the extended fiscal year term(s).
12. This Agreement will be automatically terminated upon dissolution or
declaration of bankruptcy of The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Inc., or
substantial inactivity of the Premises or corporation for a period of six
consecutive months. This Agreement may be terminated at will, for any reason or
no reason, by either party, upon twelve (12) months prior written notice to the
other party. Such termination is required to be sent U.S. mail certified, postage
pre-paid, return receipt requested.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed and their official seals affixed hereto on the day and year first written
above.
(SEAL)
CITY OF SANIBEL
ATTEST:
BY: ________________________________
Judith A. Zimomra, City Manager
___________________________
Pamela Smith, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ________________________________
Kenneth B. Cuyler, City Attorney
___________
Date
6

(SEAL)
WITNESSES:
______________________________
Witness #1 Signature
______________________________
Witness #1 Printed Name
THE SANIBEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM
AND VILLAGE, INC.
BY: ________________________________
Alexander F. Werner, President
______________________________
Witness #2 Signature
_____________________________
Witness #2 Printed Name
7

~
The Community House
SANIBEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
RECEIVED BY
12 AUG - 9 Ati 10: 17
CITY 0 ' At11i!EL
ADMI N.! LEGIS.
August 6, 20 12
City of Sanibel
Attn: City Council
800 Dunlap Road
Sanibel, FL 33957
RE: Additional Special Events Permits for the Sanibel Community Association for 2013
Dear Sanibel City Council;
I am writing you today to begin the process of our annual request for special events permits.
Given the calendar for this upcoming season, I do not anticipate the need to increase that request
over prior years. Therefore, our request for sixty ( 60) special events penn its for the 20 13 season
remains the same as was adopted by the Sanibel City Council for our 2012 season.
We respectfully request the City Council put us on the agenda if we need to appear in person for
this request, or let us know by Jetter of the approval without appearance.
Thank you for your consideration in association with this request. Please feel free to contact me
with any additional questions or concerns.
Warm Regards,
Teresa Riska-Hall
Executive Director
CC: Marge Meek
SCA President
The Commun•ry House
'2173 Pcuwrnkle 'Woy
Sanibel Flot~do 33957
Telepnone (2391472·2' 55
focsrmrle·f239}A72-0124
~orube coMmVf'lityhouse ne!
To ~~~ nch t'

RESOLlJTION 12-090
APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT/TRANSFER NO. 2012-051 AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
SanibeL Florida:
City Council of the City of
SECTION l. "fhe General Fund for fiscal 2011-20 I Budget
Amendment/Transfer BA 201 I true copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A
and incorporated herein by this reference, is hereby approved and accepted,
SECTION 2. Effective
This resolution shall take
immediately upon adoption.
DULY PASSED AND ENACTED by the Council ofthe City of Sanibel, Florida
this 18th day of September 2012.
AlJTHENTICATION:
Kevin Ruane, Mayor
Pamela Smith, City Clerk
Vote of Councilmembers:
Ruane
Denham
Congress
Harrity
Jennings
Date filed with City Clerk: ~~~~~~-
Res. 12-090

DOCUMENT NUMBER
I BA 20121- ..... 1 _0_51___,
CITY OF SANIBEL
BUDGETAMENDMENTffRANSFER
FUND
DEPT
FUND
ORG
OBJECT
Project
Number
Amount Prior
To Chan9e
lncr/(Decr)
REVENUE
lncr/(Decr)
EXPENSE
Amount After
Chan9e
999180
414000
415090
421010
421020
422410
444000
446000
447000
452000
4,500,000
900
6,500
4,000
(90,900) 4,409,100
76,000 76,000
150 150
3,675 3.675
975 975
850 850
4,250 4,250
2,000 2,900
1,000 7,500
2,000 6,000
TOTAL
PURPOSE
To transfer $90,900 from the reserve for disasters for costs incurred during Tropical Storm Isaac. This budget amendment does not increase
or decrease the FY 12 budget.
Prepared by:
F. Slane
9/18/2012
Date Approved by: Date Input by: GROUP# Date

LEE COUNTY
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CONTRACT AMENDMENT
Submit (3) three originals
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
2440 THOMPSON STREET
FORT MYERS, FL 33901
ATIN: CONTRACT SPECIALIST
PROVIDER: City of Sanibel Date of Request: 8/24/12
Contract No . : 5989 Effective Date of Amendment: 9/30/12
Contract Term: 3/1/ 11- 9/30f12 12/31/12 Amendment No.: 2
Funding source: U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Dev Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program Page 1 of 1
Justification (Explain why amendment is needed): The construction documents are
complete and the Provider is currently in the process of collecting proposals for
construction. However, the design phase took longer than anticipated and the
Provider is requesting to extend the cont ract terms. Extending the terms will allow
the Provider to complete construction and submit all required close out documents in
a timely manner. Scope of Services and budget will remain the same.
A. Language Modification (reference appropriate contract article)
ARTICLE II
TERM OF CONTRACT
This Contract shall begin October 1, 2011 and end Septeffieer 30, 2012 December 31,
201~ unless terminated as specified in Article VIII, Suspension/Termination .
B. Budget Amendment: (include revised detailed budget -original, revised, & percent of
change.) N/ A
LEE COUNTY
PROVIDER:
Verified by: - - - - ----- -
Title: Contract Specialist
Date:
Authorized Official:
Name typed:
(signature)
Reviewed by: ~--------
Title: Contract Manager
Date:
Approved by:
Title: Director, Department Human Services
Date:
Title:
Date:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
A.
rf an attachment is included, add provider name, contract number and effective date of ame. d
attachment.
Distnbution of originals: 1) Provider 2) Department of Human SeNices 3) OHS Fiscal
S: \INTSVCS\CDBG - Community Dev .Block Grant\ Sanibei\ 11 -12\Complete Contract\ Contract Amendment # 2 5989 • Extend
Terms.docx

VETERAN""WNED
SMAll BUSINESS
11 OEUVERY FOR FOO OEST!NA· 12_ DISCOUNT TERMS
T!ON UNLESS BLOCK IS
MARK£0
SCHE.OUUZ
0 13o THiS CONTRACT IS A
RATED ORDER UNDER
OPAS (15 CH< 700)
16. ADMINISTERED BY
130 RATING
N DING
1 WILDLIFE
SANIBEL
NWR
CONT GRANT
CENTURY BOULEVARD,
30
10
11a. CONTRACTOR;
OFFEROR
0070214780
HVL PAYMENT WtLL SE MADE BY
CODE
IPP INV
ITY
800
-4021
TELEPHON!icNO
0 17b_ CHECK iF REM liT ANCE IS DifFERENT .a.ND PUT SUCH AOORESS IN OFFER
19
ITEM NO
DUNs # 081374969
20
SCHEDULE OF SUPPliESISERVlCES
16b_ SUBMlT lNVOlCES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW
IS CHECKED
ADDENDUM
21 22.
QUANTlTY UNlT
23
UNIT PRICE
24
AMOUNT
This contract order is procured under Memorandum
of Understanding J 40181BK004.
Suggested COR: VCOOPER
Account Assignment: K G/L Account: 6100.252RO
Business Area: FOOO Commitment Item: 252ROO Cost
: FF04RFDDOO Functional Area:
126100.V20000 Fund: 123Fl611MD Fund Center:
PR
This aw rd has been
OBLIGA EO IN FBMS
Initial
Date gjsjzoJZ.
25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA
01
(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)
[] 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212·1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED.
27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212·5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA
Chs. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN
COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER
ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL
SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.
JQa_ SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR
26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)
$50,000.00
ADDENDA
0 ARE n ARE NOT ATTACHED.
0 ARE 0 ARE NOT ATTACHED.
!Xi 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT REF. !:-lOU 40181BK004 OFFER
DATED 02/02/2009 YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCKS),
INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH
All
CONTRACTING OFFICER)
30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)
AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION
PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
30c DATE SIGNED
Bryan Hagood

20 21 22
SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT
23
UNIT PRICE
24
AMOUNT
0/01/201 to 09/30/2014
00010
50,000.00
0/01/201 09/30/2013
00011
Woody Plant Removal
Item)
1 YR
0.00
0.00
09/30/2014
non-commercial order.
not exceed the awarded value
amount
Officer issues
award: $50,000.00. The
32a QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN
[J RECEIVED [] INSPECTED
[J ACCEPTED. AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT. EXCEPT AS NOTED:
32b SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 132c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE
32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 321. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE
32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE
33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED 36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER
CORRECT FOR
[J PARTIAL D FINAL
36. SIR ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. SIR VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY
[J COMPLETE D PARTIAL D FINAL
41 a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 142a. RECEIVED BY (Print)
41 b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE
42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)
42c. DATE REC'D (YYIMM!DD) J42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS
STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 21'2012) BACK

Clauses (Other Than Commercial) ............................................................................................................................................. 4
52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated hy Reference. (FEB 4
52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration. (APR 2012) ............................................................................................................ 4
52.213-4 Terms and Conditions- Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial Items). (AUG 2012) ........................ .4
52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract. (MAR 2012) ......................................................................................... 7
Performance Work Statement ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Quality Assurance Plan ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Wage Determination .................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Additional Information .............................................................................................................................................................. I 0
List of Attachments .................................................................................................................................................................... II
Page 3 of 11- F12PX02939

Clauses (Other Than Commercial)
CONTRACTING OFFICER: The Contracting Otlicer (CO) is the only person authorized to approve changes in writing, to
any of the requirements under this contact No oral statement of any person whosoever shall, in any manner or degree, modifY
or otherwise affect the terms of this Purchase Order. In the event the Contractor etTects any such change at the direction of any
person other than the Contracting Otlicer, the change shall be considered to have been made without authority and no
adjustment shall be made in the Purchase Order price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof. The CO for
this order is bryan hagoodl@fws.gov
GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE (GR): Authorized Government Point of Contact for this order is Tara Wertz (239/472-
11 00 or and Joyce Palmer (239/472-1100 or joyce palmer@.fws.gov). He/she/they shall not, however,
have the authority to make any changes in the purchase order
52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998)
This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference. with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text.
Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed
electronically at this/these address(es):
http://www.arnet.gov/far
www .doi.gov/pam/aindex
(End of clause)
52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration. (APR 2012)
52.217-8 Option to Extend Services. (NOV 1999)
52.243-1 Changes- Fixed-Price. (AUG 1987)- Alternate I (APR 1984)
52.213-4 Terms and Conditions- Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial Items). (AUG 2012)
(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses that are incorporated by
reference:
(I) The clauses listed below implement provisions of law or Executive order:
(i) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O. 11755).
(ii) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999) (E.O. 11246).
(iii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007) (E.O. 11246).
(iv) 52.222-50, Combating Tratlicking in Persons (FEB 2009) (22 U.S.C. 7l04(g)).
(v) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.o.s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the
Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).
(vi) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996)(31 U.S.C. 3553).
(vii) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Pub. L. 108-77, 108-78).
(2) Listed below are additional clauses that apply:
(i) 52.232-1, Payments (APR 1984).
(ii) 52.232-8, Discounts tor Prompt Payment (FEB 2002).
(iii) 52.232-11, Extras (APR 1984).
Page 4 of 11 - F12PX02939

