ALVA

An important matter concerning the Neal Communities Planned Development has resurfaced, with a renewed proposal to establish a special district in Alva on behalf of Neal Communities—essentially a reintroduction of last year’s effort previously brought forward by Rep. Spencer Roach.

See Gulf Shore Business article regarding last year’s meeting.

The Lee County Legislative Delegation will hold its annual public meeting this Thursday, January 9, at 9:00 AM.

The third item on the agenda is the “Special Act Creating Duke Farm Stewardship District.” This proposed bill, if approved, would designate the Duke+Cary+Povia, and Owl Creek properties as a special district, similar to Babcock Ranch and Ave Maria.

Additional documents detailing the terms of the proposed Special District are available here.

The proposed special district provides a funding structure to support high density development in rural Lee County and provides special interest benefits to developers. 

If the proposed bill receives approval from the five state representatives and three state senators at Thursday’s meeting, the delegation will sponsor the Special Act, which will then move forward for consideration during the 2025 Florida legislative session.

It is the position of the majority of the residents of Northeast Lee County that this proposed bill, now sponsored by Representative Tiffany Esposito, is a coordinated campaign to increase density and intensity and ultimately, urbanize
the last rural corridor of Southwest Florida.

This last-minute bill proposal raises more questions than it answers, further deepening the community’s distrust in local government. For instance, there is significant confusion about the potential changes that urbanization of this agricultural area might bring, particularly Second Amendment infringements regarding the future use and regulation of shooting ranges and other land-use activities traditionally associated with rural living.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

1. PLEASE CONSIDER ATTENDING THE DELEGATION MEETING

ON Thursday, January 9th at 9am

Florida Southwestern State College

8099 College Parkway

Fort Myers, FL 33919

(in the Nursing Building, Room AA-177)

SEE MAP BELOW

2. Please email ALL the Florida State Legislators listed below to express your concerns over this proposed bill. These are the elected officials who will decide the future of Northeast Lee County.

Suggested Email Content: (COPY AND PASTE)

Subject: Opposition to “Duke Farm Stewardship District” Bill

Dear [Legislator’s Name],

I strongly oppose the proposed “Duke Farm Stewardship District” bill. This bill, disguised under an unfamiliar name, threatens the rural character of Northeast Lee County and does not align with the community’s goals as outlined in the Lee County Comprehensive Plan.

As a resident, I value this area’s culture and lifestyle and urge you to prioritize the interests of your constituents over those of a single developer.

Thank you for your representation on this critical matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

LEGISLATIVE DELEGATES EMAILS:

The Honorable Tiffany Esposito, Delegation Chair

Tiffany.Esposito@myfloridahouse.gov

The Honorable Jenna Persons-Mulicka

Jenna.Persons@myfloridahouse.gov

The Honorable Kathleen Passidomo

Passidomo.Kathleen@flsenate.gov

The Honorable Mike Giallombardo, Vice Chair

Mike.Giallombardo@myfloridahouse.gov

The Honorable Vanessa Oliver

Vanessa.Oliver@myfloridahouse.gov

The Honorable Adam Botana

Adam.Botana@myfloridahouse.gov

The Honorable Jonathan Martin

Martin.Jonathan@flsenate.gov

The Honorable Ben Albritton

Albritton.Ben@flsenate.gov

PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING THIS INFORMATION WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND NEIGHBORS, AND ON SOCIAL MEDIA.