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the following FAR clauses, incorporated by reference, unless the circumstances do not
apply:
(I) The clauses listed below implement provisions of law or Executive order:
(i)
Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (AUG 20 12)(Pub. L. I 09-282)(31 U.S.C.
6101 note)(Applies to contracts valued at $25,000 or more).
(ii)
Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (MAR 20 12) (E.O. 13126). (Applies to contracts for
supplies exceeding the micro-purchase threshold.)
~~~~b Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act (OCT 2010) (41 U.S.C. 35-45) (Applies to supply contracts over $15,000
Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands).
(v)
Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (OCT 2010) (29 U.S.C. 793). (Applies to contracts over
$15,000, unless the work is to be performed outside the United States by employees recruited outside the United States.) (For
purposes of this clause, United States includes the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana
Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Wake Island.)
't.z;~~~·EillployJ11ent Reports()nVeterans (SEP 2010}(38JJ.S.(:~42)2){Ap.Qlie~t()C()ntractsoHIOO,OOOorrn()re).
(vii) Service Contract Act of 1965 (NOV 2007) (41 U.S.C. 351), et seq.) (Applies to service contracts over $2,500
that are subject to the Service Contract Act and will be performed in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the
Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Johnston Island, Wake Island, or the outer
continental shelf lands.)
(viii) Pollution Prevention and Right-to-Know Information (May 2011) (E.O. 13423) (Applies to services performed
on Federal facilities).
(ix)
Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (DEC 2007) (42 U.S.C. 8259b) (Unless exempt pursuant to
23.204, applies to contracts when energy-consuming products listed in the ENERGY STAR Program or Federal Energy
Management Program (FEMP) will be
(A) Delivered;
(B) Acquired by the Contractor for use in performing services at a Federally-controlled facility;
(C) Furnished by the Contractor for use by the Government; or
(D) Specified in the design of a building or work, or incorporated during its construction, renovation, or maintenance.)
(x) 52.225-1, Buy American Act--Supplies (FEB 2009) (41 U.S.C. I Oa-!Od) (Applies to contracts for supplies, and to contracts
for services involving the furnishing of supplies, for use in the United States or its outlying areas, if the value of the supply
contract or supply portion of a service contract exceeds the micro-purchase threshold and the acquisition--
(A) Is set aside for small business concerns; or
(B) Cannot be set aside for small business concerns (see 19.502-2), and does not exceed $25,000).
Page 5 of 11 - F12PX02939

(xi)
Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer- Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003). (Applies when the
payment will be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) and the payment office uses the Central Contractor Registration
(CCR) database as its source of EFT information.)
(xii)
Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer Other than Central Contractor Registration (MAY 1999). (Applies
when the payment will be made by EFT and the payment office does not use the CCR database as its source of EFT
information.)
(xiii)
Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Fiag Commercial Vessels (FEB 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx 1241). (Applies
to supplies transported by ocean vessels (except for the types of subcontracts listed at 47.504(d).)
(2) Listed below are additional clauses that may apply:
(i) Protecting the Government's fnterest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed
for Debarment {Dec 2010) (Applies to contracts over $30,000).
(iii) Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. (MAR 2009) (Pub. L. 110-247) (Applies to
contracts greater than $25,000 that provide for the provision, the service, or the sale of food in the United States.)
(c) FAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998). This contract incorporates one or more clauses by
reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make
their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):
(d) Inspection/ Acceptance. The Contractor shall tender for acceptance only those items that conform to the requirements of this
contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance.
The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at
no increase in contract price. The Government must exercise its postacceptance rights -
(1) Within a reasonable period of time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and
(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.
(e) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the
reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence, such as acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the
Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually
severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is
reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith,
shaH remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of
the cessation of such occurrence.
(f) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part
hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and
shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the
Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of
termination, plus reasonable charges that the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government, using its
standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the
cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to
audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred that reasonably could
have been avoided.
Page 6 of 11 - F12PX02939

Tennination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any
default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract tenns and conditions, or fails to provide the
Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future perfonnance. In the event of tennination for cause, the
Government shall not be liable to the Contractor tor any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall
be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is detennined that the Government
improperly tenninated this contract for default, such tennination shall be deemed a tennination tor convenience.
(h) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and tit for use for the
particular purpose described in this contract.
(End of clause)
52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term ofthe Contract. (MAR 2012)
(a) The Government may extend the tenn of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 60 days; provided that the
Government the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires.
The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.
(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.
(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 2 years.
(End of clause)
Performance Work Statement
FY12 J.N. "DING" DARLING NWR (41540) WETLAND RESTORATION
PROJECT BOTANICAL SITE WOODY PLANT REMOVAL
I. BACKGROUND/GENERAL INFORMATION
fills project Is designed· torest:ore wetfand vegetatlon.irifow::lyingareas ofthe 8otanlcarS1teaspaifofa haoifaflmprovem-ei1T
plan for J.N. "Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The freshwater wetlands in the Botanical Site have been encroached
upon by native woody vegetation. These plants use large quantities of water, effectively lowering the water table and slowly
change the landscape to a more xeric site. This in tum enables more woody vegetation to invade the shrinking wetland. There
are also many birds of prey that use the taller shrubs and trees as perches to hunt and kill wetland-dependent species, several of
which are declining across the landscape. Fire is an effective tool used to accomplish the removal of woody species, but after a
prescribed burn in March 2012, parts ofthe site were still inundated with live shrubs and trees. Elimination ofthe woody
vegetation helps to retain the integrity and diversity of the wetlands.
Treatment of invasive non-native plants and their management have been identified as one of the highest priorities within the
National Wildlife Refuge System particularly on Florida NWRs. Invasive and nonnative plants threaten native plant
communities and native wildlife including threatened and endangered species. Their rapid growth and copious seed production
penn its the establishment and fonnation of dense, impenetrable forests and thickets that shade out desirable native plant
species, affecting water flow and drainage, and obstructing human and wildlife movement and public viewing opportunities. In
general, invasive non-native plants degrade native habitat quality decreasing native species abundance and diversity. Refuges
employ a variety of management techniques to control invasive non-native plants including herbicides (primary means),
mechanical controls (heavy equipment), cultural controls (prescribed fire), physical controls (hand pulling seedlings & vines),
and biological controls (when available). Invasive plant removal work is perfonned by refuge staff, contractors, volunteers, and
conservation and educational organizations. Refuges' prioritize treatments based upon the targeted plant species 'category' of
invasiveness; that is, the ability of the targeted plant to colonize and impact native plant habitats.
The delineated project area includes the Botanical Site in J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR (Figure I). The specific goal of this
project shall be to remove all woody vegetation including native species (such as wax myrtle, willow, and buttonwood) and
FLEPPC category I & 2 non-native invasive plants (such as Brazilian pepper), within the freshwater wetland portion of the
Botanical Site (Figure 2). No vegetation is to be treated in the upland portion of the area. The wetland habitat is approximately
250 acres within the Botanical Site. Priority areas for the project are outlined in Figure 2. Other areas may be treated at the
discretion of the Site Manager.
Page 7 of ll - Fl2PX02939

II. PROJECT LOCATION
Botanical Site is located on Sanibel Island south of San-Cap Road, approximately 2.25 miles from the Tarpon Bay Road
intersection. The area is closed to the public and can be accessed from San-Cap Rd on the north side and West Middle Gulf Dr
on the south side. There is no bridge access to cross the Sanibel River, which bisects the site east to west. The area is under the
regulatory control of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, but is owned by the State of Florida.
Ill. WORK SPECIFICATIONS
The Contractor shall furnish all contract labor, equipment and supplies including chainsaws, transportation, and herbicide to
perform all operations for mechanical removal of woody vegetation including category I & 2 non-native plants from the
wetland areas of the site. The Contractor shall employ approved herbicide Current Control Technologies (CCTs) for
controlling regeneration from all stumps. Any non-native invasive plants occurring as single trees and/or mixed with native
plant populations shall be felled accordingly and their stumps treated with approved herbicide. All non-native invasive plant
seedlings and saplings 3 ft tall) mixed with natives or occurring in flagged areas shall be treated with herbicides or hand
pulled. Several parts of the project area are upland, hardwood hammock habitat. These are important but rare across the
landscape ofSW Florida. These areas will be flagged by Refuge staff as protected areas. The protected areas will not
significantly impact the logistical operations of woody encroachment removal activity.
IV. DELIVERABLES AND REPORTS (Includes any hardware, software, or data items)
The Contractor shall submit a weekly progress report containing acres cleared and treated, brand or trade name and amount of
herbicide used, and expected acreage treated for the next week. Contractor shall also complete all billing paperwork no later
than December 31, 2014.
V. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
The task shall be considered completed following a thorough inspection of the delineated treatment area by the Site Manager or
his/her designee and only if it is determined that the Contractor treated I 00% of all woody trees and shrubs within the
delineated treatment area, or those identified in Section III. If determined that the Contractor did not remove or treat 100% of
all woody vegetation following the initial treatment event, any additional re-treatments shall be performed at the Contractor's
expense.
VI. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY OR INFORMATION (if applicable)
Storage of equipment and/or herbicides needed to complete the Scope of Work shaH be addressed prior to the start of the
project, and approval shall be at the discretion of the Site/Refuge Manager. No exceptions shall be aHowed/permitted. The
Government shall furnish no equipment for this task.
VII. OTHER REQUIREMENTS OR PROVISIONS
The Contractor shall avoid any damage to upland habitat (mechanical or overspray) and wildlife. The Contractor shall not
collect, harass, harm or molest native plants or wildlife. The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all trash and
treatment-related items. The Contractor shall be held liable if damage was determined to be the fault of the Contractor, the
resu It of improper treatment techniques, or the result of Contractor negligence during control activities.
Prior to start of the project, the Contractor shall decontaminate all equipment to ensure no invasive nonnative seeds and/or
spores are transported to remote refuge islands, e.g. boats, trailers, trucks, back pack sprayers, etc. that are dedicated to the
project in perpetuity. Decontamination of equipment shall occur at the Contractor's facility prior to commencement of invasive
plant control operations. New disposable-type gloves shaH be issued to applicators on each new day of control activities.
Applicators shaH thoroughly wash all clothing and footwear after each day's control operations. Establishment of any new nonnative
plant species shall be required to be treated at the Contractor's expense as determined by the Refuge Manager or
designated FWS Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) if introduction was the result of Contractor
negligence.
The Contractor will not store fuel overnight on-site without the approval by the Refuge Manager or designated FWS COTR. A
spill response plan and containment equipment I materials are required to be onsite at all times.
The Contractor shall be extremely wary of, and avoid damage to sensitive archaeological sites such as Native American
middens and shell mounds. These subtle mounds appear as 'raised' or slightly 'elevated' areas, and provide ideal germination
sites for establishment of non-native plant species. The Contractor shall be held liable for any damage to or removal of any
items from designated archaeological sites.
The Contractor shall only apply herbicides that have been approved through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' Pesticide Use
Page 8 of 11 - F12PX02939

Proposal process. Confinnation of permitted herbicides may be coordinated with the SiteiRefuge Manager, or addressed during
the 'pre-award teleconference'. No herbicides or surfactants shall be pennitted to be stored on-site overnight only during
actual control operations.
The Contractor shall provide workers with all Personal Protective Equipment. Hazards to be considered include chainsaw use,
herbicide exposure, heat exhaustion and stress, biting insects, stinging venomous insects and snakes, and poisonous plants such
as poison ivy. Appropriate precautions shall be implemented by the Contractor.
VIII. TIME SCHEDULE/PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The project shall commence in 90 days (3 months) and shall be completed in 120 days (4 months) following issuance of the
task order and notification to begin work.
Quality Assurance Plan
1.1 The Contractor shall institute a complete quality-control program to ensure that the requirements of this contract are
provided, as specified. The overall goal of the program should be to identify and correct any problems that may exist before
they are identified by or reported to the GR andior the building-management staff. This will aid in ensuring the contractor
meets time schedules, adheres to standard commercial practices, and complies with Perfonnance Work Statementicontract in
an efficient, ethical, and productive manner. As a minimum, the program shall include:
l.l.l An inspection system covering all the services required under Section V (Perfonnance Requirements) with a
comprehensive checklist to be used to inspect contract perfonnance during scheduled and unscheduled inspections, and the
name(s) of the individuals who will be performing the inspections.
1.1.2 A system for identifying and correcting deficiencies and/or a pattern of deficiencies in the quality or quantity of
services provided before the level of perfonnance becomes unacceptable andior Government inspectors point out the
deficiencies.
h+.~A fik7-of aU· inspeetiooseonducttldby··the €ontr1letor·andeorrectiveaetions-taken-fat€ontractor'sexpense);·· l'his-shou«t·
include follow-up inspections to ensure that corrective action was appropriate, complete, and timely. This documentation shall
be organized in a logical manner, kept current, and made available to the GRand the Contracting Officer during the tenn of the
contract.
1.1.4 When notified of a deficiency, items designated as unsatisfactory or below standard shall be re-performed by Contactor at
no additional cost to the Government. All corrective action must be completed by the next working day of notification of the
deficiency. If not, a deduction may be made (as determined from the applicable month's invoice. Failure for the Government
to notify the Contractor of a deficiency does not relieve the Contractor of the obligation to perfonn services nor does it relieve
the Contractor of the responsibility to ensure that quality control measures are adhered to for contract compliance.
1.2 Perfonnance Indicators and Acceptable Quality Levels
1.2.1 Comply with work production/work schedule(s) except for Excusable Delays. I 00% compliance
1.2.2 Comply with all work requirements and standards as indicated within the Work Statement. I 00% compliance
1.2.3 Comply with all contract tenns and conditions. 100% compliance
1.2.4 Must not damage government resources, fish, wildlife, andior property. I 00% compliance
1.2.5 Maintain safety of workers and work environment at all times (I 00% compliance with no deviations)
1.2.6 Contractor must maintain a Quality Control Plan and immediately disclose/report any problems. 100% compliance
1.3 Surveillance Methods
Page 9 of 11 - Fl2PX02939

1.3 .I Regularly scheduled inspection/review of work
1.3.2 Inspection of equipment and materials
I .3 .3 Contractor logs/reports
1.4 Incentives
1.4.1 Non-compliance with Performance Work Statement will result in negative performance evaluation/rating.
1.4.2 A positive performance rating will be given for overall satisfactory work and compliance related to the contract
Wage Determination
*NOTE: The Contractor is responsible for veri tying correct wage area for location of work performance. Contractor is
responsible tor determining whether positions performing work under this contract is applicable to this Wage Determination or
others.
WD 74-1311 (Rev.-38) was first posted on www.wdol.gov on 08/28/2012
************************************************************************************
Wage Determination No.: 1974-1311
Revision No.: 38
Date of Revision: 08/20/20 I 2
State: Florida
Area: Florida Statewide
*NOTE: To view the applicable rates, please visit the following web address: http://www.wdol.gov/sca.aspx#O
A. NON-PERSONAL SERVICES
Additional Information
As stated in the Federal Register, Volume 57, No. 190, page 45096, dated September 30, 1992, Policy Letter on Inherently
Governmental Function, no personal services shall be performed under this contract. All work requirements shall flow only
from Project Officer to the Contractor Employee. No Contractor Employee shall be directly supervised by the Government.
The applicable employee supervisor shall give all individual employee assignments and daily work direction. If the Contractor
believes any Government action or communication has been given that would create a personal services relationship between
the Government and any Contractor employee, the Contractor shall promptly notifY the Contracting Officer of this
communication or action.
The Contractor shall not perform any inherently governmental action under this contract. No contractor employee shall hold
him or herself out to be a Government employee, agent, or representative. No Contractor employee shall state orally or in
writing, at any time, that he or she is acting on behalf of the Government. In all communications with third parties in
connection with this contract, Contractor employees shall identity themselves as Contractor and spec if)' the name of the
company for which they work. In all communications with the Government contractors in connection with this contract, the
Contractor employee shall state that he/she has no authority to, in any way, change the contract and that if the other contractor
believes this communication to be a direction to change their contract, they should notifY the Contracting Officer for that
contract and not carry out the direction until a clarification has been issued by the Contracting Officer.
The Contractor shall insure that all of its employees working on this contract are informed ofthe substance ofthis article.
Nothing in this article shall limit the Government's rights in any way under the provisions of the contract, including those
related to the Government's right to inspect and accept the services to be performed under this contract. The substance of this
article shall be included in all subcontracts at any tier.
Page 10 of 11 - F12PX02939

B. CCR & ORCA lnfonnation
You must maintain active registration in CCR & ORCA (thru SAM at https://www.sam.gov/index.html) throughout the
duration of this contract order.
Since October 0 I, 2003, it is federally mandated that any contractor wishing to do business and receive payment from the
Federal government must be registered within CCR. FAR 52.204-8 mandates the use of ORCA on or after January I, 2005.
You must renew/re-certifY your CCR and ORCA registration annually.
C. ADVANCED PAYMENTS I DEPOSITS
No advanced payments I deposits will be paid.
I. The awarded contract amount could be garnished partially or in-full by the Federal government for any Federal
delinquent debts.
2. The Contractor shall not exceed the awarded value ofthis contract order and shall not be compensated on any
expenses beyond that amount unless the designated Contracting Officer issues a contract modification.
List of Attachments
I .
Attachment I - Maps
Page 11 of 11 - F12PX02939

CITY OF SANIBEL
RESOLUTION 12-091
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF SANIBEL AND THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF
STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS,
the City and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees (“AFSCME”) have engaged in limited negotiations as specified in the current
Collective Bargaining Agreement; and
WHEREAS, rolling forward the current Collective Bargaining Agreement for one year
was ratified by AFSCME on September 7, 2012; and
WHEREAS, the agreed upon roll forward of the current agreement requires editorial
changes to Article 11 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, as appropriate, and is attached
hereto, incorporated by reference and marked as Exhibit A;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sanibel,
Florida:
SECTION 1. The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Sanibel and
AFSCME as modified in Article 11 of the agreement is hereby APPROVED to be rolled
forward for fiscal year 2012-2013 and the City Manager is authorized to execute same on behalf
of the City.
SECTION 2. Effective date.
This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
Res. 12-091

DULY PASSED AND ENACTED by the Council of the City of Sanibel, Florida, this
18 th day of September, 2012.
AUTHENTICATION:
_______________________________
Kevin Ruane, Mayor
______________________________
Pamela Smith, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:____________________________
Kenneth B. Cuyler, City Attorney
______________
Date
Vote of Council members:
Ruane
Denham
Congress
Harrity
Jennings
________
________
________
________
________
Date filed with City Clerk:_________________
2

Exhibit A
ARTICLE 11
HEALTH INSURANCE
Section 1. The fiscal year 2010-2011 2011-2012 monthly cafeteria plan
allowance, $858.70 will remain unchanged for fiscal year 2011-2012 2012-2013 and the
discretionary spending allotment of the cafeteria allowance ($125.70) will remain
unchanged. That portion of the cafeteria allowance designated for health insurance will
apply to the new Cafeteria Allowance plan.
Section 2. The supplemental allowance for health insurance for dependent
coverage will be increased by the amount of increase in cost for dependent coverage for
the new Cafeteria allowance.
Section 3. Health Care Committee - The City reserves the right to form a
Health Care Committee, as needed, with the Administrative Services Director as
Chairperson with representation by bargaining unit members and non-bargaining unit
members.

Jim lsom
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Irwin Scharfeld
Friday, September 07, 2012 3:21 PM
Jim lsom
Roy Gibson
AFSCME ratifies City's Final Offer
Jim, this shall serve to notify the City that AFSCME has ratified the City's Final Offer dated Aug 8 ,
2012 by a majority vote of those employees in the AFSCME bargaining unit. Please notify the City
Mgr. and City Council and prepare the necessary Agreement for our signitures. Your cooperation in
letting us hold the vote on City time was greatly appreciated and resulted in over 53% of the
employees voting. Irwin
1

September 4, 2012
City of Sanibel
H(IO l ) u,.rfJP H•1.u..l
..,.,,nlhc.·t. t-lnrt,f 1 '~'floe ;

Evaluation and Appraisal Report
of
the Sanibel Plan
2012
City of Sanibel
Lee County, Florida
********************************************************************************************
This Report was prepared by the Sanibel Planning Commission and submitted to
the City Council by PC Resolution no. 12-10, adopted on August 28, 2012.
Following additional review and further revisions, the Report was adopted by the
City Council by Resolution no. 12-___, on ______ ___, 2012.
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2
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LIST OF CITY OFFICIALS
City Council
Kevin Ruane, Mayor
Mick Denham, Vice Mayor
Doug Congress
Marty Harrity
Jim Jennings
Planning Commission
Michael Valiquette, Chair
Philip Marks, Vice Chair
Chris Heindrick
Chuck Ketteman
Tom Krekle
Holly Smith
John Talmage
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of City Officials …..…………………………………………………………………. 3
Table of Contents ……………………………………..……………………………….. 4
Purpose…………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Preparation of the Report …………………………………………………………….. 5
Executive Summary …..…………………………………………………………………. 6
Evaluation and Appraisal of the Sanibel Plan ,………………………………………11
Action for Evaluation and Appraisal Report-Based Amendments ………...........11
Identification of Proposed Updates, Clarifications and Amendments
to the text (including Goals, Objectives and Policies) of the Sanibel
Plan ……………….……………………………………………………………..… Exhibit A
Identification of Amendments to the Official Maps of the Sanibel
Plan …………………………. ……………………………………………………. Exhibit B
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) of the Sanibel Plan is to
assess the Plan’s effectiveness in managing growth and redevelopment and in
responding to change.
The preparation and adoption of an Evaluation and Appraisal Report is directed
by State law (Florida Statutes, Section 163.3191). This Evaluation and Appraisal
Report has been prepared to meet that requirement. This Report has also been
prepared to provide the basis and the content for the EAR-based Amendment to
the Sanibel Plan.
This Report also accomplishes the following important purposes:
• review of past actions taken to implement the Sanibel Plan
• assessment of the effectiveness of the objectives of the Sanibel Plan
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• identification of areas in the Sanibel Plan that should be updated
- in response to changing conditions and trends
affecting the City of Sanibel
- in response to changes in State requirements regarding
growth management and development
- in response to new data and analysis
• ensuring effective intergovernmental coordination
This Report includes updates for the data and analysis that provides the minimum
review criteria for the preparation of the Sanibel Plan. The Background
Discussion for each Element of the Sanibel Plan has been updated as indicated
in Exhibit A of this Report.
The Report also updates the timeframe for the Sanibel Plan:
• the initial (5 year) planning period is through the year 2017; and
• the long-range (10 year) planning period is through the year 2022.
The principal purpose of this Evaluation and Appraisal Report is to convey the
City Council’s commitment to update the Sanibel Plan; to address changes in
State Law and Rule; and to amend the Sanibel Plan, where appropriate,
consistent with the adopted Evaluation and Appraisal Report.
PREPARATION OF THE REPORT
This Evaluation and Appraisal Report has been prepared in conformity with
public participation procedures, pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 163.3181.
Throughout the process of preparing this Report, public comments have been
requested, appreciated and considered.
The schedule of Planning Commission hearings on the preparation of the
Evaluation and Appraisal of the Sanibel Plan is provided in PC Resolution no. 12-
10, which presented the draft report to the City Council.
The Draft 2012 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) was prepared by the
Sanibel Planning Commission, the local planning agency, pursuant to Florida
Statutes, Section 163.3191. By Planning Commission Resolution no. 12-10, the
5
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Draft 2012 Evaluation and Appraisal Report of the Sanibel Plan was transmitted
by the Planning Commission to the City Council on August 28, 2012.
The Evaluation and Appraisal Report prepared by the Planning Commission is to
be reviewed and adopted by City Council at public hearings. The 2012
Evaluation and Appraisal Report of the Sanibel Plan, adopted on _______ __, 2012
is to be transmitted to the Florida Department of Economic Development, to the
other reviewing state agencies and to adjacent local governments, as part of
the 2012 Evaluation and Appraisal Report-Based Amendment to the Sanibel
Plan, pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 163.3184.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Report presents the 2012 Evaluation and Appraisal of the Sanibel Plan. It has
been seven years since the 2005 Evaluation and Appraisal of the Sanibel Plan.
Of foremost importance is that the findings of this Report conclude that the
Sanibel Plan is consistent with State requirements, including changes to State
Statues contained in the “Community Planning Act”. In fact, the Sanibel Plan is
consistent with State requirements even without any Plan Amendments based on
this Evaluation and Appraisal of the Sanibel Plan.
This Evaluation and Appraisal Report reaffirms many objectives and policies of
the Sanibel Plan. The Plan Amendments recommended by this Evaluation and
Appraisal of the Sanibel Plan update the Plan and reflect changes in local
conditions.
The major recommendations of this Evaluation and Appraisal Report address the
following topics:
Study of the Carrying Capacity of the Beaches
Capital Improvements
Housing
Official Maps
Policy or Program Revisions.
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Study of the Carrying Capacity of the Beaches
The preservation of Sanibel’s natural resources has always been a basic tenet of
the Sanibel Plan. The objective to preserve the natural beach has been
expressed more directly in subsequent updates of the Sanibel Plan.
Sanibel's uniqueness requires preserving its natural beaches - beaches where
humans co-exist with wildlife. The City has taken many steps and implemented a
number of programs to protect the natural systems on Sanibel beaches. A brief
listing of these programs is provided here:
Limitations on density (Gulf and Bay Beach Zones are Preservation Districts)
Limitations on the amount of coverage with impermeable surfaces
Limitations on removal of native vegetation
Limitations on the amount of developed area
The Plan for Coastal Zone Protection, contains many provisions which protect
the Carrying Capacity of the Beach, such as
Restoring the dune system, improving pedestrian accessways,
regulating beach paraphernalia, prohibiting live shelling, protecting of
seagrasses, restricting vehicles on the beach to patrols and
emergency vehicles, prohibiting raking and scraping of naturally
occurring beach wrack, restricting beach lighting , prohibition on point
source discharges for wastewater effluent into coastal waters,
avoidance of new point source discharges from stormwater runoff into
coastal waters and prohibition on seawalls, bulkheads and other
shoreline structures along the coastline
Other programs that limit development and human activity to a level of use
that can be accommodated and continued without irreversible impairment
of the beach’s natural resource productivity, such as
Prohibition on the excavation in the Gulf Beach Ridge
Prohibition on exploitation of natural resources
Conditional use restrictions on commercial activities in the Resort Housing
District
Special Event restrictions and limits on activities taking place on the
beach
A limited and controlled beach parking program
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This Evaluation and Appraisal Report recommends amending a policy that
requires a study of the carrying capacity of the beach for use by wildlife. The
amendment to that policy will retain the option to conduct a beach carrying
capacity study, but not require that the study be done. This change allows the
City to assess the budgetary implications of undertaking the study and the likely
benefits that would result from the study.
However, the City should broaden the monitoring of its beaches, when
necessary, to better establish baseline conditions and an annual report should
be prepared based on the monitoring data. The City should also look for ways
to cost-effectively include measurements of human activities on the beach, as
part of its monitoring of the beaches.
The existing policies of the Sanibel Plan that contribute to maintaining the
carrying capacity of the beach for use by wildlife are reaffirmed by this Report.
Capital Improvements (Level of Service Standards for Public Facilities)
The City retains its concurrency management system to ensure that public
facilities are available concurrent with development; although it is important to
note that the City has essentially reached “build-out”. The City has arrived at a
redevelopment phase. The provision of human support systems (public facilities)
will focus on the maintenance and upgrades of existing public facilities.
The Evaluation and Appraisal Report does recommend amending the level of
service (LOS) standards for:
Solid Waste Disposal Facilities to be consistent with the LOS standard in the
County’s Lee Plan (which provides the Solid Waste Disposal Facilities used
by the City)
Playgrounds to be consistent with revisions to the Master Parks and Recreation
Plan
There are no capital improvement projects needed to attain or maintain the
adopted level of service standards for concurrency related public facilities.
Therefore, there are no capital improvement needs (required to attain or
maintain adopted level of service standards for public facilities) projected for the
initial and long range timeframes of this Report, that is through the year 2022. It
has been and continues to be financially feasible to achieve and maintain the
adopted level of service standards for public facilities.
The City of Sanibel will continue to fund capital improvement projects before
deficiencies in level of service for public facilities arise. The City is capable of
funding the capital improvements identified on the Five-Year Schedule of
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Capital Improvements in Section 3.5.2 Implementation, Monitoring and
Evaluation of the Sanibel Plan and the City’s Five-Year Capital Improvements
Program.
The Evaluation and Appraisal Report does recommend removing the policy that
sets a capital indebtedness ratio from the Sanibel Plan. A policy setting a capital
indebtedness ratio can be established apart from the Plan.
Housing
The City is located in the one of the regions of the country that has been most
significantly affected by the economic downturn in the housing market. Housing
values peaked in 2006 and have subsequently declined. Even during the
economic downturn, most existing housing has been well maintained. Private
sector activities are currently effective in conserving and maintaining the existing
housing stock.
Economic conditions play a significant role in the demand for Below Market Rate
Housing. The current economic downturn in the housing market and an increase
of 24 additional BMRH units since the last Evaluation and Appraisal of the Sanibel
Plan have resulted in a sufficient change in the supply of affordable housing. At
this time, in response to the changes in the conditions of the housing market and
reflective of the constraints cited throughout the Plan, the Below Market Rate
Housing Program is transitioning from a construction phase to a maintenance
phase. The maintenance and upkeep of the existing units in the Program is vital
to the long-term sustainability and availability of Below Market Rate Housing
Program units.
Based on current conditions of the housing market and reflective of population
projections, the present inventory of 87 existing Below Market Rate Housing units
is adequate to meet Sanibel-determined affordable housing needs at “buildout”
(over the next 10 years).
In maintaining the City’s commitment to continue to provide an appropriate
number of affordable housing units, the City will reassess the need for additional
Below Market Rate Housing units as economic conditions evolve.
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Official Maps
Future Land Use Map
The following Amendments are proposed to components of the Future Land Use
Map:
Replace the Commercial District Map with the Commercial Zoning Map (that is in
the Land Development Code)
The Commercial Zoning Map of the Land Development Code designates the
commercial lands on the Commercial District Map by commercial zoning
district: the General Commercial, the Town Center General Commercial or
the Town Center Limited Commercial.
Amend the Commercial Zoning (District) Map
A small commercially-zoned tract at Sanibel-Captiva Road and Sanibel
Bayous Road is being removed from the Commercial District.
Amend the Wetland Conservation Lands Map
Twelve parcels, comprising approximately 72.1 acres, are recommended to
be added to the Interior Wetlands Conservation District on the Wetlands
Conservation Lands Map.
Three parcels, comprising approximately 6.6 acres, are recommended for
removal from the Interior Wetlands Conservation District on the Wetlands
Conservation Lands Map.
Include (add) the Environmentally-Sensitive Lands Conservation District Map to
the Future Land Use Map
The Environmentally-Sensitive Lands Conservation District Map, part of the
Land Development Code, is being added to the Future Land Use Map.
Future Traffic Circulation Map
The Future Traffic Circulation Map is being updated to reflect the initial (5-year)
and long-range (10-year) planning periods of this Report
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Policy or Program Revisions
The following recommendations for the Sanibel Plan have implications for the use
of City personnel and resources:
In Section 3.3.3. Transportation
During the next (initial -2017) planning period of the Sanibel Plan, the
City intends to review options that can improve the peak hour, peak
season, level of service for major roadways.
The City may develop a position statement addressing the use of
private busses.
EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL OF THE SANIBEL PLAN
Identification of Proposed Updates, Clarifications
and Amendments to the Sanibel Plan
Since 1976, both development and preservation activities in the City of Sanibel
have been guided by the Sanibel Plan. For over 35 years the Sanibel Plan has
provided stability and certainty to land use decision-making for the City, its
residents, its property and business owners, and its visitors.
Since 1976 and since the 2007 EAR-based Amendment to the Sanibel Plan, the
City has met and complies with the objectives and implementing policies of the
Sanibel Plan. The City of Sanibel’s growth continues to be managed in
accordance with the goals, objectives and policies of the Sanibel Plan.
As the City reaches “build-out”, the majority of land development activities will
involve infill development and redevelopment projects. In accordance with the
Development Intensity Map of the Future Land Use Map Series of the Sanibel
Plan, less than 2% of the dwelling units permitted on Sanibel (and located outside
of existing developments) have yet to be constructed. Over 90% of lands in the
Commercial District are fully developed. Conditions and trends indicate that
there will be more in-fill and redevelopment than new development in the City
from here on out.
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The City of Sanibel intends for this Evaluation and Appraisal Report, including its
data and analysis, to provide the framework for updating the Sanibel Plan.
The proposed updates, clarifications and amendments to the Sanibel Plan
(text, including Goals, Objectives and Policies) generated by the preparation
of this Report are presented in their entirety in Exhibit A of this Report.
The proposed Amendments to the Official Maps of the Sanibel Plan
generated by the preparation of this Report are presented in Exhibit B of
this Report.
ACTION FOR THE EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL REPORT-BASED
PLAN AMENDMENT
The City intends to adopt Amendments to update, clarify and revise the Sanibel
Plan based on this Evaluation and Appraisal Report. In fact, the submittal of this
Evaluation and Appraisal Report to the Department of Economic Opportunity will
be included in the City’s transmittal of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report-Based
Amendment to the Sanibel Plan to review agencies.
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9-5-12
Exhibit A
To the Evaluation and Appraisal Report
For the Sanibel Plan
2012
UPDATES, CLARIFICATIONS AND REVISIONS
TO THE TEXT OF THE SANIBEL PLAN,
INCLUDING GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The data and analysis for the following illustrative, non-regulatory graphics
provided in Article 3 has been included in the preparation of the
Evaluation and Appraisal of the Sanibel Plan and will be revised and
updated as part of the EAR-Based Plan Amendment: Hurricane
Evacuation Routes, Wetlands, Historic Sites and Structures, Shared Use
Path Routes and Recreation Sites and Open Spaces
Other illustrative, non-regulatory graphics (Coastal High-Hazard Area,
Ecological Zones: Inventory, Ecological Zones: Function, Ecological Zones:
Management Guidelines, Freshwater Management Area) and the
Appendix Key, Ecological Zones Map) are not changed and will be reformatted
and included in the EAR-Based Plan Amendment
City of Sanibel
Lee County, Florida
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2 EAR
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Article 2.
Evaluation and Appraisal
The data and analyses for the Sanibel Plan are briefly
summarized in Article 3 Goals, Objectives and Policies of
this Plan. The Sanibel Plan, extensively revised in 1989,
1997, and 2007 and 2012, addresses the minimum review
criteria required for comprehensive plans. The minimum
review criteria, established by Chapter 9J-5 of the Florida
Administrative Code for data and analyses, have been
addressed in the 2012 2004/2005 Evaluation and
Appraisal Report (EAR) process for the Sanibel Plan.
Therefore, an extensive recitation of data and analyses,
responsive to regulatory requirements, is not repeated in
the Sanibel Plan, but is incorporated by reference.
The 2012 2004/2005 EAR was prepared in conformity with
public participation procedures, pursuant to Florida
Statutes, Section 163.3181. The EAR was prepared by the
Sanibel Planning Commission, the local planning agency,
pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 163.3191(4). After 7
18 public hearings focusing on the elements of the
Sanibel Plan and the major issues identified by the City
Council, the draft EAR was transmitted to the City
Council by Planning Commission Resolution no. 12-10 04-
11 on August 28, 2012 December 28, 2004. The EAR was
presented to the City Council at a joint City
Council/Planning Commission workshop on _____________
___, 2012 January 6, 2005. The City Council reviewed the
EAR at public hearings beginning on ______________ ___,
2012 and ______________ ___, 2012 January 18, 2005. On
March 16, 2005, City Council convened a workshop with
the Planning Commission to address suggestions to improve
the Report, provided by the Florida Department of
Community Affairs. The Report was revised as appropriate
at the direction of City Council and adopted by
Resolution Ordinance no. 12-___ 05-003, pursuant to
Florida Statutes, Section 163.3191(6), on ______________
___, 2012 April 19, 2005. On June 27, 2005, the Florida
Department of Community Affairs, the State land
planning agency, informed the City that the 2004/2005
Evaluation and Appraisal Report for the Sanibel Plan was
found to be sufficient, pursuant to Subsections
163.3191(2)&(6), Florida Statutes.
2012 2004/2005 Evaluation and Appraisal Report for the
Sanibel Plan
Executive Summary
The 2012 Evaluation and Appraisal Report was prepared
to provide the basis and the content for the EAR-based
Amendment to the Sanibel Plan.
This Report includes updates for the data and analysis
that provides the minimum review criteria for the preparation
of the Sanibel Plan.

The principal purpose of this Evaluation and Appraisal
Report is to convey the City Council’s commitment to
update the Sanibel Plan; to address changes in State
Law and Rule; and to amend the Sanibel Plan, where
appropriate, consistent with the adopted Evaluation and
Appraisal Report.
Of foremost importance is that the findings of this Report
conclude that the Sanibel Plan is consistent with State
requirements, including changes to State Statues
contained in the “Community Planning Act”. In fact, the
Sanibel Plan is consistent with State requirements even
without any Plan Amendments based on this Evaluation
and Appraisal of the Sanibel Plan.
The 2012 Evaluation and Appraisal Report reaffirms many
objectives and policies of the Sanibel Plan. The Plan
Amendments recommended by this Evaluation and
Appraisal of the Sanibel Plan update the Plan and reflect
changes in local conditions.
The purpose of the executive summary of the Evaluation
and Appraisal Report (EAR) was to highlight the major
recommendations of the Report and to confirm the
City’s commitment to continuing to address the major
issues identified in the Report. The recommendations in
the EAR reflect the hierarchy established in the Vision
Statement of the Sanibel Plan.
The Executive Summary addressed:
• Natural beaches
• Buildback and Redevelopment
• Character of the community
• Intergovernmental coordination
• Historic preservation
• Commitment to the on-going planning process
Identification of Major Issues
The following lists of the Major Issues addressed in the
2004/2005 Evaluation and Appraisal Report for the
Sanibel Plan:
• Ensuring that evacuation and recovery
capabilities are adequate and available for
response to threat from hurricanes and other
disasters
• Addressing peak season, outbound traffic
congestion for peak hours at the intersection of
Periwinkle Way and Causeway and Lindgren
Boulevards
• Improving coordination and collaboration with
other governmental units, focusing on: -
Implementing the Sanibel Plan, -Addressing
impacts of near-island development activities and
-Ensuring equity in services and responsibilities
among participants
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• Addressing stresses on the carrying capacity of
natural systems, focusing on natural systems
contribution to making Sanibel a pleasant place
to live and supporting the local economy
• Maintaining the character of the community,
focusing on redevelopment in stable
neighborhoods and in the resort housing and
commercial sectors
• Implementing the Master Parks and Recreation
Plan, focusing on levels of service and capital
improvements
• Reassessing “buildback”, focusing on strategies
that address nonconforming densities
• Improving and developing programs that ensure
environmental health and sustainability is
maintained or enhanced
Schools, the Water Supply, the Sanibel Causeway and
Official Maps were discussed as special topics in the
2004/2005 EAR of the Sanibel Plan. Lessons learned from
the recovery efforts following the destruction caused by
Hurricane Charley on August 13, 2004 were made a
special topic of the EAR.
• Evaluating the Sanibel Plan’s effectiveness in
directing population concentrations away from
the coastal high-hazard area
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3 GOPs
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Article 3.
Goals, Objectives and Policies
Arranged by the elements of the Sanibel Plan, the goals,
objectives and policies of the Sanibel Plan are provided
in this Article.
In addition to goals, objectives and policies, this Article
also contains Plans for each Plan element, and
components of Plan elements. These Plans, initially
established in the 1976 Sanibel Plan and continuously
updated, are:
• Plan for Hurricane Safety
• Plan for Coastal Zone Protection
• Plan for Natural Resources
• Plan for the Preservation of Ecological Functions
Relating to Health, Safety and Welfare
• Plan for the Interior Wetlands Conservation District
• Plan for Environmentally Sensitive Lands
• Plan for Vegetation Preservation
• Plan for Wetland Protection
• Plan for Wildlife Preservation
• Plan for Water Resources
• Plan for Water Quality
• Plan for Air Quality
• Plan for Hazardous Wastes
• Plan for Conservation and Recreation Use
• Plan for Surface Water Management
• Plan for Enhancement and Restoration of Natural
Resources
• Plan for Aquifer Recharge
• Plan for Historic Preservation
• Plan for Scenic Preservation
• Plan for Water Supply
• Plan for Transportation
• Plan for Wastewater Treatment
• Plan for Solid Waste Disposal
• Plan for Storm Drainage
• Plan for Recreation and Open Space
• Plan for Fire Protection
• Plan for City Hall
• Plan for Electric Utility
• Plan for Medical Facilities and Public Health

• Plan for Education
• Plan for Mosquito Control on Sanibel
• Plan for Intergovernmental Coordination
• Plan for Housing
• Plan for Permitted Uses
• Plan for Development Intensity
• Plan for Commercial Development
• Plan for Community Design
The provisions contained in these Plans have a status that
is equivalent to the objectives and policies of the Sanibel
Plan.
A brief discussion of background material for elements of
the Sanibel Plan is provided in this Article. The background
discussion summarizes data and analyses for the
Sanibel Plan and describes each element’s purpose and
relationship to other Plan elements.
For the Sanibel Plan, the minimum review criteria
established by Chapter 9J-5 of the Florida Administrative
Code for data and analyses has been addressed in the
2012 2004/2005 Evaluation and Appraisal Report for the
Sanibel Plan.
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3.1.1. Hurricanes
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Part 3.1. Safety
This Part of the Sanibel Plan establishes Goals, Objectives
and Policies for public expenditures in a coastal highhazard
area, for directing population concentrations
away from a coastal high-hazard area, for maintaining
and reducing hurricane evacuation times, for posthurricane
recovery and for building code requirements.
Hurricane safety has always been a principal tenet of the
Sanibel Plan and has influenced development of other
Plan Elements.
Adequate off-Island evacuation routes and shelters are
becoming an increasing concern to the City of Sanibel
and will be addressed, to the extent possible, in the Intergovernmental
Coordination Element of the Sanibel Plan.
Section 3.1.1.
Hurricane Safety Element
Pursuant to Section 163.3177, Florida Statutes and Chapter 9J-
5.012(3) of the Florida Administrative Code.
Background Discussion
The purpose of this Element, as stated in the Florida
Administrative Code, is to protect human life and limit
public expenditures in areas that are subject to
destruction by natural disaster.
A summary of the data and analyses for this Element of
the Sanibel Plan, pursuant to Section 163.3177(7) (h),
Florida Statutes and the minimum review criteria of
Chapter 9J-5.012(2) and (3) of the Florida Administrative
Code, are also provided are summarized in this subsection
the 2004/2005 Evaluation and Appraisal Report
for the Sanibel Plan, adopted April 19, 2005 is provided in
this subsection..
The City of Sanibel is subject to periodic passage of
hurricanes. Sanibel is located entirely within the evacuation
zone for Category 1 hurricanes, as predicted by the
National Hurricane Center and mapped by the Southwest
Florida Regional Planning Council. Therefore, by
rule definition, Sanibel Island is entirely within the coastal
high-hazard area. The threat of hurricanes is a major
influence in the development of the Sanibel Plan.

Hurricane Climatology
Since 1873, there have been over 50 tropical cyclones
passing within 100 nautical miles of the Fort Myers area.
Twenty of these storms have been hurricanes passing
within 75 miles of Sanibel Island, each of which posed a
significant threat to property and lives on the Island at
some point in its life cycle. Hurricane Charley, striking on
August 13, 2004, was the most destructive hurricane to hit
the City of Sanibel since incorporation in 1974. The
following year, the eye of Hurricane Wilma passed within
75 miles of the City of Sanibel.
For Sanibel, the storm surge represents a potentially
devastating and dangerous event. The storm tide level
predicted for Sanibel during the 100-year storm is eight to
20 feet above mean sea level, a level that would
inundate the entire island. The storm surge tides would
be accompanied by large scouring and battering
waves. The erosive power and battering impact of such
a water flow would seriously threaten the integrity of
numerous structures on Sanibel and the life of any person
stranded on the Island. Of course, lesser storms can and
will produce tides capable of flooding the entire Island.
The 1926 hurricane did just that, and forever changed
the character of Sanibel’s use by wiping out the Island’s
farming economy.
Data and Analyses
In 1980, the City of Sanibel undertook a comprehensive
effort to develop a broad based hazard mitigation
program. A study, entitled “Hurricane Evacuation and
Hazard Mitigation Study,” was prepared for the City by
the consulting firm of Rogers, Golden & Halpern in
association with Simpson Weather Associates and H. W.
Lochner, Inc.
The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
(SWFRPC) prepares a comprehensive hurricane evacuation
study for Southwest Florida entitled “Southwest
Florida Regional Hurricane Evacuation Study”. This study
was updated in 2011 2001.
Major findings and recommendations from these studies
have been incorporated in this Element of the Sanibel
Plan.
Evacuation Population
In recognition of the hurricane hazard on Sanibel and the
inherent deficiencies of on-Island refuges, the City of
Sanibel must plan for the evacuation of all persons from
Sanibel and Captiva Islands when a hurricane warning
and evacuation order is issued.
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As part of the City’s Emergency Management Plan, the
evacuation population and number of evacuating
vehicles for Sanibel and Captiva is estimated in advance
of potential threats from active storms, based on
conditions. The City (and Captiva Island) were successfully
evacuated in 2004 and 2005 in preparation for the
arrival of Hurricanes Charley and Wilma.
The SWFRPC estimates 9,400 dwelling units for Sanibel
and Captiva in 2001. The SWFRPC estimated functional
population for the Sanibel/Captiva Evacuation Zone in
July 2001, is 15,730 people and rises to 16,809 people in
October. Also included in the SWFRPC estimates are
number of vehicles to be used for evacuation. The
estimate for the Sanibel/Captiva Zone was 7,622 vehicles
for July 2001; 10,842 vehicles were estimated for October.
According to SWFRPC estimates, nearly half
approximately 45 percent of the County’s functional
population would be displaced by evacuation for a
Category 1 hurricane in July 2001. It is estimated that
nearly 100% of the County’s functional population would
be displaced by evacuation from a Category 4/5
hurricane.
Elderly and handicapped populations present special
needs for evacuation assistance. The 2010 2000 census
estimated that 50 40 percent of Sanibel’s permanent
population was 65 years of age or older. A local service
organization, Friends In Service Here (FISH) in coordination
with the City of Sanibel Emergency Management
Program and the Lee County Emergency Operations
Center Special Needs program, provides assistance for
individuals that require help with evacuation. Community
Housing and Resources has plans to assist the elderly
and disabled tenants in the Bolow Market Rate Housing
units.
Hurricane Shelters
Public shelters accessible for Sanibel residents are listed in
the SWFRPC study and in the Lee County Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan. Some shelters in Lee
County can accommodate some special needs and
some can accommodate pets. All public shelters should
be available for Sanibel evacuees.
The SWFRPC has concluded that the volume of shelter
space available for a Category 1 hurricane, which would
necessitate Island evacuation, is adequate for the City
and all other portions of Lee County affected by such
categories of storms. Recognizable deficits exist for the
entire County for Category 2 storms, and these deficits
grow as increasing strength storms, which cause more
shelters to stay closed. As deficits increase, Sanibel’s
residents will need to head to public or private sheltering
options in other Counties.
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Sanibel has attempted to reduce some sheltering issues
through a positive effort of identifying hotels and private
sheltering providers on the mainland. Further, a portion
of City Hall, which is in itself elevated, has been stormproofed
to serve for the initial steps for recovery.
The City has no on-Island shelters. As a barrier island, it is
not safe to remain in the City of Sanibel when a mandatory
evacuation order is issued. When it becomes necessary
to discontinue evacuation efforts over the causeway
or when evacuation becomes impossible, limited areas
of refuge from storm conditions for persons stranded on
the Islands during a hurricane can be made available.
This type of refuge is, in no way, meant to encourage
people to stay on the Island, nor to give a false sense of
security to those that do stay.
Evacuation Routes and Improvements
There is one primary evacuation route from Sanibel -
across the Causeway and up McGregor Boulevard /
Summerlin Road. This evacuation route will also be used
by thousands of mainland evacuees who live in other
low-lying coastal areas, severely limiting the capacity of
the route that will be available for Sanibel and Captiva
evacuees.
Although Summerlin Road and the portion of McGregor
Boulevard from the southeastern terminus of Summerlin
Road to the Sanibel Causeway were originally planned
as controlled access roads, accesses in addition to those
originally envisioned have been added to accommodate
development plans. The multiple access points that
have been developed along the Summerlin Road and
McGregor Boulevard corridor have contributed to this
area becoming an extremely hazardous stretch of
highway. The hazards of these many access points will
be amplified in the event of hurricane evacuation.
Although the local roads used for evacuation routes are
constrained during peak season, the City’s Emergency
Management Program seeks to reduce the number of
vehicles on local roads by restricting unnecessary trips to
Sanibel prior to issuance of an evacuation order. This
effort improves the level of service for the evacuation
routes when emergency conditions threaten.
The City’s objectives and policies for traffic circulation
limit road capacity improvements to those needed for
safety and those that are compatible with environmental,
scenic and historic resources. Although road
capacity improvements are a primary consideration for
adequate hurricane evacuation, road capacity
improvements are secondary to resource protection.
Road improvements that would provide increased
capacity for hurricane evacuation would create an
impetus for further development and use of the limited
and fragile resources of Sanibel.
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To address this conflict among objectives in a manner
consistent with Sanibel’s policy not to widen roads, the
City’s Emergency Management Plan contains a provision
for Causeway lane conversion procedures. Depending
on storm type, direction, intensity and calculated
clearance time, conversion to two outbound lanes on
the Causeway can be ordered by the Emergency
Operations Center head in concert with the Lee County
Disaster Director. Sanibel police will stop all inbound
traffic allowing only predetermined vehicles to access
the Causeway. This increase in road capacity on
Sanibel’s primary evacuation route can significantly
reduce the clearance time component for calculating
hurricane evacuation times. This method to increase
road capacity can be enhanced by incorporating lane
conversion procedures for the replacement bridges of
the Sanibel Causeway.
Evacuation Times
The severity of the storm, the number of vehicles evacuating,
the capacity of evacuation routes, distance to
shelter destination, and behavioral tendencies are
factors contributing to clearance time. Pre-landfall storm
conditions, such as flooding and high wind, also add to
evacuation time.
The critical link for Sanibel’s near-shore evacuation is the
Sanibel Causeway. This is a two-lane facility that is low
lying and subject to inundation by tropical storm
flooding. Upon reaching the mainland, the route
becomes renamed McGregor Boulevard / Summerlin
Road and is a four-lane facility to its terminus in Fort
Myers. Periwinkle Way, the primary evacuation route
within the City, is planned to remain two lanes. Portions
of Summerlin have been widened or are under
construction to become six lanes, from the intersection
with SR865 (San Carlos Boulevard) to Boy Scout Road.
The reconstructed ion of the bridges of the Sanibel
Causeway provides an opportunity to provide two lanes
off the Island for evacuation purposes.
Recognizing that the Causeway is the critical link for
reaching mainland shelters, it is a point of survival for the
City to make sure that the Causeway is fully functional
with undiminished capacity, and that McGregor /
Summerlin’s capacity for evacuation is not reduced
through growth of surrounding areas beyond that which
enables the City to have a timely evacuation. Currently,
that time is estimated to be 13 to 14 hours to clear the
Island, with more than an additional hour to reach the
shelter at the expected reduced rates of speed of
service level “D”. This estimated time includes the
Captiva evacuees and applies to all categories of
hurricanes; however, great hurricanes, requiring the
evacuation of major portions of the mainland, will
drastically increase the time required to reach shelters.
Evacuation time is of concern for the City of Sanibel.
Considering pre-landfall wind conditions of up to eight
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hours (and, in some circumstances, pre-landfall flooding
of similar times), total evacuation of the Island to
mainland shelter could take over 20 hours, exceeding
the 18 hour goal for evacuation planning. Consequently,
there have been alternatives discussed to reduce this
time. The most common is providing two lanes off the
Islands across the Causeway, which could reduce
clearance time by as much as 50 percent.
The estimation and projection for hurricane evacuation
clearance times for now and at build-out (existing development
and approximately 600 800 additional dwelling
units) on Sanibel and Captiva can be significantly
reduced by providing a second lane for evacuation
traffic along the evacuation route. This proposed
increase in hurricane evacuation road capacity, which is
projected to reduce and maintain evacuation clearance
times below 1987 levels, is implemented by operational
procedures contained in the Sanibel Emergency
Management Plan rather than as a capital improvement.
The Sanibel Emergency Management Plan will
continue to provide manual control of the hurricane
evacuation route to assure that the level of service on
the evacuation route is maintained throughout the
evacuation period.
The City of Sanibel has undertaken additional operational
steps to reduce evacuation times. The public
notification program, the enlistment of volunteers for
neighborhood and condominium notification, including
door-to-door notification and the identification of persons
needing special assistance have all been coordinated
through the Police Department and provide a high
level of assurance that the City will react quickly to the
hurricane threat.
In 1983 the City and County entered into an inter-local
agreement that permits the City to restrict vehicular
access to the Sanibel Causeway within 48 hours of a
hurricane’s forecasted landfall.
Depending upon a storm’s intensity and direction of
approach, high winds and high tides could make it
unsafe to cross the Causeway as much as 12 hours in
advance of landfall. A tide gauge with remote read-out
capability would be appropriate to be installed near the
Causeway to permit continuous monitoring of the tides.
Additional recommendations with regard to evacuations
are:
• Population, including dwelling units, should be
limited on Sanibel, as well as Captiva and other
areas subject to tidal flooding, to that which can be
safely evacuated under worst case conditions.
• If an areawide evacuation is ordered, the
evacuation of all zones including the mainland
should be initiated at the same time. This would
permit manual control of the intersections to obtain
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the highest evacuation rates. It would also reduce
public confusion.
Recovery
The Plan for Recovery from the damage of a hurricane or
evacuation of the population due to the threat of a
hurricane is contained in the Sanibel Emergency
Management Plan. The City’s recovery from Hurricane
Charley was effective and the City has employed the
lessons learned from that experience to improve plans for
recovery from storms that will occur in the future. Areas
for staging recovery efforts from storms that will occur in
the future should be identified and secured. Optimally, a
small number of sites at disbursed locations will be
suitable for accommodating recovery efforts from a
variety of storm scenarios. Recovery will be aided by the
Mobil Emergency Communications Vehicle which was
put into service in 2007. The City should continue efforts
to obtain a mobile-type Emergency Operation Center
facility to supplement pre-storm as well as recovery
efforts.
The City has constructed docking facilities at the City
boat ramp, located adjacent to Causeway Boulevard,
to facilitate deliveries of personnel and equipment by
shallow-draft barges, should vehicular access via the
Causeway be interrupted do to storm damage.
Damage Reduction
Taking measures to reduce the amount of damage
sustained in a hurricane allows the community to get
back on its feet more quickly following a hurricane. In
addition, damage mitigation reduces the cost of
replacing damaged improvements.
There are approximately 600 dwelling units located
seaward of the 1974 Coastal Construction Control Line
(CCCL); however, with rare exception, these units were
built prior to the adoption of this Plan in 1976. There are
few structures in the City of Sanibel that have a history of
repeated damage in coastal storms. These structures are
located on the Gulf Coast near Blind Pass. The City has
acquired some of these properties.
The northernmost section of Sanibel-Captiva Road
(approximately a half mile immediately south of the Blind
Pass bridge) is located seaward of the State’s 1991
CCCL. There is no apparent opportunity to relocate this
facility, which is the hurricane evacuation route for the
northern extent of Sanibel and all of Captiva. A small
section of East Gulf Drive (directly south of Kinzie Island) is
also located seaward of the State’s 1991 CCCL.
Structures are to be elevated above or floodproofed to
the 100-year storm’s projected wave heights. All structures
must be developed in compliance with the Flood
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and Stormproofing requirements of the Land Development
Code.
The Florida Building Code has been revised to includes
standards appropriate to the hazards present on a
barrier Island. This was done in 2005 with adoption of a
code which requires all new construction to be designed
and built to withstand the wind loads associated with
coastal wind speeds of 130-C mph, to have foundations
deep enough to remain stable following maximum
anticipated scour depths and to withstand the battering
which accompanies wave action.
Additional measures that should be considered for their
contribution to a damage reduction program include:
• Do not permit fill to be used for elevating structures
in locations identified as being especially susceptible
to scour, even though the location may be in
an “AE” Zone area according to the Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
• Maintain as much dense vegetation as possible as a
means of reducing wave heights and wind velocity,
and require revegetation as opportunities arise for
the same reasons.
• Reduce permitted densities insofar as possible in
undeveloped parts of “VE” Zones and the most
scour-prone parts of “AE” Zones.
Plan for Hurricane Safety
The threat to life and property posed by tropical storms
and hurricanes necessitates the City of Sanibel having a
plan in place that responds to this threat.
It is the policy of the City to develop and improve onand
off-Island evacuation to off-Island shelters as the
principal means for assuring the safety of its population.
On-Island refuge is not a substitute for evacuation.
Because the components of ensuring adequate means
for the safe evacuation from threats of hurricanes extend
well beyond the jurisdictional extent of the City of Sanibel,
these concerns need to be adequately addressed in
the Intergovernmental Coordination Element of this Plan.
Provisions of the Plan
1. Cooperate with Local governments of the Region to
carry out the safe evacuation of populations
affected by the threat from tropical storms and
hurricanes.
• Work closely with Lee County and State officials to
implement a systematic process for making
decisions on evacuation during the approach of a
tropical storm or hurricane that is based on the
probability of the storm striking a particular location.
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• Work with Lee County to develop a program to
ensure that adequate off-Island shelters are open
and available during a storm threat to accommodate
early evacuees who are evacuating
before a mandatory evacuation order is given.
2. Obtain and outfit a mobile Emergency Operations
Center and Recovery Facility to improve the options
for providing a safe location for emergency
operations and for short-and long-term recovery
operations.
2 3. Continue educational programs to ensure citizen
understanding of the threat posed by tropical
storms and hurricanes and the appropriate
responses thereto.
3 4. Implement an effective warning system to get
current information on storms out to Island residents.
a. Maintain a 24-hour communications link with
official weather information sources.
b. Continue to improve the Develop a communication
network that enables the public to obtain
relevant information concerning status and
procedures during threats from storms and during
recovery periods.
4 5. Continue to evaluate and improve the operational
evacuation plan.
a. Maintain an up-to-date plan describing actions
to be taken at various times during the
approach of tropical storms and hurricanes.
b. When a hurricane warning is issued, provide
each person in the City of Sanibel the
opportunity to evacuate from the Island and
encourage persons to evacuate in a timely
fashion.
c. Encourage people to respond to early warnings
and hurricane watches in order to lessen the
evacuation burden after a hurricane warning is
issued.
d. Keep in place a method of monitoring the number
of vehicles on Sanibel and Captiva during
the hurricane season in order to have an
accurate approximation of the number of
vehicles to be evacuated.
e. Install a tide gauge near the causeway with
remote readout capability in the Police Station
in order to monitor tides to assure early and
timely warning or the need to close the
Causeway to traffic.
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f. Maintain an agreement with a private meteorological
firm whose staff is competent in tropical
meteorology to provide the City with current
information on probable effects from approaching
tropical storms and hurricanes.
5 6. Maintain the facilities and equipment necessary to
implement plans for evacuation and recovery.
a. Improve, as necessary, storm drainage along the
evacuation route and elevate those portions of
the roadway subject to early flooding.
b. Acquire and maintain the equipment necessary
to keep evacuation routes open prior to and
during an evacuation, and open roadways
following a storm.
c. Keep the City-owned Causeway Boulevard properties
available as a recovery staging area in
the event the causeway is not useable following
a hurricane.
6 7. Keep the City Hall property available for recovery
operations. Keep up-to-date on Federal and
State requirements to qualify the City and its
residents for disaster relief assistance.
7 8. Limit and manage growth so that the population
on the Island when a hurricane warning is issued
will not be in excess of evacuation capabilities.
Overloading the emergency system will reduce
efficiency and deprive residents and visitors of a
reasonable opportunity to reach safe shelter.
a. Ensure that future growth be accompanied by
and coordinated with, to the maximum extent
practicable, improvements in the evacuation
system, both on and off island. It is only in
anticipation of such improvements that the
present population should be allowed to
expand, because the evacuation capacity is
already taxed.
8 9. See that all new buildings, which are of a type
that have common spaces, are developed in a
manner amenable to use as an emergency
recovery area. Use of such areas should be
agreed upon during the approval of such
development.
Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal Statement
Reduce the exposure of human life and public and
private property to the threat of natural disasters.
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Objective 1
Limit public expenditures in the coastal area subject to
storm surge (the VE-Zone on the FIRM) and scour.
Policy 1.1. Public expenditures in coastal areas subject
to storm surge and scour will be limited to maintenance,
public safety needs, recreation and open space uses,
restoration or enhancement of natural resources or land
acquisitions.
Objective 2
Direct population concentrations away from coastal
areas subject to storm surge and scour.
Policy 2.1. Development intensity for the coastal area
subject to storm surge and scour will not be increased
above existing densities and that currently established on
the Development Intensity Map.
Policy 2.2. Limit and manage growth so that the
population on the Island does not exceed evacuation
capabilities.
Policy 2.3. To the maximum practicable, future growth
will be accompanied by and coordinated with improvements
in the evacuation system, both on and off the
Island.
Objective 3
Beyond “build-out”, hurricane evacuation times will be
reduced and maintained at or below levels established
in the 1995 Southwest Florida Regional Hurricane Study.
Updates to this study will be employed to determine
compliance with this objective.
Policy 3.1. Implement a plan to operationally provide
two lanes for outbound evacuation traffic on Sanibel’s
evacuation route as a means of reducing evacuation
clearance times.
Policy 3.2. In cooperation with Lee County and the
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Community
Affairs, develop an inter-local agreement to
develop and implement a plan to operationally provide
two lanes of outbound evacuation traffic across the
Sanibel Causeway as a means to reduce evacuation
clearance times.
Policy 3.3. Cooperate with the Southwest Florida
Regional Planning Council, Lee County and the Cities of
Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Cape Coral and the Town
of Fort Myers Beach to implement an off-Island
emergency plan for evacuation that controls traffic on
evacuation routes and identifies emergency shelter locations.
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Policy 3.4. Incorporate a least regret factor in the plan
for hurricane preparedness to take into account the bad
actor storm, i.e., the storm that does not behave as
forecasted.
Policy 3.5. As the threat increases, the City will take a
series of protective actions to ensure safe and timely
evacuation. The decision to implement protective
actions will be coordinated with adjacent local
governments.
Policy 3.6. Encourage the early, voluntary evacuation of
visitors during a storm threat in order to decrease evacuation
time if it becomes necessary to order an evacuation.
The City maintains a list of resort/hotel operators,
keeping them apprised of severe weather conditions
through existing weather alert communication systems.
Policy 3.7. In cooperation with Lee County, restrict visitor
and non-essential traffic to Sanibel 48 hours prior to a
hurricane’s forecast landfall when possible.
Policy 3.8. Encourage Lee County to operate and
maintain their Bridge and Causeway facility, which runs
between the mainland and Sanibel, to satisfy Sanibel’s
long-term need for an evacuation route to the mainland
and a recovery route from the mainland. It is important
to keep the bottom of the road bed for the bridges of
the Sanibel Causeway elevated above the level of the
anticipated storm surge of a Category 3 hurricane and
to keep the bridges of sufficient width to permit motor
vehicle traffic to bypass disabled vehicles.
Through continued intergovernmental coordination, the
City will work with the County to promote the long-term
maintenance of this vital transportation facility. The City
will review the County’s bridge inspection and maintenance
reports. The City will also examine any inspecttion
reports responding to natural or human-caused
events that may affect the structural integrity of the
facility in order to identify appropriate actions.
Policy 3.9. Acquire and maintain the equipment
necessary to keep evacuation routes open prior to and
during an evacuation and to reopen roadways following
a storm.
Policy 3.10. Continue implementation of the tree management
program to lessen the risk of trees being blown
across the evacuation route. The City will identify and
trim those trees that pose a potential threat or impedement
to evacuation.
Policy 3.11. Continue to evaluate and improve the
City’s operational evacuation plan.
Policy 3.12. Cooperate with Lee County’s program to
provide shelter capabilities adequate to safeguard the
public against the effects of hurricanes and tropical
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storms. On-Island refuge is not a substitute for evacuation.
Objective 4
Continue implementation of the program to encourage
people to evacuate the Island when an evacuation
order is issued.
Policy 4.1. Continue implementation of an education
program to inform residents and visitors of proper
response to hurricane evacuation orders.
Objective 5
Provide immediate recovery response to post-hurricane
situations.
Policy 5.1. Continue to evaluate and improve the City’s
Emergency Management Plan, including post-disaster
redevelopment.
Policy 5.2. The City will implement its post-disaster
Redevelopment plan, as applicable.
• A Recovery Task Force directed by the City Council
will conduct a structural safety (damage) assessment.
• Priority in redevelopment permitting will be given to
repair and clean-up activities needed to protect
public health, safety and welfare.
• Remain up-to-date on Federal and State requirements
to qualify the City and its residents for disaster
relief assistance.
Policy 5.3. Ensure that the Future Land Use Map series of
the Sanibel Plan appropriately coordinates land uses with
the results of hazard mitigation reports prepared
following natural disasters affecting the City of Sanibel.
Objective 6
Ensure continued implementation of development
regulations and building code requirements that are
responsive to the threats posed by the high winds and
flooding associated with tropical storms.
Policy 6.1. New and redevelopment activities will
comply with requirements of the Federal Flood Insurance
program, as implemented by the Land Development
Code.
Policy 6.2. Replacement or reconstruction of nonconforming
structures which have been substantially
damaged in excess of 50 percent of the market value of
the structure or destroyed, will be done in conformance
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with the requirements of the Land Development Code in
effect when reconstuction occurs.
Policy 6.3. Revise the Land Development Code, as
appropriate, to ensure continued responsiveness to
threats posed by tropical storms.
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3.2.1. CZP
9-5-12
Part 3.2
Protection of Natural, Environmental,
Economic and Scenic
Resources
The preservation and conservation of resources is a key
component of the Sanibel Plan and its Vision Statement
and a key objective to retain the character of the
community.
This part of the Sanibel Plan establishes goals, objectives
and policies for coastal zone protection, conservation,
natural groundwater aquifer recharge, historic
preservation and scenic preservation.
Section 3.2.1.
Coastal Zone Protection Element
Pursuant to Sections 163.3177(6)(g) and 163.3178, Florida
Statutes and Chapter 9J-5.012(3) of the Florida Administrative
Code. In particular, requirements stated in Chapters 9J-
5.012(3)(b), 5 through 8 and 9J-5.012(3)(c), 4 through 7 of the
Florida Administrative Code are addressed in Section 2.1.2.
(Safety Goals, Objectives and Policies) of this Plan.
Requirements stated in Chapters 9J-5.012(b)ll and 9J-
5.012(c)12 of the Florida Administrative Code are addressed in
Part 3.3 (Human Support Systems) of this Plan. In addition,
requirements stated in Chapters 9J-5.012(3)(c)ii of the Florida
Administrative Code are not applicable to the City of Sanibel.
Background Discussion
The purpose of this element, as stated in the Florida
Administrative Code, is to plan for development activities
and restrict such activities that would damage or destroy
coastal resources and to protect human life and limit
public expenditures in areas subject to destruction by
natural disaster.
A summary of the data and analyses for this element of
the Sanibel Plan, pursuant to Sections 163.3177(6)(g) and
163.3178, Florida Statutes and the minimum review

criteria of Chapter 9J-5.012 of the Florida Administrative
Code, are is provided in this sub-section the background
materials for the 2004/2005 Evaluation and Appraisal
Report for the Sanibel Plan, adopted April 19, 2005.
The City of Sanibel is in the coastal area. Boundaries of
the coastal area and coastal high-hazard area are
established:
• As defined by the Coastal Zone Management Act
of 1972, Volume 16, United States Codes, 1453-a;
Sanibel is entirely within the coastal zone.
• As defined by the Florida Coastal Management Act
of 1978, Section 380, Part II, Florida Statutes, Sanibel
is entirely within the coastal zone.
• As defined by the Florida Administrative Code,
Chapter 9J-5.003, subsections 11 and 12; the City of
Sanibel is entirely within the coastal area.
• As defined by the Florida Administrative Code,
Chapter 9J-5.003(19); the City of Sanibel is entirely
within the coastal high-hazard area.
All resources of the Island are coastal resources. Therefore,
all elements of the Sanibel Plan are concerned with
coastal management.
Water-Dependent and Water-Related Uses
Water-dependent uses in the City of Sanibel consist of
recreational beaches, marinas, boat ramps and a fishing
pier. Water-related uses in the City consist of residential
uses and resort housing uses.
Most of the shoreline of the City of Sanibel is currently
developed. The Future Land Use Element projects only
conservation, recreation and residential uses on the
shoreline. Any new facilities that provide boat access to
water must be developed in a manner that is
compatible with the preservation of the natural scenic
beauty and residential use of the shoreline.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure in the City of Sanibel includes roadways,
wastewater treatment facilities, potable water
facilities and drainage facilities. Community facilities such
as administration buildings, a library, a public elementary
/middle school, cultural facilities and active recreational
facilities are also located in the coastal zone.
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The City of Sanibel is connected to the mainland by the
Sanibel Causeway and to Captiva Island by a bridge.
Both of these facilities are under the jurisdiction of Lee
County. Lee County is currently constructing new
bridges to replace the bridges of the Causeway
connecting Sanibel to the mainland.
In the City of Sanibel there are no existing or planned
public shore protection structures on the Gulf of Mexico.
There are existing upland shoreline structures; however,
these one-time protection structures are currently
located a considerable distance landward of mean high
water.
Natural Resources
Areas of coastal flooding, within the 100-Year Floodplain,
include all the land area within the City of Sanibel.
Since all of the City of Sanibel is within the coastal area,
and therefore the entire Sanibel Plan addresses coastal
management, the balance of the Coastal Zone
Protection Element emphasizes Sanibel’s nearshore
coastal zone.
Sanibel Island has approximately 40 miles of shoreline, 15
of which consist of sandy beaches. Beaches are one of
the geological geographical characteristics that
distinguish the City of Sanibel as a unique place. Theses
beaches have that has inspired residents to preserve
existing natural resources and to restore those that have
been compromised by human influences. This effort is
apparent in shoreline preservation. Today, Sanibel’s
coastline contains very little coastal armoring, which may
disrupt the natural beach environment in a variety of
ways and may also act as a barrier to recreational
access along the beach. The importance of the City of
Sanibel’s beaches is scenic and historic as well as
environmental and economic.
Sanibel’s nearshore coastal zone includes two very
divergent plant communities, those of the mangrove
forest and those of the beach strand and beach ridges.
These are opposite in appearance and in many other
characteristics, yet perform many of the same very
important functions with regard to environmental
equilibrium.
The beach and dune system in the City of Sanibel runs
along the Gulf of Mexico from Blind Pass to Point Ybel
and along San Carlos Bay from Point Ybel to Tarpon Bay.
The elevation of the Gulf beach ridge is generally five to
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six feet above mean sea level, with the highest elevation
of approximately 12 feet.
The beach is the most obviously dynamic, often
ephemeral, landscape in man’s experience. It absorbs
the force of the sea and provides habitat and feeding
for a myriad of life forms along with recreational
resources that are greatly valued. Because of the form
and location of Sanibel’s beaches, during storm surges
sieges they are powerfully battered by wind and water;
however, they are exceptionally attractive during long
periods of good weather and, as a dividend, yield such a
rich array of seashells that they are famous the world
over. The intense storms of wind and rain that deposit
shells and shell fragments on the beach at the same time
inundate and wash away portions of it. These are
responsible for dramatic shoreline accretion and erosion.
The value of mangroves for habitat, as a food source
and as a wave buffer is becoming universally
acknowledged. Mangroves form a system that permits
the highest water quality and the most suitable estuarine
habitat.
All species of mangroves are critically important to the
Island and estuarine ecosystem and must be preserved
as an invaluable resource.
Beach Management
The beach is an area where the effects of human’s
activities can be either positive and constructive or
damaging.
The overall philosophy of managing beaches is not only
for people but for wildlife. In general, that philosophy is
to let nature take its course. This includes a non-intervention
policy by the City of Sanibel in regard to erosion
processes and active encouragement of retreat from
eroding stretches of beach. However, the City does
encourage dune restoration.
A preference is given to non-structural solutions for
shoreline protection and stabilization such as beach
renourishment, revegetation and locating or
redeveloping structures sufficiently far back from harm’s
way, rather than reliance on structural solutions.
Structural solutions such as breakwaters, bulkheads and
seawalls provide, at times, short-term solutions to
shoreline stabilization, but do so at the expense of
adversely impacting adjoining properties and inhibiting
customary access to shorelines.
In 1995, the City of Sanibel completed the Sanibel Island
Beach Management Plan. Following an extensive study,
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a comprehensive report was prepared by the City’s
Natural Resource Director, Robert K. Loflin, Ph.D. and the
consulting firm of Humiston and Moore Engineers. The
resultant plan contains the following components:
coastal processes, natural resources, coastal activities
and impacts, beach access and public lands, beach
management goals and objectives and management
strategies.
Beach Renourishment Areas
The City of Sanibel relies on the natural functions of the
beach and dune system for shoreline protection. The
maintenance of the natural function of the Gulf Beach,
Gulf Beach Ridge, Bay Beach and Mangrove Forest
Zones provides the primary measures to protect beaches
and dunes.
The City of Sanibel undertook the shoreline and beach
renourishment project in the Blind Pass Area at the
extreme northern end of Sanibel to offset erosion
attributed to the Blind Pass groin/jetty, and in the Gulf
Pines/Gulf Shores area. It is anticipated that the north
end project will require supplemental renourishment.
Outside the jurisdiction of the City of Sanibel, to the north
on Captiva Island, continued beach renourishment is
planned. Because the management of beaches on
Captiva Island (in unincorporated Lee County) has
significantly impacted the shoreline of Sanibel, it is
imperative that this situation be addressed in the
Intergovernmental Coordination Element of the Plan. To
that end, in February 2006, Lee County and the Captiva
Erosion Prevention District completed a beach
renourishment project that included Sanibel’s
northernmost shoreline, Blind Pass and Bowman’s Beach.
Estuarine Water Quality
The City of Sanibel contains a large area of Mangrove
Forest. The Mangrove Forest is predominantly in the J. N.
“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, under the
authority of the Federal government. The Mangrove
Forest abuts the Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve.
In 2006, a culvert was constructed under Sanibel-Captiva
Road linking Clam Bayou and Dinkins Bayou to improve
the water quality of these waters in the Aquatic Preserve.
Stormwater discharge into the estuary is controlled by
the Tarpon Bay weir. Other discharges into coastal
waters, although not directly into the estuary, are tidal
canals, the Shell Harbor canal inlet, Sanibel Harbors
canal inlet and Sanibel Isles canal inlet. However,
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freshwater enters the estuary principally from outside the
jurisdiction of the City.
The Island’s estuaries and aquatic habitats are being
significantly negatively impacted by the lack of a
comprehensive and environmentally sound water
management plan for Lake Okeechobee and the
resulting freshwater releases from the Lake into the
Caloosahatchee River and Estuary. Since October 27,
2005, Lake Okeechobee water releases have reached
6,500 cubic feet per second. On the South Florida Water
Management District’s scale of measurement, this level
of releases is at Zone B, which is the second highest level
of water release. The nutrient-rich water releases into the
Caloosahatchee River and Estuary have resulted in the
growth creation of toxic blue-green algae blooms and
red drift algae outbreaks. , a rise in These blooms have
been associated with fish kills, impacts on shellfish, a
reduction in saltwater fish, clamming and crabbing,
destruction of seagrass beds, mangroves and breeding
grounds for many fish species, and impacts a negative
effect on recreational and commercial fishing. This
nutrient runoff that may well have also contributed to a
perceived long-term trend of more frequent, more
severe and longer duration of destructive red tide
events, as well as and severe impacts to the J. N. “Ding”
Darling National Wildlife Refuge and aquatic preserves.
In addition, The Lake water released from Lake
Okeechobee also carries large amounts of suspended
sediment that are is deposited in the mouth of the river
and can be re-suspended by then stirred up with each
wave action. These impacts could lead to serious, and
potentially irreversible, degradation in estuarine water
quality and potentially irreversible Impacts to seagrasses
and other estuarine resources.
The Island Water Association deactivated its brine water
discharge into the Gulf of Mexico and now uses an
injection well to discharge brine deep into the ground.
In addition to these limited numbers of point source
discharges into coastal waters, there are land uses in the
City of Sanibel that may contribute nonpoint source
pollution into coastal waters. These land uses are
marinas, boat docks and golf courses.
The City has actively pursued Island-wide conversion
from septic systems to central sewage treatment in
accordance with the City’s Master Plan for Wastewater
Treatment. This conversion that has been the single most
critical action need to protect water quality. Through
implementation of the Master Plan for Wastewater
Treatment, nearly 100 over 90 percent of the land uses in
the City of Sanibel are connected to the Sanibel Sewer
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System. The final phases of the expansion of the
collection system are under construction.
The potential for disaster from oil spills looms over every
beach community and even more so for areas with
mangrove forests. Continued vigilance, as practiced by
the Sanibel City Council, to object to any and all offshore
oil exploration plans is necessary to minimize the
likelihood chance for an oil spill in the Gulf to
contaminate local beaches.
There are no proposed facilities in this Plan that will alter
the circulation patterns of the estuary.
Coastal Access and Carrying Capacity of the Beach
The City of Sanibel has a large number of public
accesses to the beach. These public beach access
facilities are widely distributed throughout the Island. All
of the public beach access facilities are supported by
limited parking areas; however, there are large parking
areas at the major beach parks. The Resort Housing
District provides private beach access for a significant
percentage of Sanibel’s seasonal population.
The maintenance of a natural beach as a vital natural
resource is important to the community’s quality of life
and the economy of the City. For a variety of environmental,
social, economic and historic reasons, it is
important that the carrying capacity of the beach for
wildlife is not diminished.
The carrying capacity of the beaches is identified as a
major issue in the 2004/2005 Evaluation and Appraisal
Report of the Sanibel Plan. The carrying capacity and
environmental quality of the Island’s natural coastal
areas cannot be sustained if both off-Island and on-
Island physical growth and visitation pressures are not
addressed. Lee County permanent population grew to
618,754 is projected to increase by 68,000 residents in
2010 and by 216,000 residents in 2020. During the peak
winter season, the Island’s population increases, on
average, from 6,800 to 31,000 people. A record
4,686,000 3.5 million tourists visited Lee County in 2011
2004, many attracted by the County’s beaches.
Sanibel’s world class beaches constitute about one third
of the linear mileage of beaches in Lee County
accessible by car.
To preserve the natural condition of Sanibel beaches,
there is a need to determine acceptable limits of
change, if any, to the Gulf Beach Zone. The establishment
of new public accessways to the beach and the
expansion of parking areas at existing beach
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accessways should only be approved if these areas of
human activity will not cause further infringement on the
carrying capacity of the beach for wildlife.
The City will continue There remains a need to develop a
scientific methodology to establish baseline conditions,
to monitor the change of conditions of its beaches over
time and to assess the extent to which any observable
negative these changes can be attributed to human
activities. The City should broaden this monitoring of its
beaches, when necessary, to better establish baseline
conditions. The City should look for ways to costeffectively
include measurements of human activities on
the beach, as part of its monitoring of the beaches. The
City should work in consultation with the efforts of
organizations such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission, the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection, and the Sanibel Captiva
Conservation Foundation and Florida Gulf Coast
University, that have the interest, knowledge and ability
to help determine the carrying capacity of the beaches
on Sanibel, to ensure that this important resource is
maintained.
The City may need to implement programs and
measures that further protect the beaches on Sanibel, if
development when the extent of land use and other
human activity is diminishing the viability of this important
natural resource.
There are two marinas in the City of Sanibel providing
dock space for approximately 100 boats. Canals and
waterways adjacent to many private homes and
condominiums provide additional boat dock space.
The City of Sanibel provides a public fishing pier on San
Carlos Bay and a public boat ramp facility (two ramps)
near the Sanibel Causeway.
A need for additional boat ramps and fishing piers has
not been identified in the Recreation and Open Space
Element of this Plan. Although not identified as a need,
the Plan for Recreation and Open Space suggests that
the City explore the feasibility of providing additional
opportunities for boat access to water, provided that no
additional inlets are cut from the Gulf or the bay.
Plan for Coastal Zone Protection
The Sanibel Plan, in all its elements, establishes policies
and regulations necessary to assure orderly and
balanced use and preservation consistent with sound
conservation principles, of all living and nonliving coastal
resources. The ecological planning principles and
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assumptions to be used in the determination of suitability
and extent of permitted development are established in
the Purpose of this Plan, and in the Conservation Element
and the Future Land Use Element. The Land Development
Code includes environmental performance standards
so that irreversible and irretrievable commitments of
coastal zone resources are avoided on Sanibel.
Management and regulatory techniques, consistent with
the Sanibel Island Beach Management Plan, shall be set
forth in the Land Development Code.
It is the intent of this Plan for Coastal Zone Protection to
set forth policies which are not inconsistent with the State
of Florida regulations and criteria in order to preserve the
natural beach and dune system in all beach areas, both
natural and developed, and to restore and maintain a
natural dune in developed areas by rigorously restricting
the use of armoring for erosion control purposes.
Provisions of the Plan
1. The City of Sanibel should maintain its program of
periodic monitoring of beach profiles and beach
conditions. An annual report should be prepared
based on the monitoring data. A major objective
for the long-term ecological health of Sanibel’s
beaches is to restore the dune system (Upper
Beach Zone) to the point where it functions as a
contiguous and intact habitat. Such an integrated
upper beach will not only provide for the
mutually beneficial coexistence of man and
natural flora and fauna as fellow coastal residents
but will also function in accumulating and
stabilizing vital sands in a continuous protective
barrier.
2. Maintain natural beaches to accommodate both
tourists and residents for recreational purposes in
order to enhance property values and tourism
and reduce competition for limited beach space
between humans and wildlife.
3. Maintain natural beaches for the protection they
afford against erosion from severe but non duneovertopping
storms and to avoid damage to
upland structures from erosion caused by those
storms.
4. Maintain natural beaches for the protection they
afford against erosion from severe but non duneovertopping
storms to avoid damage to evacuation
routes from erosion caused by those storms.
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5. Dune enhancement may be accomplished by
regulating activities that are detrimental to natural
dune vegetation and sand accumulation, such as
illegal landscape trimming of natural vegetation,
unrestricted pedestrian access and beach
furniture and recreational equipment deployment
and storage. These may be accomplished
through more thorough enforcement of restrictions
on trimming vegetation, improved pedestrian
accessways, such as dune walkovers, and better
regulation of beach paraphernalia.
6. It should be the policy of the City of Sanibel to
consider coastal armoring only as an alternative
of last resort for the protection of public
infrastructure. Additionally, in cases where coastal
armoring is considered acceptable, it should be
accompanied by a beach nourishment project,
except in certain site-specific situations on the bay
shoreline that involve closing a gap in an
otherwise continuously armored section of
shoreline. Sand bags may be considered as a
temporary solution to erosion in emergency
situations, and conventional armoring may be
considered for the protection of vital public
interests such as hurricane evacuation routes.
Under all other circumstances, the use of armoring
shall generally be prohibited along the Sanibel
Island coastline.
7. Existing bayfront seawalls should have rip-rap
revetments placed in front of them (unless
determined to be a threat to smalltooth sawfish)
to reduce wave interaction with the flat vertical
surface as long as such revetments do not
interfere with seagrass beds and the seawall
alignment is reasonable. Such rip-rap areas as
well as existing rip-rap revetments along the bay
shoreline should be designed as planters to
accommodate planting with mangrove and
buttonwood.
8. It should be the policy of the City of Sanibel to
provide official input to the State during the State
permit application review process for activities
which have a high potential for affecting
effecting the sand budget. These activities
include shoreline armoring with seawalls or
revetments, groins, and the jetty at Blind Pass,
breakwaters, and the use of near shore shoals as a
source of sand for beach nourishment. This will
ensure that the permit includes conditions for
adequate monitoring and mitigation.
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9. Roads damaged due to beach erosion should be
repaired on a higher priority than the beach, as a
safety issue, if the roads serve as hurricane evacuation
routes. It is recommended that such evacuation
routes be repaired and be protected with
armoring. Such sections of shoreline armored out
of necessity must be restored with beach
nourishment, leaving the armoring buried as
defense against future storm damage.
10. Sand overwash deposited in residential areas or
on roads, which requires removal in the aftermath
of a storm, should be restored to the beach and
dune system.
11. If inlet closure causes environmental degradation
in the interior waterway, these inlets should be
studied to determine if reopening the inlet through
either mechanical or hydraulic dredging would be
appropriate. The decision on reopening the inlet
should be based on water quality issues, fisheries
issues or mangrove and other sensitive wetland
issues. If activities such as sand placement for
nourishment of adjacent beaches contribute to
the closure, such that the closure cannot be
considered a natural event, then the inlet should
be reopened to restore natural processes.
12. Any dune walkovers destroyed by storms should
be repaired because they protect the natural
dune and dune vegetation that allows the dune
to grow through the trapping of windblown sand.
13. In cases where structures are considered to
impede or have the potential to impede
pedestrian traffic along the coastline, such
structures should be prohibited, or if existing,
altered or removed, so as to maintain lateral
access along the shoreline.
14. The prohibition on live shelling should be
continued and widely advertised, accompanied
by an education program. Severe violations
should be considered serious enough to cite and
fine perpetrators.
15. The prohibition on docks in San Carlos Bay where
they constitute a threat to seagrasses should be
continued.
16. The use of vehicles on the beach should continue
to be regulated. Approval should be given only for
beneficial purposes such as turtle patrol and
removal of exotic vegetation, as well as approved
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police patrols and emergency vehicles
responding to emergencies that occur on the
beach.
17. To assist both shorebirds and shell-seekers and to
maintain the natural function and appearance of
the beach, raking and scraping of naturally
occurring beach wrack should be prohibited,
except when undertaken or authorized by the City
in the interest of public health, safety and welfare.
During certain periods of the year, during nesting
season for the least terns and snowy plovers,
raking the beach may be in violation of the
Federal Endangered Species Act and Stateprotected
species regulations.
20. The Lee County Emergency Management Plan for
oil spills needs to be evaluated for sufficiency in
protecting sensitive mangrove and other wetland
areas. The plan should include a provision for
rapid deployment of oil booms at strategic
locations such as Blind Pass, Clam Pass and the
entrance of Tarpon Bay. The ability to rapidly seal
off these strategic locations could prevent
contamination of large sections of shoreline, and
equipment for this should therefore be available
locally. Additionally, any perceived changes in
potential for oil spills, either from offshore or inland
waterway operations, should trigger a review of
the Emergency Management Plan by the Lee
County and City of Sanibel staffs.
18. Only permit lighting that conforms to standards
that will not interfere with turtle nesting or
hatchlings return to the sea and that will not
interfere with the natural appearance of the
beach.
19. Beach areas where nesting pairs of shorebirds are
observed should be designated as off limits to
predatory creatures, such as feral cats, iguanas,
and raccoons.
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Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal Statement:
Protect and appropriately manage the natural resources
of the coastal area to ensure the conservation or
enhancement of the natural functions of the coastal
ecosystem as the development anticipated in the Future
Land Use Element of the Plan occurs and prohibit new
development and redevelopment for human habitation
in the Gulf Beach and Bay Beach Zones.
Objective 1
To protect, conserve or enhance wetlands, wildlife
habitat and living marine resources, ensure that the
natural functions of the City’s ecological zones are
maintained by continued implementation of the
development regulations and performance standards
established in the Land Development Code.
Policy 1.1. Ensure that the Future Land Use Element of
this Plan is consistent with the maintenance and
enhancement of the natural functions of the City’s
ecological zones by including in the Land Development
Code varying limitations on development according to
the ecological zone and best management practices.
Policy 1.2. Retain low intensity use for the interior
(Lowland Wetlands Zone) and tidal (Mangrove Forest
Zone) wetlands, prohibit commercial and intensive land
uses in these zones.
Policy 1.3. Ensure maintenance of the natural functions
of the Interior Wetlands Conservation District by
continued implementation of the development
regulations and performance standards established in
the Land Development Code and best management
practices.
Policy 1.4. Ensure that dredge and fill activities are
undertaken in compliance with Land Development
Code requirements, as well as the requirements enforced
by the Department of Environmental Protection, the
South Florida Water Management District and the Army
Corps of Engineers.
Policy 1.5. Public and private developments that
produce unavoidable damage to wetland areas will
implement wetland restoration or mitigation projects
programs.
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Policy 1.6. Encourage the dedication of portions of
wetlands not utilized for development to the City or a
nonprofit conservation entity by including incentives for
such dedication in the Land Development Code.
Policy 1.7. General, not site specific, priorities for wetland
acquisition will be established for the City’s wetland
acquisition program.
Policy 1.8. Continue the maintenance of wetlands
acquired by or dedicated to the City and included in the
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Conservation District so
as to restore their natural condition, to the extent
practicable.
Objective 2
To maintain or improve estuarine environmental quality,
ensure that the natural functions of the mangrove and
adjacent ecological zones are maintained by continued
implementation of the development regulations and
performance standards established in the Land
Development Code and best management practices.
Policy 2.1. No new point source discharges for
wastewater effluent into coastal waters should be
permitted.
Policy 2.2. New point source discharges for stormwater
runoff into coastal waters should be avoided to the
extent possible.
Policy 2.3. New boat docks in the waters of the Pine
Island Sound Aquatic Preserve will comply with the
requirements of the Land Development Code and the
requirements of the Department of Environmental
Protection.
Policy 2.4. The City shall remain vigilant and proactive in
its insistence that the regulation, design and operation of
water releases from Lake Okeechobee will not further
degrade the quality of coastal waters and the estuaries
of Southwest Florida. It is the City’s intent to convince the
South Florida Water Management District and the U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers to change policy so that the
waters surrounding Sanibel are no longer threatened.
The Sanibel City Council is approaching the water quality
problem on three tracks:
1) through public education,
2) in the policy and legislative arena; and
3) as a last resort, through potential litigation.
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Policy 2.5. The City shall also remain vigilant and
proactive in its insistence that other jurisdictions adopt
and implement policies to ensure that surface water
runoff from other jurisdictions into the Caloosahatchee
River watershed will not further degrade the quality of
water in near Island coastal waters, including the
estuaries within the boundaries of the City.
Objective 3
To protect the beach and dune system, thereby
protecting shoreline development from coastal erosion
and storm events, ensure that structures are setback
landward of the 1974 Coastal Construction Control Line
and that the natural functions of the Gulf Beach and Gulf
Beach Ridge ecological zones are maintained by
continued implementation of the development
regulations and performance standards established in
the Land Development Code and best management
practices.
Policy 3.1. The City will continue to prohibit new
development and redevelopment in the Gulf Beach
Zone (i.e., seaward of the 1974 State Coastal
Construction Control Line). Existing buildings located
seaward of the 1974 Coastal Construction Control Line
that are substantially damaged by a natural disaster are
allowed to build-back in their pre-disaster location.
Lawfully existing accessory swimming pools and other
accessory structures located in the Resort Housing District
that are located seaward of the State’s 1974 Coastal
Construction Control Line may be reconstructed in their
existing location provided there are no other feasible
locations available on the site that are not in the Gulf
Beach Zone.
Policy 3.2. The City’s controlling beach management
policy is to not interfere with the natural coastal
processes. When intervention becomes necessary, the
City will first take measures that work with, not against,
the natural coastal processes. Only after this preferred
policy has proven unworkable, will any type of shoreline
hardening be considered.
Policy 3.3. Seawalls, bulkheads and other hardened
shoreline structures that reflect, rather than absorb, wave
energy are prohibited in the Gulf Beach Zone and on all
properties with frontage on the Gulf of Mexico,
except that hardened, rip-rap type structures which
absorb wave energy may be installed to protect
essential public infrastructure from damage or
destruction caused by erosion.
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Policy 3.4. Hardened shoreline structures, which primarily
reflect, rather than absorb, wave energy are prohibited.
A hardened shoreline structure which primarily absorbs,
rather than reflects, wave energy may be permitted as a
temporary and emergency measure, and as the only
practical means of protecting upland major habitable
structures which are in immediate danger of collapse
from damage or destruction caused by coastal erosion.
Additional factors to be considered are protection of the
beach-dune system, siting and design criteria for the
protective structure, impacts on adjacent properties,
preservation of public beach access, protection of
native coastal vegetation and nesting marine turtles and
their hatchlings. These structures must be removed once
the immediate danger has passed and other remedial
measures can be taken.
Policy 3.5. Excavation that results in lowering the
elevation of the Gulf Beach Ridge is prohibited.
Policy 3.6. Removal of sand and sediments from the Gulf
beach is prohibited; however, there may be instances
where beach re-contouring may be appropriate to
support beach preservation efforts.
Policy 3.7. Access to the beach for new development
will be confined to elevated walkways, subject to
approval required by state agencies.
Policy 3.8. Australian pines in the Gulf Beach Zone will be
selectively thinned and replaced with hardy native dune
vegetation.
Objective 4
Give priority to water-dependent and water-related uses
that are compatible with the residential and
conservation/open space character of the shoreline.
Policy 4.1. Priority ranking for water-dependent and
water-related uses are as follows:
Conservation uses
Residential uses
Water-oriented recreation that is compatible with the
conservation features of the beach, available to the
public
Marinas, available to the public
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Policy 4.2. Marinas will be located only in a Special Use
District to ensure protection for the environment and
compatibility with surrounding land uses, by establishing
criteria and performance standards for the Special Use
District, in accordance with procedures set forth in the
Land Development Code.
Objective 5
To accommodate existing and projected public need,
the numerous existing public accessways to the beach
will be retained through the long-range planning period
of this Plan.
Policy 5.1. The City will enforce the public access
requirements of the Coastal Zone Protection Act of 1985.
Policy 5.2. Existing public accessways to the beach
will be retained by new developments.
Objective 6
Ensure that development and building standards for new
construction and redevelopment are appropriate for
structures located in the coastal high-hazard area.
Policy 6.1. Implement development and building
standards for coastal high-hazard area construction
through the Sanibel Land Development Code and the
Florida Building Code.
Objective 7
Ensure that preservation of the natural beaches and
beach carrying capacity for wildlife is maintained for
environmental, social, economic and historic reasons, all
of which are essential to the community’s quality of life
and economy of the City.
Policy 7.1. Development, redevelopment and commercial
activities shall not Undertake a study to evaluate the
carrying capacity of the beach for use by wildlife, in
order to determine the point where human activity
significantly degrade precludes the use of the beach
habitat by indigenous and migratory species of wildlife.
Policy 7.2. Development and human activities shall be
limited to a level of use that can be accommodated
and continued without irreversible impairment of the
beach’s natural resource productivity.
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3.2.2. Cons
9-5-12
Section 3.2.2.
Conservation Element
Pursuant to Section 9J-5.013(2) of the Florida Administrative
Code.
Background Discussion
The purpose of the Conservation Element of the Sanibel
Plan, as stated in the Florida Administrative Code, is to
promote the conservation, use and protection of natural
resources.
The data and analyses for this element of the Sanibel
Plan, pursuant to Section 163.3177(6)(d), Florida Statutes
and the minimum review criteria of Chapter 9J-5.013 of
the Florida Administrative Code are is provided in this
sub-section the background materials for the 2004/2005
Evaluation and Appraisal Report for the Sanibel Plan,
adopted April 19, 2005.
The City of Sanibel, located on a 12-mile long barrier
Island off the coast of Southwest Florida, is in the
subtropic region. This unique environment has produced
an abundance of natural resources.
Some of these natural resources have been significantly
altered by past development activities. However, since
the original adoption of the Sanibel Plan, the alteration of
natural resources has been reduced and many impacts
of this alteration have been mitigated. The conservation
and enhancement of natural resources has always been
a goal of this Plan.
About two thirds of the total land area on Sanibel lies
within conservation areas owned by private or
governmental conservation agencies. Although this may
seem very high, it is not when one considers the Vision
Statement of this Plan and the fact that very little of
Sanibel’s land is suitable for residential and commercial
development. Those areas most in need of protection
are beaches, mangroves, wetlands and areas of rare
and high quality vegetation such as the areas of West
Indian flora. Most of the mangroves are included within
existing conservation areas, primarily the J. N. “Ding”
Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Most land owned by
the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is in the
interior freshwater wetlands. The Gulf beach and bay
beach are protected as preservation districts as provided
in this Plan. However, in upland areas known as
“hardwood hammocks”, a disappearing habitat is the
“coastal scrub”, home to gopher tortoises and unique
desert-like plants, including joewoods.
The major thrust of the entire Sanibel Plan is committed to
the objective set forth in the City Charter of Sanibel to
conserve the “unique atmosphere and unusual natural
environment” of this Island community. Thus, all elements
of the Plan are interrelated with the City’s major

objective to conserve its natural resources for present
and future generations to enjoy.
Sanibel’s natural environment performs many valuable
functions for humans at no cost. It buffers storm winds
and flood tides, stabilizes the shoreline, purifies water,
and maintains a freshwater system that supports a rich
wildlife population and lush vegetation. These functions
support the health, safety and welfare of every Sanibel
resident and must be preserved.
Different parts of the Island contribute in varying degrees
to each particular function. For planning purposes, the
Island has been divided into ecological zones, each with
individual characteristics, each making specific
contributions to health, safety and welfare, and each
with varying tolerances to the range of human’s
activities. Six ecological zones have been identified on
Sanibel, three of which are further divided into subareas,
Gulf Beach, Gulf Beach Ridge, Freshwater Wetlands, Mid-
Island Ridge, Mangrove Forest and Bay Beach. The Gulf
Beach Zone is subdivided into Gulf Front Beach and Gulf
Back Beach. The Freshwater Wetland is composed of
Upland and Lowland subareas. A Blind Pass Zone is
designated in the Blind Pass area.
Ecological Zones
In general, Sanibel is a collection of truncated ridge-andswale
systems formed at varying sea levels. Hence, the
Mid-Island Ridge is a series of ridge set truncations that
forms a nearly continuous ridge of higher elevations. In
some places the roadbed of the Sanibel-Captiva Road
links or extends these elevations. The Gulf Beach Ridge is
also a series of ridge sets which interact with the primary
dune to create a nearly continuous ridge at an elevation
of generally five feet or greater. The freshwater wetlands
of the interior, while acting as a single basin with a
connected surface water table, are actually a collection
of ridges and swales. The ridges vary in elevation from
approximately six inches to several feet. The swales and
low ridges are frequently inundated while the more well
defined ridges become submerged only occasionally.
Gulf Beach Zone
The Gulf Beach Zone includes all land seaward of the
1974 Coastal Construction Control Line. This line was
revised land-ward by the State in 1991; however, the City
continues to use the 1974 Coastal Construction Control
Line to define the land-ward extent of this Preservation
District: the Gulf Beach Zone.
The Gulf Front Beach is the most active beach zone and
includes the area between mean high water and the
City’s boundary one-half mile offshore. Sand in this zone
is in constant motion. Sand migrates between the
primary dune and offshore bars and is transported up
and down the coast by longshore currents. Examination
of historical surveys and aerial photographs shows that
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erosion and accretion of sand along the beaches is an
ongoing dynamic process. This zone maintains several
functions critical to public health, safety and welfare. It is
the Island’s first defense in the event of storm and flood,
when the impact of waves erodes the sand reservoir in
the berm. The natural form of the Gulf Beach Zone is a
response to the natural processes of wind, currents and
waves. Undisturbed, it is in a state of balance with
natural forces, thus maintaining the shoreline. This area
also supports much of the marine life for which Sanibel is
famous, and is an important feeding area for Island
wildlife.
The Gulf Back Beach, though less volatile than the front
beach, also absorbs considerable impact from stormgenerated
wind and waves. This is the area between
mean high water and the 1974 Coastal Construction
Control Line. It is a reservoir of sand that may be eroded
after the primary dune in a severe storm, thus protecting
property further inland on the Beach Ridge. The dunes
are an important nesting area for wildlife, the loggerhead
turtle being a prime example. The vegetation of
the Back Beach is particularly important, as it stabilizes
and holds the sand.
Both components of the Gulf Beach Zone have a very
low tolerance to man’s activities. Removal of sand,
disposal of stormwater runoff, excessive foot traffic or any
vehicular traffic can quickly induce major erosion and
other impacts on the beach. Strict regulations are,
therefore, required to maintain this zone. Removal of
sediments from the beach should be avoided and
construction of any sort that would change the
configuration of the beach or inhibit sand movement
should be undertaken only as a last resort in efforts to
preserve the beach or protect vital infrastructure. Wildlife
access to the beach should be maintained and public
access to the beach should be confined to narrow paths
and elevated walkways in heavily used areas such as
resorts and public parks. Because of their shallow root
system and propensity to form monocultures, Australian
pines (Casuarina sp.) are not suitable plants in this zone
and should be selectively thinned and replaced with
hardy dune vegetation.
Bay Beach Zone
The Bay Beach Zone, an “active beach” zone, extends
along the Island’s bay shoreline between a 50-foot
setback from the mean high water line to the City’s
boundary one-half mile off-shore. Although the Bay
Beach is a lower energy beach than the Gulf Beach, it
nevertheless serves the same valuable storm and flood
protection, shoreline stabilization, marine life and wildlife
habitat and feeding functions. The natural processes are
similar and so too are the constraints to development.
Regulations similar to those outlined for the Gulf Beach
Zone are required to maintain the functions of this zone.
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Mangrove Zone
The Mangrove Zone includes black (Avicennia
germinans), red (Rhizophora mangle), as well as, all
buttonwood (Conocarpus erecta) and white
(Laguncularia racemosa) mangrove areas (that are tidal
and less than three feet in elevation) (1.8 feet NAVD)and
the tidal flats within and around them. This zone includes
most of the bay portions of Sanibel. In ecological and
energy terms, no zone is more valuable and efficient.
The number of jobs done for humans at no cost (save the
price of preserving mangroves) is not exceeded by any
other zone. Mangroves protect public health, safety and
welfare by buffering storm winds and flood tides from the
bay, by stabilizing and extending the shoreline, by
maintaining and improving water quality, by protecting
the highly productive marine ecosystem, and providing
food, shelter and nesting areas for wildlife. This
zone also has a low tolerance for alteration by man. Its
existence is dependent on the regulation of activities in
adjacent areas.
Wetlands Zone
The Wetlands Zone is the stormwater drainage watershed
of the Island. Frequently, it forms a fresh surface water
reservoir. Much of the Island’s interior is in this zone that
essentially consists of a single large basin. The Freshwater
Wetlands Zone is actually composed of parallel systems
of ridges and swales with corresponding bands of
vegetation that tolerate either persistent inundation
within the swales or fluctuating wet/dry conditions on the
ridges. There are two subareas within this zone: Lowland
Wetlands and Upland Wetlands. The lowland area is
composed of low ridges and wide swales; the upland
consists of higher, broader ridges and narrower swales.
The entire zone is the major recharge area for the shallow
freshwater aquifer.
Brazilian pepper trees have infested hundreds of acres
areas of the interior wetlands, drastically reducing their
function as wildlife habitat. Exotic plant control programs
are ongoing but efforts need to be continued to restore
these degraded areas of this vital system. The City is well
into the successful implementation of its program of
mandatory removal of Brazilian pepper. Brazilian pepper
has been removed from about 3,200 2,800 acres, 80
percent two-thirds of the 4,000 acres of non-conservation
lands in the program.
Lowland Wetlands
The lowland area typically experiences extended periods
of immersion each year. Since it is lower than the
surrounding area, it serves as a storage area for surface
waters until they are absorbed into the aquifer,
evaporated or routed to another location. So long as
the elevations in the lowlands are not substantially
increased by filling, this area will serve as retention areas
and high quality wetland habitat for wildlife while
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educing saltwater intrusion into the shallow groundwater
aquifer.
This zone has a “fire ecology”. Periodic fires burn off
accumulated dead plants, release nutrients to the soil
and kill invading woody shrubs and trees. These large
recurring wild fires are a hazard to human settlement in
this area but are essential to the maintenance of this
zone. Controlled or prescribed burns intentionally set by
land managers rangers can continue this natural process
while limiting risks to private property. Controlled fire is
being effectively used in management programs for
conservation lands. Conservation lands are managed to
reduce the risk of fire damage to adjoining lands and
land uses, whether the fire is naturally caused or is a
controlled or prescribed burn.
This zone also has the capacity to maintain and improve
water quality, and provides food, shelter, water and
nesting areas to many of Sanibel’s most renowned
wildlife, including the American alligator and numerous
species of wading birds.
Excavation of the aquiclude, the placement of fill, the
impediment or impoundment of natural water flow, the
disruption or alteration of natural drainage channels and
the use of septic tanks are either prohibited or controlled
through development performance standards.
Impervious paving and the clearance of native
vegetation are regulated in a fashion to minimize
adverse impacts. Storm runoff from paved or developed
areas is to be detained and dispersed slowly to the
natural hydrologic system. Programs of fire management
and water level control should be maintained. Wildlife
corridors should be established connecting nature
preserves to the Sanibel River, and providing for wildlife
movement along the River.
Upland Wetlands
The upland area is characterized by less frequent
flooding than the lowland area and has more upland
vegetation types. This area is more tolerant to human
activities than the lowlands, and therefore the
performance standards need not be as strict as those for
the lowlands. The placement of fill, excavation of the
aquiclude and the use of septic tanks are prohibited or
controlled by City regulations. The impoundment of
natural water flow or disruption of natural drainage
channels is also controlled. Wildlife corridors should be
established connecting nature preserves to the Sanibel
River. The implementation of the Surface Water
Management Plan, adopted by the City in August of
1989, has been attained and continues to be
implemented in accordance with the provisions of the
plan toward improving the wetland system of the Sanibel
River, to enhance water quality and vegetative and
wildlife habitat, while reducing the severity of major
flooding events for those residing in wetland areas. To
further restore the historic hydro-period in the freshwater
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wetlands, an additional weir is being considered. This
weir can elevate the seasonal water table in the
conservation lands to the west of the Sanibel Highlands
subdivision and east of Tarpon Bay Road.
The acquisition and restoration of environmentally
sensitive conservation lands has been a major
accomplishment for the community. The conservation
efforts by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the State of
Florida, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
and the City of Sanibel are coordinated to manage
these essential natural resources. Recent Acquisition and
restoration efforts are highlighted by the Sanibel Gardens
Preserve and Pond Apple Park projects.
Gulf Beach Ridge Zone
The Gulf Beach Ridge Zone is the major ridge dividing the
Gulf from the wetlands in the interior. It extends to the
western end of the Island and includes upland areas of
Blind Pass Keys. Much of the Blind Pass area is included in
this zone because of its relatively very recent formation.
The Gulf Beach Ridge Zone serves many valuable
functions in the maintenance of the health, safety and
welfare of Sanibel residents. The ridge buffers flood tides
and storm winds and prevents increased flooding in the
interior (unless overtopped by waves) and contributes to
shoreline stabilization. Maintenance of elevation and
vegetation are the keys to the protection of these
valuable functions. Vegetation stabilizes the ridge and
prevents erosion of the soil. Much freshwater runoff
enters the ground in the Gulf Beach Ridge Zone, halting
inward intrusion of saltwater from the Gulf and thus
maintaining the extent of the fresh water lens. Soil and
vegetation in the ridge filter runoff and protect water
quality. Although this zone is crucial to health, safety and
welfare, it is more tolerant to residential development
than other more sensitive zones on the Island. An
exception to this is the coastal scrub habitat, which
supports many plant and animal species listed as
threatened, and is rapidly being lost to development
and intrusion by hardwoods and exotic trees. Another
exception is the Blind Pass area, which is extremely
dynamic and unstable in nature and hazardous to
human settlement. The Blind Pass Zone is discussed
separately later. Excavation that results in lowering the
elevation of the ridge or in penetration of the aquiclude
is prohibited. Disruption or alteration of natural drainage
channels is restricted. The use of septic tanks has been
eliminated through implementation of the Master Plan for
Wastewater Treatment. Storm runoff from paved or
developed areas to the beach is strictly controlled.
Impervious paving and clearance of native vegetation is
restricted. The planting of native beach ridge vegetation
should be encouraged in areas which are not well
vegetated or that are dominated by exotic trees, such
as Brazilian pepper, should be strongly encouraged.
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Blind Pass Zone
The Blind Pass area is the youngest and least stable part
of the Island. It is an inlet system very susceptible to
dramatic change both in a storm and over time. One
hundred years ago, most of the existing Blind Pass area
existing today was non-existent. Over the past century,
this area has been constantly changing; the shoreline
has shifted and accreted and eroded. The loss of sand
into inlets is, at most, a temporary thing, and even then
only where there are new inlets, which do not yet have
tidal deltas, does this become a major process. Any
sediment that is trapped in the inlet itself is ultimately
moved either in or out into the tidal delta storage bins.
Since the ebb currents are generally the dominant inlet
force, most sand moving into an inlet will ultimately be
deposited in an offshore ebb delta. The shape of the
ebb delta and the sediment movement within the delta
is strongly controlled by the interaction of the ebb and
flood currents with the offshore wave system and the
longshore currents. The sand stored in the ebb delta is
now available for littoral transport onto the downdrift
beach system. Also, high energy storms and floods flush
out the inlet and move the sand laterally to be used to
absorb the storm energy in the adjacent forebeach
areas. Thus an inlet system plays an important role in
sediment storage for use as an energy sponge during
storms and has built-in sediment bypass mechanisms.
Consequently, inlet systems represent an integral part of
the overall sediment budget of the coastal system and
contribute to the overall natural ability of the system to
roll with the energy punches with minimal adverse
effects. Modification and/or stabilization of an inlet will
limit or eliminate this ability, increasing the potential for
accelerated shoreline erosion resulting from major storms.
All standards for the Gulf Beach Ridge Zone should be
applied here with several further restrictions in changing
or developing this area. Permanent human settlement in
this high hazard area should be restricted to very low
density or prohibited. Any activity which would result in
the alteration of or interference with inlet dynamics and
island-building functions in this area should be carefully
evaluated and avoided as much as possible.
Mid-Island Ridge Zone
This zone comprises the major ridges along much of the
central axis of the Island and includes the Island’s higher
natural topographic elevations. In most areas, this zone
divides the bay-mangrove watershed from the
freshwater wetlands watershed. Like the Gulf Beach
Ridge, this zone is important in providing storm and flood
protection, in recharging the shallow freshwater aquifer,
and in preventing degradation of water quality. This
zone is the most tolerant for development with the
application of regulations to protect crucial health,
safety and welfare functions. Excavation that results in
lowering the elevation of the ridge or in penetration of
the aquiclude is prohibited. Storm runoff from paved or
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developed area is to be retarded and dispersed slowly
to the natural hydrologic system. Natural drainage
channels are not to be disrupted or altered. The use of
septic tanks, impervious paving and the clearance of
native vegetation is restricted.
Altered Land Zone
This is land altered by humans disturbing the natural
topography, hydrology and vegetation of an area
usually for real estate development purposes. In most
cases, the area delineated on the Ecological Zones
maps has been elevated to approximately four feet
above mean sea level either by importing fill or by
excavation within the site area. The purpose of such
modifications has been to transform low lying land that is
often wet and unsuitable for development into high, dry
land, associated in some cases with lakes, lagoons and
canals formed by dredging below the water table. For
planning purposes, only the larger areas of filled, cleared
and builtout lands were mapped as Altered, thereby
excluding spoil areas from mosquito ditches and canals
that did not cover extensive areas. Some areas have
been filled for 50 years or more, with subsequent
reestablishment of grasses and woody plants. In such
cases, they were not classified as Altered Land. Areas
that were more recently altered and are classified as
Altered Land frequently are bare but for the invasion of
scattered weeds. Eventually, if left undisturbed, these
lands may return to a natural state.
Delineation of the Ecological Zones
The designation of ecological zones is the basis for
establishing the Official Zoning Map of the City of
Sanibel.
The key that was used to determine and map ecological
zones is provided as an appendix to this Plan.
Vegetation
The vegetation of Sanibel is a complex of many factors.
Although it is subtropical by location, it contains a
surprising number of communities despite its small size
and lack of topographic variation. It embraces elements
of tropical, subtropical and temperate flora although it is
subtropical by location. And it contains a confusion of
foreign species established in the wild from cultivation or
landscaping activities. These have taken advantage of
disturbed areas and caused native species and even
entire communities to all but disappear.
Sanibel’s natural attributes are responsible for this wide
ranging, sometimes lush vegetation. Except for fierce
periodic storms, the climate is largely benign, with high
seasonal rainfall, dazzling sunlit days, breezes and high
humidity. These conditions permit luxurious, dense
subtropical vegetation with rapid rates of succession and
the incredible prospering of exotic species.
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Since it is an Island, Sanibel’s role as a provider of habitat
for vegetation and wildlife is quite unique. Traditionally,
islands have a more limited flora than their equivalent on
the mainland. Although this is true of Sanibel, it is
surprisingly diverse for an island. Some species are few in
number, hinting that, at some time, there may have
been a marked change in land use in the vicinity. It also
indicates that these species might flourish if encouraged
here. Islands are sites of specialization and hybridization.
This may not be evident yet, but it is a process that goes
on unless impeded by humans.
Development has brought additional indignities to the
vegetation on the Island. Clearing methods, the
introduction of ornamentals and manipulation of the
drainage patterns have caused valuable vegetation to
disappear. All of these activities have changed the
Island. Fortunately, however, small vegetational
remnants can still be seen from which the past can be
reconstructed and from which historical vegetation
could be increased.
The saline and brackish swampy areas are densely
populated by red, black and white mangroves. Because
of the nature of the substrate and due to very low light
penetration, only special plants can coexist here.
However, algae, fungi, a few halophytic shrubs and
epiphytes do thrive. These mangrove areas are of such
importance to the Island’s ecosystem that they must be
preserved and where they are disturbed, should be
reclaimed. All three coastal species, red (Rhizophora
mangle), black (Avicenna germinans) and white
(Laguncularia racemosa) and buttonwood (Conocarpus
erectus), together form a system indispensable as
habitat, wave buffer and major contributor to the marine
detrital food web.
Along the Sanibel River and in low swales, the
buttonwood-wax myrtle-sea oxeye association is very
evident. It is probable that woody vegetation was once
scarce in the interior. Now that trees line the banks,
additional roosts and rookeries for birds, particularly
wading birds and anhingas, have been created. In
some areas, dense growths of Brazilian peppers still block
feeding areas for wading birds.
Although cordgrass is still common, it appears in disjunct
patches on Sanibel, no longer covering several square
miles of the interior as it once did. The Island vegetation
at the turn of the century was probably that of an
extensive prairie comprised of the very productive
association of cordgrass and sawgrass. Together these
two species provide both food and refuge for ducks,
some songbirds and mammals. The graminola marsh
also has an additional charm. Its simplicity of color,
texture and pattern provides a pleasantly aesthetic and
relaxing experience for many people.
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The marsh elder–Brazilian pepper–cordgrass association is
much more common in the interior today, due to disturbance
of unwitting introductions. This association has
exploited every elevation from spoil pile to ditched bank.
Brazilian pepper is a noxious weed that in more than 30
years has spread throughout the wetlands and has
replaced desirable native vegetation.
There are few areas of “no vegetation” on Sanibel
except where paved, since clearing attracts recovery
vegetation almost immediately. Included in this category
are lawns and non-woody ornamentals. However, the
ecologically sterile, fertilized, pesticided and herbicided
lawn is becoming more commonplace.
West Indian flora probably was always relatively scarce,
occurring only on Wulfert Point and along narrow upland
strips. West Indian flora areas, though not actually
endangered, should be protected and reinforced by
good management. The most attractive, diverse and
healthy tropical plants will flourish in these areas.
The category of Australian pine and Brazilian pepper
represents the very worst of the exotic vegetation
problems on the Island. Each, when it occurs in a
particular area, almost always becomes the dominant
plant. These species should be removed where they
occur and may should not be planted deliberately. The
invasive characteristics of the lead tree, air potato, java
plum, earleaf acacia, exotic inkberries and bowstring
hemp result in unacceptable impacts on vegetation
communities and wildlife habitat.
Any tree determined to be a threat and nuisance to City
public infrastructure should be removed.
Melaleuca had represented a similar problem, but
eradication efforts have virtually rid the Island of this
exotic plant. The City’s phased program for the
mandatory removal of Brazilian pepper has thus far
impacted 3,200 2,800 acres of the City’s 4,000 acres of
non-conservation lands.
The sea oats, sea purslane, railroad vine, marsh elder,
bay cedar and seagrape association includes the best
of the beach species. These grow along the level strand
and farther back along the dunes, including both
herbaceous and woody species.
Because of the special contribution that the vegetation
makes in a well-functioning ecosystem, certain
associations and plants should be given special
protection and encouraged wherever possible. Beach
species are indispensable for stabilizing dunes and
beautifying the beach. The mangroves are vital to many
aspects of the ecosystem as a contributor to the food
chain, bank stabilizer and provider of habitat. The
wetlands contain vegetation that makes a superior
wildlife habitat and the ridge, with a variety of woody
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vegetation, offers a pleasant habitat to humans and wild
creatures.
Wetlands
The major wetland basin on Sanibel is a 3,500-acre
depression located in the Island’s interior and
characterized by a series of very subtle ridges and
swales. This ribbed topography is the result of a long
history of storms and tides which have alternately
deposited sand and shell fragments which form mounds
later to be rounded off by erosion.
The wetland areas serve a series of valuable functions on
this small Island. When they are performing at their peak,
they moderate the force of water, which can be
devastatingly harsh during storm periods on this low
Island. Because of the rapid permeability of the low
ridges, rainwater can and should be allowed to seep in,
replenishing the freshwater lens. Although these
hydrologic functions are fundamental to the Island
system, they are strongly dependent on the efficiency of
the vegetative cover. This cover, which lends variety to
the landscape, is the surface manifestation of the
combination of the substrate and the water gradient. In
turn, the matted grasses and low shrubs modify runoff. In
addition to these hydrologic functions, the wetlands are
valuable to Sanibel as superior wildlife habitat that must
be protected.
Hydrology
Of the aquifers below Sanibel, only two affect the
wetlands. Although the saline aquifer at about 30 feet
from surface is beneath the clay stratum, it can still
intrude on the freshwater table aquifer and it does
through unsealed wells and too deep lagoons. For this
reason it is necessary to direct as much freshwater as
possible to the water table aquifer so that there is
sufficient hydrologic pressure to push back this highly
saline intruder. In order to maintain a healthy wetland
through long dry winters and despite a high evapotranspiration
rate, it is essential that all available
freshwater is saved. The Sanibel River, ditches, ponds,
real estate lakes and borrow pits are the visible
manifestations of this aquifer and the more rainwater
they can retain the less brackish they become.
Wildlife
Sanibel Island abounds in a wide variety of wildlife.
Because of its position at the southern end of the Atlantic
flyway, and being an Island subject to a combination of
heavy storms, fluctuating tides and currents that affect it,
this piece of land provides a necessary stopover for
many birds and is a haven for a diverse range of
mammals and reptiles, along with a rich environment for
marine biota. Sanibel continues to enjoy worldwide
renown for seashell collecting. To conserve this
tremendously important ecological and economic
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esource, the taking of live shells within the City limits is
now unlawful. Sport-fishing in the waters surrounding the
Island also has a far-reaching reputation, attracting
visitors year-round. The wealth of natural resources of this
community continues to be vital to its economic viability.
Despite some habitat destruction on the Island, overall
wildlife diversity is high, especially within saltwater areas.
There are at least 280 species of birds, 70 species of
marine fish, 48 reptiles and amphibian species and
subspecies and more than two dozen species and
subspecies of terrestrial mammal. , not counting marine
mammals, which have been recorded for Sanibel. Also
Several species of marine mammals, including Atlantic
bottle-nosed dolphins and West Indian manatees are
also common. The freshwater wildlife community has a
moderately varied fauna ranging from insects and
crustaceans, a few fish and several mammals and birds.
The Island also has three bald eagle nests.
It is not surprising that Sanibel has such a multitude of
creatures. Although it is an Island less than 20 square
miles in area, there are several factors that contribute to
making this a desirable place for birds and fish. Location
has a great deal to do with it; it is well known that species
diversity do increases with proximity to the equator. This is
especially true of birds, butterflies, insects and marine
organisms, while numbers of benthic or burrowing
creatures are likely to show some decline in numbers.
Apparently, species proliferation in this subtropical area is
a reflection of a higher vegetational productivity as well
as an indulgent climate and geographical location.
Many kinds of birds are especially drawn to a wind-blown
shoreline and island context, while large numbers of
marine organisms aggregate in food-gathering efforts
along the shorelines. Needless to say, it is harder for
mammals to reach and colonize islands, though once a
pathway is established, this process advances rapidly.
Enforced isolation on islands heightens genetic mixing
and speciation. Despite the fact that this complex system
of interaction and adaptation takes place almost
imperceptibly and over long periods of time, it is a most
important biological end-product of island life and
makes it a fascinating area for naturalists and biologists.
The remarkable way in which organisms effectuate
dispersal manifests extraordinary ingenuity in their search
for a suitable habitat.
They are first attracted by a new environment that
provides a measure of ecological opportunity no longer
available on the mainland. Island colonization takes
place in a variety of ways: a combination of unexpected
migrants stopover to rest, winds carry in unusual seeds,
drifting wood transports with it unfamiliar species and
currents and tides bring new and fascinating fish and
crustaceans nearer to shore. Often these creatures find
Sanibel to be a pleasing environment; they stay and
contribute to the ever-growing gene pool.
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The very complete and informative reports on birds,
marine life, mammals, reptiles and amphibians and
animals of fresh-water habitat have provided the basic
data for this account of wildlife on Sanibel. Although an
enormous number of birds are quite visible in even a brief
visit to the J. N. “Ding“ Darling National Wildlife Refuge, it
takes several years on the Island to become familiar with
its total wildlife resources. This report is based upon visits
to the Island, reference to scientific studies by the
Conservation Foundation and discussions with Island
residents who have special knowledge of the subject.
Wildlife habitats can and should be closely correlated to
the existing vegetation.
Unfortunately, the fauna of a small land area almost
always suffer as human population increases. It is an
objective of the Plan to indicate a way to lessen this
negative stress. Basically, An attitude of benign coexistence
with wild creatures must be wholeheartedly
accepted by the public. Attitudes cannot be legislated
but, with positive education such as that undertaken by
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, great strides
can be made.
Each wildlife group has its own requirements and
tolerances. Marine biota is sensitive to excessive
sedimentation, toxicity and nutrient pollution and
changes in configuration and vegetation in their nesting
and sanctuary areas. Over-harvesting of fish and live
shells is, of course, a quick way to extermination. Highspeed
power boats pollute the waters and can directly
harm some species and disrupt the marine environment
in general. Larger animals co-exist poorly with humans
because they need sizeable undisturbed areas in which
to roam where hiding places are abundant and where
smaller prey exists. If these requirements are met, the thrill
of seeing a bobcat or panther in the wild could remain a
possibility on Sanibel.
Birds coexist well with man as long as their food source is
plentiful and uncontaminated, and they have private
areas for nesting and raising their young. Unfortunately,
this has not been the case with reptiles and amphibians
that have been deliberately sought and exterminated.
Snakes are very sensitive to human intrusion, many being
very secretive and less adaptable to environmental
modifications than warm-blooded creatures. Next to
deliberate killing of these creatures, habitat destruction
has been a major cause of their decline. Most lizards,
snakes, turtles and crocodilians have very specific water
demands though somewhat less specific food
requirements.
Regulations that would set the tone of a sanctuary island
can be legislated. Areas cordoned off would allow for
non-interrupted nesting; maintenance of each every
historical habitat type would allow for all species to have
a place to live; improvement of habitat through
encouragement of native vegetation would give
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desirable species the best chance while rigorous
monitoring should inhibit pollution of its air and waters.
Surface Water
The offshore water resources abutting the land area
(above sea level) of the City of Sanibel are the Gulf of
Mexico, San Carlos Bay, Pine Island Sound and Blind Pass.
The City of Sanibel is located on a barrier island that
spans the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River just
offshore of its discharge to the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel is
also located at the southern end of the Pine Island Sound
Aquatic Preserve. These regional drainage systems
significantly influence the quality of Sanibel’s water
resources, particularly that of the estuary. Tarpon Bay
and numerous bayous are located in the tidal wetlands
on the bay side of the Island.
The City, Lee County and the Captiva Erosion Prevention
District have constructed a culvert linking Clam Bayou to
Dinkins Bayou and have are attempting to reopened
Blind Pass in 2010 to improve the water quality of these
waters.
The Island’s estuaries and aquatic habitats are being
significantly negatively impacted by the lack of a
comprehensive and environmentally sound water
management plan for Lake Okeechobee and the
resulting freshwater releases from the Lake into the
Caloosahatchee River and Estuary. Since October 27,
2005, Lake Okeechobee water releases have reached
6,500 cubic feet per second. On the South Florida Water
Management District’s scale of measurement, this level
of releases is at Zone B, which is the second highest level
of water release. The nutrient-rich water releases into the
Caloosahatchee River and Estuary have resulted in the
growth creation of toxic blue-green algae blooms and
red drift algae outbreaks. , a rise in These blooms have
been associated with fish kills, impacts on shellfish, a
reduction in saltwater fish, clamming and crabbing,
destruction of seagrass beds, mangroves and breeding
grounds for many fish species, and impacts a negative
effect on recreational and commercial fishing. This
nutrient runoff that may well have also contributed to a
perceived long-term trend of more frequent, more
severe and longer duration of destructive red tide
events, as well as and severe impacts to the J. N. “Ding”
Darling National Wildlife Refuge and aquatic preserves.
In addition, The Lake water released from Lake
Okeechobee also carries large amounts of suspended
sediment that are is deposited in the mouth of the river
and can be re-suspended by then stirred up with each
wave action. These impacts could lead to serious, and
potentially irreversible, degradation in estuarine water
quality and potentially irreversible Impacts to seagrasses
and other estuarine resources.
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The main drainage way of the interior wetlands is the
Sanibel River. Other surface water bodies consist
primarily of human made canals and lakes in the
dredged areas of the Altered Land Zone.
There are no major industrial or agricultural uses in the
City of Sanibel. There are no major water users. Current
and projected water needs are based on the demand
for potable water by residential and commercial uses.
The current and projected demand for potable water is
provided in the Water Supply Element of the Plan.
Sanibel’s water resources have not been jeopardized by
drawdown due to drought or excess demand (use).
However, an adequate supply of freshwater could
become a serious economic constraint upon future
growth and development in the City of Sanibel.
Conservation of this precious resource is critical for
meeting future demand.
Conservation and Recreational Uses
The recreational use of natural resources is discussed in
the Recreation and Open Space Element of the Plan.
The majority A major segment of Sanibel’s natural
resources are is managed for conservation purposes.
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife
Services, manages the J.N. “Ding“ Darling National
Wildlife Refuge. This 5,400-acre preserve is predominately
tidal wetlands. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation
Foundation manages approximately 1,200 acres on
Sanibel, consisting of predominately interior wetlands.
Plan for Natural Resources
Proper management of the natural resources in the City
of Sanibel is essential to the maintenance of the
economic well-being of the City and to preservation of
its quality of life.
Plan for the Preservation of Ecological Functions Relating
to Health, Safety and Welfare
The plan for the preservation of the ecological functions
of the Island of Sanibel shall be provided for through the
development regulations and performance standards
set forth in the Land Development Code.
The key that was used to delineate the ecological zones
shown on the Official Zoning Map of the City of Sanibel is
provided as an appendix to this Plan.
Plan for the Interior Wetlands Conservation District
In July of 1984, the Sanibel City Council adopted an
ordinance creating the “Interior Wetlands Conservation
District”, in order to extend a higher degree of protection
to the interior wetlands than had been accorded under
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the development regulations in effect since on an
estimated 2,000 acres of interior wetlands.
Since 1984, three tracts were removed from the District.
In 1989, 101 acres of the 2 nd addition to the Beachview
Subdivision were removed from the District and placed in
a Special Use District that imposed specific surface water
management requirements. In 2001, the 18-acre site of
the existing water treatment plant for the municipality
and neighboring Captiva Island was removed from the
District and designated a Special Use District for the
public utility. Also in 2001, a 3-acre site was removed
from the District to allow the development of a 12-unit
increased-density BMRH development (Woodhaven) on
Casa Ybel Road.
In 2012, a more accurate, GIS-assisted process, calculated
of the acreage in the District at 1,650 acres.
The need for the Conservation District was evidenced in
1984 by development trends that occurred after
adoption of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1976.
These trends generally included:
1 Increased development pressures in the interior
wetlands as other lands more suitable for
development became less available.
2 Development taking place in proximity to the
Sanibel River with the potential to pollute ground
and surface waters.
3 Lack of requirements contained in the regulations
to direct development away from sensitive
portions of the site.
4. Excessive amounts of vegetation clearing permitted
to support assigned development intensities,
particularly for large parcels.
5. Lack of prohibitions against dredging and filling of
wetlands, leading to alteration of natural those
portions of the site and in a manner that will
features and functions.
6. Development taking place in subdivisions platted
prior to the adoption of this Plan, inadequate
infrastructure and substandard lot sizes which
were unable to conform with the management
standards of this Plan.
Since 1984, there have been many changes in the
Interior Wetlands Conservation District. In 2010,
recognizing that lands used for conservation purposes
are in use, there is virtually no vacant land remaining in
the District. Over the past 26 years, there have been
significant acquisitions of freshwater wetlands for
conservation purposes. In 2010, 90% of the lands in the
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Wetlands Conservation District are owned and managed
for conservation purposes. The restoration of these
natural resources, highlighted by the restoration of the
Sanibel River to its historical course as part of the Sanibel
Gardens Preserve, represents the further success of the
Interior Wetlands Conservation District.
Residential and non-residential development has also
occurred in the Interior Wetlands Conservation District, in
accordance with the standards and regulations in the
Land Development Code for the District.
Five major subdivisions for residential units have been
developed or approved for development in the District
since 1984. The_67 lots for single family residential
development platted in the District have been located
on higher land. Theses lots have been sited in a manner
that is not disruptive to the natural functions of the interior
wetlands and does not decrease the water storage or
hydrologic regime of the wetlands. Significant acreage
of wetlands was preserved and dedicated for
conservation purposes as part of the creation of these
residential lots.
The 12-unit Airport Below Market Rate Housing (BMRH)
development (single family and duplex units) and the 12-
unit Casa Mariposa BMRH development (multi-family uits)
were developed in the District at the density permitted
by the Development Intensity Map. Both projects were
built in general accordance with District regulations,
even as City-exempt projects.
The Shell Museum, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation
Foundation Maintenance Facility and the Parish Hall for
St. Isabel Catholic Church were also built in the District
since 1984, in accordance with District regulations. The
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation administrative
facilities were expanded in the District in accordance
with District regulations.
The purpose and intent of this the Interior Wetlands
Conservation District is:
1. To protect public health, safety and welfare.
2. To protect and conserve interior wetlands in the
Sanibel River watershed Freshwater Management
Area so as to restore and maintain the integrity of
these lands in as near a natural state as possible;
3. To set forth standards and limitations on the
placement of fill on and the excavation of
wetlands in and nearby the Freshwater
Management Area.
4. To prohibit development activity within 200 feet of
the banks of the main channel of the Sanibel
River.
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5. To identify areas suitable and unsuitable for
development within the Sanibel Gardens, Tarpon
Bay, and Sanibel Highlands Subdivisions, and to
specify the standards at which development may
take place in the Sanibel Highlands, Sanibel
Gardens and Tarpon Bay Subdivisions these
locations.
6. To identify suitable development activities to be
permitted and standards to be applied in the
development of wetlands in the Sanibel River
watershed Freshwater Management Area.
7. To ensure that, where development activity does
take place in the wetland area, it will be located
on those portions of the site and in a manner that
will be the least disruptive to the natural functions
of these environmentally-sensitive lands.
8. To ensure that the maintenance and restoration of
wetlands is an integral part of the wetlands
management program.
In order to fulfill the above-stated purpose and the
objectives for as set forth in the Interior Wetlands
Conservation District ordinance, the following additional
actions have been and should continue to be
undertaken:
1. Explore the feasibility of additional incentives in
the development regulations, such as the
transfer of development rights, to further
remove development potential from sensitive
lands.
1. 2. Proceed with the program of public
acquisition, as opportunities, or the need, arise,
based upon, but not limited to:
a. Lands or lots rendered undevelopable by
the standards of the Interior Wetlands
Conservation District ordinance.
b. Lands or lots within 200 feet of the Sanibel
River.
c. Lands with little or no elevation above 1.8
feet NAVD (3 feet NGVD) for the
placement of dwelling units, in accordance
with the standards of the Interior Wetlands
Conservation District ordinance.
d. Lands abutting parcels currently under
public or quasi-public ownership.
2. 3. Continue to encourage the dedication of
those portions of lands, not utilized for
development under the standards of the
Interior Wetlands Conservation District
ordinance, to the City of Sanibel or a non-profit
conservation entity.
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3. 4. Continue to implement a program for the
maintenance and restoration of lands
dedicated to the City and, to the extent
possible, to nonprofit conservation entities, so
as to approximate their natural condition, to
the extent practical.
4 5. To implement the plan for sewage treatment,
undertake a program to upgrade existing
septic tank systems where there is evidence
that they are improperly designed, installed or
maintained, and that they pose the potential
to pollute ground or surface waters of the
interior wetlands system.
Plan for Environmentally Sensitive Lands
There are many environmentally sensitive lands in the
City of Sanibel that are owned and managed for
conservation purposes.
As stated in the Future Land Use Element of the Plan, the
principal use of over 65 percent of the area in the City of
Sanibel is conservation use. More than eight square miles
of the City are owned and managed by the federal
government as a wildlife refuge. The Sanibel-Captiva
Conservation Foundation owns more than a square mile
of additional land that is managed for conservation
purposes.
The Future Land Use Element contains a projection that
approximately 400 acres of undeveloped land in the City
are located in the tidal and interior wetlands. A major
use of this acreage, even if developed at very low
residential density, is projected as conservation lands.
The City of Sanibel began a funded program in 1987 to
acquire environmentally sensitive lands for conservation
purposes. As of 2006, The City has acquired numerous
small parcels of land, totaling 400 acres, which will be
preserved and protected. An estimated $1 million to
$1.5 million worth of environmentally sensitive lands has
been purchased through this program. In addition to the
City’s acquisition program, the Plan for Environmentally
Sensitive Lands focuses on the restoration and management
of these environmentally sensitive lands.
The initial (1976) Comprehensive Land Use Plan initiated
development regulations and performance standards
based on the ability of each ecological zone to tolerate
future development. In 1984, the City established the
Interior Wetlands Conservation District to provide a higher
degree of protection from development impacts for
2,000 acres of interior wetlands. In 1991, to provide for
the use and preservation, maintenance, enhancement
and restoration of environmentally sensitive lands, the
City of Sanibel established an Environmentally Sensitive
Lands Conservation District.
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With about two-thirds of the area in the City of Sanibel
owned and managed for conservation purposes, an
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Conservation District is
needed to ensure the protection and preservation of
these lands and the coordinated management of these
natural resources that function as an ecological system.
The purpose of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands
Conservation District is:
• To ensure the preservation of environmentally
sensitive lands owned and managed for
conservation purposes
• To restrict development in environmentally
sensitive lands that is not consistent with
conservation purposes
• To promote coordinated management of
environmentally sensitive lands
• To encourage enhancement and restoration of
disrupted natural systems
In order to fulfill the purpose of the Environmentally
Sensitive Lands Conservation District, permitted uses,
required conditions and performance standards have
been established in the Land Development Code. The
District may include environmentally sensitive lands
owned and managed for conservation purposes
whether publicly or privately owned. The District incorporates
lands that have been acquired in the past and
will be acquired in the future by the City for conservation
purposes. The District map for the Environmentally
Sensitive Lands Conservation District is part of the Future
Land Use Map and is also included in the Land Development
Code.
Plan for Vegetation Preservation
In order to protect the vegetation values identified, it is
necessary that the City of Sanibel:
1. Prohibit the introduction of exotic species of plants
which tend to out-compete or otherwise displace
native species of plants.
2. Encourage the removal of undesirable exotics
currently existing on the Island and develop
programs for the management of all prohibited
exotic species of plants.
3. Limit clearing of native vegetation.
4. Protect valuable native species of plants from
destruction.
5. Encourage the use of native species of plants in
the landscaping of future developments.
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To achieve those ends, performance standards shall be
set out in the Land Development Code that establish set
forth certain restrictions on the development of land in
regard to exotic and native species of plants. However,
the standards and criteria for development activity are
not sufficient to achieve Island-wide protection of vegetation
values. Therefore, the City should encourage
sound ecological management of vegetative resources
in those portions of the City for which future development
is not proposed.
PROTECTED NATIVE PLANTS
Protected native plants are those plant species whose natural
range included Florida at the time of European contact (1500
A.D.) as identified on the Atlas of Vascular Plants Website, which
is identified as follows: Atlas of Vascular Plants, University of
South Florida Institute for Systematic Botany:
http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/default.asp.
PROHIBITED EXOTIC PLANTS
Australian pine –
Brazilian pepper –
Cajeput –
Lead tree –
Air potato –
Java plum –
Earleaf Acacia –
Exotic inkberrys –
Bowstring hemp –
Casuarina equisetifolia
Casuarina cunninghamiaria
Schinus terebinthifolius
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Lucaena leucocephala
Dioscorea bulbifera
Syzgium Cumini
Acacia auriculiformis
Scaevola taccada
and s. frutescens
Sansevieria thyrsiflora
Source: Sanibel Department of Natural Resources
Note: The contribution of mature Australian pines to the historical
and scenic attributes of some segments of Periwinkle Way and
some recreational areas is a significant factor in the City’s
development and implementation of its policy for the
management of prohibited exotic plants. When the historical and
scenic benefits of retaining mature Australian pines outweigh
the safety and environmental benefits derived from their
removal, immediate and mandatory removal is not required.
These exotic, but long-established features of the community,
treasured by some and tolerated by others, may be retained for
their historic and scenic attributes.
The City may make additions and deletions to this list through its
Normal legislative processes.
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The following native plants are commonly found on
Sanibel and are listed to provide the reader with easy
reference to protected native plants and context for the
Plan for Vegetation Preservation.
Beach creeper – Ernodea littoralis
Sea oats – Uniola paniculata
Railroad vine – Ipomoea pes-caprae
Sea purslane – Sesuvium portulacastrum
Bay cedar – Suriana maritima
Inkberry – Scaevola plumieri
Bay bean – Canavalia rosca
Bitter panicum grass – Panicum amurum
Florida maytens – Maytenus phyllanthoides
Leather fern – Acrostichum danacifolium
Swamp fern – Blechnum serrulatum
Sea oxeye daisy – Borrichia frutescens
Bald cypress – Taxodium distichum
Pond apple – Annona glabra
Joewood – Jacquinia keyensis
Seagrape – Coccoloba uvifera
Necklace pod – Sophora tomentosa
Snowberry – Chiococca alba
Red stopper – Eugenia rhombea
White stopper – Eugenia axillaries
Cocoplum – Chrysobalanus icaco
Jamaica caper – Capparis cynophallophora
Coral bean – Erythrina herbacea
Strangler fig – Ficus aurea
Gumbo limbo – Bursera simarouba
Mastic – Mastichodendron foetidissimum
Cat claw – Pithecellobium unguis-cati
Jamaica dogwood – Piscidia piscipula
White indigo berry – Randia aculeata
Saw palmetto – Serenoa repens
Butterfly orchids – Epidendrum tampense
Tillandsia spp. except Spanish Moss
Whisk fern – Psilotum nudum
Sabal palm – Sabal palmetto
Hairy grama grass – Bouteloua hirsuta
Hercules club – Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Dahoon holly – Ilex cassine
Wild sage – Lantana involucrata
Wild olive – Forestiera segregata
Paradise tree – Simarouba glauca
Buckthorn – Bumelia celastrina
Myrsine – Rapanea guianensis
Wax myrtle – Myrica cerifera
Spanish stopper – Eugenia foetida
Wild tamarind – Lysiloma bahamensis
Pigeon plum – Coccoloba diversifolia
Varnish leaf – Dodonaea viscosa
Coontie – Zamia integrifolia
Seven year apple – Casasia Genipa
Yellow elder – Tecoma stans
Wild cotton – Gossypium hirsutum
Marlberry – Ardisia escallonioides
Satin leaf – Chrysophyllum oliviforme
Pitch apple – Clusia rosea
Sweet acacia – Acacia farnesiana
Wild lime – Zanthoxylum fagara
Simpson stopper – Myrcianthes fragrans
Mahogany – Swietenia mahagoni
Pamotis palm – Acoelorrhaphe wrightii
Southern red cedar – Juniperus silicicola
Royal palm – Roystonea elata
Cordgrass – Spartina bakerii
Sawgrass – Cladium jamaicense
Blechnum fern – Blechnum serrulatum
White mangrove – Laguncularia racemosa
Buttonwood – Conocarpus erecta
Red mangrove – Rhizophora mangle
Black mangrove – Avicennia germinans
Christmas berry – Lycium carolinianum
Muhly grass – Muhlenbergia capillaris
Live oak – Quercus virginiana
Slash pine – Pinus elliotti
Source: Natural Resources Department and Vegetation Committee
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Plan for Wetland Protection
The protection of wetlands is better achieved by
continued restoration of the historic hydroperiod in the
freshwater wetlands. In order to establish the most
suitable water level, detailed topographic and
engineering studies have been done. The Tarpon Bay
and Beach Road weir control structures are now set at
elevations of 3.2 and 2.7 feet NGVD, respectively. These
elevations may be manipulated in the event of a flood or
potential flood occurrence in accord with the City’s Weir
Control Policy, adopted by City Council Resolution No.
94-75. A need has been identified for An additional weir
that can elevate the seasonal water tables in the
conservation lands to the west of the Sanibel Highlands
subdivision is being considered.
It is also imperative that the Sanibel River, ditches, ponds,
lakes and wetlands be protected freed from any sewage
pollution. These water bodies are now largely eutrophic,
with high nutrient levels and showing low levels of
dissolved oxygen at depth and wide fluctuations at the
surface. The Sanibel River is currently listed as an
impaired waterbody by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection. The cause (and remedy) for
this is not immediately apparent. Obviously, it is due to
the However, organic materials reaching the water,
(whether from pollution, natural plant decay, fertilizers or
other) are likely contributors. In any event, this should be
studied and appropriate remedial action taken (such as
source control or dredging of organic out deposits, etc.).
The excessive growth of filling-in with undesirable aquatic
vegetation is an almost certain inescapable out-come of
high nutrient levels; this is now evident in various scattered
places along the river where algae blooms have
been observed can be seen. Not only is this unsightly
vegetation, but it has negligible value for wildlife.
Wetlands provide natural cleansing of stormwater runoff
and prevent nutrients and contaminants from reaching
getting into the Gulf of Mexico. Retaining natural
wetlands significantly contributes to the attainment of
good water quality. All options to avoid damage to
wetlands shall be considered, including : options such as,
the reduction in the intensity and mass of the proposed
development, the reconfiguration of the proposed
development and the relocation of the proposed
structures.
When public or private projects produce unavoidable
damage to wetland areas, restoration or mitigation
programs shall be implemented. Mitigation activities for
the impacts from the unavoidable losses of wetlands due
to development require habitat preservation, restoration
or creation. Mitigation shall be on-site wherever whenever
possible.
In the instance where damage to wetlands is
necessitated by unavoidable and justifiable factors, such
as health and safety considerations, and on-site
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mitigation is not possible or viable, the following criteria
shall be considered.
The first priority is always to avoid damage to wetlands.
Where it is not possible to avoid damage to wetlands
areas or to mitigate for the unavoidable damage to
wetland areas on-site, mitigation for the unavoidable
damage to wetlands may be off-site, only if a plan for
off-site mitigation is prepared that clearly demonstrates
that:
• On-site mitigation would result in a remote
wetland area that would be isolated from larger
wetland areas and contribute little to
improvement in water quality
• The failure to allow off-site mitigation denies the
property owner beneficial use of the property,
where it is not possible to avoid damage to
wetlands areas or to mitigate for the unavoidable
damage to wetlands areas on-site
• The off-site mitigation can be undertaken on-
Island, on property that is adjacent to or nearby
where the unavoidable damage to wetlands
areas is to occur
• Off-site mitigation, to create or restore
unavoidable damage to wetlands areas,
produces an overall improvement in water quality
For any acre of unavoidable wetlands losses, there shall
be:
• 3 acres of wetlands created and preserved, or
• 10 acres of wetlands restored and preserved, or
• A proportionate combination of created wetlands
and restored wetlands.
Created and restored wetlands should be of the same
type of wetland that is to be destroyed.
As an additional measure for achieving maximum
ecological preservation of vegetative values, the City
implements a program for replacing with more beneficial
vegetation all prohibited exotic species of plants,
including Australian pines and Brazilian pepper tree, from
City-owned land. The City supports the efforts of other
levels of government and private individuals with land
ownership on Sanibel doing the same. Although the
melaleuca tree has already been virtually eradicated,
the community must continue to be alert to eliminate
volunteers of this species.
Plan for Wildlife Preservation
Habitat preservation plays a key role in the plan for
wildlife preservation.
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The City should give further consideration to enacting
regulations that would encourage the preservation of
the Island’s natural wildlife and would set the tone
appropriate for an Island designated as a sanctuary.
Special consideration should be given to endangered
and protected species.
The City should also pursue means to obtain local control
over the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals
that may result in the degradation of wildlife habitat, and
where possible, develop a program to appropriately
regulate their use in order to protect wildlife and wildlife
habitat.
All bird nests on the Island are should be protected under
both the Federal Migratory Bird Act and City Ordinance.
Consideration should be given to adopting Federal
guidelines for bald eagle protection.
Plan for Water Resources
The Plan for the Water Supply is provided in the Water
Supply Element of this Plan. In addition, the Plan for
Stormwater Management is provided in the Storm
Drainage Element of this Plan.
Plan for Water Quality
In order to protect the quality of water resources, the City
of Sanibel regulates development activities to protect
natural water-cleansing processes and to reduce or
prevent the discharge of contaminants into the water
system. The Plan for Stormwater Management is provided
in the Storm Drainage Element of this Plan. The
Plan for the Water Supply (quality and conservation) is
provided in the Water Supply Element of this Plan. The
Plan for Vegetation and the Plan for Wetlands, in this
section, contribute to the Plan for Water Quality.
However, there is a critical need to improve policies
controlling water releases from Lake Okeechobee in
order to maintain the water quality of coastal waters
surrounding Sanibel. It is vitally important that the U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the State of
Florida implement the Total Maximum Daily Loads
(TMDLs) for pollutants provision of the Federal Clean
Water Act.
Pollutants have had a dramatic and unacceptable
impact on the quality of surface waters surrounding the
City. Sanibel is susceptible to over nutrification through
runoff from development. Although the City has put a
significant effort and investment into wastewater treatment
facilities, efforts and investments to improve water
quality have not been as extensive in other areas within
the watershed of the Caloosahatchee River. Continued
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surface water runoff within the watershed of the Caloosahatchee
River containing non-point source pollution
contributes to the further degradation of the quality of
the waters surrounding the City.
However, this degradation of waters surrounding the City
is exacerbated by the water releases from Lake Okeechobee
exceeding Total Maximum Daily Loads for
pollutants.
Cooperation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the
South Florida Water Management District is essential to
adequately address this greatest of Regional challenges
for intergovernmental coordination.
Plan for Air Quality
The air quality on of Sanibel is considered good. To
ensure that the City continues to enjoy good air quality,
the impact of future development on local air quality
should be considered. Land uses and transportation
facilities (roads) should be compatible with the desired
level of air quality.
Increases in traffic volumes, not associated with land use
development in the City, is a major contributor to traffic
congestion along major roadways in the City. This traffic
congestion has the potential to degrade the air quality
of surrounding areas. The carrying capacity of the
natural resources within the City, as well as the quality of
life for residents and visitors, can be negatively affected
by poor air quality.
The maintenance of good air quality is a regional
concern, requiring intergovernmental coordination for
approaches and solutions.
Plan for Hazardous Wastes
Although the amount of hazardous wastes generated in
the City of Sanibel is not great, some of this waste is
being disposed of improperly. Some hazardous wastes
are dumped in wastewater disposal facilities, some onto
the ground and some transported to the County landfill.
Hazardous waste best management practices should be
established to improve hazardous waste storage and
disposal methods.
Lee County operates a In 2005, the City initiated an
annual household Hazardous Waste Disposal site
collection day.
Plan for Conservation and Recreational Use
Conservation of natural resources is an essential
component of the Sanibel Plan. The City’s development
regulations reflect and promote this conservation effort.
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Use of natural resources should be compatible with
conservation efforts. Commercial uses of natural
resources, except for those that are incidental to
recreation use that is compatible with conservation use,
should be prohibited. The wetlands, particularly in the
lowland and the remaining mangrove areas, are not well
suited to intensive recreation but may be used for low
intensity recreation such as walking, canoeing or birdwatching.
Plan for Surface Water Management
Implementation of the Surface Water Management Plan
adopted by the City in August of 1989 has enhanced the
viability of the interior freshwater wetlands system.
This plan sets forth the following goal and objectives:
Goal
To safeguard human health and welfare and to maintain
and improve the wetland system of the Sanibel River and
its tributaries in order to enhance and promote water
quality as well as vegetative and wildlife habitat diversity.
Objectives
1 To reduce extreme flooding in developed areas
and the length of time of flooding in order to keep
roads, driveways, house pads and septic systems
drained to the greatest extent possible.
2 To use surface water management as one of
many tools in undeveloped areas in order to
encourage and support the return to savannah
and marsh vegetation as well as other native
habitat types, including but not limited to ridge
hammocks, buttonwood sloughs and transition
zones and to discourage the continued invasion
of exotic plants.
a. To identify undeveloped areas for habitat
preservation and restoration that are large
enough to support representative plant and
animal populations, economically and
physically feasible to manage and compatible
with the water management needs of
developed areas.
b. To increase rainfall detention in undeveloped
areas to allow for encourage the recharge ing
of the water table aquifer and to return to
conditions of environmental extremes in
surface water and water table elevations
which had controlled natural characteristics in
the past.
3. To use natural drainage methods wherever
possible with minimum impact change to the
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environment, using minimal amounts of humanmade
structures and arriving at a system requiring
minimal maintenance. Human-made drainage
structures are a less-preferred alternative.
Plan for Enhancement and Restoration of Natural
Resources
To increase the productivity and viability of natural
resources that have been disturbed or diminished by
past activities, restoration efforts can facilitate natural
recovery. To that end, extensive restoration efforts by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Sanibel Captiva
Conservation Foundation and the City have been widely
undertaken. Although a lot of progress has been made,
as evidenced by the hundreds of acres cleared and
maintained free of invasive exotic vegetation and the
restoration of the historic course of the Sanibel River
through the Sanibel Gardens Preserve, additional
projects have been identified.
The tidal circulation of impounded mangrove areas in
Clam Bayou has recently been improved. So has the
Improvements to tidal circulation in the artificial
impoundment areas in the J. N. “Ding” Darling National
Wildlife Refuge, in the wetlands east of Dixie Beach Road
and in the wetlands along Bay Drive should be
addressed. Elevating the seasonal water tables in the
conservation lands to the west of the Sanibel Highlands
subdivision is also being considered.
Prescribed fire will continue to be used as a successful
management tool to replicate the benefits influence that
wildfires have historically had in maintaining the vitality of
natural ecosystems resources. Such managed burns
help maintain Sanibel’s fire adapted freshwater wetland
savannahs, thereby improving wildlife habitat. Lands
bordering on conservation areas and other lands where
wildfires are possible should be managed in a fire-wise
fashion.
Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal Statement
Protect and appropriately manage Sanibel’s natural
resources to ensure the conservation of ecosystems by
maintaining air quality, water quality, native vegetation,
native habitats and species diversity.
Objective 1
Sanibel is and shall remain a barrier island sanctuary.
Policy 1.1. Evaluate all local plans and programs for
conservation and natural resource protection to ensure
that they are consistent and compatible with one another
and that they are unified in their efforts.
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Policy 1.2. Strive to sustain ecological balance and
preserve and restore natural settings for residents, visitors
and wildlife.
Policy 1.3. The adequate and appropriate protection
and conservation of natural resources, including wetlands,
shall be accomplished through:
Objective 2
Maintenance, and appropriate expansion, of the
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Conservation
District, and
Maintenance and appropriate expansion of the
Interior Wetlands Conservation District, and
Maintenance, and appropriate revisions, to
regulations, such as the Interior Wetlands
Conservation District and environmental
performance standards of the Land Development
Code
The City shall strive to manage the Island’s carrying
capacity to ensure that the Island’s natural resources are
sustained.
Policy 2.1. 1.4 The City shall use appropriate determine
measures and methods to sustain and manage the
Island’s carrying capacity of the beach for use by
wildlife. During 2007 and 2008, The City may shall
conduct research regarding existing and emerging best
practices and establish current base line and future
performance metrics or measures necessary to ensure
the Island’s sustainability during the Sanibel Plan’s initial (5
10 years) and long range (10 20 years) planning periods.
While the primary focus on this effort will be the City of
Sanibel, Regional conditions, trends and projections may
will also be considered.
The carrying capacity research and resulting
management strategies may will essentially be an
important component of the ongoing implementation
and performance evaluation of the Sanibel Plan’s goals,
objectives and policies. This effort would will consider the
Island’s sustainability in a holistic manner to ensure that
the primary interrelationships between the following Plan
elements or systems are defined and addressed:
resident, seasonal and visitor populations; wildlife habitat
and natural resource conservation and management;
water quality, use and reuse; stormwater management;
beach and bay front utilization; historic, landscape and
cultural resource preservation; land use; housing diversity
and affordability transportation; construction and
building technologies; energy consumption and
conservation; solid waste; public facilities; community
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character and design; economic performance and
public safety and health.
Objective 3
If When the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) notifies the City of Sanibel that minimum
established air quality levels are being exceeded within
the City, a program approved by the DEP will be
implemented to bring air quality into compliance with
minimum established standards.
Policy 3.1. Achieve minimum air quality standards by
implementing an air quality improvement program within
one year of notification by DEP that minimum established
air quality standards are not being met.
Objective 4
Protect and conserve water resources and prevent
impairment of the quality and quantity of surface and
groundwater resources.
Policy 4.1. To provide filtration of stormwater runoff into
surface waters, ensure that setback requirements from
open bodies of water are maintained by continued
implementation of the development regulations and
performance standards established in the Land
Development Code.
Policy 4.2. With cooperation from the Department of
Environmental Protection, establish a surface water
quality monitoring program . and seek further
cooperation from Lee County, the Department of
Environmental Protection and the South Florida Water
Management District.
Policy 4.3. Assist the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation
Foundation with its groundwater quality monitoring
program.
Policy 4.4. With cooperation from the South Florida
Water Management District in establishing cones of
influence for wellheads, establish a wellhead protection
program for existing and future wells.
Policy 4.5. Work toward the elimination of the one
remaining sewer package plant and virtually all septic
systems on the Island. Before the City’s next Evaluation
and Appraisal Report, Connect 99 percent of all homes
and businesses to the City’s central sewer system.
Policy 4.6. The City shall remain vigilant and proactive in
its insistence that the regulation, design and operation of
water releases from Lake Okeechobee will not further
degrade the quality of coastal waters and the estuaries
of Southwest Florida. It is the City’s intent to convince the
South Florida Water Management District and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers to change policy so that the
waters surrounding Sanibel are no longer threatened.
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The Sanibel City Council is approaching the water quality
problem on three tracks:
1) through public education
2) in the policy and legislative arena and
3) as a last resort, through potential litigation.
Policy 4.7. The City shall also remain vigilant and
proactive to ensure that surface water runoff from other
jurisdictions into the Caloosahatchee River watershed will
not further degrade the quality of water in near Island
coastal waters, including the estuaries within the
boundaries of the City.
Objective 5
Protect and conserve soils and native vegetation
communities and maintain the natural functions of the
City’s ecological zones by continued implementation of
the adopted development regulations and performance
standards established in the Land Development Code
and best management practices.
Policy 5.1. To limit clearing of native vegetation,
including the under story and groundcover, ensure the
continued enforcement of the environmental
performance standards of the Land Development Code
and best management practices.
Policy 5.2. Protect valuable native species of plants from
destruction by requiring a City vegetation permit for
vegetation removal.
Policy 5.3. The planting or seeding of prohibited exotic
plants that tend to out-compete or otherwise displace
native species of plants is prohibited.
Policy 5.4. In conjunction with the development of any
site, prohibited species of vegetation are to be removed
from the site and prevented from re-establishing on the
site.
Policy 5.5. Reduce the spread of prohibited exotic plants
and noxious aquatic vegetation by implementing
regulations prohibiting the planting of these species and
by requiring their removal when land is developed.
Policy 5.6. Consider development of a program of
requiring removal, from developed property, all
prohibited exotic plants, except for Australian pines.
Policy 5.7. Restrict development in the Blind Pass Zone by
including regulations in the adopted Land Development
Code that limit development intensity in a manner that is
consistent with the unstable dynamics nature of this zone.
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Policy 5.8. Continue Seek authority from the State to
implement Local regulations to better protect
mangroves.
Objective 6
Protect and conserve wildlife and its habitat, including
marine habitat, and maintain the natural functions of the
City’s ecological zones by means including the continued
implementation of the adopted development
regulations and performance standards established in
the Land Development Code and best management
practices.
Policy 6.1. Natural wildlife corridors will be established
and maintained to connect wildlife habitat to the
Sanibel River and to provide for wildlife movement along
the River.
Policy 6.2. Develop a program for the enhancement
of marine resources.
Policy 6.3. Wildlife access to and from the beach will
be maintained by restricting the location of fences.
Policy 6.4. Commercial uses of natural resources, except
for those uses that are incidental to recreational use that
is compatible with scenic preservation and conservation
uses, will be prohibited.
Policy 6.5. Protect sea turtle nesting areas by prohibiting
the disturbance of nests, prohibiting mechanical beach
cleaning and controlling the emission of light from
structures on or near the beach.
Policy 6.6. Protect the habitat of gopher tortoises,
eastern indigo snakes, eagles, ospreys, loggerhead
turtles, alligators, pileated woodpeckers and river otters.
Policy 6.7. To ensure the protection of habitat for
protected species during the development process,
require that viable habitat be preserved and that
provisions be made for long-range habitat management
and monitoring.
Policy 6.8. Protect manatees by enforcing slower boat
speeds in their the primary habitats of the manatee.
Policy 6.9. Protect all bird nests on the Island under both
the Federal Migratory Bird Act and City regulations.
Policy 6.10. Protect all bald eagle nests on the Island by
adopting and implementing Federal, State and Local
guidelines for bald eagle protection.
Objective 7
To ensure protection and preservation of environmentally
sensitive lands and the coordinated management of
these natural resources that function as an ecological
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32

system, retain and expand the Environmentally Sensitive
Lands Conservation District for lands owned and
managed for conservation purposes.
Policy 7.1. Restrict permitted use in the Environmentally
Sensitive Lands Conservation District to environmental
preservation, passive recreation, surface water
management, minor utilities installations primarily for
transmission, enhancement and restoration.
Policy 7.2. Coordinate management of lands in the
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Conservation District in
recognition that these natural resources function as an
ecological system.
Policy 7.3. Include all lands purchased by the City of
Sanibel with environmentally sensitive lands acquisition
funds in the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Conservation
District.
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3.2.3. Groundwater
9-5-12
Section 3.2.3.
Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge
Goals, Objectives and Policies
Pursuant to Section 163.3177, Florida Statutes and Chapter 9J-
5.011(2) of the Florida Administrative Code.
Background Discussion
The purpose of this element, as stated in the Florida
Administrative Code, is to provide for maintenance of
the functions of natural drainage features and groundwater
recharge areas.
The data and analyses for this element of the Sanibel
Plan, pursuant to Section 163.3177(6)(c), Florida Statutes
and the minimum review criteria of Chapter 9J-5.011 of
the Florida Administrative Code, are is provided in this
sub-section the background materials for the 2004/2005
Evaluation and Appraisal Report for the Sanibel Plan,
adopted April 19, 2005.
The location of Sanibel is such that local recharge of the
Florida aquifer is nonexistent. The water quantity and
quality of the groundwater table aquifer is the major
aquifer recharge issue for this community. The protection
of wellheads is another.
The groundwater system underlying the City of Sanibel
consists of the water table aquifer and the Floridan
aquifer (Lower Hawthorne and Suwanee aquifers). The
upper and lower Floridan aquifers lie below the water
table aquifer and are separated by confining layers with
relatively low permeability. A very low percentage of
local average annual rainfall percolates into the Floridan
aquifer. The South Florida Water Management District
has not designated any areas in the City of Sanibel as a
recharge area for the Floridan aquifer.
The most significant problem related to groundwater
recharge in the City of Sanibel is localized contamination
of the water table aquifer from wastewater disposal
systems and storm-water runoff.
Penetration of confining layers of the aquifers for well
installation creates the potential for interchange of water
between aquifers at well sites, thereby effectively
creating potential recharge sites. Consumptive use
permits from the Water Management District require
protection of well field areas to prevent contamination of
the aquifers. However, withdrawal from the aquifers for
private irrigation purposes can have an adverse impact
on the quality of water in the aquifers used by Island
Water Association (IWA). This degradation of the water
quality of the aquifers results in costlier treatment to
produce potable water and thus increases costs to IWA’s
customers.
The major drainage feature of the City of Sanibel is the
Freshwater Management Area. The Interior Wetlands

Conservation District has been established within the
Freshwater Management Area to regulate development
within this major drainage feature of the City. Existing
regulations and programs that govern land use and
development of natural drainage features, the
Freshwater Management Area and the Wetlands
Conservation Lands, are adequate for maintaining the
functions of Sanibel’s natural drainage features and
groundwater recharge areas.
The Surface Water Management Plan was developed to
control flooding and to enhance the water quality and
quality of this Freshwater Management Area.
Plan for Aquifer Recharge
1. The City of Sanibel’s stormwater drainage
programs and regulations should continue to
emphasize the preservation of natural drainage
features.
2. The City of Sanibel should also continue to
encourage the reuse of treated effluent for
irrigation as a means of increasing recharge of the
water table aquifer.
3. The City and IWA should pursue some means of
allowing Local regulation of shallow wells.
Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal Statement
Protect the natural recharge of the groundwater aquifer
to ensure the conservation of water resources and the
maintenance of water quality.
Objective 1
The quality and quantity of Sanibel’s groundwater
resources will not be degraded.
Policy 1.1. Excavation that results in penetration of the
aquiclude is prohibited.
Policy 1.2. Pursue means to retain obtain local control
over the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals
that may result in the degradation of the quality of
groundwater. , and where possible, Continue
implementation of the develop a program to
appropriately regulate regulating use of fertilizers,
pesticides and other chemicals that may result in the
degradation of the quality of groundwater, their use in
order to protect the quality of the groundwater.
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3.2.4. Historic
9-5-12
Section 3.2.4.
Historic Preservation Element
Pursuant to Section 163.3177, Florida Statutes and Chapter 9J-
5.012(3) for the Florida Administrative Code.
Background Discussion
The data and analyses for this element of the Sanibel
Plan, pursuant to Section 163.3177(7)(1), Florida Statutes,
are provided in this subsection the background materials
for the 2004/2005 Evaluation and Appraisal Report for the
Sanibel Plan, adopted April 19, 2005.
Sanibel has a rich historical heritage dating from the first
settlements of the Caloosa Indians to the small agricultural,
fishing and resort community of the first half of the
20th century.
Sanibel’s history over the past century has been one of
alternate growth and decline. About 1888, agricultural
development started and spread over the next 40 years
to all of the Island’s arable land. During this period,
several hurricanes with accompanying flood tides
ranging from nine to 13 feet high struck Sanibel. The last
hurricane of that period, in 1926, changed the course of
the Island’s history, inundating the entire Island with
saltwater. After this disaster, many of the residents of the
Island were financially ruined and forced to leave. The
remainder stayed to seek a livelihood serving winter
visitors and tourists.
Little growth occurred between 1927 and 1944, when the
permanent resident population is reported to have been
100, except for a gradual increase in the number of
visitors and development of cottages along the shore. In
the 1950s, Sanibel’s reputation for shell collecting and
tourism grew, with a parallel development of residents
and services.
Until this time, most buildings were constructed on the
Island’s higher land elevations, above approximately five
feet above sea level. This pattern changed radically
after construct-ion of the Causeway in 1963, when a
development boom began on the Island. Land was
developed that earlier residents had wisely avoided. The
effect of the Sanibel Plan and flood regulations has
resulted in a return to the use of piling structures,
including the raised eleva-tion of multi-storied buildings.
Historic remnants are not merely objects of interest to a
pedantic chronicler, an antiquary or a passing tourist.
They are testimonies of successful adaptations by past
generations and thus can act as beacons to guide
present and future generations in their striving to attain a
fitting adaptation to the environment. This is particularly
true on a barrier island such as Sanibel where structures
are vulnerable to destructive tropical storms and hurricanes.
Many of the remaining structures are of historic

significance because they are irreplaceable as resources
of educational importance and evidence of human survival
through past disasters. Those structures that remain
provide an important lesson in survival. The Indians
obtained additional elevation for their houses by building
mounds of shells. Most surviving structures from the late
19th century were built on high ground or elevated
above flood tides on piling. The Lighthouse Keeper’s
Quarters (1884), the Bailey House (1896) and the Cooper
Homestead (1891) are all examples of successful adaptation.
These historic sites and structures, among others,
are irreplaceable resources that should be maintained
for future residents and visitors.
The Historical Preservation Committee has been formed
to establish guidelines for registration, classifying and
setting priorities for preservation. The following sites and
structures have been placed on the historic site list.
Landmark
Local Register of
Historic Sites and Structures
Date of Inclusion
Indian Mound “A” March 19, 1991
O. Bowen Grave May 21, 1991
Bailey House May 21, 1991
Cooper Homestead May 21, 1991
Black School May 21, 1991
White School May 21, 1991
Nutt Homestead May 21, 1991
1910 Post Office May 21, 1991
Community House May 19, 1992
Sanibel Community Church May 19, 1992
Rutland Graves May 19, 1992
The Beach House May 19, 1992
Shore Haven May 19, 1992
Bailey Store May 19, 1992
Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room May 19, 1992
White Heron House September 7, 1993
Morning Glories Cottage March 4, 2003
Rutland Home March 4, 2003
The Burnap Cottage March 4, 2003
Source: Local Register of Historic Landmarks
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The following sites and structures were identified in the
1976 Sanibel Plan, as follows
Historic Sites and Structures
identified in the 1976 Sanibel Plan
Sanibel Lighthouse, Brick Hut and Keeper’s Quarters:
Point Ybel.
Wulfert Cemetery: Wulfert Peninsula.
Sanibel Cemetery: off Casa Ybel Road.
Clarence Rutland House: Moved to City Hall Site
(Settler’s Museum) in 1982
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters and some Indian
Mounds on federal property receive protection.
The Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters are also listed
on the National Register of Historic Places.
Source: 1976 Sanibel Plan
There are additional sites and structures that may be
considered by the Sanibel Historical Society for inclusion
in the Local Register of Historic Sites and Structures. The
City should protect these and other historic sites by
making historical evaluations in accordance with the
priorities recommended by the Florida Department of
State of Florida Division of Historic Resources. Those not
protected by Federal or State law should be covered by
City Ordinance.
Historic preservation includes more than preserving
historic buildings. The City’s roadways, particularly the
arterial and collector roads, still retain their rural character.
As two lane roads, these up-to-date transportation
facilities contribute significantly to the historical
character of the City of Sanibel.
Retaining the City’s historic roadways contributes to the
City’s historic preservation efforts.
In general, the Gulf beaches on Sanibel still retain their
natural characteristics. Retaining the natural Gulf beach
also complements the City’s historic preservation efforts.
The assemblage of the Sanibel Historical Village and
Museum and the restoration of its historic structures is
nearly complete. The three structures added to the
Local List of Historic Sites and Structures, since the Sanibel
Plan was extensively revised in 1997, are at the Historical
Village. These structures are the Rutland House, Burnap
Cottage and Morning Glories Cottage. The Old Schoolhouse
for White Children, recently used as a theater, has
been moved to the Historical Village. This historic
landmark has been restored and is open to the public. In
an effort to save Shore Haven, there are plans to
relocate this historic structure to the Sanibel Historical
Village.
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The Sanibel Historical Committee operates the Sanibel
Historical Village located on the City Hall site.
Provisions of the Plan for Historic Preservation
1. Maintain a list of Sanibel’s historic sites and places
with a historical resume and documentation of
each.
2. This list should be sent by the City to each of the
City departments and official committees with the
requirement that Historic resources should receive
the same consideration and protection as natural
resources from City departments and official
committees.
3. Periodically review this list for updating, additions
or deletions.
4. Make historical evaluations in accordance with
the priorities recommended by the Florida
Department of State Division of Historic Resources.
5. Work with the Florida Department of State Division
of Historic Resources to nominate the most
valuable historic structures, sites or areas to the
National Register of Historic Places, the State
Inventory of Historic Sites or another list or
designation as appropriate.
6. Notify owners of the property of its historic value
and seek their cooperation utilizing the incentive
program established by City Council Resolution
92-111.
7. Continue to protect and preserve the irreplaceable
historic resources of Sanibel.
8. Maintain an Island Historical Village and Museum
that includes historical and archeological exhibits.
(The Clarence Rutland House, moved to the City
Hall site in 1982, was officially dedicated as the
Island Historical Museum on November 10, 1984.
Other structures have since been assembled on
the grounds to create the village.)
Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal Statement
Protect and appropriately use historic resources to
ensure their preservation as the development anticipated
in the Future Land Use Element of the Plan occurs.
Objective 1
Protect historic and archaeological resources, including
structures, sites, roadways and beaches to ensure contin-
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ued preservation and sensitive use and reuse of these
resources.
Policy 1.1. First consideration should be given to
retaining the designated historical structure in its historical
setting and context.
Policy 1.2. Maintain the requirements of the Land
Development Code and the City’s historical preservation
program designed to protect and preserve the
archeological and historical resources on Sanibel.
Policy 1.3. Ensure continued visual access to privately
owned cultural and historic resources.
Policy 1.4. Retain a design in the historic roadway system
that preserves the historic character of the roadways
and surrounding land uses.
Policy 1.5. Retain the natural character of the Gulf
beaches for their significant contribution to the historical
character of the City of Sanibel.
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3.2.5. Scenic
9-5-12
Section 3.2.5.
Scenic Preservation Element
Pursuant to Section 163.3177(7)(1), Florida Statutes.
Background Discussion
The development of a Vision Statement for the Sanibel
Plan emphasizes the importance of scenic resources in
the preservation of the character of the community.
Sanibel is renown for the natural beauty of its Gulf
beaches and subtropical landscape. These are important
economic and aesthetic resources for residents,
businesses and visitors. Sanibel’s reputation as a unique
retreat of unspoiled beauty continues to attract more
residents and tourists annually. The resources of the
Island experienced by most residents and visitors are
subject to degradation and therefore require some
measure of protection and regulation. These resources
are the beaches, wetlands, waterways and water
bodies, the wildlife refuge and the major roadways that
provide access to them.
The beaches in the east and east central sectors of the
Island are to some degree impacted by large condominiums
that are constructed close to the beach with no
visual screen. As a result, to some extent these are no
longer the “unspoiled” beaches that have long
attracted visitors to Sanibel. However, at the western
end of the Island and some areas of single-family homes
on the eastern end, single-family houses are set back
sufficiently from the beach and surrounded by dense
vegetation so that they do not impair the scenic values
of the beach. In this way the “natural” character of the
shoreline is preserved for all to enjoy, resident and visitor
alike.
A beach setback and buffer of dense vegetation have
been should be employed in any new developments
near the beach, whatever the density or land use. In
addition to the scenic impact, storm protection is
enhanced by such a strategy. It also benefits marine
and wildlife that use the beach for nesting and feeding.
A limitation on building heights of approximately 45 feet
above mean sea level is also important with respect to
scenic preservation of the beach zones. , as are several
Other regulations designed to conserve the coastal
environment are also important to scenic preservation. A
lower building height limitation is appropriate for singlefamily
residential areas in order to retain the character of
the community.
The height of all new buildings is not to exceed three
stories above the base flood elevation. However,
Section 3.10.4 of the City Charter, as amended on March
1, 2005, addresses building back condominium buildings
that are substantially damaged by a natural disaster.
Where a condominium building, which is a noncom-

forming structure, is destroyed or substantially damaged
in a natural disaster, reconstruction of which is in all other
respects permitted by the Land Development Code,
such reconstructed building may exceed the height of
the building immediately prior to the disaster by up to
one story (1) if, and to the extent, the building must be
elevated above the ground level to comply with
applicable flood abatement laws or regulations and (2)
reconstruction without allowing for such additional height
would result in the loss of a dwelling unit by its owner.
Scenic preservation of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National
Wildlife Refuge is within the aegis of the U.S. Federal
government. To date this has been accomplished with a
beneficial impact on the Island. It is most important that
the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation exercise
maximum control of scenic resources in its several land
holdings in mangrove and wetland areas so that these
are enjoyed in their natural state by residents and visitors.
Another major advantage for the Island’s scenic
resources is that of the major roadways that give access
to all environments and land uses. These scenic roads
generally follow the Island’s two natural ridges and are
connected by several roads that cross the interior.
Periwinkle Way, Gulf Drive and Sanibel-Captiva Road are
the City’s main streets and commercial arteries with fairly
high traffic volumes. These two-lane roadways, which are
rural in character, contribute significantly to the scenic
resources of Sanibel.
Most Island businesses are located along Periwinkle Way
and many of the Island’s tourist accommodations are on
Gulf Drive. Land along Sanibel-Captiva Road is relatively
less developed except for the Blind Pass commercial
area and scattered residential subdivisions. The variety
of visual experience along these roads today is due to
the alteration of human-made environment and the
natural landscape. This pattern of intermittent comercial
development separated by dense trees and shrubs
close to the road gives a casual atmosphere to even
busy roads.
In order to preserve the casual scenic quality, future
commercial and other non-residential uses should be
concentrated in nodes along the road, separated by
open spaces, recreational and residential uses in much
the same manner as they are today.
In 2004, exotic species of trees along Periwinkle Way
were destroyed and removed as a result of the
destructive forces of Hurricane Charley. Existing native
species of trees or plants in the road right-of-way should
be preserved, except where they are a traffic or storm
hazard, a nuisance or where necessitated by limited
street improvements. If removal of native trees becomes
necessary, a provision should be established to preserve
scenic quality even as further development or road
improvements occur. Such buffers can also accommodate
bicycle and pedestrian paths. In commercial
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areas, curb cuts should be kept to a minimum and shell
should be used in parking lots instead of impervious
paving such as asphalt. These standards will contribute
to the preservation of the “casual” retreat atmosphere
and serve safety and storm drainage purposes
simultaneously. Signs for commercial establishments
should be clearly legible and integrated with the
vegetation buffer.
Major cross-Island routes, Casa Ybel Road, Tarpon Bay
Road and Rabbit Road, provide a totally different
experience of the Island’s various natural landscapes.
These roads cross through the heavily treed upland
wetlands, to the grass lowland and the Sanibel River, to
the Gulf Beach Ridge and Gulf Drive. Vegetation buffers
should be established and residential uses should be
concentrated in upland areas where houses can be
screened by trees.
The City of Sanibel abounds with open spaces and
preserved lands. Although the scenic value of these
natural resources was affected by Hurricane Charley, the
most significant damage to the City’s scenic resources
was along scenic road-ways, particularly Periwinkle Way.
The City has adopted a Master Plan for the restoration of
this important artery which is the main street of the City of
Sanibel. Implementation of that plan began in 2006.
Plan for Scenic Preservation
These guidelines for maintaining scenic quality are
consistent with other objectives of the plan, and are, in
many cases, also recommended for other reasons such
as storm protection, traffic safety and water quality
maintenance. Guidelines for scenic preservation allow
the City of Sanibel to accommodate growth while
preserving the beauty of its natural areas and roadways.
The following are the general provisions of the Plan for
Scenic Preservation:
1. Consideration should be given to the historical
and scenic benefits of mature Australian pines
along some segments of Periwinkle Way and some
open space and recreational areas and these
trees should be retained for their historical and
scenic attributes.
2. Concentrate future commercial uses on Periwinkle
Way and Sanibel-Captiva Road in nodes, rather
than spreading them out in a continuous strip.
3. Encourage the use of shell surfacing, or alternatively,
other suitable pervious surfacing for
parking areas in order to maintain a casual retreat
atmosphere. Concrete and asphalt paving of
parking areas should be minimized.
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4. Integrate signs with the roadway buffers.
5. Prohibit neon and flashing signs.
6. Require vegetation buffers between commercial
developments and roadways and along property
lines to enhance compatibility of buildings with
community as a whole.
7. Encourage architectural compatibility of buildings
within established neighborhoods and the
community as a whole.
8. In order to maintain the dark sky of this non-urban
community, require outdoor lighting to be
directed downward to minimize sky glow.
Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal Statement
Protect or enhance scenic resources to ensure their
preservation as the development anticipated in the
Future Land Use Element occurs.
Objective 1
Ensure the preservation of scenic resources by continued
implementation of the development regulations and
performance standards of the Land Development Code
and other City programs.
Policy 1.1. The height of buildings will not exceed three
stories above the base flood elevation. However, that
where a condominium building, which is a noncomforming
structure, is destroyed or substantially damaged
in a natural disaster, reconstruction of which is in all other
respects permitted by the Land Development Code,
such reconstructed building may exceed the height of
the building immediately prior to the disaster by up to
one story (1) if, and to the extent, the building must be
elevated above the ground level to comply with
applicable flood abatement laws or regulations and (2)
reconstruction without allowing for such additional height
would result in the loss of a dwelling unit by its owner.
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Policy 1.2. Encourage beachfront property owners to
maintain native vegetation between upland structures
and the Gulf and Bay beaches so that the view of
Sanibel from its beaches is not dominated by humanmade
structures.
Policy 1.3. Implement measures leading to maintenance
of the Gulf beach dune system with hardy native plant
species.
Policy 1.4. Vegetated buffer strips will be established
along major roadways. Within the right-of-way, these
buffers will provide space for the ornamental plantings
and for bicycle and pedestrian circulation.
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3.3.1 Human Support
9-5-12
Part 3.3.
Human Support Systems
To protect the public health, safety and welfare, the
water supply, transportation system, wastewater
treatment, solid waste disposal, storm drainage,
recreation and open space, police services, libraries, City
administration, fire protection, power, education,
medical facilities and public health and insect control
are human support systems provided for residents and
visitors within the City of Sanibel.
This Part of the Sanibel Plan establishes minimum level of
service standards for potable water facilities, roads,
wastewater treatment facilities, solid waste disposal,
storm drainage systems, recreation facilities and public
schools. For municipally provided facilities, capital
improvements that are needed to maintain conformance
with the minimum level of service standards are to
be included in the Five-Year Schedule of Capital
Improvements of the Capital Improvements Element of
this Plan. For municipally provided facilities, capital
improvements for human support systems that are not
needed to maintain minimum level of service standards
are not included in the Five-Year Schedule of Capital
Improvements, but are to be included in the City’s
Capital Improvements Program.
This Part of the Sanibel Plan includes the Plan elements
pertaining to the delivery of human support systems, i.e.,
public facilities. The purpose of this part of the Plan, as
stated in the Florida Administrative Code, is to include in
the Plan a concurrency management system to establish
an ongoing mechanism which ensures that public
facilities and services needed to support development
are available concurrent with the impacts of
development.
Pursuant to Section 163.3180, Florida Statutes and
Chapter 9J-5.055 of the Florida Administrative Code, the
concurrency management system is intended to ensure
that issuance of a development order or development
permit is conditioned upon the availability of public
facilities and services necessary to serve that
development. Water supply, transportation (roads),
wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal, storm
drainage, recreation and open space and public school
facilities are the public facilities subject to concurrency
requirements.
The City has used its concurrency management system
since 1998. During this time, the City’s timely provision of

capital Improvements avoided the occurrence of any
deficiencies in the level of service for human support
systems. In fact, during these 22 years, no City capital
improvements project was required by the Five-Year
Schedule of Capital Improvements to address
deficiencies in the availability of public facilities.
In 2012, the City has practically reach “build-out”. Well
over 90% of the development permitted in the City by
the Future Land Use Map has occurred. The City of
Sanibel has matured to a redevelopment phase.
In addition, this part of the Sanibel Plan establishes Goals,
Objectives and Policies for
• The Water Supply Element
• The Transportation Element
• The Wastewater Treatment (Water Reclamation)
Element
• The Solid Waste and Recycling Element
• The Storm Drainage Element
• The Recreation and Open Space Element
• The Public Schools Facilities Element and
• The Other Human Support Systems Element
Section 3.3.1.
Human Support Systems
Pursuant to Section 163.3177(3), Florida Statutes and Chapters
9J-5.055, 9J-5.007(3), 9J-5.011(2) and 9J-5.014(3) of the Florida
Administrative Code.
Background Discussion
The term Human Support Systems is used in the Sanibel
Plan for public facilities, as described in Florida Statutes
and Administrative Code.
The City retains its concurrency management system to
ensure that public facilities are available concurrent with
development. However, it is important to note that the
City has essentially reached “build-out”. The remaining
non-conservation lands available for development consists
of vacant lots in existing subdivisions (infill development)
and approved subdivisions. There are a few low
density tracts that are available for residential development.
There are essentially no vacant lands in the Resort
Housing District and less than 10 acres of vacant
commercially zoned lands.
The City is in a redevelopment phase. The provision of
human support systems will focus on maintenance and
upgrades of existing public facilities.
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The application of the level of service standard for roads
concludes that existing roadways are adequate to serve
the remaining development and is consistent with the
City’s established position that additional roads and
additional lanes on existing roads will not be added to
the City’s roadways.
The application of the level of service standard for the
City’s Advanced Water Reclamation (wastewater
treatment) plants demonstrate that there is adequate
capacity to accommodate remaining development.
Newly developed and redeveloped properties will have
to address the adequacy of the wastewater collection
system, both on-site and off-site.
The application of the level of service standard for the
Potable Water Treatment Plant demonstrates that there is
capacity to serve the remaining development on both
Sanibel and Captiva. Newly developed and
redeveloped properties will have to address the
adequacy of the water distribution system, both on-site
and off-site.
The City’s surface water management system is in place
and adequate to serve remaining development. Newly
developed and redeveloped properties will have to
address on-site retention and outfall considerations.
The City’s recreational facilities are adequate to serve
the remaining development permitted by the Future
Land Use Map. However, the City will continue to
provide recreation facilities and program that are
beyond the minimum level of service standards for
recreational facilities established in this Plan.
The Public schools facilities element was added to the
Sanibel Plan to meet State requirements that have
subsequently been repealed. However, many
components of the Public Schools Facilities Element are
also required by the Inter-local Agreement between the
City and the Lee County School District. Following the
2012 evaluation of the Sanibel Plan, the City intends to
discuss revisions to the Inter-local Agreement with the Lee
County School Board.
The following goal, objectives and policies are
applicable to all human support systems, addressed in
this Part of the Sanibel Plan. Additional goals, objectives
and policies are provided for specific elements of this
Human Support Systems Part of the Plan. These
objectives, policies and standards establish the
concurrency management system for the Sanibel Plan.
K:Planning: Plan Elements Draft EAR: 3.2.1. Human Support
3

This concurrency management system is implemented
through provisions of the Sanibel Land Development
Code.
Goals Objectives and Policies
Goal Statement
Provide adequate human support systems for the
residents and land uses in the City of Sanibel, in a
manner that protects public health, safety and welfare,
promotes orderly, environmentally sensitive growth while
protecting investment in public facilities.
Objective 1
Ensure the continued maintenance of an adequate level
of service for human support systems through the initial
and long-range planning periods of this Plan.
Policy 1.1. The Planning Department will prepare an
annual summary of capacity and demand information
for each human support system.
Policy 1.2. The City will maintain, in the Capital
Improvements Element of this Plan, a Five-Year Schedule
of Capital Improvement needs for human support
systems provided by the municipality that are needed to
comply with level of service standards established in this
Section of the Plan. The Five-Year Schedule of Capital
Improvements will be reviewed updated annually in
conformance with the review process for the Capital
Improvements Element of this Plan.
Policy 1.3. Capital improvements for human support
systems provided by the municipality that are not
needed to comply with level of service standards, and,
therefore, not included in the Five-Year Schedule of
Capital Improvements, are to be included in the City's
Capital Improvements Program.
Policy 1.4. Capital improvements projects for human
support systems will be undertaken in accordance with
the Five-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements
provided in the Capital Improvements Element of this
Plan.
Objective 2
Ensure that human support systems needed to support
development are available, at or above the adopted
level of service standards for roads, sanitary sewer, solid
waste, drainage, potable water, parks and recreation,
K:Planning: Plan Elements Draft EAR: 3.2.1. Human Support
4

and public schools concurrent with the impacts of such
development.
Policy 2.1. No permits will be issued for new development
that would result in an increase in demand for facilities
that do not comply with the minimum level of
service standards established in this section of the Plan.
Policy 2.2. Pursuant to the requirements for the
concurrency management required by statute and rule,
on an on-going basis, the Sanibel Land Development
Code will be reviewed and amended, as required, to
ensure that development orders and development
permits are issued in a manner that will not result in a
reduction in the levels of service below the adopted
level of service standards. The concurrency
management system of the Land Development Code
will retain requirements that, at the time of the issuance
of a certificate of occupancy, water supply facilities,
roadways, wastewater treatment facilities, solid waste
disposal facilities, storm drainage systems, recreation
facilities and public schools facilities, are in place and
available to serve the new development, in accordance
with the level of service standards for public facilities
(human support systems) established in the Plan.
Since the City is close to “build-out”, it is impractical to
link the replacement of existing recreational facilities to
the concurrency management program for the development
of additional dwelling units. Nonetheless, it is an
objective of the Sanibel Plan to provide the recreation
facilities listed in the Recreation and Open Space
Element of this Plan. The schedule to replace and
upgrade recreational facilities, in accordance with the
Master Parks and Recreation Plan, will depend on the
City’s ability to fund construction and maintenance of
these improvements. Funded components of the Master
Plan will be included in the City’s Five-Year Capital
Improvements Plan, but these recreational facilities will
not be included in the Adopted Five-Year Schedule of
Capital Improvements.
K:Planning: Plan Elements Draft EAR: 3.2.1. Human Support
5

Exhibit B
To the Evaluation and Appraisal Report
For the Sanibel Plan
2012
AMENDMENTS TO THE OFFICIAL MAPS
OF THE SANIBEL PLAN
The following maps, or sections of maps, are provided in this Exhibit:
An updated, small-scale copy of the Existing {2012) and Future
(2022) Traffic Circulation Map
The sections of the Wetlands Conservation Lands Map that add
or remove land from the District
An island-wide, small scale copy of the Commercial Zoning Map
(to replace the Commercial District Map)
An island-wide, small scale copy of the Environmentally-Sensitive
Lands Conservation District Map
There are no changes proposed for the Ecological Zones Map, the
Development Intensity Map and the Resort Housing District Map.
The complete set of the Official Maps, including the addition of the
Environmentally-Sensitive Lands Conservation District Map (as currently
in the Land Development Code}, will be included in the Plan Amendment
based on this evaluation and appraisal of the Sanibel Plan.
City of Sanibel
Lee County, Florida
1
K:planning:Pian Elements Reviewed by PC (other materials): Exhibit B cover sheet

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TWO LANE ARTERIAL ROADS
NOTE:
There ore no port facilities, airports or roil lines in the City
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PINE ISLAND SOUND
Commercial District Designation
to be removed from this parcel
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CITY OF SANIBEL
RESOLUTION 12-092
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ELECTION OF TWO TRUSTEES OF
THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT PLAN BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BY THE MEMBERS; REAPPOINTING TWO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES; APPOINTING ONE NEW MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES; ESTABLISHING AND DESIGNATING A COUNCIL MEMBER
LIAISON TO SUCH BOARD; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, Ordinance 04-013, Section 8.02, places general administration and
responsibility for the proper administration of the General Employees’ Retirement Plan
with the nine members of the Board of Trustees and outlines the method of appointment
and term of office of the Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, an election was conducted by the City Clerk of the City of Sanibel
with a ballot deadline of August 30, 2012 to elect two members of the Board of Trustees
who are active participants of the plan; and
WHEREAS, the terms of office of three members of the Board of Trustees
appointed by the Sanibel City Council are expiring.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Sanibel, Florida:
SECTION 1.
This Council confirms the election by the members of the
General Employees’ Retirement Plan of the following two employees to the Board of
Trustees for the term of office commencing October 1, 2012 and ending September 30,
2014:
(1) Grant Lipps, in the category of active participant in the Plan in the
City’s employ more than fifteen years; and
(2) Elaine Fannon, in the category of active participant in the Plan in
the City’s employ from one to fifteen years.
Res. 12-092

SECTION 2. This Council hereby reappoints John Decker and Tim Garmager to
the General Employees’ Retirement Plan Board of Trustees for the term of office
commencing October 1, 2012 and ending September 30, 2014.
SECTION 3. This Council hereby appoints _______________ to the General
Employees’ Retirement Plan Board of Trustees for the term of office commencing
October 1, 2012 and ending September 30, 2014.
SECTION 4. There is hereby established a City Council member liaison to the
General Employees’ Retirement Plan Board of Trustees and Councilman Congress shall
serve as such liaison until such time as another liaison is designated by City Council.
SECTION5. Effective date.
This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
DULY PASSED AND ENACTED by the Council of the City of Sanibel,
Florida, this 18 th day of September, 2012.
AUTHENTICATION:
______________________________
Kevin Ruane, Mayor
______________________________
Pamela Smith, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ___________________________
Kenneth B. Cuyler, City Attorney
_______________
Date
Vote of Council members:
Ruane
Denham
Congress
Harrity
Jennings
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
Date filed with City Clerk: ___________________
Page 2 of 2 Res. 12-092

APPLICATION TO SERVE
SANIBEl. VOLUNTEER COMMfiTEES
Authorizing Legislation which oudines Committee duties is available on tbe City
Website www.mysuibel.com- City Forms\City Clerk Forms\Advisory
Committee Applicatjon
Cheek the Committee(s) for which you are applying: (may attach letter & resume)
___ Contractor Licensing Board (Monthly meetings; I" Thursday 4:00 p.m.)
____ llistoric:al Preservation Committee (Moothly meetings; I~ Thurs. 9oOO a.m. and
Museum duties required) (NOTE: MU-•t have "special knowledge, skills or interest in historic preS

COMI\IUNITY INVOLV.:MENT:
WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THIS APPOINTMENT?
/
•
~ (.r,z;,c: ,.~_,.,., 1 0
As a Florida governmental entity, all information including your address, phone
number and e-mail address are subjec:t to public records requests,

Ralph W. Clark, age 72 served as IBM Division President - General and
Public Sector (an application software division) 1989-1992, and President
of Skill Dynamics, an IBM Company from 1992-1994. Priorto 1989, he held
various executive positions previously in,sales, marketing, manufacturing,
finance, and strategic planning. After retiring from IBM in 1994 he was
Chairman of Frontec AMT Inc. a software company until 1998 when the
Company was sold. Mr Clark holds as masters degree in economics from
the University of Missouri.
He currently serves on the Board of Leggett & Platt and several private
companies; NewsBank, and Collections Marketing Company.
He served on the Board of the University of The Missouri Business School
from 1994 to 201 0 where he Chaired the Capital Campaign for a new
Business School Building and Chaired the Davenport Foundation of the
College.
Currently serves on the non-profit boards of BIG ARTS, Charitable
Foundation of the Islands, and St Michaels Ministries and Facilities Trust.

Responses from GEPB members regarding terms
expiring September 30, 2012.
Pamala,
I will respond right after the August meeting of Trustees.
John P Decker
Johndecker2@yahoo.com
415 505 5858
Pamela,
Thanks for the notice. Time really does fly when one is having fun. However, I do not wish to
be reappointed for a further term.
Mike Armstrong
Hi Pamela. Sorry for the delay. I would be honored to be reappointed. Thank you.
Tim
TIM GARMAGER
GARMAGER SUCCESS COACHING, INC.
Success, Happiness, Leadership, Accomplishment
239-410-9668
P.O. Box 1075, Sanibel Island, FL 33957
tgarmager@comcast.net
www.successandhappiness.com

SCCF
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Trustees
Paul Roth
President
Patti Jurney-Sousa
Vice President
Linda Uhler
Secretary
Don Rice
Treasurer
Bill Burch
Claude Crawford, Ph.D.
Doris Holzheimer
Janie Howland
Donald (Chip) Lesch
Philip Puschel
Robbie Roepstorff
Martha Siders
Edward C. Wheeler, MD
Carol Zell
Erick Lindblad
Executive Director
SCCF is dedicated to the
conservation of coastal
habitats and aquatic
resources on Sanibel and
Captiva and in the
surrounding watershed
through:
• Marine Research
• Land Acquisition
• Natural Resource Policy
• Native Plant Nursery
• Environmental Education
• Sea Turtle Conservation
• Wildlife Habitat
Management
July 24, 2012
Jimmy Jordan
Planning Director, City of Sanibel
800 Dunlop Road
Sanibel, FL 33957
Dear Mr. Jordan
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is requesting authorization to use the
existing road cut and ingress and egress easement at the City Roadside Park on
Periwinkle Way to provide vehicular access to the SCCF (Foundation) Bailey
Homestead Preserve.
he Foundation enlisted the services of a traffic engineer to evaluate the possible access
points for the Preserve and recommended that we pursue the City Park scenario. This
recommendation is attached.
Access for shared use path users is already provide in the form of an existing
Periwinkle Way crossing from the shared use path to the Park where the connection
can be made to the Shipley Trail, City Boardwalk at the Schlosser Preserve and the
Pond Apple Park Trail.
We would like to maintain the current driveway for historic, special event and
emergency access purposes, not for use on a daily basis.
Vehicular traffic anticipated includes:
SCCF staff and volunteers associated with the Native Plant nursery and Homestead
interpretation.
Visitors to the Landscaping for Wildlife Center / Native Plant Nursery
Visitors to the Bailey House for house tours and programs
Delivery trucks on a very limited basis
Participants for programs and special events
3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road • P.O. Box 839 • Sanibel, Florida 33957-0839 • Phone: (239)472-2329 • Fax: (239)472-6421
SCCF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization • E-mail: sccf@sccf.org • Website: www.sccf.org
Recycled Paper

Agreements:
The Foundation will work with the City to develop and implement a circulation plan
and signage.
The Foundation agrees to cover the cost of additional signage as part of the above
mentioned plan.
The Foundation will assist the City and IWA with access road maintenance as needed.
Attachments:
Traffic Engineer recommendation letter
Legal description of the easement which was instituted in consideration of access
needed by the Island Water Association to service its storage facility North of the City
Park.
Engineering drawing of the access being requested.
We hope the Planning Department and City Council will look favorably on our request.
Sincerely,
Executive Director

9-7-2012 PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR REVIEW
29
30 31
28
N
SAND CASTLE ROAD
THE DUNES AT SANIBEL
___
ISLAND
(PLAT BOOK 29, PAGE 7) / 27
___/
300'
16
18
19 20
21
22 23 24 25 26
I
I
L-----------
CITY OF SANIBEL
LAKE
TANK
THE ISLAND WATER
ASSOCIATION
IL CElLO
RESTURANT
MATZALUNA
RESTURANT
-
VICINITY MAP
NOT TO SCALE
I rr'T'V OF SANIBEL
ROADSIDE PARK
DING OARUNG
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
9-7-2012/PARKING
9-5-2012/WALKWAYS AND ADDITIONAl PARKING
8-31-2012/WALKWAY TO KIOSK
Bean, Whitaker, Lutz & Kareh, Inc.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS - SURVEYORS AND MAPPERS - PLANNERS
13041-1 McGREGOR BLVD., FORT MYERS, FL 33919 (239) 481-1331
J.L.L.
PROJECT NUMBER:
41541
AUTHORIZATION NUMBER:
APPROVED BY
E.L
DATE OF DRAWING
08-21-2012
EB4919 AND LB4919
SCALE:
1·=100'
DRAWING FILE NAME
SP41541 9-7.0WG
SITE PLAN
OF
THE BAILEY HOMESTEAD
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 46 SOUTH,
I
EAST

SKETCH
OF
A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND
LYING IN SECTION 19,
TOWNSHIP 46 SOUTH, RANGE 23 EAST,
CITY OF SANIBEL, LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA 1229
GATE AND CHAIN LINK FENCE
LINE
L1
L2
L3
L4
L5
L6
L7
L8
BEARING
S12'11'37"E
S63"47'12"W
S73'14'54"W
S55'58'40"W
S27'01'41"W
S1 7'47'41"W
S05'24' 43"W
S12'03'50"W
DISTANCE
79.38'
80.23'
59.89'
19.77'
36.89'
37.80'
44.49'
8.60'
O.R. 1082
PG. 1922
POINT OF
BEGINNING
IRON ROD
LAKE
N
CONCRETE
MONUMENT
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POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
CONCRETE MONUMENT
AT SOUTHWEST CORNER
OF SE 1/4 - SW 1/4
-
~
v~~~ -
-
*NOT FULL AND COMPLETE
WITHOUT PAGES 2 AND 3 OF 3*
-
~ _/\~
~~~.· ~'1-v·-
*NOT A SURVEY*
s?..?..o
~·1 JAM-ES--ANTH-O_NY_H_ESS_LER ____
PROFESSIONAL SURVEYOR AND MAPPER
FLORIDA CERTIFICATION LS 6410
(FOR THE FIRM)
Bean, Whitaker, Lutz & Kareh, Inc.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS - SURVEYORS AND MAPPERS - PLANNERS
13041 McGREGOR BLVD., SUITE 1, FORT MYERS, FL 33919 (239) 481-1331
DRAFTING BY:
J.A.H.
PROJECT NUMBER:
34868
AUTHORIZATION NUMBER:
EB4919 AND LB4919
CHECKED BY:
J.L.L. SHEET 1 OF 3
DATE OF DRAWING
DRAWING FILE NAME
3-11-2004 SK34868.DWG
PARCEL "A"/PERIWINKLE WAY PARK/19-46-23

PARCEL "A"
DESCRIPTION
OF
A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND
LYING IN SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 46 SOUTH, RANGE 23 EAST
CITY OF SANIBEL, LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA 1229
A tract or parcel of land lying in southeast quarter (SE 1 I 4) of the southwest quarter (SW 1 I 4) of Section
19, Township 46 south, Range 23 east, Sanibel Island, Lee County, Florida, more particularly described as
follows:
From the concrete monument marking the southwest corner of said southeast quarter (SE 1 14) of the
southwest quarter (SW 1 I 4 ); thence N.00'54'30''W. 94.92 feet to a point on the centerline of Periwinkle Way;
thence N.73'22'09"E. along the centerline of said Periwinkle way 546.52 feet to a point; thence N.16'42'44"W.,
passing through an iron rod at 50.00 feet and a concrete monument at 125.00 feet, 225.00 feet to an iron
rod and the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue N.16'42'44"W. 105.00 feet to a point; thence S.73'17'16"W.
43.90 feet to the approximate top of bank of a lake; thence S. 12' 11' 37"E. along said approximate top of
bank 79.38 feet; thence S.63'47'12"W. along said approximate top of bank 80.23 feet; thence S.73'14'54 "W.
along said approximate top of bank 59.89 feet; thence S.55'58' 40"W. along said approximate top of bank
19.77 feet; thence S.27'01' 41"W. along said approximate top of bank 36.89 feet; thence S.17'47' 41 "w. along
said approximate top of bank 37.80 feet; thence S.05'24'43"W. along said approximate top of bank 44.49
feet; thence S.12'03'50''W. along said approximate top of bank 8.60 feet to a point on the northerly line of a
tract or parcel of land described in Official Record Book 1418 at Page 2172; thence N.73'19'04"E. along said
northerly line 75.86 feet to an iron rod marking the southwesterly corner of a tract or parcel of land
recorded in Official Record Book 1352 at Page 1229, Lee County Records; thence N.16'42' 44 "w. along the
westerly line of said tract or parcel of land 100.00 feet to an iron rod at the northwesterly corner of said
tract or parcel of land; thence N.73'19'04"E. along the northerly line of said tract or parcel of land 200.00
feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
PARCEL CONTAINS 12,515 SQUARE FEET, MORE OR LESS.
SUBJECT TO an easement 30 feet wide for purposes of ingress and egress running along the eastern
boundary of said property being more particularly described as follows:
Commencing at the POINT OF BEGINNING of the above described parcel; thence N.16'42' 44"W. along the
eastern boundary of said parcel 105.00 feet to a point; thence S.73'17'16"w. 30.00 feet to a point; thence
S.16'42'44"E. 104.98 feet to an iron rod on the northerly line of a tract or parcle of land recorded in
Official Record Book 1352 at Page 1229, Lee County Records; thence N. 73'19'04"E. along said northerly line
30.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
PARCEL "8"
ALSO:
A tract or parcel of land lying in southeast quarter (SE 1 I 4) of the southwest quarter (SW 1 I 4) of Section
19, Township 46 South, Range 23 East, Sanibel Island, Lee County, Florida, which tract or parcel is described
as follows:
From the concrete monument marking the southwest corner of said southeast quarter (SE 114) of the
southwest quarter (SW 114); thence N.00'54'30''W. 94.92 feet to a point on the centerline of Periwinkle Way;
thence N.73'22'09"E. along the centerline of said Periwinkle way 546.52 feet to a point; thence N.16'42' 44 "W.,
passing through an iron rod at 50.00 feet, 125.00 feet to a concrete monument; thence S.73'19'04"W.,
passing through an iron rod at 200.00 feet, 443.97 feet to an intersection with the approximate top of bank
of a lake and the POINT OF BEGINNING; from said POINT OF BEGINNING continue S.73'19'04"w. 67.33 feet to
an iron rod on the easterly line of a tract or parcel of land recorded in Official Record Book 2035 at page
3091, Lee County Records; thence N.00'54'50''W. along the easterly line of said tract or parcel 111.07 feet to
an iron pipe; thence N.73'19'04"E. 6.58 feet to the approximate top of bank of said lake; thence
S.08'12' 49"W. along said approximate top of bank 6.33 feet; thence S.16'25'25"E. along said approximate top
of bank 35.98 feet; thence S.31'30'07"E. along said approximate top of bank 24.19 feet; thence S.49'45'07"E.
along said approximate top of bank 49.87 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
Parcel contains 2,925 square feet, more or less.
*NOT FULL AND COMPLETE WITHOUT
PAGES 1 AND 2 OF 3*
Bean, Whitaker, Lutz & Kareh, Inc.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS - SURVEYORS AND MAPPERS - PLANNERS
13041 McGREGOR BLVD., SUITE 1, FORT MYERS, FL 33919 (239) 481-1331
DRAFTING BY:
J.A.H.
PROJECT NUMBER:
34868
AUTHORIZATION NUMBER:
CHECKED BY:
J.L.L.
DATE OF DRAWING
3-11-2004
EB4919 AND LB4919
PAGE 3 OF 3
DRAWING FILE NAME
SK34868.DWG
DESCRIPTION/PARCELS A & B/PERIWINKLE WAY PARK/19-46-23

The Islands of
SANIBEL
CAPTIVA
CHA MBER OF CO MMERCE
September 11, 2012
Ms. Judie Zimomra
City Manager
City of Sanibel
Sanibel, FL 33957
Dear City Manager:
This letter is to request approval for improvements to the City of Sanibel parking
lot next to the Chamber building.
The Chamber is asking the City to allow it to install pavers in the parking lot to
enhance the overall look, reduce the need to constantly level the surface and
make water ruri off less of a problem.
The Chamber would be willing to pay for all improvements and the upkeep and in
exchange is asking the City to agree to a 30 year lease agreement similar to the
one signed in 1981 .
Thank you for your consideration of this project.
Sincerely
Ric Base
President
1159 Causeway Road • Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 • 239-472-1080
lsland@sanibel-captiva.org • Sanlbei-Captiva.org • Sanibei-Captiva.biz

I
•
•
THIS AG~~ is made and entered into this ~ day
of Auqust , 1981, by and between the Sanibel-Captiva Islands
Chamber of Commerce, Inc., a non-profit Florida corporation, Sanibel,
Florida, hereinafter called "the Chamber," and the City of Sanibel,
Florida, hereinafter called •the City.•
W I T N B S S B T Y:
WHEREAS, the City and the Chamber are mu~ually
in an adequate program of community services; and
interested
WBZRBAS, said governmental agency is authorized by law to
enter into agreements and to do any and all thinqs necessary or
convenient to aid and cooperate in the providing of adequate programs
of community services and activities: and
WHEREAS, the City is interested in developing a public
restroo• facility comprisinCJ approld.mately 32 x 3l feet on the Sanibel-captiva
Cha.mber of C01111,!118_,~ce site located on Causeway ROad,
Sani))el, Plorid&J ucl
WBBDU', t..be Chuober hu determined that it owns property
at said site wb.ich ia not now necessary for the maintenance and
operati.OD of the Cba!!!berJ and
NBJiltUS, the Cba!!!ber hu determined that it is within
its beat interest to assist the' City with the location of the
· rest%00111
NOW, TH!REPORB, in consideration of these premises, the
City and the Chambe~ do hereby aC)'ree as follows:
l. The Chamber hereby leases ·to the City that certain
real property owned by the Chamber designated as the portion of that
tract of land to the rear of the existing buildinq, which leased
tract of land is more specifically described on a map attached
hereto and made a part hereof and as more particularly described
------ ·-- --·----·- --·

in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
2. Said lease shall be for a term of twenty (20)
years beginning on the date first above written and which shall be
the last date which either party hereto executes this agreement, and
•
which lease term shall continue thereafter for the next succeeding
and continuous twenty {20) years, subject to the terms and conditions
hereinafter specified.
3. The City, with consent of the Chamber, shall have
first rights for an additional twenty (20) year lease term upon
the e.xpiratioft of the first twenty (20) year term upon such terms
and conditions as may be negotiated by mutual agreement between the
parti- prior to the expi.:" :>n of the initial term. Further,
is agreed that the City srproperty
should it be offer
nave an opportunity to purchase Sc
for sale.
4. The ~ recoqnizes and the City represents that
the restroom contemplated to be built on the leased site sh.all be
denloped. with public funds.
Therefore, the Ch&lllber understands
that said reaeroqa facility ia not deai9ft&ted for the exclusive
u.ae of the Cb•-tler, 4114 wn:Fbe uaecl-by the general public.
Said·
facility shall be opaa to general pqblic use during the normal hours
of bwli.Deaa opezati011a of the Cha!lber.
The Ch'a.laber understands that
it will op4Ul &ftcl clo• the reatrooaa simultaneously with its operatiOft&l
bour••
S. It ia wutuatoo

•
perty of the City, who may remove the same upon termination of th~s
Lease, provided that such removal shall be done in such a manner as
not to injureor damage the demised premises~ and provided, further,
that should the City fail to remove such buildings, ~uilding foundations,
fixtures or improvements, the Chamber, at its option, may
require the City to remove same.
7. The Chamber, prior to construction of the facilities,
shall have the right to review and reject or approve the
plana and specifications and reject or approve the physical
. .
location and site of the building on the leased premises. The
City, when presenting any plana for construction of physical
improvements to be located on the leased site to the Chamber for
approval, shall include all contemplated improvements which shall
be completed within the two-year deadline as herein specified.
a. The City does hereby covenant and agree to indeDDify.
save and hold harmless the Chamber against any and all
claillll azoisinq froa ·the conduct, manaqea.nt, operation, use,. or
conatruction by the City of the restroo• facility operated pursuan~
to t.ba tenaa of this AqJ:eement.
In the event any claim,
sui•• ca~ of action or demand ia made against the Chamber, the
City cSoe•. bax'eby acp: .. to indaltify, save and hold harmless the
Cba8ber aD4 shall defend aq&inat all claims and lawsuits and
pay- fo:a the coat of dafenae and investigation of same, including
a reasonable attorney fee, and in the event judqmant is entered
· against the Chambezo, will pay said j\ldqmant promptly and upon
. .
VZ'ittea demand for the Chamber within ten (10) days.
9. In the event the Chamber incurs legal expense in
the defense of any suit, the City shall indemnify the Chamber and
hereby agrees to pay said legal expense, t~ Chamber hereby reservinq
the riqht to retain its own counsel if it shall so see fit.
10. The City hereby agrees to begin construction of
said facilities within one year from the date of August ll·, 1981
If the City has. not begun construction of the contemplated i~provements
by August ll, 1982
, then this lease shall be null and
void without the necessity of any further acts on the part of the
Chamber.
Jn the event the improvements contemplated by this le~se
- J -

are not substantially completed within two (2) years, then this
lease may be terminated by specific action of t~e
Chamber .•
ll. The City aqrees to keep and maintain the pre~ses
in qood order and repair and to provide adequate personnel to
clean and maintain said facility on a daily basis which may take
place when the Chamber is closed and durinq holidays and vacation
periods.
It is understood and agreed that the personnel
employed by the City shall be under the supervision of the City
and that all supplies shall be purchased by the City.
12. In the event of any eminent domain action for
acquisition of any interest in the premises Leased hereby, by
any entity, this lease aqreement shall auto~atically
terr~nate,
and the City shall not be entitled to share any award for the
property.
In the event the City files an eminent domain action,
it shall be considered a breach of this aqreement, and the aqreemant
shall be considered terminate4 at that time and the City
shall not be entitled to ~ish any award !or.the property
...
because of' this le.... Aa betveea the parties to this aqreement,
the City aqrees ~d does hereby waive any defenses or riqhts it
may have now or in the future have by virtue of the doctrine of
sovereig:r:a t-lft:ltT· Shoal4 the OaJiber, as a result of this
agz".._..t, low tb. ta.:r.xempt !ttatua. the Chamber enjoys on this
propu:-ty, bJ' '9'iJ:tue of' its u.se for a purpose other than the stated
pazpoae of Chamber opera~, .a.ny tax~~s
levied aqainst the property
will be paid in full and promptly by tba City. Nothinq herein
shall be cte.-4 as a waiver, forfeiture, or abandonment of any
·taa exemption or immunity now or hereafter inurinq to either the
. City or the Chamber.
13. The City shall be responsible-for all water and
sewer hookup fees and monthly bills. The City shall also be responsible
for electrical power as it involves the restroom.
City represents that at ~ts expense the restroom addition shall ~e
connected to sewaqe dispcc;al main lines on Causeway Road and a:­
access line to the existinq Chamber facilities shall be made a~
The
•
- 4 -

the time of construction. The Chamber recognizes that such sewage
•
line may be extended under the property on which the exist~ng
Chamber building is situated and agrees to grant an easement or
otherwise permit such connection to be made.
•
14. It is understood that the City shall be responsible
for outside maintenance of the restroom addition and associated
parkinq lot.
15. It is aqreed that the City shall develop a parkinq
lot on the City owned property adjacent to the C~r that is
for the joint use of the Chamber and the City. The non-exclusive
·use of such parkinq.lot for the terDl of this agreement, as more
particularly described in Exhibit B hereto and made a part hereof,
is a major part of ehe consideration in lieu of the payment of
rent on the premises owned by the Chamber and the subject of this.
aqreement. It is also agreed and understood that modifications to
the front entry of the Chamber building are necessary to provide
proper access for handicapped and. that these modifications will
be perfor.d at the expeuata"''f the d.ty, ailaulteneously with the-­
constructioa of the rsst.rcoa. In additJ.on, the City shall durinq
constructiOD cause at its expen .. the plumbinq fixtures in one
of~ two ezistin9 restroom~ in the Cb•mber to be capped and the
hallvay vidaaed adjacent to said restrooa as such modification
is acp:eed upca and necessary to provide access for handicapped and.
others to the nev building to be cOnstructed by the. City.
16. It is agreed that the City shall provide dis-
. po~table supplies to the Chamber for u~ by the public. upon request
&D4 shall routinely inspect the restrooa facility during the day.
Access to supply storage facilities shall be provided.
17. The parties, in making this Agreement, have
entered into it with the hope and belief that the use of the leased
property shall be of great advantage and benefit to the public
and people of Sanibel, and they pledge to each other that on all
occasions, when and if questions arise concerning the true intent
and meaning of this contract, that they will endeavor to so deal
•
- s -

with each other as to qive evidence of the highest good faith
and th• qreatest consideration each for the other, in order that
unseemly and unfortunate differences may never develop bet'

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CORAL GAllLES OFFU :E
121 MAJORCAAVENUil
SVITil300
CORALGAIII.F.S. FL 33134-4SU8
30S-44S-7RO l
fAl:SIMILE 305-442·JS7J
TALLAHASSEE DOWNTOWN
90~ NORTH MONRO!! S'l'&l!t.T
SUITe 1011
TALLAIIARSEE, FL 3230)-6143
3~0-561·3503
LAW OFFICES
ALLEN, NORTON & BLUE
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
1477 WEST FAIRBANKS A Vl::NUF.
SUITE 100
WJNI'!;R PARK, FL 32789-7113
407-571-2152
Fi\CSIMYLE 407-571-1496
JACKSONVJI.LF. OFFICF.
421 WEST CHURCH STREET
SUim430
JACKSONVILL!i, FL 32202
904·562·4480
F ACSIMII,E ?04-562-44?9
TAMPA OFFICE
324 SOUTH HYDe rAR.KAVENUE
HYU!i I' ARK J'LA.ZA, SUITt: 350
TAMPA. Fl. 33Gil6-1127
~l3-2SJ-12l0
FACSIMILE 31 l-253·2006
REPLY TO: Winter P>ti<
hllp://Jwill

September 11, 20 12
Page2
elect such coverage. The question is whether the City could legally modify its insurance plan to
include payment for such coverage without first negotiating this enhancement with AFSCME.
The law in Florida is clear that the issue of employee health insurance is a mandatory
subject of bargaining. International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 1010, AFL~CIO
v. City of Sweetwater, 31 FPER ~ 52 (2005); Citrus, Cannery, Food Processing and Allied
Workers, Drivers, Warehousemen and Helpers. Local Union No. 173 v. City of Satasota, 29
FPER ~ 87 (2003). Absent a contractual waiver, in my opinion the City would commit an unfair
labor practice by unilaterally modifying its health insmance plan to include payment of
premiums for the domestic partner health insurance benefit without first negotiating such a
change with AFSCME. Any such change would first need to be negotiated with AFSCME as a
part of the bargaining process.
I trust that I have been responsive to your inquiry. Let me know if you have any
questions.
WLH!k:m
347625 ALLEN, NORTON & RLUF., P.A.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

Revised Date: September 7, 20 r 2
COMPREHENSIVE
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY
PLAN 2012-2017

Southwest Florida
Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy
2012-2017
September 2012
Grant Period: January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013
This document was prepared under a financial assistance award (04-83-06492) from the
U.S. Economic Development Administration
United States Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
Atlanta Regional Office Suite 1820
401 W Peachtree St, NW Atlanta, GA 30308-3510
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
Economic Development District
1926 Victoria Avenue
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(239) 338-2550
www.swfrpc.org

STRATEGY
REPORT
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report 2012-2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS
STRATEGY REPORT
Executive S urn rna ry .................................................................................................................................................................. v
A. Background ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Community and Private Sector Participation - The Six Pillars Caucus System and
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Development ......................................................................... 7
B. CEDS Goals and Objectives- Building the Pillars .................................................................................................... 22
C. CEDS Plan of Action- Each Pillar Becomes a Target Area in the Plan .................................................................. 24
0. Strategic Projects, Programs and Activities - Priority Projects Under Each Pillar ............................................. 25
VITAL Projects ................................................................................................................................................................. 26
VITAL Projects Descriptions ......................................................................................................................................... 28
IMPORTANT Projects ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
FUTURE Projects ............................................................................................................................................................ 31
TABLES
Table 1: Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council CEOS Five Year Plan .............................................................. vi
Table 2: DEO Five Year Statewide Strategic Plan ............................................................................................................... 3
Table 3: Results from the Eight Public Meetings ............................................................................................................... 4
Table 4: CEDS Development Schedule 2012 ...................................................................................................................... 6
Table 5: Results from the June 1st CEDS Working Committee ....................................................................................... 6
Table 6: 2012 CEDS Working Committee .......................................................................................................................... 13
Table 7: CEOS Interested Individuals ................................................................................................................................. 14
Table 8: Per Capita Personal Income, 2005-2010 ............................................................................................................ 17
Table 9: Population Figures ................................................................................................................................................ 17
Table 10: Vital Projects by Pillar .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Table 11: Vital Project Descriptions ................................................................................................................................... 28
Table 12: future Projects ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
Table 13: Important Projects ............................................................................................................................................... 31
IlLUSTRATIONS
Illustration 1:2012 CEOS Plan Timeline ............................ m ............................................................................................... 5
Illustration 2: CEDS Committee Structure ........................................................................................................................ 11
Illustration 3: Changing Industry Composition ............................................................................................................. 16
Illustration 4: Average Annual Unemployment Rates (not seasonally adjusted) ..................................................... 17
Illustration 5: Southwest Florida Region .......................................................................................................................... 18
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report 2012·2017

Economic Development Administration Mission
To lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness,
preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
Department of Economic Opportunity Vision
Florida will have the nation's top performing economy and be recognized as the world's best place
to live, learn, work and do business.
Economic Development District CEDS Vision Statement
Southwest Florida's economy shall grow and diversify through expansion of existing business and
attraction of new businesses that embrace and advance the region's attributes of high quality
environment, education, and culture.
Comprehenstve Economic Development Strategy (CWS) Report 2012·2017
Ill

EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Aepon 2012·2017
iv

Executive Summary
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS or CEDS Plan 2012· 2017 or 2012 CEDS Plan) Is
designed to bring together the public and private sectors
in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and
strengthen regional economies. The CEDS analyzes the
regional economy and serves as a guide for:
Establishing regional goals and objectives;
• Developing and implementing a regional plan of
action; and
• Identifying investment priorities and funding sources.
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)
requires an Economic Development District (EOD) to
develop a CEDS Plan which qualifies the region for EDA
funding assistance under its public works, economic
adjustment, and most planning programs.
The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
(SWFRPC or Council) 2012 CEDS Plan is designed to guide
the region's economic growth by fostering a more stable
and diverse economy, assisting in the creation of jobs,
and Improving the overall living conditions in Charlotte,
Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota Counties. The
CEDS also provides a mechanism for coordinating the
efforts of individuals, organizations, local government and
private industry concerned with the region's economic
development. This plan further integrates with the State
of Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)
five year strategic plan, economic development priorities
and workforce investment strategies.
EDA'S VISION
The EDA's investment policy Is designed to establish a
foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of
durable regional economies throughout the United States.
This foundation builds upon two key economic drivers ­
innovation and regional collaboration. Innovation Is key
to global competitiveness, new and better jobs, a resilient
economy, and the attainment of national economic
goals. Regional collaboration is essential for economic
recovery because regions are the centers of competition
in the new global economy and those regions that work
together to leverage resources and use their strengths to
overcome weaknesses will fare better than those that do
not EDA encourages Its partners around the country to
develop Initiatives that advance new ideas and creative
approaches for our rapidly evolving economic conditions.
INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
Within the parameters of a competitive grant process,
all projects are evaluated to determine if they advance
global competitiveness, create jobs, leverage public and
private resources, demonstrate readiness and ability to
use funds quickly and effectively. and are linked to specific
and measurable outcomes. To facilitate evaluation, EDA
has established the following investment priorities for
funding opportunities. Below are the six investment
priorities:
1. Collaborative Regional Innovation
2. Public/Private Partnerships
3. National Strategic Priorities
4. Global Competitiveness
5. Environmentally-Sustainable Development
6. Economically Distressed and Underserved
Communities
Source: http://www.eda.gov/investmenrPrlorltfes.hrm
The CEDS Working Committee branded seven Vital
Program Areas that captured almost all of the identified
projects submitted by the localities in the region.
Furthermore, the seven Vital Program Areas of our new
2012 CEDS Plan incorporates the EDA's six investment
priorities and the Florida Chamber Foundation's six pillars
framework.
Program 1 - Regional Education and Training Focus
(STEM, Technology Schools and Workforce)
Program 2 - Regional Entrepreneurial Support
(Incubators, Regiona I One Stop, Economic Gardening)
Program 3 • Industry Cluster Development
(Agricultural Sustalnability, Economic Centers and
Regional Sports Destination)
Program 4 - Regional Infrastructure
(Utilities, Transportation, Technological and Highspeed
lnterconnectivlty, waterways, Airports. Disaster
Preparedness, lnfill Housing/Redevelopment Projects,
Brownfield Remediation/Redevelopment)
Program 5 - Global Competitiveness
(Position the region to compete on a regional, national
and global level)
Program 6 - Regional Guidance and Collaboration
Program 7 - Regional Innovation
(Sustainable place-making projects that improve the
quality of life In the region, downtown I urban area
development)
The 2012 CEDS Plan will be integral to further the mission
of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council.
Comprehen~ lve EconomiC Development Strategy (CEDS) Repon 2012·2017
v

Southwest Florida Economic Development District
Vision
Tabte 1: Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council CEDS Five Year Plan
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEOS) for Southwest Florida (2012 -201 7)
Southwest Florida's economy shall grow and diversify through expansion of existing business and attraction of new businesses that
embrace and advance the region's attributes of high quality environment, education, and culture.
Goals
Talent S11pply &
fduutlon
I 1 Pr-Ovide- suffid.eft1
fuftd;ng ond Vil po'I>UdU11!s.
Gaol ~. 2: Montor aos
P«fOITI\ince Me&JUrts.
Goo I 4.3: Do'legio~ f'M.Mar:hirllnlJ
Troir*lg
R.,.,litJonjng 1M t;olont
deliVI.'IY systmt In the
Sout'-o/ogy
com!Jlflddllp/rJJI ra cfftJtr.
l>lffllnOI\dtJII)tllld
IM.......nan
bUJinnsu.
Srn.ngtMIIF1orirJa)
ltodmhipinnponding
Ol1d..,.JV1nglnduli1/wdwnwsro..,..
n~Wmari'tts.
Coordinoa rhtmmu
il:>rra>nomlc ~4
IGndure,IMasi!IIC!Ift.
water, energy. narutrJI
lei- -**>tre

COMPREHENSIV
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY
Comprehensive EconomiC Development Strategy (CEOSl Report 2012·2017

Southwest Florida Economic Development Dtstrict
A. Background
Since Its designation as an Economic Development District
(EDD) in 1992. the Council has worked to promote
economic development in the six-county region (Charlotte,
Collier, Glades. Hendry, lee and Sarasota) that it
serves. The Council has accomplished this by working
closely with the cities and counties in the region and by
Implementing its work program that is submitted annually
in the funding application to the EDA.
During the past five years, the Council has undertaken a
number of efforts in collaboration with its CEDS Working
Committee, which was formerly known as the Economic
Development Strategy Committee, and is composed of
representatives from throughout the region. The mission
of the Committee is to share information and to address
problems concerning economic development from a regional
perspective whenever possible. These efforts will
continue and are expected to increase based on the range
of projects identified In this Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS).
The Council created and maintains Its own web site and
project portal where most of this Information is available
(www.swfrpc.org). The Council and Its Committees will
continue to advance and update Its web site as Information
is made available.
In addition, staff responds to a variety of individual requests
for Information from communities, businesses, Individuals,
public and community organizations. Most of
these requests are handled by phone and e-mail.
The purpose of the CEDS is to bring together the
and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap
to diversify and strengthen regional economies. The
CEDS analyzes the regional economy and serves as a guide
for establishing region a I goals and objectives, developing
and Implementing a regional plan of action, and identify­
Ing Investment priorities and funding sources. The CEDS
integrates the region's human and physical capital planning
In the service of economic development. Integrated
economic development planning provides the flexibility
to adapt to global economic conditions and fully utilize
the region's unique advantages to maximize economic
opportunity for Its residents by attracting the private
investment that creates jobs for the region's residents.
Finally, a CEDS provides a useful benchmark by which a
regional economy can evaluate opportunities with other
regions in the national economy.
The process of creating the CEDS requires a continuing
economic development planning process developed
with broad-based and diverse public and private sector
participation, and must set forth the goals and objectives
necessary to solve the economic development problems
of the region and clearly define the metrlcs of success.
EDA regulations require that an existing CEDS be updated
annually and that a new CEDS be developed at least once
every five years, or whenever substantial changes in the
regional economy render the existing document obsolete.
Council staff has continued to work closely with local economic
development organizations (public and private) to
assist in implementing their programs and projects. Staff
continues to alert local communities and economic development
organizations of available programs that meet
their needs.
L
r
(omprehel'lsive Economtc Development Strategy (CEDSl Report 2012-2017
2

Southwest Florldi! Economic Development Distr,ct
STATEWIDE STRATEGIC PLAN REGIONAL FORUM
In order to develop this CEDS a series of public workshops were held. On March 6, 2012, a regional forum was held by
the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) at Florida Gulf Coast University In Its effort to create a fiveyear
economic development plan for the state. The regional plan wi II be created using the Six Pillars of Florida's Future
Economy framework which is focused on critical factors determining Florlda's future: (1) Talent Supply & Education, (2)
Innovation & Economic Development, (3) Infrastructure & Growth leadership, (4) Business Climate & Competitiveness,
(5) Civic & Governance Systems and (6) Quality of Life & Quality Places. See Table 2 for DEC's five year plan.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DEO)
STATEWIDE STRATEGIC PLAN REGIONAL FORUM
VIII en
Gotir
.J Florida will hiM the nlllion's top paforming ~ooomy and be reeognizcd u the world's best pia" to live. learn. wcrk and do business.
iol Lead !be l'llltiontn alobal canpditivmesrl!laloeation for businea, i1111estmmt, lllerd. innovatim1111d vi11tcn.
.J Became lhe n~on·s 1Dp performing «onii11Y .
.J Lead the allim 111 qllllily of life.
OlljedJ- _, Create mere jobs. .J Oft Floridian• bac:k to wuk. J Poster opporiWJilies for pro5Jierity .
.J Grow burina;.es. .1 Expand alobal comna-ce. .J Increuethe compelitiwncss offllonda'a resions.
C'r-CuWna Stntfller
L Improve collabontloo and dpmtot llliiOII& state, rl8fcaal.nd local mlldes tow.rd the ltllte's eoc:Gnanc >ti!Gn.
2. Develop 1nd lmphmeat. alt.tewfde sUitfiY to de?lttiJI rqpOMJindmlry durun llllna aJebll best pnctiCt~L
;L Position Rerlda u • i!Jokl bwb 1'111' lradt, vldtan, talenl, lnno\'IIUon md lnw._t.
4. C.-dec-* defttemtflt.lllk!lll. lnlhlstrwture...P_IrintnMps_aad oOier resottras 101r011 rettons to bodld FJ•W• as 1 IIDIIttb
Ar-Spedlk Slrat. ~~
Civic&
T .. mt SUpply & Irmonllon& lnhrtrut:tlln & lluslnm CUmate &
Govtrnana.
EduC111JGD ~onamle De\oaopmmt Growth Lndenhlp ComptiJIJVIIlMS
SUISP$
~ ..- ....-.c. - -CI'I!JI&Ia•.,
okvd .... C.-•ot. ~ .......-~~~ ..........
S. C-ed-.... P. Slr atUft are
Ill Ul.ocd 111

Soutnwest Florida Econom!c Development D•swct
PUBLIC WORKSHOPS 2012 INVOLVEMENT
In addition, the goal of this comprehensive public engagement process positions our region for positive change by
identifying inve.stment priorities and developing consensus on economic development projects that need to be accomplished
over the next five years In our region in order to build Prosperity, High Paying Jobs, VIbrant Communit ies
and Global Competitiveness.. The workshops included significant public input and utilized interactive voting devices
to develop consensus.
The public workshops include 9 meetings, 138 attendees, 141 projects and 24 priority projects. All the results from the
CEDS public workshops are posted on the website at: www.swtlregionalvislon.com/CEDS.html. See Table 3, 4, 5 and
Illustration 1 for results and the tlmeline.
Table 3: Results from the Eight Public Meet ings
COWER CHARLOTTE GLADES HENDRY LEE SARASOTA SEMINOLE
ld!llllfy eco-
Heed a comprehenSIVe n~~~onal
Murdcxk Voaa1e and teen.
Infrastructure from
Re1oonaliza11on of
benefits of enwonme~ ~conomo c development enrtty Economot alternatives to
nology parlc ~ntertalnment Lotislics Center Ai~tlodes Airport to
Tourist D"slfnario11
~ I renorallon ptO}ectl
With sustainable funding source
strenilhen the tl1be
dostlltl
CotY of Clewoston
Sites
(deen air/dlln WIIH!
(Buson•n Climat e & Civic)
Make broadband avaol·
ato1o •....,...,...,.,e
Pro\111de •ntra-stlte conne

2012 CEOS PLAN PROCESS
~--
Illustration 1: 2012 CEDS Plan Timeline
COORDINATED CEDS EFFORT
•IIIII Iiiii •• •• iilll • ._.
Introduce CEDS Coortination 10 11 Regional Planning Councils
DEO REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER FORUM
•• Iiiii
PUBLIC MEETINGS: Regional Economic Strategy (CEDS>
Vate on Draft Strategies
Vote on Draft Projects
Begin to Develop Action Steps
PRIORITIZATION
m
& IMPLEMENTATION MEETING
Consensus and Prioritiaion of
VISion, Goals, Strategies, and
Implementation Partners
)
)
CEDS WORKING COMMrrrt:E & OVERSIGHT COMMmEE
c e = . DevetopVisions
•Ill ketestedParties
Comm~ity Mltrnbets
.• •
..-:..-.EvaluateGo~ls
Devefop Action Steps
•
•Iiiii ...........
30-Day Public Comment
c
SUBMISSION
TO EDA
Hold Public Council Meetilg
Adopt CEOS Plan
Final CEDS Plan Submitted to Economic
Development Administration
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report 2012-2017
5

Southwest Florida Economic Deve opment 01stnct
Table 4: CEOS Development Schedule 2012
CEDS Working Committee & Oversight Committee
June 1st
June22nd
July 2oth
August 31st
DEO Draft Plan and FRCA Template
Review Vital Projects From The Communities
Identify Working Committees Additional Economic Development VItal Projects
Prioritize Projects (CEDS Working Committee & CEDS Interested Individuals)
CEDS Plan Of Action: Ident ify Who Is Responsible For Implementation OfThe VItal Projects &
Potential Costs
Vital Project Prioritization Overview
Review Public Comments And Approve Final CEDS 5-year Plan; Submit To Strategy
Committee
Table 5: Results from the June 1st CEO$ Working Committee
A&ncutwral SuitalMblhty
(Develop a ltrategv for the
retion. Food Oo"'m and food
Availability)
Medical To10nsm RegiOnol,
COOPerative 8uy1n1, Netwcrk·
ong. Examples, le.Sir. Veter·
ans llospotal. Study Ol\ how
to attract MediQi lOunsm
Eduu llon
Educallon/frllin"'' ReiOORII focus
(HI\Jh School Lewl, AA L•..,l, Expand
Education, Workforce not readv with
cu"'culum, sktlled procrams need to
realig)l with tKhnoiOIY schools. Needs
to be more than J

Community and Private Sector Participation-The Six
Pillars Caucus System and Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy Development
COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVE­
MENT
Community and the private sector input was critical to
the successful development of the Southwest Florida
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
Throughout the development of the 2012 CEDS, SWFRPC
staff and the CEDS working committee have gathered
input and advice from community groups and private
sector representatives throughout the six county region.
Each CEOS committee meeting is an open public meet·
ing that welcomes business owners. citizens, elected officials
and media representatives along with the diversified
representation of the committee. Public workshops were
held in several communities in the region and each meeting
was very wen attended.
A interactive analysis was conducted at each public workshops
and information gathered during this process was
used to develop the 2012 CEDS. The CEDS was made available
to the public for thirty (30) days to review and comment.
Input from this public comment period was taken
into consideration prior to the completion of the plan.
The Council and the economic development organizat
ions work closely with the regional universities and
colleges. Florida Gulf Coast University, Hodges University
and Edison College are important participants in the
overall regional economic development process providing
expertise and studies. In addition, the regional economic
development organizations are working with the
universities and colleges to develop key training and degree
programs to meet the future regional employment
needs. Regional economic development planning efforts
and technical assistance are handled primarily t hrough
t he Council.
The Council was designated an Economic Development
District (EDD) by the Economic Development Administration
(EDA) in 1992. The Council has an Economic Development
CEDS Working Committee that meets to share information
on programs and projects. With representatives
from each of the six counties in the region, the Committee
frequently discusses problems or issues of importance to
the entire region. Members also share information regarding
programs they have developed or utilized to resolve
local issues. As a result, the Committee serves as a network
allowing members of the various economic development
organizations to meet and discuss situations that
are similar throughout t he region.
Charlotte County Economic Development
In 2001, the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners
established the Economic Development Office
to focus on the recruitment of high impact industry to
Charlotte County facilitating the creation of high skill,
high wage jobs, and to help diversify the economy and
tax base. Over the years the EDO has expanded its mission
to include Business Expansion and Retention as well
as building an Entrepreneurial Support network to nurture
innovation and startups. The EDO staff provides support
to the Enterprise Charlotte Economic Council (ECEC);
the Enterprise Charlotte Foundation; and the Charlotte
County Industria l Development Authority. The ECEC, a
501 (c) (6) organization was established In 2008 to provide
a funding vehicle for businesses to invest in t he long-term
economic vitality of Charlotte County. The focus of t he
ECEC is to expand economic development opportunities
locally and to develop partnerships at the regional, state
and national level that will encourage business growth.
For more Information visit: http://www.floridasinnovationcoast.com/
Collier County
Collier Business and Economic Development office is a
resource for Collier County to provide opportunities for
unparalleled growth to new and expanding businesses.
For more Information, please visit: http://www.colliergov.
net
Presently the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce has
assumed responsibility and manages program development
and growth associated with various opportunities
related to relocating/starting a business and growing
your business.
For more information, please vlsit: http://napleschamber.
org/
Glades County Economic Development Council
The Glades County Economic Development Council, Inc.
was established in 1999, and Is a public private partnership,
receiving funding from Glades County, the City of
Moore Haven and members. The mission of the Glades
County EDC is to promote new commercial and industrial
development while protecting t he quality of life residents
enj oy.
For more information visit: http://www.gladescountyedc.
com/
Comprehensive EconomiC Development Strategy (CED5} Report 2012·2017
7

Southwest Florida Econom1c Dev~opment 01strict
Hendry County Economic Development Council
Hendry County Economic Development Council {HCEDC),
incorporated in 1997, actively works to improve the economic
stability and tax base of Hendry County, enhancing
economic opportunities, personal income, and the
quality of life of the citizens of Hendry County. HCEDC
coordinates business development activities, Including
the creation and/or attraction of new businesses, development
and expansion of minority businesses, and the
encouragement of existing businesses to remain and expand
within Hendry County.
Lee County - Fort Myers Regional Partnership
The Fort Myers Regional Partnership - lee County's Economic
Development Office- was created to bring new
companies to the area and help existing businesses grow
and expand. The EDO staff also provides support to lee
County's Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Industrial
Development Authority.
Lee County has an umbrella economic development organization
called the Horizon Council. The Horizon Council
consists of representatives from area businesses and
local governments and is staffed by the Lee County Economic
Development Office {EDO), a county agency. The
Horizon Council serves as an advisory board to the Lee
County Board of County Commissioners.
For more information visit: http://www.fortmyersregionalpartnership.com/
Cape Coral Economic Development
Another group that is active In lee County is the City of
Cape Coral's Economic Development Office. The staff in
that office works with potential new businesses to the city
and provides technical assistance as needed to new and
existing businesses. The city currently operates a Revolving
Loan Fund with its CDBG funds.
For more information visit: http://www.capecoral.net/enus/business.aspx
Economic Development Corporation Sarasota
County
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota
County (EDC) is the professional economic development
entity for Sarasota County. It is a non-profit publid private
partnership that assists existing companies with
expansions, attracts and retains quality jobs, solicits new
businesses compatible with the assets and values of Sarasota
County, promotes Sarasota County's business Image,
and enhances Sarasota County's overall quality of life.
For more information visit: http:/ /www.edcsarasotacounty.com/
Comprehensive Etonomic Development Strategy (CEDSl Report 2012-2017
North Port Economic Development Division
The City of North Port Economic Development Division is
responsible for the implementation of the City's economic
development strategic plan, Its marketing strategy and
business attraction, retention and expansion activities.
The Division also works closely with local and regional
partners to promote the economic development goals
and strategies of the Southwest Florida Region and its
unique communities. As the largest city in Sarasota County,
North Port recognizes its role as an Important leader in
promoting regional cooperation and collaboration even
as it continues to develop new business and develop~
ment opportunities within its boundaries. North Port's
economic development efforts have been recognized
locally and statewide because of strong support from Its
engaged citizenry and its elected leaders.
For more information visit: http://cityofnorthport.com
Empowerment Alliance of Southwest Florida
Another partner is the Empowerment Alliance of Southwest
Florida, a non-profit organization created to administer
the strategic plan for the federally designated Round
II Enterprise Community covering Immokalee and eastern
Hendry County. The Empowerment Alliance focuses on
four main areas: education and job training, economic devefopment
affordable housing, and community image.
The Empowerment Alliance works closely with its community
partners to undertake and implement projects In
these four areas.
Southwest Florida Workforce Development
Board
The Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board,
Inc. is a publidprivate non-profit organization that administers
and coordinates workforce related programs for
the state. It operates career and service centers throughout
the region, providing a single point of contact for employers
and workers to connect.
For more information visit http://www.swflworks.org/
FHREDI (Florida Heartland Rural Economic Development
Initiative}
As mentioned earlier, Glades, Hendry and Immokalee participate
in the Florida Heartland Rural Economic Development
Initiative (FHREDI) and the Rural Area of Critical
Economic Concern. Florida's Heartland REDI, Inc. began
regional economic development In 1994. The region It
supports was struggling with high unemployment and
low wages. The lack of connectivity to any urban area and
its strong agricultural base made It unattractive to most
manufacturers or corporate entities. The lack of population
made It unable to compete with urban populations
8

Southwest Florida Economic Development Diswct
for much needed grants. This Is a six-county organization
that promotes economic development in the rural areas
of Florida.
For more Information visit: http://Www.flaheartland.com/
The Southwest Florida Regional Technology
Partnership (Tech Partnership)
The Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership
(Tech Partnership) Is a 501 (c)6 not for profit organization
dedicated to building the technology sector in Southwest
Florida by supporting our existing technology companies
and professionals to address their challenges, and
by working with economic development and educational
organizations to make sure the environment Is right for
new companies and professionals to move to the area. In
pursuit of our mission we Catalyze, Cultivate and Connect
our community organizations, tech sector and other resources.
For more Information visit: http://www.swfrtp.org.
Alliance of Educational Leaders
The Alliance of Educational leaders Is a network of
the CEOs of t he regionally accredited, non-profit, Pre­
K through post-secondary educational institutions.
Members include the district school superintendents of
Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and lee Counties; the
presidents of Edison State College, Florida Gulf Coast
University, and Hodges University; and the campus presidents
of Barry, Keiser, and Nova Southeastern Universities.
A strong partner with the SWFL Workforce Board, the
Alliance seeks to create a seamless web of educational
opportunities; model regional collaboration to enhance
quality and opportunity; and, strengthen education ties
with workforce and economic development.
For more information, visit: http://www.swfleducation.
com
lee County Port Authority
The Lee County Port Authority operates Southwest Florida
International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY) in
Fort Myers, Fla. Southwest Florida International Airport
served more than 7.5 million passengers in 2011 and Is
one of the top SO U.S. airports for passenger traffic. Page
Field provides services to corporate, commercial and private
aviators and accommodated more than 78,000 aircraft
operations in 2011 . No ad valorem (property) taxes
are used for airport operation or construction and both
airports are funded solely with revenue generated from
their operations..
For more information, please visit www.flylcpa.com
Seminole Tribe of Florida
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Indlan
tribe organized pursuant to Section 16 of the Indian
Reorganization Act of 1934, as amended.
In 1957, the Department of the Interior approved the
Tribe's Constitution and Bylaws, and on August 21, 1957,
a majority of tribal members voted to establish the Seminole
Tribe of Florida. A Tribal Council and Board of Directors
were established with elected representation from
each reservat ion community.
Tribal enrollment Is about 3,800. Most tribal members
live on or near one of the five reservations and tribal land.
Headquarters is located on the Hollywood Reservation.
The other reservations are Big Cypress, the largest reservation
in area; Brighton, located on the northwest side of
Lake Okeechobee; Immokalee, located east of Ft. Myers;
and theTa mpa Reservation. Other tribal members live on
the Fort Pierce tribal land.
The ancestors ofthe Seminoles have lived In the land now
known as Florida for countless generations. In the 1800s,
the Seminoles fought three wars against t he United States
in order to stay In their homeland. Some were killed and
thousands were captured and shipped to Indian Territory.
However, a few hundred courageous men, women and
children never gave up, and the Seminoles were never
defeated.
To this day, the people are known as The Unconquered
Seminoles. For more information visit: http://www.
semtribe.com/
Along with the local organizations mentioned above,
there are also a number of smaller efforts that are directed
to very specific areas. They include the Chambers of Commerce
(currently there are 26 in the region), the Development
Authorities, the Community Redevelopment Agencies,
the Enterprise Zones and the Foreign Trade Zones.
Compr~h~nsive Economic Developm~nt Strategy (CEOS) Repon 2012·2017 9

egronal markets
global customers
great serv1ce
economrc v1tallty
for employers
On August 3 7 st the CEDS Working Committee mode a motion to adopt the 20 7 2 CED5 Plan as the Florida Eight regional
strategic plan with a specific emphasis on development of a data system.
Florida 8
The Florida Eight initiative provides regional teams with a variety of facilitation services and resources to build their
regional capacity for economic development talent development, job retention and international business opportunities.
The initiative supports the economic development regional model used by Enterprise Florida and the Florida
Economic Development Council and recognizes the local and regional differences in a large state such as Florida.
By allowing the eight regions to form Regional Business Teams (RBT) for coordination and partnership, based on t heir
respective industry and talent needs, The Florida Eight provides a great deal of flexibility to ensure the teams can best
identify how to adva nee their economic and workforce priorities and interests.
Southwest:
RBT Seeks to Build Dynamic Delivery System for leaders and Economic/Workforce Data
Requires a Trusted Third Party for Data and Analytics, Solid Allocation of labor Across the Region Relative to Econom
ic Developers, Workforce Professionals, pre-K - 12 and Higher Education
Test System with Great Projects:
Program A- Data Systems and Analytics
Program 8 - Regional Extension of Internship Programs
Program C- Regional Alignment of Demand-driven Task Forces and Advisory councils
Program 0 - SChool districts Center of Excellence for Skills and Academies
Program E- Change Management and Market Response (Including administration of the overall project and milestones)
Project Direction - Repositioning the talent delivery system in the Southwest Florida
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report 2012·2017 10

Committee Structure
Southwest Florida Economic Development D'stnct
Illustration 2: CEDS Committee Structure
-=~
U.S. Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
0
0
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
(Economic Development District)
0
0
Regional Strategy Committee
(Oversight Committee)
0
0
CEDS Working Committee
0
0
00000000000000000000000000
• • • • • •
Talent Supply &
Education
Innovation
&Economic
Development
Leadership
Business
Climate &
Quality of Life &
Quality Places
0
0
0
0
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEOS) Repo" 2012·2017
11

2012 Council Members
The agency is directed by a thirty-four member Council composed of local elected officials and gubernatorial
appointees. Five Individuals who represent State interests provide assistance as Ex-Officio members. Of the 24 elected
officials who represent local governments, about 40% work full time in their elected posts and 60% work part time in
their elected posts.
Karson Turner, Chair
Hendry County
Teresa Heitmann, Vke-Chalr
Collier County
Tom Jones Secretary
Sarasota County
Bob Mulhere. Treasurer
Collier County
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
CommissionerTricia Duffy
Commissioner Chris Constance
Councilwoman Rachel Keesling
COLUER COUNTY
Commissioner Jim Coletta
Commissioner Donna Fiala
Councilwoman Teresa Heitmann
Mr. Robert MBob• Mulhere
Mr. Alan D. Reynolds
GLADES COUNTY
Commissioner Kenneth S. Jones
Commi.ssioner Robert Giesler
Councilwoman Pat Lu

CEDS Working Committee
The CEDS Working Committee met frequently during the development process of the 2012 CEOS and will rnll•nm• ..
to meet quarterly to monitor the progress of on-going projects identified In the plan. The CEDS Working Committee
meets regularly to discuss the region's economic situation, to evaluate and endorse appropriate economic development
projects, to advise participating municipalities and organizations of funding opportunities and programs, and to
bring matters of regional importance to the attention of the Council government officials.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
In compliance with United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration guidelines the
CEDS Working Committee is responsible for developing, revising or replacing the CEDS. The Committee Is comprised
of representatives from the main economic interests in the region, including the private sector. See Table 6 below for
a list of members.
Table 6: 2012 CEDS Working Committee
Committee Member Alternate Six Pillars Public Private
Sector Sector
Gregory Adkins Denise Carlin Lee County Public Schools Talent Supply & Education ./'
Robert Ball Josh Philpott SW Florida lntemational Airport Infrastructure & Growth Leadership ./' ./'
Dana Brunett Audielewis City of cape Coral EDO Innovation & Economic Development ./' ./'
Marvin Collins City of Fort Myers Civic & Governance Systems ./'
laura DeJohn Johnson Engineering, Inc Business Climate & Competitiveness ./'
Brooke Gabrielsen SWFL Regional Technology Infrastructure & Growth leadership ./'
Partnership
Gregg Gillman Hendry County EDC Innovation & Economic Development ./' ./'
Doug Gyure S4J Manufacturing Services, Inc. Business Climate & Competitiveness ./'
Cotrenia Hood The Greater Naples Chamber Innovation & Economic Development ./' ./'
Mark Huey Joan McGill Economic Development Corp Innovation & Economic Development ./' ./'
of Sarasota County
Gary Jackson FGCU - Mod 1-13 Talent Supply & Education ./'
Allan lane Ruth Buchanan City of North Port Innovation & Economic Development ./' ./'
frank Mambuca U.S. Metropolitan Telecom Business Climate & Competitiveness
,
Jim Moore Warren Baucom Lee County EOO Innovation & Economic Development
, ,
Thomas Patton Debrah Forester Charlotte County EDO Economic Development ./' ./'
Dan Regel ski Suzanne Specht fGCU Sm. Bus. Dev. Center Talent Supply & Education ./'
Gina Reynolds FHREDI Innovation & Economic Development ./' ./'
Pat Riley Alliance of Educational leaders Talent Supply & Education ./' ./'
Brian Rlst The Smart Companies, Inc. Business Climate & Competitiveness ./'
Christine Ross Bonita Springs Chamber Innovation & Economic Development ./' ./'
Beth Sterchi Collier Bus. & Economic Devel· Innovation & Economic Development ./' ./'
opment
Jim Wall Curt Bradbury Southwest florida Workforce Talent Supply & Education ./'
Development Board
Tracy Whirls Glades County EOC Innovation & Economic Development ./' ./'
ReVIsed: September6, 2012
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS} Report 2012·2017 13

Southwest florida Economl< Development Distnct
CEDS Interested Individuals
The Council CEDS Interested Individuals list (Table 7) represents additional community Involvement that supports
efforts required by the EDA. This committee provides input to the CEDS Working Committee. The CEDS Working
Committee is responsible for developing, revising and/or replacing the CEDS. The CEDS stands for: Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy.
Table 7: CEDS Interested Individuals
Committee Mem~r Company Committee Member Company
Rock Aboujaoude Rock Enterprises, Inc. J. Michael Jordan Aorida Community Bank
Robert Ball A.A.E. lee County Port Authority, Maureen Jordan Seacoast National Bank
Southwest Florida lnterna-
Peter Kara rstam a tis Hodges University
tiona I A1rport
--- Stephanie Kissinger Bonita Springs Chamber of
Mlssie Barletto AIM Engineering & Survey-
Commerce
ing.lnc.
Gary Knipe
Keepsake Plants
Fran Belasco lee County Visitor's Bureau
Tom Matrullo Private Sector
Marie Capita Immokalee Business Development
Center Paul McGehee Glades Electric Cooperative,
in

PLANNING ORGANIZATION HISTORY AND MANAGEMENT
The Council was created by an lnterlocal Agreement dated November 8, 1973, amended October 28, 1980, between
Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, lee and Sarasota Counties, and by Chapter 186.505, Florida Statutes. In accordance
with Florida Statutes, the agency is directed by a Council (currently 36 members) composed of 25 county commissioners
and municipal elected officials, 7 gubernatorial appointees from all counties within the region including an
elected school board member, and five ex-officio (non-voting) gubernatorial appointees representing the Florida Department
ofTransportatlon, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, statewide economic development
interests, and water management districts.
The Council is designated Regional District 9 and serves as a regional Information clearinghouse. The Council works
within the six-county region to develop and maintain area-wide goals, strategies, and actions, and assists in implementing
a variety of local, state and federal programs. The Council serves as an advocate for the region with State
and Federal agencies, including the legislature and Congress. In addition, the Council works with its members and
partners to develop and maintain region-wide goals, objectives and policies and assists in implementing local , state
and federal programs.
In 2012. the Council identified economic development as a top priority, along with grant work, data/demographics,
regional planning and emergency management programs. The Council established a Strategy Committee specifically
to work on economic development issues and to provide oversight to the CEOS Working Committee, charged with
producing a CEOS.
CHARlOTTE
lEE
HENDRY
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEO$) Report 2012·2017 15

ECONOMY
The economy in Southwest Florida is continuing to recover from the housing bubble and financial crisis that has impacted
the national and global economy. Population growth has traditionally driven economic growth in Southwest
Florida which is a favorite destination for retires as well as full-time or seasonal basis.
The area's competitive advantage has been its beaches, recreational opportunities, and mild winter weather making
tourism an important industry that provides employment and jobs to a large percentage of the workforce. In addi·
tion, construction is anticipated as an important part of the overall Southwest Florida economy meeting the growth
demands of the region (Illustration 3).
Agriculture continues to be an Important component of the overall regional economy. For these reasons, the regional
economy is very seasonal creating more employment in the busier winter season.
Southwest Florida has a variety of different cultures, habits and identities which are linked together by a central urban
corridor, western coastal communities, and interior agricultural lands in a patchwork of vibrant coastal cities; suburban
communities, and rural farm towns.
Some of key challenges facing the community Include the need to improve the educational systems, transportation,
communication systems and infrastructure. There are high levels of unemployment with many structurally (long-term)
unemployed that will require new skills and training to be competitive in our dynamic economy. Research and innovation
are expected to be key drivers in transforming the regional economy to be less dependent on the traditional
employers providing a more diversified overall economy.
... ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '
Illustration 3: Changing Industry Composition
Construction
I
l
\
Past
"
Tourism
;
;
, "
;
, "
;
J
~
, ,
, , , tl'
tl'
' ' ' '
.,
tl'
, "
' ' ' ' ' ' '
tl'
tl' "
' ' ,.
, ., ., ., .,
Tourism
Future?
Construction
Finance&
Professional
Services
Comprehensive Economoc Development Strategy (CEDS} Report 2012·2017
16

Sotrthwest Florida Economic Development District
INCOME & WAGES
Table 8 shows the Southwest Florida Region per capita income
amounts for 2005 through 201 O.ln 2010, the average total personal
income earned by individual Southwest Rorida workers
was $39,254. In the State of Florida, personal income for Individuals
was $38,21 o, which was 3 percent lower than the region
in 2010.
2005 2006 2007 2010
1-
-
Charlotte $31,522 533,958 $35,226 $34,813
Collier $54,549 1 561,19~$63,423 $56,731 557,788
Glades $19,967 $21,223 $22.156 $21,371 $22.140
~
Hendry 524,126 $26,362 $26,834 $26,461 $25,984 $27,355
Lee $38,167 $41,089 $40,937 $41,766 540,483 $41,094
Sarasota $49,385 $53,815 $55,239 557,179 $51,347 $52.331
Reg on $36,286 539,60{> $40,636 $41,610 $38,294 539.254
Rorida 539,748 541.036 541.219 $40,378 $38,130 $38,210
Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis
http://WWW.bea.gov/iTablel
EMPLOYMENT
Illustration 4 shows the average annual unemployment
rates. The regional unemployment rate for May 2012
was 8.5%. Hendry County at 1 1 .7% had the highest unemployment
rate In the six-county region, with Glades
County second at 9.0%. Collier County had the lowest unemployment
rate at 7.8%. The May 2012 regional unemployment
rate of 8.5% was exactly the same as the State
at 8.5%. The regional unemployment rate decreased by
16.8% from May 201 1 to May 2012, while the State rate
decreased by 18.8% during the same time period.
Illustration 4: Average Annual Unemployment
..._-~~•Ra:lALitet:..:lsu.lUJ nOl.ieason allv a di us ted)
1601.
...
·~
,..
ft
_
~
- ccwu
_,
-

GEOGRAPHY
SWFRPC serves Regional District 9 and consists of six counties (illustration 5) with a total area (land and water) of
6,663 square miles and a land area of 5,986 square miles. Four of the counties border the Gulf of Mexico, with a total
shorell ne of 4,515 miles, and comprise a large portion of the region's urban area. Two counties are bounded by lake
Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake in the United States. The six counties in the Southwest Florida Region
Include Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, lee and Sarasota.
Southwest Florida is a diverse region located along the Gulf of Mexico. The region links together Florida's central urban
corridor, western coastal communities, southern metropolitan areas, and Interior agricultural lands In a patchwork of
vibrant coastal cities; suburban communities, and rural farm towns.
Southwest Florida has developed with a precarious economic foundation of agriculture, construction and tourism.
This Hthree legged stooiH was successful for much of the 20th century. However, since the turn of the century, the
people and businesses of our region are reeling from the consequences of suburban sprawl, housing market volatility,
economic downturn, along with climate change and storm hazard vulnerability. The Imbalance between coastal
communities where cultural and capital resources are concentrated and rural communities where agriculture and
environmental resources are concentrated is growing, and pressure for conventional sprawl threatens rura I communities
and the region.
Illustration 5: Southwest Florida Region
Charlotte. Collier. Glades. Hendrv.lee & Sarasota
Comprehensive Economic: Development Strategy (CEDS) Report 2012-2017 18

INFRASTRUCTURE
The lifestyle enjoyed by a community and its ability to attract
and sustain economic development is predicated
on the quallty of Its public facilities and Infrastructure.
Indeed, as regions across the country and world are interconnected
In a globally competitive economy It Is critical
for the Southwest Aorlda Region to develop, expand and
maintain multi-modal tran.sportation systems and telecommunication
infrastructure to support a prosperous
and globally competitive economy.
The World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness
Report 2011-2012 makes the distinct point .•. "Extensive
and efficient Infrastructure is critical for ensuring the effective
functioning of the economy, as it is an important
factor determining the location of economic activity and
the kinds of activities or sectors that can develop in a particular
instance ... the quality and extensiveness of Infrastructure
networks significantly impact economic growth
and reduce income Inequalities and poverty In a variety
of ways. A well-developed transport and communications
infrastructure network Is a prerequisite for the access of
less-developed communities to core economic activities
and services ... "
The Global Competitiveness Report 2011-2012 stresses
the importance of transportation networks ... NEffective
modes of transport, including quality roads, railroads,
ports and air transport, enable entrepreneurs to get their
goods and services to market in a secure and timely manner
and facilitate the movement of workers to the most
suitable jobs .... , a solid and extensive telecommunications
network allows for a rapid and free flow of Information,
which increases overall economic efficiency by
helping to ensure that business can communicate and decisions
are made by economic actors taking Into account
all available relevant information ... ~
In its report, Growth and Renewal In the United States:
Retooling America's Economic Engine, McKinsey Global
Institute notes that bull ding 21st-Century infrastructure
is a key imperative to advance sustainable GOP growth in
the US.
Two critical trends are highlighted in t he report that suggest
a more active approach to infrastructure development
and finance is needed both for the country as a
whole but to regions like Southwest Florida specifically.
The first trend is that the relative quality of US infrastructure
has been declining over the past decade. According
to the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness
Report 2010.2011, the United States ranked 23rd out of
1 39 countries on the overall quality of infrastructure. The
American Society of Civil Engineers suggests a total of
$2.2 trillion is needed to upgrade the quality of existing
infrastructure assets and build new infrastructure.
The second trend relates to the relatively low rate of
broadband penetration in the country. With 27 subscribers
out of 100, the United States falls behind many
countries, effectively placing limits on economic activity.
McKinsey Global Institute suggests that the nearly 40 percent
of United States households that do not subscribe
to broadband represent $450 billion in annual purchasing
power of retail products.
Coming out of one of the deepest national recessions the
region's leadership- both public and private will need to
come together to focus on making strategic investment
decisions to fund existing and future infrastructure systems
holistically. This requires coordination economic
development, land use, Infrastructure, water and naturalresources
decision-making.
WATER
The Southwest florida Region has abundant water resources.
The bays, Inlets, estuaries, rivers and streams in
the region provide a valuable contribution to the area's
economy. These waters are essential to tourism, recreation,
commercial fishing, and the aesthetic characteristics
of the region.
AIRPORTS
The majority of the Southwest Florida's scheduled airline
passenger and shipping service are provided by regional
facilities such as the Southwest Florida International Airport
and the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.
Other smaller facilities such as the Naples Airport and
Charlotte County Airport also support limited commercial
passenger service. There are a number of additional
airports that accommodate charter and general aviation
traffic and include: Page
Field in Lee County; Buchan
Field and Venice Airport in
Sarasota County; the Labelle
Airport and Airglades
Airport in Hendry County;
and the Marco Island, Everglades
City, and Immokalee
Regional Airports in Collier
County.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a commercial
service airport located in Fort Myers. The airport
served more that 7.5 million passengers in 2011 and is
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEOS} Repon 2012·2017
19

Southwes1 Florida Economic Development Dostnct
one of the top 50 U.S. airports in passenger traffic. In addition
to passengers, the airport serves as an important
cargo facility for Southwest Florida. In 2011 more than 32
million pounds of freight moved throogh RSW. Page Field
General Aviation Airport (FMY) serves as a reliever faciltly
to RSW. The airport accommodates a significant amount
of corporate and business-related traffic, as well as recreational
and flight training activity.
Southwest Florida International Airport is an important
contributor to the region's social and economic well being.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FOOT)
conducted a Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study
which began in December 2008 and was completed in
March 2010. The study showed that Southwest Florida
International Airport (RSW) contributed nearly $3.8 billion
to the local economy from airport and related-airport
activities and accounted for 41,588 jobs. The study also
examined the economic impacts of Page field (FMY), the
general aviation and reliever airport operated by the lee
County Port Authority. The FOOT study showed Page
Field's contribution was $94.6 million in 2009 and that the
airport Is responsible for more than 987 jobs.
Naples Municipal Airport, a certificated air carrier airport,
is home to flight schools, air charter operators and corporate
aviation and nonaviation businesses as well as fire/
rescue services, mosquito control, car rental agencies and
the Collier County Sheriff's Aviation Unit. All funds used
for the airport's operation, maintenance and Improvements
are generated from activities at the airport or from
federal and state grants; the airport receives no property
tax dollars. During the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the airport
accommodated more than 84,000 takeoffs and landing.
FOOT values the airport's economic impact to the community
at more than $273 m lllion annually.
FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS
Rail Service
Seminole Gulf Railroad continues to operate freight service
to Southwest Florida via one short-rail line using
connections with the CSX line in Arcadia. There Is no intermodal
terminal in Southwest Florida where containers
and trailers on flatcars can be loaded and unloaded. Since
Southwest Florida has no water based port facilities, the
lack of intermodal access means that there are few alternatives
to the highway system for most types of shipment
goods into and out of the region.
economy. Measured by its value, nearly 78% of freight
in Florida Is carried exclusively by truck. Trucks are the
dominant mode of transportation for businesses shipping
goods into and out of the Southwest Florida region. Overall,
trucks accounted for about 88% of
total shipments, on average, accord- ---.r~~.-.. 1.
ing to the companies responding to
a recent Florida Chamber fre ight survey.
Enterprise Florida addresses logistics
and distribution as big business in
Florida, where the broader wholesale trade, transporta·
tion and logistics industry employs more than half a million
Floridians. Of those some 84,000 residents work at
companies specifically providing logistics & distribution
services. Nearly every major global logistics integrator
already has a presence in the state, including the headquarters
for Ryder System, Inc., land star System Inc., C£VA
Logistics U.S., Inc. and other top logistics companies. As
the Western Hemisphere's commercial gateway, Florida's
logistics & distribution industry is poised to grow further
with the completion of the Panama Canal expansion in
2014 and the numerous infrastructure developments and
upgrades underway aroond the state.
http://www.eflorida.com
The Florida Chamber Foundation's Florida Trade and Logistics
Study indicates several trends will position Rorida
for a larger, more commanding role as a trade hub In the
next decade. These trends include the state's location In
the fastest growing U.S. business and consumer market
at the crossroads of growing north-south and east-west
trade lanes.
Florida currently has more than 55,000 companies export­
Ing goods and services in the global marketplace and the
Florida Chamber is leading the effort to expand Florida's
trade and export opportunities. We are committed to substantially
increasing the number of both domestic and international
exports as we work toward making Florida a
global hub for trade and Investment.
In order to meet the goal of doubling Florida-origin exports
over the next five years, we must focus the attention
of state policy makers on the importance of International
trade.
httpJ/www.flchamber.com/issue/international·trade-domestic-exports-ports/.
Trucks 8r Frteght
Trucking and the movement of goods and freight play
critically important roles in the regional, state, and global
Comprehensive Econom•c Development Straii!(]Y (CEOSl Report 2012·2017
20

http://Www.semtrlbe.com
lS
ENERGY
Electrical Power
Currently within the Southwest Florida Region, there are
five companies that supply electric service to the area.
These companies are:
1. Glades Electric Cooperative;
2. lee County Electric Cooperative;
3. Florida Power and light Company;
4. Peace River Electric Cooperative; and
S. Clewiston Electric Utilities.
The cooperatives purchase power from the Florida Power
and Light Company and Seminole Electric Cooperative.
Glades Electric .....----------~
ECO-TOURISM
Florida contains a diversity of natural and cultural wonders.
Although national and state parks and forests
abound throughout the state, many of Florida's private
landowners also have the potential to show off some of
Florida's unique natural and cultural attractions. Naturebased
tourism is a comparatively new industry in Florida,
and it is rich with potential benefits for Florida's landowners
and business operators. Relatively few businesses
have taken advantage of nature as a tourism opportunity
and opened their lands to visitors. However, the businesses
that have, offer valuable lessons for other businesses
potentially interested by sharing their resources with visitor-;
Cooperative provides
power to the
majority of Glades
and Hendry Counties.
The Peace
River Electric Cooperative
provides
power to a small
section of rural
Sarasota County.
In addition, the
Clewiston Electric
Company provides
electricity to its incorporated area in Hendry County. Lee
County Electric Cooperative purchases its power from the
Seminole Electric Cooperative, a generation and transmission
utility located In Palatka, Florida.
Big Water Heritage Trail
A driving heritage trail identifies, •
links, and marks sites of historical,
cultural, natural, recreational
and educational importance to
the area. The Big Water Heritage
Trail encompasses five counties
surrounding lake Okeechobee
in Florida. The trail's name, the
Big Water Heritage Trail, stems
from the Seminole word for
Okeechobee, which means "Big
Water·.
www.swlrpc.org
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l
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c
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.~ .
Kil
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..
~
. 11!11
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iie~
L.l.ll
Comprehensive Economtc Development Strategy (CEDS) Report 2012·2017 21

B. CEDS Goals and Objectives- Building the Pillars
1. TALENT SUPPLY & EDUCATION
Goal 1.1: Provide sufficient funding and encourage
flexibility to allow regional stakeholders to address
local needs In education, training and workforce de·
velopment.
Objective 1.1.1 : Adequate funding sha II be available
to provide education and training.
Objective 1.1.2: Build a sufficiently skilled workforce
to meet future employment demands.
Objective 1.1.3: Become a national leader In providing
financial resources to support workforce
training and skill development programs.
Goal 1.2: Ensure educational systems and workforce
training that support innovation and creativity.
Objective 1.2.1: Review policies and rules to iden·
tify barriers to innovation and creativity in schools.
Objective 1.2.2: Support the growth and expansion
of universities and Institutions of higher learning.
2. INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVEL­
OPMENT
Goal 2.1: Provide funding for ongoing economic development
activities.
Objective 2.1.1: Establish funding mechanisms for
ongoing economic development activities.
Goal 2.2: Provide technical assistance and use new
technology to promote job growth.
Objective 2.2.1: Identify technical assistance programs
that are available on a regional scale and
facilitate the delivery of technical assistance to the
region's workforce through technology.
Goal 2.3: Build seamless information technology Infrastructure.
Objective 2.3.1: Identify opportunities for public/
private coordination of information, and establish
protocol for integrating Information technology infrastructure
for the region.
Goal 2.4: Encourage alternative energy production
and green product industries.
Objective 2.4.1: Establish a work group including
representatives from all the alternative energy initiatives
of local jurisdictions in the region to in cor-
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEO$) Report 2012· 2017
porate one regional effort.
Objective 2.4.2: Quantify the renewable energy
resources existing in the region and determine feasibility
of developing the region's energy production
further, including the potential for exporting
power produced by renewable energy In the region
to the state's coastal grids.
Goal 2.5: Brand the region as a hub to attract and retain
entrepreneurs.
Objective 2.5.1: Complete an asset map of the
region identifying Incubators; entrepreneurial support
services; venture capital organizations; and ur·
ban centers that provide live/work opportunities.
3. INFRASTRUCTURE & GROWTH LEAD­
ERSHIP
Goal 3.1: Develop transportation systems to support
a prosperous, globally competitive economy while
minimizing impacts to the natural environment.
Objective 3.1.1: Develop a plan for the design and
funding of a multimodal, interconnected trans·
portation system that sustains local livability and
serves regional hubs for global, national, and state
distribution of goods and movement of people.
Objective 3.1.2: Ensure that future infrastructure is
planned with minimal impact to natural resources.
Goal 3.2: Develop a strong export economy.
Objective 3.2.1: Complete a logistics study for filling
empty containers to increase exports.
Objective 3.2.2: Develop a distribution network of
hubs that connect to global markets and complement
existing networks.
4. BUSINESS CLIMATE & COMPETITIVE­
NESS
Goal 4.1: Encourage local governments to adopt
streamlined development approval procedures.
Objective 4.1.1: Identify current development approval
procedures in local governments which may
be streamlined.
Goal4.2: Monitor CEDS Performance Measures.
Objective 4.2.1: Create a regional data collection
repository by industry and county.
Goal4.3: Develop projects and programs that sup-
22

port existing and new business.
Objective 4.3.1: Establish a clearinghouse that
combines resources and initiatives of all economic
development agencies of local jurisdictions in the
region to incorporate one regional effort to expand
manufacturing and research in the region.
communities.
Objective 6.2.2: Promote safe, healthy built environments
and ensure access to high quality healthcare,
Including primary, speciality, and ancillary
services.
Goal 4.4: Increase investment in business development
and placement In the region.
Objective 4.4.1: Establish a clearinghouse that
combines resources and initiatives of all business
development Initiatives of local jurisdictions in the
region to incorporate one regional effort to educate
and assist businesses locate and grow.
5. CIVIC & GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS
Goal 5.1: Improve coordination of economic development,
land use, infrastructure, water and natural
resource decision making.
Objective 5.1.1: Coordinate local government
comprehensive planning and regional strategic
planning with capital improvement projects to fur·
ther regional goals.
Goal 5.2 - Improve public/private/civic cooperation,
collaboration, and communication of the region's
economic strategies.
Objective 5.2.1: Cooperate on a regional communications,
marketing, and programming plan to
strengthen and promote a sense of regionaliden·
tlty, expand opportunities, and Increase youth re·
tent ion.
6. QUALITY OF LIFE & QUALITY PLACES
Goal6.1: Protect natural resources to support quality
environment and eco·tourism.
Objective 6.1.1: Provide for connectivity of target·
ed conservation and preservation lands on both
public and private lands.
Objective 6.1.2: Increase conservation lands by
supporting local government incentives through
comprehensive plan provisions, tax incentives, and
other Innovative programs to encourage landown·
ers to participate In conservation programs.
Goal6.2- Develop projects that improve the region's
quality of life.
Objective 6.2.1: Integrate alternative modes of
travel, including walkability, in new and existing
Comprehensive E

Southwest Florida Economic Development District
C. CEDS Plan of Action- Each Pillar Becomes a Target
Area in the Plan
PLAN OF ACTION
The plan of action implements the goals and objectives of
the CEDS In a manner that-
1. Maximizes effective development and use of the
workforce consistent with any applicable state or local
workforce investment strategy · Talent Supply &
Education
2. Obtains and utilizes adequate funds and other resources
- Innovation & Economic Development
3. Fosters effective transportation access, promotes the
use of technology in economic development, Including
access to high-speed telecommunications -Infrastructure
& Growth l eadership
4. Promotes economic development and opportunity -
Business Climate & Competitiveness
5. Balances resources through sound management of
physical development -Civic & Governa nee Systems
6. Enhances and protects the environment- Quality of
Life & Quality Places
The CEDS must also contain a section that discusses the
methodology for cooperating and Integrating the CEDS
with a state's economic development priorities.
The Southwest Florida EDD will coordinate CEDS projects
and activities with county economic development entitles
In the region as well as state and other appropriate
agencies and entities. In addition, staff will assist in project
development by providing technical assistance in
grant preparation, needs analysis, and intergovernmental
and public coordination of activities. The plan of action
Implements the goals and objectives of the CEDS In
a manner that cooperates and aligns the CEDS with the
state's economic development priorities.
• SWFRPC shall convene meetings, compile project status
and report to EDA.
Southwest Florida RPC staff functioning as the EDD staff
will continue to coordinate the CEDS plans by participating
in the economic development activities in the region,
as well as on local and statewide levels; and by fostering
public-private partnerships.
STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRI­
ORITIES
In developing the CEDS and assessing the Goals, Objec·
tlves, Programs and Projects, the CEDS Working Committee
remained cognizant of the DE~
state-wide economic development
efforts of Enterprise Florida.
The end result is a CEDS that Fl.OAlDA OEPART1>4£NU
is consistent with, and furthers ECONOMIC oPPORTUNITY
the efforts of, Enterprise Florida's
Roadmap to Florida's Future, 2007-2012 Strategic Plan for
Economic Development.
As illustrated by the programs and projects adopted as
part of the CEOS, Southwest Florida's economic development
objectives parallel the state's goals to: attract and
retain globally competitive businesses; create and retain
high paying jobs; and maintain a high quality of life
throughout Florida.
In addition to being coordinated with Florida's economic
development priorities and programs, the CEDS was coordinated
with the Regional Economic Development Agencies
and Workforce Board.
The following actions shall occur.
• The CEDS Working Committee shall meet quarterly to
monitor starus of regional projects,
• The SWFRPC shall monitor status of regional coord ination,
The SWFRPC shall report on performance measures,
The SWFRPC and CEDS Working Committee will develop
new regional projects,
• County Economic Development staff, Florida Heartland
Rural Economic Development Initiative (FHREDI),
and Workforce staff shall track key indicators, and
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report 2012·2017
24

D. Strategic Projects, Programs and Activities- Priority
Projects Under Each Pillar
PROJECT RANKING CRITERIA
The Oversight Committee and CEOS Working Committee
used the criteria listed below to evaluate the 47 projects
included in the 2012-2017, Five Year CEDS Plan. These
criteria were applied to each project to calculate a score,
and the highest scoring projects were assigned to the Vital
Project list. The CEOS Working Committee forwarded
the proposed Vital Project List to the CEDS Oversight
Committee for approval, with final approval granted by
the Council.
1. Project is in accord with U. S. EDA's Investment Policy
Guidelines (see above)
a. Meets at least four of the Investment Priorities
including 1,2, 3, (8 points)
b. Meets three of the Investment Priorities (6 points)
c. Meets two of the Investment Priorities (4 points)
d. Meets one ofthe Investment Priorities (2 points)
e. Meets none of the Investment Priorities (0 points)
2. Project demonstrates regional significance (positive
multi-jurisdictional impacts)
a. Project will likely Impact the majority of the region's
planning area (8 points)
b. Project will likely impact at least two to three
counties (4 points)
c. Project not likely to Impact more than one county
(0 points)
3. Project willie ad to private Investment and new tax
revenues
a. Contributes to private investment and new tax
revenue (6 points)
b. Contributes to private Investment or new tax
revenues (3 points)
c. No/Insufficient information (O points}
4. Project Readiness
a. Engineering, costs, & approval substantially com·
plete; site control and funding sources identified
(6 points)
a. Preliminary engineering, costs, scope developed
(4 points)
a. feasibility study completed (2 points)
a. Feasibility study in progress (1 point)
a. Early planning stage (O points)
The 2012-2017 Project list includes 56 individual projects,
representing the priorities of the SWFRPC localities and
the various agencies involved in economic development
related activities in the SWFRPC Region. The following is
a discussion of the methodology followed in developing
this list of vital projects.
Methodology
Development of the 2012-2017 project list was a collaborative
effort involving an Oversight Committee, the CEO$
Working Committee, localities, other agencies responsible
for economic development initiatives. Staff solicited
projects for Inclusion In the Five Year Plan from the CEOS
Working Committee, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the
22 local governments throughout the region, and other
agencies known to have active economic and/or com·
munlty development projects In the region. The SWFRPC
included a comprehensive public outreach campaign to
educate and engage local residents to provide input into
the CEDS process. Additionally, SWFRPC staff reviewed
a number of existing plans, strategies, and regional eco·
nomic development studies for additional proposed projects.
In order to ensure consistency with the State DEO Five
Year Strategic Plan and the Six Pillars framework, staff
had to utilize various methods to determine the final Vital
Projects list. Deviation from the ranking criteria was
necessary due to the many different assumptions and interpretations
of the Oversight Committee and the CEDs
working Committee. The ranking system was not as useful
as expected. Therefore, staff made the final determinations
based on regional support, EDA's Investment priorities,
and project readiness. The CEDS Working Committee
was committed to seven Vital Program Areas that
embraced almost all of the identified projects submitted
by the localities in the region. Additionally, these program
areas aligned well with the Six Pillars framework. Staff was
able to further translate findings from the ranking list and
capture regional importance from the substantial input
gathered at the various meetings held throughout the
region resulting In the final economic project categories
below. The CEOS Working Committee as well as the Strat·
egy Committee approved the Vital Project list.
Economic Project Categories
Projects identified as economic development opportunities
for the region have been divided into the following
three groups based on strategic fit and technical readiness.
They are as follows:
VITAL PROJECTS
... top prioritized projects strategically fitting the region's
goals as well as the EOA's (or another major funding
source's) goals and are technically ready to implement.
IMPORTANT PROJECTS
... projects that are deemed important due to potential
impact and importance to the region, but aren't technically
ready to implement.
FUTURE PROJECTS
...projects on the horizon that are expected to be developed
further within the next five years. This list is an
overview of potential projects; new projects may arise
at anytime.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (C~OS) Report 2012·2017 25

Southwest Rorida Economic Development Dlstnct
VITAL PROJECTS
All vital projects will require funding from Federal, State or Local sources.
1. TALENT SUPPLY & EDUCATION
Pre·K. Primary/Secondary, Post-Secondary, Workforce Development. STEM
Table lO:Vital Projects by Pillar
------------------------------,
PROGRAM: REGIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOCUS (STEM, TechnologySchoolsandWorkforce)
Vital Projects Cost Jobs l ead Organization
Develop Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA)
Training Center for logistics/manufacturing
S4M 20
Glades/
Hendry Counties
SWF Workforce Devel-
Regional Pre-Machining Training $250,000 100 opment Board/Hech
Immokalee
Repositioning the talent delivery system in the Southwest
Florida Region
$1.5 M TBD
SWF Workforce
Development Board
DEO Suaregy: Connect and ollgn educo6on ond workforce development progrom1 to develop and retain Florldo's current ond future talent supply
chain and mtet employer needs.
2. INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -
Innovation, Commercialization, Entrepreneurism, Global Trade, Economic Development
PROGRAM: REG ION A L ENTR EP R EN EU RIAL SUPPORT (Incubators, Regional one Stop, Economic Gardening)
Vital Projects
Regional Incubator Network
Charlotte County Incubator
Expansion of the Immokalee Business Development
Center
AirGiades Airport Development
logistics Center (America Gateway Logistics • Phase 1)
Southwest Florida International Airport Improvements
Cost
$4M
Jobs
150 Direct/
300 Indirect
$1.2 M TBD
+ s2s-so M f-:mD
TBD J ---:r8o
$58.1 M 485
lead Clfga nizati on
Charlotte County
Collier County
Hendry Count~
Glades County
Southwest Florida
International Airport
DEO Strategy: Grow, sustoin, and integrate efforts U!loted to R&D, technology commerdolimtion, and seed capital ro creat~ nUftuteand expand innovation
businesses.
PROGRAM: INDUSTRY CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT (Agricultural sustainability, Economic centers and Regional
Sports Destination)
Vltall'l'ojects Cost Jobs lead Organization
Research and Enterprise Diamond $10 M + 1,500 lee County/FGCU
Mote Marine in Punta Gorda
Murdock Village
$4M
$20M
TBD
500
Mote Marine/Charlotte
County
Charlotte County
DfO Srra~y: Slrengrhen Flori do's leodefship In expanding and emerging industryd usrers ond help tranflfion esrablishtd clusrers to setve new marl

Southwest Florida Economic Development District
3. INFRASTRUCTURE & GROWTH LEADERSHIP
Energy, Transportation & Logistics, Water & Environmental Protection. Growth Leadership, Housing, Disaster, Preparedness
Recovery
I PROGRAM: REGIONALINFRASTRUCTU RE !Utilities. rr.~nsportation, re:hnological ai'KI high-speed lnterconnectivity,
, ....... .,._lh,OiA""'P--H-IofiH:_~ poojO

Southwest Florida Economic Development District
VITAL PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Vital Projects
J Talent Supply & Education
I
Develop Material Handling Industry
of America (MHIA) Training Center for
l ogistics/manufacturing
Regional Pre-Machining Training
Repositioning the talent delivery system
in the Southwest Florida Region
Innovation & Economic Development
Charlotte County Incubator
Expansion of the Immokalee Business
Development Center
AirGiades Airport Development
Logistics Center (America Gateway
Logistics • Phase 1)
r---
Southwest Florida International Airport
Improvements
Table 1 1: Vital Project Descriptions
Description
--~----------------------
The project will bring the MHIA Training Center to Glades and Hendry County.
The concept is to provide training for students in logistics, IT related to logistics
and material handling, truck driver's training and related coursework.
Public and private partners are developing a regional pre-machining training
p!ogram that will enable the current workforce to expand skill sets In machinist
training, machine operator and computer numerical control. The goal is to offer
this program by various local technical schools.
The Regional Business Team - subcommittee of the CEDS Working Group will
work towards building a dynamic delivery system for leaders and economic
development workforce data.
The proposed Smart Technology Center and Business Incubator will provide a
unique opportunity to bring about the convergence of technologies surrounding
smart home, smart building, and intelligent technology with research and business
Incubation that will lead to the development of new marketable products.
The Immokalee Business Development Center (18DC}, also known as "Immokalee
Biz~ addresses the general problem of a weak economic and business climate In
Immokalee, and some of the barriers to entry for new businesses. Economic and
social conditions are addressed and overcome through a combination of techni·
cal assistance, education, training, and business guidance. The IBDC promotes
business growth, job creation, and economic growth fur the Immokalee Com·
munlty.
The current project of expanding the center (building a structure that will house
the business development center and a regional food production center) will add
a new program to the incubator by providing a facility to allow small local growers
to increase the economic value and consumer appeal of raw farm products
and marketing it more directly to the public. Hence, we will have the capability
to retrain Individuals who were In the agricultural industry to becoming entrepreneurs
AirGiades Airport is currently a GA airport that Is in the FAA Privatization Program
which will create an environment whereas a developer (AlrGiades International·
already established) will manage/purchase the airport and develop It for aviation/
cargo/distribution/manufacturing purposes. There are current infrastructure
Issues that need to be upgraded/improved. There is already existing interest
from large companies to locate at AlrGiades creating a huge economic impact
for Southwest Florida. The Airport Is 2400 acres and expects to create a few
thousand jobs/millions In private Investment within the next five years. We need
infrastructure funds NOW to help kick-start the development.
---t:::- - -
The AGLC will be located in the center of southern Florida between Fort Myers
and Palm Beach in Glades County. The AGLC will focus on the exporting and
distribution of manufactured goods by Floridians and North American companies
by linking four Florida ports and three international cargo airports on both coasts
by road and rail thus advandng the goal of doubling Florida's exports and Florida
becoming an international shipping hub (by rail, roact sea and air).
_,.- --
Southwest Aorida International Airport is a major economic engine to the
Southwest Aorida region. The proposed project will provide for infrastructure
improvements to accommodate the continued growth of passenger and cargo
movement into and out of the region. These infrastructure improvements will
also serve an area that Is projected to be the future technology and research
employment center for Lee County.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report 2012·2017 28

Southwest Florida Economi( Development District
Vital Projects
Innovation & Economic Development
Research and Enterprise Diamond
Mote Marine in Punta Gorda
Murdock Village
Infrastructure & Growth Leadership
Regional Transportation Plan
------------
Business Climate & Competitiveness
Establish partnerships for the creation
of a Regional Economic Development
Agency to promote centralized data and
regional marketing efforts
Description
---
The Renewable Energy and Research Diamond is a designated high-tech industrial
area targeted by Lee County for economic diversification and job creation.
The Renewable Energy and Research Diamond is anchored by Florida Gulf
Coast University (FGCU} and the Southwest Florida International Airport, and
Includes several private-sector industrial, commercial, and research-oriented
facilities.
Mote Marine Laboratory is looking at expanding its operation Into Charlotte
County by developing an aquarium in downtown Punta Gorda. Development
of the Charlotte County facility will provide an economic engine to community
that will lead to job creation, new business development, and expansion of
existing businesses.
I The Murdock Village Community Redevelopment Agency owns approximately
870 acres of vacant land strategically located in central Charlotte County. The
area is targeted for a mix of uses that will provide both a tourist destination
and a business technology park. The redevelopment of this area will create an
economic center for the area.
To facilitate coordination In cooperation with the existing MPOs and other
partners to create a comprehensive regional transportation plan for Southwest
Florida.
Clearinghouse of Regional Data and Dissemination (website, GIS, etc) through
Collection and Delivery of Economic Data.
I CMc & Governance Systems
Create an Ad-Hoc Committee to evaluate
and recommend legal & Regulatory
reform to address government efficiency.
Quality of Life & Quality Places
Creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee comprised of stakeholders In the six county
regions to discuss, identify and address barriers to development and other
regional issues. This committee would be tasked with presenting regional
solutions and developing a toolkit for Florida governments to streamline the
regulatory process.
Prepare a regional plan and identify To develop a coordinated comprehensive regional plan along the State
place-making projects that Improve the Road 80 and Caloosahatchee Rive corridor that connects Fort Myers to Lake
quality of life
I Okeechobee.
------r-1 W- arm Mineral Springs is an 81 acre site containing Florida's only naturally
formed warm water mineral spring. Located in the City of North Port this
historically and archaeologically Important asset was purchased by Sarasota
1 Warm Mineral Springs 1 County and the Oty of North Port in 2010 with the goal of developing It into
a regional tourist attraction that would promote. eco-tourlsm, health and
wellness and leisure and recreation activities. Development of this project will
involve public/private partnerships and collaboration.
----------.
Fort Myers Riverfront Redevelopment
I
Project
This project will improve the quality of water discharging from the
urban area and improve the water quality in the Caloosahatchee River
that ultimately tlows to the Gulf of Mexico. The downtown riverfront
detention basin will serve to Infuse the downtown with a new dlmen·
slon of waterfront that will serve as an amenity to residents and visitors
_and stimulate improvement to downtown fort Myers.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEO$) Report 2012-2017 29

Southwest Florida Economic Development District
IMPORTANT PROJECTS
Table 12: Important Projects
Project
i
Program
Talent Supply & Education
Regional Technology Study· Focus
Innovation & Economic Development
GrowFL - Economic Gardening
Southwest Florida Enterprise Center Expansion
Collier/Naples Airport Improvements
SarasotaNel"'lce Airport Improvements
Identify solutions •tood deserts•
Academic Village
Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park
Immokalee Tradeport
~-----------------------------------------------------
Downtown & Central Fort Myers Redevelopment (CRA}
Regional Industry Cluster Study
---i
Regional Education and Training Focus
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
I
Industry Cluster Development
Industry Cluster Development
Industry Cluster Development
Industry Cluster Development
Industry Cluster Development
------;
Industry Cluster Development
lnfra~tructure & Growth Leadership
Provide intra-state connections within the state and regional airports
41aneSR80
Toledo Blade Blvd. Extension - Charlotte County
Piper Road North
~~----------------------------
Regional Broadband Plan
cape Coral/Fort Myers Utility Interconnection Projec Pine Island Road & Burnt Store
Widening- Charlotte Phase 3
Burnt Store Widening - Phase 2
Pine Island Road & Burnt Store Widening- Cape Coral
I Reglonallnfrastructure
Regional Infrastructure
---
Regionallnfrastructure
------------------------4-------------------------~
Reglonallnfi'astructure
I Regional Infrastructure
Reglonallnfi'astructure
Regional Infrastructure
Reglonallnfi'astructure
I
Reglonallnfi'astructure
1
Reglonallnfi'astructure
: Cape Coral UEP Regional Infrastructure --
Page Field North Quad Phase 2
Page Field South Danley & N Airport Road Utilities Extension
Business Climate & Competltiveness
r--
Study on how to attract Medical Tourism
Signature Projects (Motocross Track, Billy Swamp Safari, Warm Mineral Springs)
1-----=-- -
-
Global Competitiveness
Global Competitiveness
A""""'"" uri>an/Mal "'lutlon> !bot would be an objeciNeln"'Mion .,., do"' I Gl bal c ........,
provides applied research in planning and economic development issues
J Quality of Life & Quality Places ·--- -
VA Clinic & Development of Veteran's Investment Zone
- -
0
ompe
ss
-------- ----------
Regional Innovation
.J.___ ·-----
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report 2012-2017 30

FUTURE PROJECTS
Table 13: Future Projects
~------------------------------
Project
Program
Talent Supply & Education
Prevent Childhood Obesity by Building Healthy Habits
---
Innovation & Economic Development
Main street Moore Haven redevelopment project
573 acres of developable land - Cape Coral
Commercial Sector Expansion expected as a result of widening
--- -----
legi'l & Regulatory reform for the as.sembly of pre-platted communities for development
Regional transfer of development plans and projects
Farmland preservation and sustainable agricultural practice5
State Constitutional amendment reform for the acquisition of property for economic
development
Infrastructure & Growth leadership
Agriculture Impact and Strategy Study
Extend Infrastructure to Glades County Biz and Commerce Park
!Hanson Street Project --
East Water Reclamation Facility
Regional Education and Training Focus
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Regional Entrepreneurial Support
Industry Cluster Development
Regional Infrastructure
Regional Infrastructure
Reglonal lnfrasttucture
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEOS) Report 2012-2017
31

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Team
Margaret A. Wuerstle, AICP, Executive Director
Jennifer Pellechio, Planner Ill, Network Administrator
Rebekah Harp, Planner I, IT Support
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council staff would like to thank the members of Council, the
Strategy Committee and the CEDS Working Committee for their input in developing the Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
Further information on this economic development plan may be obtained by contacting Jennifer
Pellechio, Planner Ill, Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council at (239) 338-2550 ext. 218 or email
jpellechio@swfrpc.org.
Prepared by economic development district staff:
Jennifer Pellechio
Rebekah Harp
Additional Assistance From:
Margaret Wuerstle
Liz Donley
David Crawford
Tim Walker
Nichole Gwinnett
Comprehensive E

APPENDIX
TECHNICAL
REPORT
Appendix ·Technical Report 33

Southwest Florida Economic Development District
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPENDIX- TECHNICAL REPORT
A. Analysis of Economic Deveropment Problems and Opportunities- Filtered Through the Lens of the
Six Pillars
B. Performance Measures
C. Six Pillars Measures
TABLES
Table A-1 Average Wages per Job Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Table A-2 High School Graduation Rates Southwest Aorida Region and State School Years 2001-02 to 2010-11
Table A-3 Eighth Grade Math Performance Percent of Students Scoring at or Above Level3 of 5 on Florida Comprehensive
Assessment Test Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Table A-4 Gross Domestic Product Southwest Florida Region and State Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars 2001 to 2010
Table A-5 Tourism Development Tax Collections Southwest Florida Region and State Thousands of Dollars 2000·01
to 2009-10
Table A-6a Trade Exports Southwest Florida Region and State Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars 2001 to 2010
Table A-6b Trade Imports Southwest Florida Region and State Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars 2001 to 2010
Table A-7 Population Counts, Estimates and Projections Southwest Florida Region and State 2000 to 2040
Table A-8 Annual Building Permits Southwest Florida Region and State Residential Units 2001 to 2010
Table A-9 Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled Southwest Florida Region and State Millions of Miles 2001 to 2010
Table A-1 0 Average Annual Unemployment Rates Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Table A-11a Employment by Industry Southwest Florida Region 2001 to 2010
Table A-11 b Employment by Sector Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Table A-12a Average Annual Wages by Industry Southwest Florida Region Thousands of Current Dollars 2001 to 2010
Table A-12b Average Annual Wages by Sector Southwest Florida Region and State Thousands of Current Dollars
2001 to 2010
Table A-13 Millage Rates Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Table A-14 Registered 501 (c)3 Organizations Public and Private Foundation Charities Southwest Florida Region and
State 2001 to 2010
Table A-15 Voter Participation Southwest Florida Region and State Biennial General Elections 2000 to 2010
Table A-16 Real Personal Per Capita Income Southwest Florida Region and State Fixed 2005 Dollars 2001 to 2010
Table A-17 Relative Housing Price Southwest Florida Region and State National Index= 1.0 2001 to 2010
Table A-18 Percent of Persons Living in Poverty Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Appendix • Techntcal Report 34

ILLUSTRATIONS
Illustration A-1 Average Wages per Job Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-2 High School Graduation Rates Southwest Florida Region and State School Years 2001-02 to 201 o-1 1
Illustration A-3 Eighth Grade Math Performance Percent of Students Scoring at or Above Level3 of 5 on Florida Comprehensive
Assessment Test Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-4 Gross Domestic Product Southwest Florida Region and State Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars 2001 to 201 o
Illustration A·S Tourism Development Tax Collections Southwest Florida Region and State Thousands of Dollars 2000-01 to
2009-10
Illustration A-6a Trade Exports Southwest Florida Region and State Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-6b Trade Imports Southwest Florida Region and State Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars 2001 to 201 o
Illustration A-7 Population Counts, Estimates and Projections Southwest Florida Region and State 2000 to 2040
Illustration A-8 Annual Building Permits Southwest Florida Region and State Residential Units 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-9 Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled Southwest Florida Region and State Millions of Miles 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-1 0 Average Annual Unemployment Rates Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 201 0
Illustration A-lta Employment by Industry Southwest Florida Region 2001 to 2010
lllustr ation A-1 1 b Employment by Sector Southwest Florida Reg ion and State 2001 to 201 0
Illustration A·12a Average Annual Wages by Industry Southwest Florida Region Thousands of Current Dollars 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-12b Average Annual Wages by Sector Southwest Florida Region and State Thousands of Current Dollars 2001
to2010
Illustration A-13 Millage Rates Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-14 Registered 501 (c)3 Organizations Public and Private Foundation Charities Southwest Florida Region and
State 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-15 Voter Participation Southwest Florida Region and State Biennial General Elections 2000 to 2010
Illustration A-16 Real Personal Per Capita Income Southwest Florida Region and State Fixed 2005 Dollars 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-17 Relative Housing Price Southwest Florida Region and State National Index= 1.0 2001 to 2010
Illustration A-18 Percent of Persons Living in Poverty Southwest Florida Region and State 2001 to 2010
Illustration C-1 Average Annual Wages per Job Southwest Florida Region and State Current Dollars 2010
Illustration C-2 High School Graduation Rates Southwest Florida Region and State School Year 2010-11
Illustration C-3 8th Grade Math Performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
Percent Scoring >= Level 3 of 5 Southwest Florida Region and State 2010
Illustration C-4 Gross Domestic Product Southwest Florida Region Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars 2010
Illustration C-5 Tourism Development Tax Collections Southwest Florida Region Thousands of Dollars Fiscal Year 2009-10
Illustration C -6a Trade Exports Southwest Florida Region Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars 201 0
Illustration C-6b Trade Imports Southwest Florida Region Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars 2010
Illustration C-7 Population Counts, Estimates and Projections Southwest Florida Region 2010
Illustration C -8 Annual Building Permits Southwest Florida Region Residentia I Units 201 0
lllustr ation C -9 Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled Southwest Florida Reg ion Millions of Miles 2010
Illustration C -10 Average Annual Unemployment Rates Southwest Florida Region and State 2010
Illustration C -11 a Employment by Industry Southwest Florida Region 2010
Illustration C-1 1b Employment by Sector Southwest Florida Region 2010
Illustration C -12a Average Annual Wages by Industry Southwest Florida Region Thousands of Current Dollars 201 o
Illustration C-1 2b Average Annual Wages by Sector Southwest Florida Region Thousands of Current Dollars 2010
Illustration C-13 Millage Rates Southwest Florida Region and State 201 o
Illustration C-14 Registered 501 (c)3 Organizations Public and Private Foundation Charities Southwest Florida Region 201 0
Illustration C-15 Voter Participation Southwest Florida Region and State Biennial General Elections 2010
Illustration C -16 Real Personal Per Capita Income Southwest Florida Region and State Fixed 2005 Dollars 2010
Illustration C-17 Relative Housing Price Southwest Florida Region and State National Index= 1.0 2010
Illustration C -18 Percent of Persons Living In Poverty Southwest Florida Region and State 2010
AppendiK-Technical Report 35

A. Analysis of Economic Development Problems and
Opportunities- Filtered Through the Lens of the Six
Pillars
All measurements are by County.
1. Talent Supply & Education
a. Average Annual Wages
Table A·l : Average Wages per Job, Southwest Florida Region and State, 2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Charlotte $32,82
Collier $39,51
Glades $27,65
Hendry $26,76
Lee $36,82
Sarasota $32,19
Region $36,54
Florida
2009 2010
$34,048
$43,020
$34,812
$32,924
$39,498
$40,344
$39,883
$43,033
Source: U5. Bureau of Economic Analysis website
Note;
The employment estimates used to compute the average wage are a job, not person. count.
People holding more than one job are counted In the employment estimates for each job they hold.
All state and local area dollar estimates are In current dollars (notadjusted for Inflation).
Illustration A-1: Average Wages per Job
Southwest Florida Region and State
2001 to2010
$50,000 ---------------=~
A
0
... $45,000
tl
a. $40,000 -+
-
Cll
110 $35,000
Ill
3: $30,000 .;
ii
:::J
c: $25,000 t
c
< $20,000
=.
e
$15,000
Cll
$10,000 1
~
$5,000
$0
2001 2002 Z003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
- Region
Florida
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Appendix· Technical Report
36

Southwest Aorlda Economic Development District
b. High School Graduation Rates
Table A-2: High School Graduation Rates, Southwest Florida Region and State
School Years 2001-02 to 201 0-11
Area 2001·02 2002·03 2003·04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
Charlotte
Coller
GI

Southwest Florida Economic Development D•str•ct
c. 8th Grade Math Performance
Table A-3: Eighth Grade Math Performance, Percent of Students Scoring at or Above level3 of
on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Southwest Florida Region and State
2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
2009 2010
Source:
Charlotte
Collier
Glades
Hendry 5
Lee 5
Sarasota
Region
Florida
Florida Department of Education, Florida Comprehensive AssessmentTest
73%
69%
82%
62%
67%
75%
71%
68%
tf)
j
~
II
1\
IIIII
·!
8
Ill
~
80%
70%
60%
SO%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Illustration A-3: 8th Grade Math Performance
Percent of Students Scoring at or Above Level 3 of 5 on
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
Southwest Florida Region and State
2001 to2010
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Testing Year
- Region
Florida
Source:
Rorlda Department of Education, Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
Appendix -Technical Report
38

2. Innovation & Economic Development
a. Gross Domestic Product
Table A-4: Gross Domestic Product, Southwest Florida Region and State
Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars, 2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 201 o
Charlotte
Collier
Glades
Hendry
Lee
Sarasota
Region
53.15
$10.96
SO.l7
50.83
518.71
$13.06
S46.8S
Florida
Source:
Regional Economic Modelln9< Inc. Polley Insight Plus, florida Counties v1.3.5, Historical Data
Illustration A-4: Gross Domestic Product
Southwest Florida Region and State
Blllons of filled 2005 Dollars, ZOOlla Z010
~
10
=s
Q
~
~
'a
~
'0
"' c
~
a;
$800.00
$700.00
$600.00
$500.00
$400.00
$300.00
$200.00
$100.00
1
- Region
Ftorlda
$0.00
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Source: Regional Economic Modeling, Inc. Polley Insight Plus, Florida Counties v1.3.S, Hlstortcal Data ____...J
Appendix · Technical Report 39

Southwest Florida Economic Development District
.-----
b. Tourism Development Tax Collections
Table A-5: Tourism Development Tax Collections, Southwest Florida Region and State
Thousands of Dollars, 2000-01 to 2009-1 0
Fiscal Year
Area 20QO-Ol 2001..02 2002..03 2003-Q4 2004-os 2005..06 2006-o7 2007-oa 2008-Q9 2009-10
f-
Charlotte $1,308 $1,267 $1,2~ $1,38< $1,34f: $1,61 .. $1,8H! $2,20E $2,05-l $2,108
Collier $9,151 $8,32.; $8,261 $9,4()( $10,60 $13,05t $14,15~ $14,72~ $12,70! $12,814
Glades sc $( $( $( $( $( $~ $21 $21 $26
Hendry $( $( $( $( $( $( $( $( $( $0
Lee $681 $693 $871 $1,80C $2,05t $Ust $2,34( $2,341 $1,96€ $1,902
Sarasota $6,241 $5,951 $5,83~ $6,601 $7,52~ $7,43~ $8,06

c. Trade Exports and Imports
Table A-6a: Trade Exports, Southwest Florida Region and State
Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars, 2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Charlotte
Collier
Glades
Hendry
Lee
Sarasota
2009 2010
$2.06
$6.78
$0.17
$0.84
$8.03
Region
Florida $431.
Source:
Regional Economic Modeling, Inc. Polic:y Insight Plus, Florida Counties vi.3.S, Historical Data
Illustration A-6a: Trade Exports
Southwest Florlda Region and State
Billions of fixed ZOOS Dollan
~
~
0
11'1
0
N
"1:1
Cll
X
l1:
'a
c: "'
$600
$500
$400
-
$300
$200 l
~
$100 iii
2001 to 2010
-
- Region
Florida
$0
2001 2002 2003 2004 zoos 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Source: Regional Economic Modeling, Inc. Polley lnslcht Plus, Florida Counties v1.3.5, Historical Data:.__ ___ ____,
Appendtx Te

Table A-6b: Trade Imports, Southwest Florida Region and State
Billions of Fixed 2005 Dollars, 2001 to 2010
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
2009 2010
Charlotte
Collier
Glades $0.3
Hendry $1.3
Lee $12.7
Sarasota $10.7
Region
$3.98
$12.51
$0.34
$1.27
$15.75
$12.44
$46.29
Florida
Source:
Regional Economic Modeling, Inc. Polley Insight Plus, f lorida Counties v1.3.S, Historical Data
"'
$600
~ $500 ;- - _- _- _- .:-
Illustration a-6b: Trade Imports
Southwest Florida Region and State
Billions of l'bred 2005 Doll~rs
ZOOl lo 2010
..----~~~=-~-
=--------~ .....,.=--
8 $400 +------------------------------­
f'j
'0
~ $300 +-------------------------------
"­- ~ $200 r-----------------------------­
c
.!:!
~ $100 +---------------------------
- Region
Florida
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Source:
Regional Economic Modeling, Inc. Polley Insight Plus, Rorlda Counties vl.J.S, Historical Data ______,
Appendix· Technocal Report 42

Southwest Florida Economic Development District
3. Infrastructure & Growth Leadership
a. Population Counts, Estimates and Projections - Flo rida Statistical Abstract
Table 1.20, 1.40
Census
2000
Table A-7: Population Counts, Estimates and Projections
Southwest Florida Region and State, 2000 to 2040
Estimate Census
Projections
2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
2035
2040
Chaflotte
Collier
Glades
Hendry
Lee +10,
Sarasota
206,700
506,300
18,000
46,400
1,086,600
509,000
Regfon
florida
26,081,800
Source: Florida Statistical Abstract. 2006·2011 Editions, Tables 1.20, 1.40
Illustration A-7: Population Counts, Estimates and Projections
Southwest Florida Region and State, 2000 to 2040
30,000,000
25,000,000
c 20,000,000
0
-:;
tel
:; 15,000,000
a.
0
D. 10,000,000
5,000,000
- Region
Florida
0
N N N N
c c c ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ... ... N w w 2
c VI 0 VI ~ VI 0 VI 0
Year
Source: Florida Statistical Abstract, 20(16.2011 Editions, Tables1.20, 1.40
Appendi)( ·Technical Report
43

. Annual Building Permits
Table A-8: Annual Building Permits, Southwest Florida Region and State
Residential Units, 2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Charlotte
Collier
Glades
Hendry
Lee
Sarasota
Region
Florida
Source:
u.s. Census Bureau, Annual New Private ly·Owned Residential Building Permits, Total Un11s, for Counties in Florida.
http://censtats.cert5us.gov/bldg/b!dgprmt.shtml
350,000 t
Illustration A-8: Annual Building Permits
Southwest Florida Region and State
Residential Units, 2001 to 2010
:0 300,000 +---------------------
'e
t 250,000
D.
110
c 200,000
~
~ = 150,000
iii
= c 100,000
~
50,000
- Region
Florida
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Source:
U.S. Census Bureau, Annual New Prlvately-Gwned Residentl.al Building Permits, Total Units
Appendix ·Technical Report 44

Southwest Flor1da Econom1c Development District
Charlotte
Collier
c. Vehicle Miles Traveled
Glades 544,
Hendry
Table A-9: Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled, Southwest Florida Region and State
Millions of Miles, 2001 to 2010
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Lee 13,810, 12
Sarasota 5,138, 11
Region 29.861, 31,3112,3111
Florida
Source:
Florida Department of Transportation. Florida Highway Mileage and Travel Report. Summary since 1990.
,
"'
l
~
"'
...
~
0
c "'
~
:i
600
soo
400
300
200
100
Illustration A-9: Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled
Southwest Florida Region and State
Millions of Miles, 2001 to 2010
- Region
Florida
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Source: Aorida Department of Transportation, Florida lfishway Mileage and Travel Report. SUmmary since 1990
Appendix· Te

4. Business Climate & Competitiveness
a. Average Annual Unemployment Rates
Table A-1 0: Average Annual Unemployment Rates, Southwest Florida Region and State
2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Charlotte 11.9%
Collier 11.6%
Glades 10.4%
Hendry 14.7%
Lee 12.6%
Sarasota 11.9%
Region 12.2%
Florida 11.3%
Source:
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Local Area Unemployment Statistics
Illustration A-10: Average Annual Unemployment Rates
Southwest Florida Region and State
2001to2010
14.0% .....----------------------
12.0% +--------------------..,~--
~ 10.0% +---------------------------------~~~-----
~ c. 8.0% +----------------------------------,,~~-----
E
~ 6.0% +----=:--------------#c.,---------­
;:)
'$.
4.0% +I-"""-------=..,.
2.0% +----------------------
0.0% ....._ ____________________ _
- Region
- Florida
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Source:
Florida Department of E(OI"'omk Opportunity local Area Unemployment Statistics
Appendix- Technical Report
46

Southwest Florida EconomiC Development Do strict
b. Employment by Industry
Table A-11 a: Employment by Industry, Southwest Florida Region
2001 to 2010
Industry 2010
Retail Trade 91.595 92,206 93,945 97,580 100,949 105.218 104,829 100,067 91,435
Health care and Social Assistance 65,207 66,756 69,748 71,205 72,232 76,345 79,396 81,225 81,878 79,4
Accommodation and Food Services
50.521 53,154 55,442 58,470 60,609 64,522 66,586 65,101 63,030
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 36,772 39,548 43,094 51,124 60,921 65,327 65,664 62,192 60,278 59,031
Local Government
Other Servtces, except Public
Administration
Construction
45.470 47,403 50,239 52,791 54,713 57,121 60,205 60,585 59,181 58,097
45,763 49,828 52,457 53,536 53,038 56,590 59,804 58,575 55,714
65,170 71,009 76,489 86,751 100,056 109,643 93,838 74,399 58,370
Administrative and Waste Services 55,318 55,403 63,518 64,014 61,744 60,209 59,213 52,749 49,321
Professional and Technical Service 37,117 38,701 40,319 44,501 47,253 49,343 50,782 49,045 45,769
Rnance and Insurance
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
Wholesale Trade
Manufacturing
Transportation and Warehousing
Educational Services
Information
Forestry, Fishing. Related Activities,
and Other
State Government
Farm
Federal Civilian
Management of Companies and
Enterprises
Mining
Federal MIMt.ary
Utilities
28,697 29,970 30,432 32,576 35,502 36,621 39,296 40,415 42,612
21,665 22,573 23,626 25,823 26,227 27,064 28,408 28,763 28,585
15,032 15,780 16,439 17,788 19,134 19,618 20,311 18,774 17,196 17,
21,794 22,081 20,819 22,115 23,417 24,138 22,275 18,782 15,996
10,534 10,950 10,953 11,642 13,380 13,812 13,541 12,922 12,250
5,841 6,027 6,152 6,688 7,695 8,538 9,031 9,675 10,000 10,269
12,411 11,405 11,939 11,753 12,054 12,011 11,791 11,369 10,320 9,804
9,208 8,520 8,356 8,363 9,096 9,009 9,248 9,244 8,899 8,925
7,931 7,815 7,952 8,333 8,590 8,663 8,884 8,954 8,960 8,797
10,019 10,077 10,184 9,683 8,283 7,977 8,152 7,685 7,214 7,3
3,794 3,886 4,293 4,282 4,335 4,395 4,455 4,535 4.588 4,807
2.178 2.478 2.508 3,024 3,756 4,084 5,068 5,013 4,621 4,705
1,.544 1,365 1,817 1,618 1,775 1,792 2,402 3,244 4,678 3,56
2,721 2,849 2,867 2,652 2.689 2,887 2.949 2,932 2,998 3,099
1,989 2.054 1,898 1,991 2.091 1,941 2,009 1,884 1.978 1,924
Source;
Regione~l Economic Modeling. Inc. Policy lnsite+. Florida Counties v1 .3, U5. Bu11tau of Economic Analysis ~ta
Appendil! ·Technical Report 47

Southwest Florida Economic Oev~lopment District
120,000
100,000
ao,ooo I
Illustration A-lla: Employment by Industry
Southwest Florida Region
2001 to2010
- Retail Trade
-tfeahh C.Ore and Social A55151ance
- A

Illustration A·llb: Employment by Sector
Southwest florida Reston and State, 2001 to 2010
12,000
.,
..
1.0,000
~ &,000
D.
...
E
6,000
.;!
c
II
:I
4,000
~
z.ooo
0 L!
2001
Year
2008 1009 1010
- l'wllc Sector Emplaymont·Roalon
Source:
Retlonll Econooni< MOIIoiJII&, Int.. llolloy I Mile+, Florida CoiiOIIIw, rt.J, u.s. Buruu or Econornk MolpiJ Dota
Appendix • Technical Report
49

c. Wages by Industry
Table A·12a: Average Annual Wages by Industry, Southwest Florida Region
Thousands of Current Dollars, 2001 to 201 0
Industry 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Management of Companies and Enterprises
Utilities
Federal Civilian
Wholesale Trade
State and Local Government
Health Care and Social Assistance
Info nn atlon
Manufacturing
Professional and Technical Services
Constru

Southwest Florida Economic Development (}strict
$120
Illustration A-12a: Average Annual Wages by Industry
Southwest Florida Region
Thousands of Current Dollars, 2001 to 2010
- Manacement of Companies and
Enterprises
Utilities
- Federal Civilian
$100
- WholeJale Trade
- State and local Government
- Health Care and Social Assistance
~
.!!
8
....
~
Gl
$80
t ::.
v $60
..
~
0
Ill
"1:1
c
:I "'
0
.c
...
$20
- lnfonnatlon
- Manuf•cturlnc
- Profi!S51onal and Technical Services
- Construction
- Federal MliQry
- Retail Trade
~
~~~~~§~~~~~~~~~:~:::;~~~ - Arts, Educational Entertainment, Services and Recreation
- Farm
.-j~i~=;~~i~~~~~~~~~~~~~- '- - Administrative and Waste Services
Accommodation and Food Services
Other ~rvlces, except Public
Administration
Transportation and Warehousln&
Year
forestry, Flshlne, Related Actlvltles, and
Other
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 '""""'"""'""'''"""a"• I
Mlnina
.__So _ u_ru_ : _ R_e&lonal Economic Modelins, Inc., Policy lnJlte+, Florida Counties, V1.3, U.S. Bureau of EconomkAnalysls Data
Appendix -Technical Report 51

Southwest Florida Economic Development Dtstrict
Table A-12b: Average Annual Wages by Sector, Southwest Florida Region and State
Thousands of Current Dollars, 2001 to 2010
Sector 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Total Avg An Wage Rate -Region $23.~ $24."1 $25. $26.1 $28.~ $29. $29.5
2008 2009
$29 .• $28.
~ .. J
$29.0
Total Avg An Wage Rate - State $27.1 $27.1 $28.~ $29~ $30./ $32.( $32.5
Prlv Sctr Avg An Wage Rate - Region $23.1 $23.~ $24A $25. $27.3 $28 ... $28.1
Priv Sctr Avg An Wage Rate -State $26..~ $26.E $27 ... $28 .• $29 .

------------------------------------------------------ ------
5. Civic & Governance Systems
a. Millage Rates
Table A-13: Millage Rates, Southwest Florida Region and State
2001 to 201 o
Area
2001
2002
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
2008
2()09 2010
Charlotte
14.1
13.2
12.31
Collier
Glades
Hendry
lee
215
14.9~
Sarasota
14.05
Region
15.91
Source:
Florida
17.31
17.1 2
16.20 15.75 15.25 13.93
Florida Department of Revenue, Property Tax Analysis, Millage. levies and Collections;
Florida Ad Valorem Valuation and Tax Data 2001 to 201 0; Millage and Taxes Levied Report
14.53 14.77
26.00
24.00
I
Illustration A-13: Millage Rates
Southwest Florida Regton, Z001 to 2010
22.00
Cll
..
~ 18.00
Cll
110
~ 16.00
:E
20.00 ~----~#---~-4~----~-------------------------.... Ch~~tte
14.00
12.00
+-------,..,...._.rr- ______ _.;:::::!!!llo"""'"iiiiiii;::=::::::===-- -
eollier
- Glades
- Hendry
~Z~~~~~ ~==~~~- Lee
10.00
Florida
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Source:
Flortcla Department of Revenue, MIKage and Taxes Levied Report
Appendix· Technical Report 53

. Registered Nonprofit Organizations
-
Table A·14: Registered 501 (c)3 Organizations, Public and Private Foundation Charities
Southwest Florida Region and State, 2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
-
Charlotte
23~ 25c 29S 31

c. Voter Participation
Table A-15: Voter Participation, Southwest Florida Region and State
Biennial General Elections, 2000 to 2010
Ch arlotte
Collier
Glades
Hendry
Lee
Sarasota
Region
Florida
52.0%
57.9%
42.9%
41.2%
53.2%
56.1%
54.5%
48.7%
Source:
Florida Oepanment of State. Division of Elections
Illustration A~lS: Voter Participation
Southwest Florida Region and State
BleMial General Eledlons, 2000 to 2010
90.0% ,......~--------------------
80.0% +------ - - ---------,.------
70.0% +--~...,_ ___...,_"F-~k------IJ.~~',.-----
; 60.0% +----~~~~~---~~-~~---~~----
0
~ 50.0% +-------------.....:..;~~:...._ __
...
t 40.0%
...
~ 30.0% +-----------------------
20.0% +-----------------
10.0% +-----------------------
0.0% .1......------------
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
General Election Year
- Region
- Florida
~ urce: Florida Department of State, Division of Elections _________________ -l
Appendtx ·Technical Report
ss

6. Quality of Life & Quality Places
a. Per Capita Income
Table A·16: Real Personal Per Capita Income, Southwest Florida Region and State
Fixed 2005 Dollars, 2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 201 0
- - ·- f- f- 1- f--
Charlotte $30,062 $29,480 $29,116 $31,061 $32,389 $34,078 $34,724 ~34,465 ~33,938 $34,268
Collier $45,577 $45,753 $45,552 $50,919 $52,133 $56,825 $57,514 ~56,324 $53,276 $53,519
Glades $21,323 $20,140 ~19,838 $20,546 $21,192 $22,360 $23,733 ~22,900 ~23,798 $24,509
Hendry $23,855 $24,243 :$22,935 $23,609 $24,311 $26,167 $26,235 $25,293 ~24,823 $25,864
Lee ~35 ,441 ~35,517 ~35.556 $38,311 $39,151 $41,110 $40,435 ~39,638 ~38,076 $38,264
Sarasota $46,194 ~47,193 ~46,600 $49,774 $50,038 $53,462 $54,101 ~54,563 $53,101 $53,001
Region $39,366 ~39,639 $39,381 ~42,634 $43,480 $46,311 $46,369 $45,854 $44,191 ~44,380
Florida $34,195 ~ 34,509 $34,416 $35,708 $36,408 $37,905 $38,413 $38,016 $37,063 ~37,235
Source:
Regional Economic Modeling, Inc~ Polley lnslte+, Florida Counties, vl.3, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Data
Illustration A·16: Reaf Personal Income Per Capita
Southwest florida Region and State
Fixed 2005 OoUars, 2001 to 2010
$50,000
$45,000
$40,000
...
.,.
$35,000
"""""""'
:g "'
Q $30,000
It)
0 $25,000
, 2 $20,000
- Region
41
JS
...
$15,000
Florida
$10,000 -+
$5,000
$0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Source:
Regional Economk Modellnc.lnc., Polley lnslte+, florid;~ Counties, v1.3, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Data
AppendilC ·Technical Report 56

. House Price Cost Index
Table A-17: Relative Housing Price, Southwest Florida Region and State
National Index= 1.0, 2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Charlotte 0.63 0.6 0.65 0.6 0.76 0.78 0.7
Collier l.OJ 1.0/ 1.10 1.15 1 .2~ 1.33 1.2.1
Glades 0.4fl 0.4E 0.41 0.45 0.55 0.51 O.So~
Hendry 0.38 0.3e 0.39 0.41 0.4(i 0.48 0.44
lee 0.60 0.6C 0.62 0.64 0.72 0.75 0.69
Sarasota 0.85 o.se 0.95 1.0.1 1.24 1.11 1.04
Region 0.80 0.81 0.84 0.89 1.03 1.01 0.93
Florida 0.68 0.69 0.71 0.75 0.85 0.86 0.81
2008
0.66
1.1 .1
0.4S
0.40
0.63
0.94
0.85
0.75
2009 2010
0.61 0.61
1.04 1.04
0.44 0.44
0.3/ 0.31
0.59 o.5a
0.74 0.74
0.75 0.75
0.66 0.66
Source: Regional Economic Modeling, Inc., Policy lruite+, Florida Counties, vl .3
C)
...c
u
"ii
c
0
+:
10
z
,;
Cll
"':S
.!
Cll
.~
...
A.
110
&:
'iii
::J
0
:X:
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
Illustration A-17: Relative Housing Price
Southwest Florida Region and State
National Index = 1.0, 2001 to 2010
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
- Region
- Florida
Source: Regional Economic Modeling, Inc., Policy lnslte+, Florida Counties, v1.3
Appendix ·Technical Report
57

Southwest Florida Economic Development Distnct
c. Persons living in Poverty
Table A-18: Percent of Persons Living in Poverty, Southwest Florida Region and State
2001 to 2010
Area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Charlotte
Collier
Glades
Hendry
lee
Sarasota
Regkm
13.9%
15.7%
21.0%
26.7%
17.1%
13.1%
15.8%
Source:
US. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau,
Illustration A~18: Poverty Rates
Southwest Florida Region and State, 2001 to 2010
16%
14%
c
'i:
12%
1 10%
~
8%
6%
- Region
Florida
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
L
Source:
U.S. Departmrnt of Commerce, Census Bweau
Appendix ·Technical Report
58

Southwest Florida .Economic Development District
7. Shift-Share Analysis
a. Share Change - Change of Industry Due to National Growth
b. Mix Change- Actual Industry Growth
c. Shift Change - Regional Competitiveness
d. l ocation Quotient Analysis
The location quotient (lQ} method compares employment in the regional economy to that of the national economy In
an attempt to identify areas of specialization. The location quotient formula is as follows:
Where for the purpose of this cluster analysis:
e = regional employment in industry i
I
e = total regional employment
E, = national employment In Industry i
E = total national employment
LQ=
The location quotient was calculated for each industry in a region to determine its share of employment
with respect to the nation. Based on the location quotient, all industries are categorized into
basic and non-basic clusters. Basic clusters are regional industries with a greater share of employment
than their respective national industries. Regional clusters with location quotient greater than
1 are considered basic clusters. These industries are assumed exporters of goods and services.
Non-basic clusters have a smaller share of employment regionally compared to the same industries
nationally. An industry with a location quotient less than 1 is classified as a non-basic cluster. It is
assumed that non-basic clusters support basic clusters.
8. Regional Economic Clusters (Methodology, Identification, Benchmarking)
9. State and Local Economic Development Plans Affecting the Region
One of the roles of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (SWFRPC) as an Economic Development
District (EDD) is to provide assistance to local governments and economic development
agencies in securing Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding. SWFRPC staff wiJI work
to ensure that viable economic development projects are identified for funding through EDA and also
look to other potential funding agencies and programs. SWFRPC will work closely with other agencies
and local governments to ensure effective coordination. The SWFRPC reviews plans for consistency
with the region's Strategic Regional Policy Plan and the State Comprehensive Plan in the areas of economic
and social development. The SWFRPC is participating actively in other local, county, regional,
and statewide economic development efforts in order to ensure consistency and cohesion amongst
plans. In an effort to provide this consistency, the SWFRPC is adopting the Florida Chamber's Six Pillars
framework for its CEDS as well as the other economic development activities in which it engages.
The SWFRPC is involved in many efforts which coordinate within the state of Florida or within the region.
These include: the state's economic development agencies Enterprise Florida and Department
of Economic Opportunity {DEO), Florida Regional Planning Councils Association {FRCA); the Aorida
Appendix- Technical Report
S9

Regional Economic Development Initiative (FHREOI); as well as local economic development
councils. The SWFRPC has a working partnership with the region's major colleges and universities. Transportation
is one of the key issues with the Southwest Florida EDD. Development of a balanced system
of existing road network and developing future transportation corridors for movement of goods and
people requires ongoing coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FOOT, District
One) and with local governments. SWFRPC staff serves on both the Lee County Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO)'s Tech n leal Advisory Committee.
The SWFRPC will continue to work with key economic development partners in local communities and
at the regional and state level to move forward existing plans for economic diversification and responsible
development. The regions for rural counties are defined by the State as a Rural Area of Regional
Economic Concern, a designation which carries planning resources and incentives.
As part of the ongoing coordination of economic development activities in the region, the SWFRPC
participates in the alignment of other economic development planning initiatives. Enterprise Florida
and the Department of Economic Opportunity Initiate statewide efforts as well as support initiatives
to generate employment Into all areas of the state including the Southwest Florida EDD. County and
city economic development strategies are considered, as well as regional initiatives and plans such as
FHREDI's Marketing Plan, Regional Workforce Plans, and the Central Florida Regional Planning Council's
CEDS (as Hendry and Glades Counties are part of the Heartland 2060 Vision).
Other plans that are analyzed as part of the CEDS planning and process include:
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Strategic Regional Policy Plan; adopted June 1, 1997.
New Cornerstone- A Vision for Florida's Economic Future; prepared for the Florida Chamber Foundation,
2003, Research by Cambridge Systematics, Inc.
Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern Catalyst Project for South Central Florida, Target Industry
Report; April 2007
Roadmap to Florida's Future; Enterprise Florida 2010-2015
Florida's 2011-2012 Workforce Investment Act Plan Modification
Statewide Strategic Plan for Economic Development: Rural Priority, 2006-2008; Enterprise Florida,
Inc. {To be finalized 7.13.12)
Florida Five Year Statewide Strategic Plan, 2012; Florida Department of Economic
Airports - Florida Statewide Aviation Economic Impact: http:// www.dot.state.fl.us/aviation/econom
icimpact.shtm
10. Past, Present, and Projected Future Economic Development Investments
a. Recent Economic Development Investments
2012- Renewable Energy and Research Diamond- Lee County - $551,000
The Council worked closely with Lee County to prepare a successful application for assistance from
the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). The County re·
ceived $551,000 to support the preliminary design, modeling, and permitting of wastewater and
infrastructure improvements to serve the region's Renewable Energy and Research Diamond. The
Appelld1x · Technic.

project is expected to create 1 ,500 new jobs and attract more than $1 0 million In private investment.
b. Current Economic Development Investments
• Statewide Energy Resifiency Strategy
c. Anticipated Economic Development Investments
Mote Marine
Charlotte County Incubator
Appendix ·Technical Report 61

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
Use the QR Reader App on
your smart phone to visit our
website!
Contact us
1926 Victoria Avenue, Fort Myers, Fl33901
Phone: 239-338-2550
Fax: 239-338-2560
Website: www.swfrpc.org

Good Afternoon,
At the Horizon Council Executive Committee meeting on Friday Dennie Hamilton
discussed the Horizon Council Strategic Planning process.
Attached you will find a draft for your review.
We welcome your input regarding this working document.
Please forward you comments by 9/21 to Neidy Hernandez at
nhernandez@leegov.com.
The Executive Committee will then discuss at the 10/5 executive committee meeting.
The goal is then to bring this forward to the full membership at the 10/26 General
Membership meeting.
We will also be planning a series of special meetings prior to the 11/2 Annual Horizon
Council Executive Retreat to continue to gather input into the process.
We will be meeting with CEO's that participated in the Roundtables this past year,
President's Circle members and other key partners.
This will allow us to continue to refine our strategy leading up to the rollout at the 2/1
Annual Meeting.
We look forward to your input into this important strategic planning process.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Berg
Marketing and Communications Director
Fort Myers Regional Partnership
Lee County's Economic Development Office
(239) 338-3161
"Together, We Mean Business"
www.FortMyersRegionalPartnership.com

Horizon Council
5-Year Strategic Plan
Draft 9-6-12

Horizon Council
Strategic Plan
Table of Contents
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Economic Development Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Economic Development
A Global Economy
The Economic Development Organization
Defining Economic Development
The Economic Impact of Wealth Building Industries
Industry Attraction and Expansion
Business Assistance
Grow Your Own Strategies
Regional Considerations
Lee County’s Economic Development Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Horizon Council
Horizon Foundation
Industrial Development Authority
Fort Myers Regional Partnership
Government in the Sunshine
The Horizon Council Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Lee County Vision (Short Version)
Lee County Vision 2025 (Long Version)
Mission
SWOT Analysis – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats
Strategic Areas
Goals, Objectives and Action Steps
Progress Worksheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
1
Horizon Council Strategic Plan
Draft 9-6-12

Horizon Council Strategic Plan
Executive Summary
A brief overview of the Horizon Council Strategic Plan is presented in the Executive Summary. The full
plan has more detail and includes an overview of key economic development benchmarks, a review of
the role of the Horizon Council, and progress worksheets.
The Horizon Council is Lee County’s economic development private/public advisory board to the Lee
County Commission. Its membership represents Lee County, its five cities, ten chambers of commerce,
eighteen trade organizations, four education institutions, the Industrial Development Authority and
twenty-four at large business and community leaders.
Vision (Short Version): Lee County, Florida is a vibrant community with a globally competitive business
climate growing and attracting thriving companies with quality jobs and career opportunities for
residents and future residents, while respecting those factors that contribute to the area’s high quality
of life. Its municipal and county governments work together with business and community partners
under a common vision seeking innovative ways to enhance economic opportunity for all.
Mission: To serve as the advisory body to the Lee County Commission on economic development
issues; to raise private sector funds to support economic development activities through the Horizon
Foundation; and to provide vision, guidance and support to the Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee
County’s Economic Development Office (EDO), in its mission to help improve the business environment
in Lee County; retain and encourage the expansion of existing business; and attract new and diversified
employment to the area.
Strategic Areas, Goals, Objectives and Action Steps: The Horizon Council works through task forces or
as a convener or facilitator with community partners to accomplish its goals. The Horizon Council carries
out its mission by supporting economic development activities in four Strategic Areas. Each Strategic
Area is further refined into long term goals and short term action steps with assigned responsibilities,
defined timelines and result measurements captured in a work plan updated quarterly and reported
annually.
1. Prospect Development and Marketing:
Goal: Identify wealth creating business prospects and help define new targeted marketing strategies:
A. Evaluate what industries are successful in Lee County and why
B. Tap into existing businesses for prospects (vendors, customers, friends)
C. Polish the EDO brand to better focus on the concept of wealth creation
D. Leverage tourism, business conferences and sports (Spring Training)
E. Leverage SWFL International Airport (RSW)
F. Define focus, targets and a pro-active marketing initiative
G. Explore medical related opportunities for economic development
H. Explore research related opportunities for economic development
I. Further mine the existing CEO’s in SWFL for prospect connections
2
Horizon Council Strategic Plan
Draft 9-6-12

Action Steps:
1) Establish a Horizon Council Prospect Development and Marketing Task Force
2) Develop an on-line survey to capture “reasons for success” in Lee County’s businesses,
as well as, identify potential business leaders willing to assist in identifying company
prospects
3) Meet with key groups on a regular basis to further joint missions and marketing
opportunities, including: the TDC, Sports Authority, SWFL International Airport, target
industry business leaders, hospital and medical visionaries, researchers and SWFL CEO’s
4) Develop materials and tools for Horizon Council members to use in community
outreach, explaining the concept of wealth creation, describing community assets and
defining the benefits of doing business in Lee County
5) Establish a goal for the number of anticipated Horizon Council prospect referrals with an
ongoing tracking and reporting process
2. Business Tools:
Goal: Enhance business attraction, retention and expansion tools for wealth creating businesses:
A. Facilitate capital pipeline (beyond $25 million)
B. Identify next “BIG ASSET”
C. Explore entrepreneur development tools and “Grow Your Own” strategies
D. Identify infrastructure for development
E. Define competitive sites and building packages
F. Leverage regional opportunities
Action Steps:
1) Establish a Business Tools Task Force, combine with Business Climate Task Force or assign
responsibilities to the Executive Committee
2) Establish regular sessions (quarterly) with individual County Commissioners and small
groups of Horizon Council members to brainstorm on next steps and new tools
3) Establish an annual “What’s Next for Our Economy” workshop or discussion session with
Horizon Council members and key community leaders to focus on the next “Big Asset”
and potential catalyst projects
4) Review current infrastructure, identify needs, support funding and participate in new site
and building initiatives, such as the Research Diamond and Lee County’s Sustainability
Plan
5) Assure Lee County is ‘Site Ready’ for desired projects by evaluating the current inventory
of sites and buildings for economic development potential with strategies to enhance
competitiveness
6) Convene a roundtable discussion with entrepreneurs and second stage companies to
explore entrepreneurial development tools and “Grow Your Own” strategies
3. Business Climate:
Goal: Improve the business climate to become a more globally competitive location:
A. Focus on competitive business costs (insurance, healthcare, utilities, operations)
B. Facilitate education improvement to support economic development
C. Facilitate existing workforce skill upgrades to meet business requirements
D. Assess workforce needs three, five and ten years forward to help direct education changes
E. Streamline business approval processes (permitting and regulatory across jurisdictions)
3
Horizon Council Strategic Plan
Draft 9-6-12

Action Steps:
1) Incorporate into the role of the Business Climate Task Force
2) Establish a process to monitor, evaluate, compare, track, benchmark and grade
competitive business costs (insurance, healthcare, utilities, operations), education
achievement, workforce talent and skills training, permitting and approval processes on
an ongoing and regular basis
3) Assign Horizon Council members to work with service providers on an advisory basis or
on joint task forces to define benchmarks, visions, and strategies
4) Facilitate and find funding for a workforce needs assessment (three, five and ten years
forward) to help direct education changes
5) Convene city and county permitting and approval leaders to evaluate the potential of
streamlining processes and timelines, eliminating duplication, and developing regulatory
consistency across county and city lines
4. Strategic Partnerships and Community Outreach:
Goal: Serve as the community’s voice on economic development issues:
A. Serve with a strong voice and vision as the advisory body to the Lee County Commission
B. Unite community partners to achieve common goals for a better economic future
C. Build strategic partnerships with medical, tourism, sports, existing business, workforce
development and education organizations to achieve economic development goals and
community competitiveness.
D. Communicate the economic development vision and issues to the local community,
including the wealth creation message, and the importance of competitive business costs
E. Bring together regional partners to define a regional economic development initiative
F. Raise private sector funds to support economic development activities
Action Steps:
1) Incorporate management of the Strategic Plan into Executive Committee functions
2) Make recommendations on an annual basis to the Board of County Commission on
strategic economic development vision and direction
3) Establish an annual private sector fundraising goal with a pro-active campaign and
regular reporting process
4) Define key Horizon Council issues on an annual basis and actively engage community
leaders and implementation groups through facilitation or participation in community
workshops, round table discussions, task forces, or assignment of Horizon Council
member liaisons
5) Develop a process for benchmarking, success measurements and progress reporting on
key Horizon Council defined community issues effecting economic development
6) Establish accomplishment measures with key community partners: Workforce Board,
School Board and Superintendent; Higher Education and Workforce Training;
Healthcare, and others
7) Design a process to vet and prioritize key issues, as well as minimize mission creep
8) Design a process to evaluate funding priorities for new initiatives and activities to avoid
diluting current programs
4
Horizon Council Strategic Plan
Draft 9-6-12

Horizon Council
Strategic Plan
The Horizon Council is Lee County’s public/private advisory board to the Lee County Commission. The
Horizon Council members include Lee County, its five cities, ten chambers of commerce, eighteen trade
organizations, four education institutions, the seven members of the Industrial Development Authority
and twenty-four at large business and community leaders. Included in this document is an executive
summary, overview of key economic development benchmarks; a review of the role of the Horizon
Council, and the Horizon Council 5-year strategic plan. The strategic plan includes the Horizon Council
vision, mission, SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) strategic areas, long
term goals, short term action steps and progress worksheets.
Economic Development Overview
Economic Development: An effective economic development initiative marshals the resources of a
community to improve the quality of life for all by facilitating community wealth building at a faster
pace, and in a direction it would not ordinarily go, without some guidance and deliberate push. The
primary goals are to enhance job creation and the tax base. This is generally accomplished by facilitating
the location, retention and expansion of high-wage, high growth industries that have no market reason
to be there; while working to make the business climate more competitive by identifying business
hindrances and competitive issues; and finding ways to minimize and overcome them. There are 13
primary considerations for any company seeking a new location: labor, real estate, utilities,
transportation, supply chain impacts, educational system, operating costs, governmental taxation and
regulatory issues, environmental considerations, business interruption risks, political stability, quality of
life and incentives. All should be evaluated for their competitiveness with detailed action steps to make
each of them attractive to business and industry.
A Global Economy: Today we live in a global economy and companies compete globally. International
markets, international trade and reverse investment strategies play an ever increasing role in economic
development. A community must be a globally competitive location to attract the growth industries of
tomorrow.
The Economic Development Organization: There are more than 13,000 primary economic development
organizations within the U.S. and many more internationally. Some organizations are totally private,
some totally public, but most of them are public-private partnerships. The most successful ones all
share some things in common: a shared vision among the community’s leadership, both public and
private; a realistic understanding of the competitive strengths and weaknesses of the community; a
shared desire to work together to do what needs to be done to be successful; and a sustainable funding
plan to keep the momentum moving forward.
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Defining Economic Development: By definition, economic development is the effort of a community to
improve its local economy by facilitating the creation of well-paying employment opportunities from
new and existing wealth creating businesses; thereby improving the community’s financial base, quality
of life and workforce.
Economic development is a narrowly focused discipline and is often confused with business
development and community development. Some activities may overlap in practice, but generally,
economic development organizations focus exclusively on economic development activity, leaving
community development to be a focus of government and business development to be a natural growth
from the local economy.
Economic Development: Recruitment, expansion and retention of high-skill high-wage
diversified industry. Diversified industry generally means companies that bring wealth to a
community by exporting their goods and services to customers outside of the local market and
not relying on the local economy for income. Their primary markets are outside of the
community, and they can locate anywhere their labor, business costs and supplier network is
available and competitive.
Business Development: Encouragement of a variety of small businesses, retail stores,
restaurants, entertainment centers, medical facilities and service-oriented businesses compatible
with the demands and desires of the community. Traditionally, business development is marketdriven,
based on population and household demand, and generally occurs by developers and
private property owners marketing to fill planned and existing retail and office space.
Community Development: Planning for new infrastructure, business and industrial parks,
residential areas, neighborhood centers, recreation areas, parks and community amenities for
the existing and future population. It also encompasses redevelopment activities, setting design
standards and managing a development approval processes to accomplish desired goals.
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Economic Impact of Wealth Building Industries: Wealth building companies bring new money into a
community from sales derived outside of the local market; which is then circulated within the
community through job payrolls, supply purchases, and capital investment. The new circulating money
is received as new income to local companies dependent upon the local economy by increasing the
demand for their goods and services; which spurs additional job growth. In a seasonal economy, these
companies provide a level of year-round stability. For residents, the increased money circulating in the
economy allows for a greater selection of local shops, dining and recreational choices, as well as
enhancing local infrastructure through additional tax revenues to local governments. These companies
offer higher wage jobs and career opportunities for local residents, their children and grandchildren;
jobs that would not be available based on the local economy by itself. Wealth building companies are
often referred to as “diversified industries”, because they change the economic balance within an
economy from what would naturally occur. The more diversified an economy becomes, the more stable
and independent it becomes from the ups and downturns of any one industry.
A sample economic impact chart demonstrates the economic multiplier effect of a new 250 employee
manufacturing facility. In addition to the 250 manufacturing jobs it creates, an additional 425 local jobs
are generated in other local businesses to support the new goods and services demand from the
company and its employees. The 250 new jobs spur 425 additional jobs creating a total job impact of
675 jobs, increasing local payrolls by more than $20 million annually, and causing more than $135
million of local economic transactions to occur that would not occur without the company locating
within the market.
Manufacturing Output Model
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Industry Attraction and Expansion: The most common and probably the fastest way to diversify an
economy is by facilitating industry attraction and expansion. This is the cornerstone of most economic
development initiatives. Since the company site location selection process is not locally market driven, a
pro-active approach to recruitment with a corresponding business benefit for the company is necessary
to be successful. There are generally two levels of industry assistance: Location and expansion support
for diversified industry and pro-active target industry location marketing and recruitment.
Project Criteria: Usually, community based minimum thresholds are established for a company to be
eligible for location and expansion support. Local minimum thresholds often include local, regional
and state target industries and minimum job wage and investment levels. Typical minimum
thresholds are:
o A locating or expanding business deriving at least 50% of sales from outside of the market;
o Locating or expanding by a minimum of 10 jobs at 115% or more of the average wage;
o Making a minimum capital investment of $1 million.
Any business location or expansion meeting the minimum criteria becomes an economic
development project and is assisted with site selection, community networking, local and state
incentives, workforce recruitment and training, ombudsman services, and anything else that will
facilitate the decision and location process.
Target Industries: A diversified industry that meets the economic development project criteria may
not necessarily be a local target industry. A local target industry will meet all of the above criteria,
but also be identified as the type of industry the community wants to focus on. Targets are usually
selected because the community is a competitive location for attraction due to the community’s
attributes, and it is the type of business the community wants to have within its borders. A target
industry initiative includes a pro-active campaign of recruitment, marketing, outreach, company
visitation, enhanced incentives, and perhaps building a target industry catalyst (a resource to attract
the industry). There is no distinction between facilitating the location of a new industry or the
expansion of an existing industry within the target. Special status is often granted to the supplier
network of a target industry and other cluster businesses supporting the industry. An ongoing effort
to enhance the competitiveness of the community for the target industry and its suppliers, as well
as developing competitive workforce hiring, training and recruitment initiatives, improves the
chances of being successful. Once a target is selected, the goal of the community is to continue to
build competiveness, resources and tools, until it becomes the most globally competitive and
attractive place in the world for a company within the target cluster to locate, expand and thrive.
Florida has spent considerable time and money defining its target industries and identifying what
can be competitive within the state. Currently, Lee County shares Florida’s Target Industry Clusters:
Clean-tech
Life Sciences
Information Technology
Aviation Aerospace
Logistics and Distribution
Defense and Homeland Security
Financial and Professional Services
With a Strategic Area of Emphasis in:
Manufacturing
Corporate headquarters
Emerging Technologies
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Business Assistance: Most economic development efforts have both business recruitment (attraction)
and business assistance programs. A strong business assistance program can be a good tool for
connections to local business leadership, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the business
climate, and understanding workforce challenges. Most economic development organizations limit
outreach to companies with at least 50% of their sales coming from outside of the market (not
dependent on local economy), or companies with international trade building capacity. Sometimes, the
list will include larger private employers, those with 100 or more employees that are not tourism or
retail focused. Outreach is important to understand what is happening within an industry before a crises
occurs, such as company downsizing, closure or future expansion. Many of these companies are eligible
for Florida incentives or workforce training grants. The same expansion tools and incentives are
generally offered to an existing business as a new locating business, if they qualify; however qualified
businesses generally make up less than 5% of all local businesses.
Grow Your Own Strategies: Growing your own strategies includes entrepreneurial development and
economic gardening. Tools are put in place to attract and nurture new entrepreneurial start-ups and
second stage companies. Tools include: incubators and accelerators; subsidized space with access to
technical, financial and management expertise at below market rates; access to angel and venture
capital; and business counseling and mentoring services.
Entrepreneurial Development: Some of the most successful entrepreneur programs focus on one
industry and are affiliated with a research university, research institute, or other catalyst project.
Generally the community funds a research institute or some catalyst around which business will
cluster; or a university builds a particular expertise that attracts a certain type of company to use its
resources. Resources are required to put these tools in place and can sometimes be partially funded
through government and private research grants. If the resource is non-income generating, a long
term operational funding source must be put in place. Entrepreneurial development usually takes
time to produce measurable results, but is effective over the long term in creating new job clusters.
A good network of angel investors and venture capital is a critical tool for success. Economic
development initiatives are often involved in encouraging these tools, and stay connected by serving
on advisory boards, but seldom operate the programs.
Economic Gardening: A popular program aimed at helping existing second stage companies to grow
to third stage companies more quickly, is referred to as economic gardening. A second stage
company has grown past the startup stage but not yet reached maturity. It typically has 10 to 100
employees and/or $750,000 to $50 million in receipts. Economic gardening embraces the concept
that entrepreneurs drive economies. The concept grew out of Littleton, Colorado after a massive
layoff with an unemployment rate approaching 40%. Tools are put in place to connect local CEOs to
other local CEOs at a similar stage of business growth; and to provide, at reduced cost, access to
business resources, market research and high-level technical assistance customarily available to only
large firms. The goal is to spur growth to the next level in sales and employment. Economic
gardening strategies help local businesses discover how to reach external markets to become wealth
building companies. This is a great way to demonstrate business support for successful local
businesses.
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Regional Considerations: Leveraging dollars on a regional level for economic development marketing is
a popular trend throughout the U.S., and one that Enterprise Florida is trying to encourage for Florida. A
regional program cannot eliminate the need for a local program, but it can provide shared resources and
expertise that does not need to be duplicated in each county, thereby reducing costs and leveraging
resources. The challenge is getting all of the county level organizations to agree on a regional approach.
Without consensus, trust and a sustainable funding plan, a regional initiative will not work. Economic
development projects are won, one project at a time, at the local level, so local programs are needed to
work with a regional organization to land projects. If a regional organization is doing tasks and activities
that benefit the region, and the tasks and activities do not need to be duplicated at the local level, time
and resources are freed up to work on making the community more competitive to win more projects.
The following activities lend themselves to a regional approach: regional branding and marketing; co-op
ad placement; external public relations and journalist outreach; site consultant relationship building;
research and regional studies with a county level component; target industry studies; workforce studies;
web site with regional data and a searchable database; shared data base and research subscriptions;
target industry outreach; and lead generation.
The greatest challenge for any regional organization is the perception that a particular county is not
getting its fair share of projects. This is usually not the fault of the regional organization, but rather how
ready the county is to land a project. If there are no available and competitively priced sites, or local
incentives in place, and the other counties have prepared themselves to a higher level, the company will
most likely select the place that is easiest. The goal of the regional organization is to bring attention and
interest to the region. It is up to each community to put forward its best and most competitive package.
Florida’s
Economic
Development
Regions
Southwest Region
Charlotte County
Lee County
Collier County
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Lee County’s Economic Development Structure
The Horizon Council is the umbrella community leadership board that ties together the four major
economic development initiatives for Lee County: The Horizon Council, the economic development
advisory board to the Lee County Commission; the Horizon Foundation, a charitable 501©3 funding
organization; the Industrial Development Authority, issuer of industrial development revenue bonds;
and the Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County’s Economic Development Office and primary
implementer of economic development programs within Lee County.
The Horizon Council is a public-private board established in 1991 to advise the
Lee County Board of Commissioners on economic development issues. The
Council has up to 80 members from government, community, education and
business.
The Horizon Foundation, a charitable 501(c) 3 organization, was established to
provide a funding vehicle for businesses to invest in the long-term economic
vitality of Lee County.
The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is a seven-member board
established in 1975 to facilitate the use of Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRDBs) as a
financing tool for industrial and other qualifying projects. The IDA also reviews
incentive applications for local approval of Florida's Qualified Target Industry Tax
Credit incentive program, and the Lee County Job Opportunity Program. The IDA
operates under Part III of Florida Statues Chapter 159. Each IDA member is
appointed by the Lee County Commission for a four-year term.
The Fort Myers Regional Partnership – Lee County's Economic Development
Office (EDO) was created to bring new companies to the area and help existing
businesses grow and expand. The EDO provides an array of in-depth services to
wealth creating businesses seeking assistance with location or expansion, free of
charge and on a confidential basis. Services include: site selection assistance;
demographic, research and statistical information; business meetings and local
connections; employee training and recruiting; community tours; financial and
incentive assistance. The EDO provides staff support to Lee County's Horizon
Council, Horizon Foundation and Industrial Development Authority; and serves
as Lee County’s primary liaison to Enterprise Florida, Florida’s public/private
economic development partnership.
Government in the Sunshine: In Florida, there is an operational challenge that is not shared by many of
our competitor states: liberally construed open meetings and public records laws. Companies in the site
selection process demand total confidentiality for legal reasons, existing workforce concerns, and
competitive issues. Section 288.075 of the Florida Statutes makes certain records of private companies
held by an economic development agency confidential. Upon written request from a private company,
an economic development agency must maintain confidentiality regarding expansion and location plans
until the information is publicly disclosed or time lapses.
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The Horizon Council 5-Year Strategic Plan
The Horizon Council Executive Committee engaged in a series of workshops to develop a framework for
a strategic plan. During this process, it updated the Community Vision from 1995, as well as provided a
shorter version for marketing materials. Comprehensive broad perspective discussions about the future
direction of Lee County and a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) resulted
in a 5-year strategic plan for the Horizon Council.
Lee County Vision (Short Version): Lee County, Florida is a vibrant community with a globally
competitive business climate growing and attracting thriving companies with quality jobs and career
opportunities for residents and future residents, while respecting those factors that contribute to the
area’s high quality of life. Its municipal and county governments work together with business and
community partners under a common vision seeking innovative ways to enhance economic opportunity
for all.
Lee County Vision 2025 (Long Version): A 2012 revised version of the initial Vision developed in 1995.
Lee County in the year 2025 is a unified and vibrant community with a shared vision. A positive spirit
and pride exists in all aspects of the community and its leadership. Its culturally-diverse citizens are
highly involved and integrated. Business and government are working together cooperatively. Public
policy is a result of coordinated, collaborative strategic planning involving city and county government.
Local government is responsible, focused and accountable. Tax rates are fair and equitable. One-stop
permitting process is in place. Future infrastructure needs in the County are identified with funding
mechanisms in place. Long range growth and environmental management plans are in effect. The
urban areas of the County have affordable water and sewer. Innovative local public transportation
systems are being operated effectively and efficiently. The region is well-connected and part of an
efficient intrastate multi-modal transportation network. Regularly scheduled commercial airline service
is available from Southwest Florida to major cities throughout the world. The airport is efficiently
handling air passenger and cargo traffic, and a new I-75 interchange makes the airport very accessible.
The opportunity to obtain affordable housing and health care is available to all residents. The
community provides a safe atmosphere, with its crime prevention program focused on early
intervention. Local schools are aggressively meeting the needs of all students, educating them to high
standards. The education system integrates workforce skills and STEM (Science Technology Engineering
& Math) initiatives at all grade levels. Apprenticeship programs are training skilled workers. A variety of
technology and higher education institutions provide globally competitive post-secondary education
opportunities. A wide range of employment opportunities encourages a majority of local high school
and higher education graduates to remain in Lee County. The area continues to be a desirable
destination with clean, re-nourished beaches and riverfront areas where recreational opportunities
abound. Several new tourist attractions are in place. The downtowns are thriving commercial and
residential areas. International travel, business activity, international trade, and a comprehensive
industrial complex are thriving in and around the airport. Southwest Florida is fully integrated into the
information highway at all levels of daily life and work. A wide range of resources, both public and
private, are available for small business development. The County continues to attract value added jobs
that are fostering our high quality of life and a diverse and healthy economic base. Lee County firms
compete successfully in the global marketplace.
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Mission: To serve as the advisory body to the Lee County Commission on economic development
issues; to raise private sector funds to support economic development activities through the Horizon
Foundation; and to provide vision, guidance and support to the Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee
County’s Economic Development Office (EDO), in its mission to help improve the business environment
in Lee County; retain and encourage the expansion of existing business; and attract new and diversified
employment to the area.
SWOT Analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats: The following list was prepared as
a baseline to identify ways to build on Lee County’s strengths, improve its weaknesses, develop
opportunities and mitigate threats.
STRENGTHS
• I-75 Connectivity
• International Airport
• Universities, Technical & Higher Education
• Shovel Ready Sites
• Underemployed Workforce
• Workforce Cost Value
• Competitive Incentives
• Affordable & Executive Housing
• Population Growth
• Quality of Life
• Pro-business Climate
• Economic Development Partnership
• Climate & Sunshine
• Air Quality
• Physical & Natural Environment Attractiveness
• Commitment to Sustainability
• Recreational Opportunities
• Tourism Industry
• Health Care Facilities
• Entrepreneurial Talent
• Proximity to Central & South American Markets
WEAKNESSES
• Available Jobs
• Lack of Skilled Talent
• Low Average Wage
• Management Talent Diversity
• Not “Top of Mind” for a New Location
• International Trade Support
• Complex Regulatory Processes
• County/City Approval Process Variances
• Advanced Degree Availability
• Reduced Summer Air Service
• Public Transportation Access
• Availability of Venture Capital
• Education Achievement Levels
• Limited Apprenticeships & Internships
• Port Connectivity
• Limited Rail Access
• Trucking Rates
• Proximity to US Markets
• Hurricane Threat Perception
OPPORTUNITIES
• Research Diamond
• Regional connectivity
• Grow Your Own Strategies
• Export/Import Activity
• Satellite Advanced Degrees
• Medical Partnerships
• Tourism & Sports Partnerships
• Regional & State Partnerships
THREATS
• US & Global Economies
• Oil Prices
• Hurricane Activity
• Global Competition
• Access to Capital
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Strategic Areas: The Horizon Council works through task forces or as a convener or facilitator with
community partners to accomplish its goals. The Horizon Council carries out its mission by supporting
economic development activities in four Strategic Areas:
1. Prospect Development and Marketing
2. Business Tools
3. Business Climate
4. Strategic Outreach and Community Partnerships
Goals, Objectives and Action Steps: Each Strategic Area is further refined into action steps with
assigned responsibilities, defined timelines and result measurements captured in a work plan to be
updated quarterly and reported annually.
1. Prospect Development and Marketing:
The Lee County EDO works prospects that are derived from external sources, including; site consultant
missions, trade shows, website, Enterprise Florida, and direct marketing activities. The most challenging
activity of the EDO is locating potential prospects. The Horizon Council can support and enhance the
efforts of the EDO by supplementing the lead flow with referrals. Through daily activities, Horizon
Council and other community members can identify potential prospects connected to their current or
past business activity with the capacity to expand or locate into the County, including their supplier
network. Many Horizon Council members have contacts in other states that are business acquaintances
or friends that can influence or introduce a potential company decision maker to the opportunities and
quality of life in Lee County. An important mission of the Horizon Council is to help educate the
community on the importance of growing and attracting wealth creating businesses, carrying the
message to others within their industries and business networks, and making introductions of potential
qualified prospects to the EDO. To make the effort most productive, each Horizon Council member
must have a thorough understanding of the assets of Lee County, its competitive position, the types of
desired industries, what the EDO can and cannot do to support a locating or expanding business and the
ability to explain its wealth creation focus. A Horizon Council Prospect Development and Marketing Task
Force can be used to develop the tools, strategies, measurements and timelines for a supplemental
prospect development and marketing effort aimed at identifying prospects through Horizon Council
member connections. Most communities do not have an effective link between tourism development
and economic development. Both efforts bring new money into a community, and both market the
community outside of the marketplace. Figuring out how to leverage the messaging, outreach,
marketing, funding and connectivity between them will set the community apart from many of its
competitors, and provide resources to enhance results for both efforts.
Goal:
Identify wealth creating business prospects and help define new targeted marketing strategies:
A. Evaluate what industries are successful in Lee County and why
B. Tap into existing businesses for prospects (vendors, customers, friends)
C. Polish the EDO brand to better focus on the concept of wealth creation
D. Leverage tourism, business conferences and sports (Spring Training)
E. Leverage SWFL International Airport (RSW)
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F. Define focus, targets and a pro-active marketing initiative
G. Explore medical related opportunities for economic development
H. Explore research related opportunities for economic development
I. Further mine the existing CEO’s in SWFL for prospect connections
2. Business Tools:
Action Steps:
1) Establish a Horizon Council Prospect Development and Marketing Task Force
2) Develop an on-line survey to capture “reasons for success” in Lee County’s businesses,
as well as, identify potential business leaders willing to assist in identifying and
introducing company prospects.
3) Meet with key groups on a regular basis to further joint missions and marketing
opportunities, including: the TDC, Sports Authority, SWFL International Airport, target
industry business leaders, hospital and medical visionaries, researchers and SWFL CEO’s
4) Develop materials and tools for Horizon Council members to use in community
outreach, explaining the concept of wealth creation, describing community assets and
defining the benefits of doing business in Lee County
5) Establish a goal for the number of anticipated Horizon Council prospect referrals with an
ongoing tracking and reporting process.
The EDO serves as the link between and access to local, state and community tools that encourage job
creation for business location, retention and expansion. Tools include: business climate information;
demographic and workforce data; space and site availability; state and local incentive programs;
connections to local professionals, utilities, permitting agencies; financial institutions and industrial
revenue bonds. The Horizon Council can support the EDO by providing leadership to enhance the tool
box with new and innovative concepts and ideas to make Lee County more competitive. Lee County is
fortunate to have several ‘big’ economic assets: I-75, SWFL International Airport, FGCU and Edison State
College. The Horizon Council can help determine and support what the next ‘big’ economic asset should
be. Such assets require many years of advance planning and capital investment, but have a profound
effect on the future. Site Readiness is an essential element in economic development success. Helping
to define needed infrastructure and competitive site and building packages can help make the
community ready to win more projects. It takes business, government and community leaders working
together under a common vision to take competitiveness to the next level. A Business Tools Task Force
can facilitate an enhancement of the economic development tool box.
Goal:
Enhance business attraction, retention and expansion tools for wealth creating businesses:
A. Facilitate capital pipeline (beyond $25 million)
B. Identify next “BIG ASSET”
C. Explore entrepreneur development tools and “Grow Your Own” strategies
D. Identify infrastructure for development
E. Define competitive sites and building packages
F. Leverage regional opportunities
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3. Business Climate:
Action Steps:
1) Establish a Business Tools Task Force, combine with Business Climate Task Force or
assign responsibilities to the Executive Committee
2) Establish regular sessions (quarterly) with individual County Commissioners and small
groups of Horizon Council members to brainstorm on next steps and new economic
development tools.
3) Establish an annual “What’s Next for Our Economy” workshop or discussion session with
Horizon Council members and key community leaders to focus on the next “Big Asset”
and potential catalyst projects
4) Review current infrastructure, identify needs, support funding and participate in new
site and building initiatives, such as the Research Diamond and Lee County’s
Sustainability Plan
5) Assure Lee County is ‘Site Ready’ for desired projects by evaluating the current
inventory of sites and buildings for economic development potential with strategies to
enhance competitiveness
6) Convene a roundtable discussion with entrepreneurs and second stage companies to
explore entrepreneurial development tools and “Grow Your Own” strategies
The business climate of a community defines its competitiveness. The EDO promotes the community as
it is, with whatever business climate is in place. The Horizon Council, because of its make-up of business
and community leaders, is in a unique position to understand community competitiveness and what
needs to evolve to make the community more competitive. A key role of the Horizon Council can be in
identifying areas where business costs, talent, education, training programs, and regulatory issues are
out of sync with competitor areas. Through task forces and working with local government and service
providers, the Horizon Council members can play a key role in setting the vision and providing feedback
on progress. It is anticipated that the Horizon Council members will participate in a facilitation role with
service providers and other organizations challenged with implementation strategies.
Goal:
Improve the business climate to become a more globally competitive location:
A. Focus on competitive business costs (insurance, healthcare, utilities, operations)
B. Facilitate education improvement to support economic development
C. Facilitate existing workforce skill upgrades to meet business requirements
D. Assess workforce needs three, five and ten years forward to help direct education changes
E. Streamline business approval processes (permitting and regulatory across jurisdictions)
Action Steps:
1) Incorporate into the role of the Business Climate Task Force
2) Establish a process to monitor, evaluate, compare, track, benchmark and grade
competitive business costs (insurance, healthcare, utilities, operations), education
achievement, workforce talent and skills training programs, permitting and approval
processes on an ongoing and regular basis.
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3) Assign Horizon Council members to work with service providers on an advisory basis or
on joint task forces to define benchmarks, visions, and strategies
4) Facilitate and find funding for a workforce needs assessment (three, five and ten years
forward) to help direct education changes
5) Convene city and county permitting and approval leaders to evaluate the potential of
streamlining processes and timelines, eliminating duplication, and developing regulatory
consistency across county and city lines
4. Strategic Partnerships and Community Outreach:
The Horizon Council’s primary role is to serve as an advisory body to the Lee County Commission. It is
viewed by the community as the primary voice on economic development issues. As such, it has a
unique ability to unite community partners toward a common goal. Building strategic partnerships and
communicating the vision and issues to the community is an ongoing effort of the Horizon Council
managed through its Executive Committee. The Executive Committee sets and monitors strategic
direction and accomplishments. It is in the best position within the region to convene other economic
development organizations to define regional strategies. The Horizon Council, through The Horizon
Foundation, raises private sector funds for marketing to supplement public funding for staffing and
operations. One-hundred percent of Horizon Foundation funds go directly to enhance programs, as all
administrative and operating costs are covered by the EDO publically funded operating budget.
Goal:
Serve as the community’s voice on economic development issues:
A. Serve with a strong voice and vision as the advisory body to the Lee County Commission
B. Unite community partners to achieve common goals for a better economic future
C. Build strategic partnerships with medical, tourism, sports, existing business, workforce
development and education organizations to achieve economic development goals and
community competitiveness.
D. Communicate the economic development vision and issues to the local community,
including the wealth creation message, and the importance of competitive business costs.
E. Bring together regional partners to define a regional economic development initiative
F. Raise private sector funds to support economic development activities
Action Steps:
1) Incorporate management of the Strategic Plan into Executive Committee functions
2) Make recommendations on an annual basis to the Board of County Commission on
strategic economic development vision and direction
3) Establish an annual private sector fundraising goal with a pro-active campaign and
reporting process
4) Define key Horizon Council issues on an annual basis and actively engage community
leaders and implementation groups through facilitation or participation in community
workshops, round table discussions, task forces, or assignment of Horizon Council
member liaisons
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5) Develop a process for benchmarking, success measurements and progress reporting on
key Horizon Council defined community issues effecting economic development
6) Establish accomplishment measures with key community partners: Workforce Board,
School Board and Superintendent; Higher Education and Workforce Training;
Healthcare, and others
7) Design a process to vet and prioritize key issues, as well as minimize mission creep
8) Design a process to evaluate funding priorities for new initiatives and activities to avoid
diluting current programs.
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Insert Progress Worksheets: Anticipate 6 to 8 pages
The next two pages are provided as samples only. The Goals, Objectives, and Action Steps may or may
not reflect what is elsewhere in the document. The Horizon Council members and task forces will need
to determine what the appropriate action steps, time lines and responsibilities are.
Progress Worksheets are printed on oversized paper and have been reduced in size for inclusion in this
document.
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Contact Information:
This document is intended to be a draft for discussion purposes only.
It is anticipated that there will be many refinements and modifications before it is ready for
distribution. Please send all suggested comments and changes to Janet Watermeier at
janet@wpsteam.com.
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