CCP funds extra iguana control, hears of project

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers

T u n i t y P a n e l approved funding for a second day of iguana control services each week at its recent meeting, as well as heard about the proposed project at The Green Flash and more

On Aug 8, the panel voted unanimously to approve funds for Alfredo Fermin, with AAA Wildlife Trapping and

Removal Services, to service the island an extra day on Wednesday for the next six months to see if it helps get the i already comes out on Tuesday

Prior to the vote, Panel Member John Jensen reported that he spoke with Fermin as requested by the panel and asked what he thinks is the best way to reduce the iguana population, which appears to have increased drastically in the couple of

CCA extends application deadline for holiday bazaar

By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Captiva Civic Association has extended the deadline to apply for an upcoming event

The CCA will host its 1st Annual Holiday Bazaar on Dec 4 from 2 to 7 p m and Dec 5 from 10 a m to 4 p m at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. It is seeking local artists and artisans to take part

The event will offer participants a chance to showcase and sell their creations and provide attendees with an extensive selection of artistic delights to browse for holiday gifts or their own collections

“We are truly excited to open our doors to the v i b r an t ar t co m mu n i ty , ” Ex ecu t iv e D i r ec to r Emil y H es s Ankerson said “This holiday season promises to be special, where artistic skill and creativity will merge to create a truly memorable experience for all ”

The original deadline to apply has been extended to Aug. 31.

The CCA shared the following:

∫ Exhibitors must staff their own booth and have their own method for accepting payment

∫ Exhibitors much showcase original works (not third-party retail)

∫ Exhibitors must commit to the entire event (both days and for all open hours)

The registration fee is $25; the fee is only due if selected to exhibit

One hundred percent of the sales go to the exhibitor

The spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.

To apply, contact Executive Director Emily H e s s A n k e r s o n a t 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 2 1 1 1 o r emily ankerson@ccacaptiva org

For more information about the event, visit https://ccacaptiva org/

The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva months after Hurricane Ian when his services were unavailable.

“He said he would put out traps,” Jensen said

He continued that Fermin explained that the traps would have to be removed within a day, however, because the iguanas inside will die from the heat If he could do two days in a row, it could help

See CCP, page 7

CEPD approves pay increase for director, more

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

T h e C a p t i v a E r o s i o n P r e v e n t i o n District's commission approved a salary increase for its executive director during i t s r e c e n t m e e t i n g p l u s h e a r d update on fede a l , l o c a l a n d s t a t e g r a n t funding

On Aug 7, t h e c o m m i ss i o n e r s v o t e unanimously 5 o n a 1 5 % y adjustment for Executive Director Daniel Munt, broken down into 10% for his performance and 5% for cost-of-living

Prior to the vote, Munt reported that his anniversary date was on July 25 and he had sent a memorandum to the commission in advance of his performance evaluation Within the memo, he outlined his notable accomplishments over the prior year and requested a 15% adjustment Commissioner Rene Miville reported that he had no problem with Munt's request, noting that while his adjusted salary would be higher than other director positions on the islands, Munt does a lot more

Others on the commission agreed on his performance

“Dan is doing a very good job,” Vice Chairman John Silvia said “I support the total 15%.”

Secretary Linda Laird explained that while Munt is doing a good job, the salary increase to about $150,000 did not seem like a reasonable compensation when weighing in the duties of the job

“It seems like a lot of money for this job,” she said “It has nothing to do with Daniel's performance ”

However, Laird said that she would go along with the other commissioners and vote yes

Also at the meeting, Munt provided the following grant status update:

FEMA funding:

∫ PW 361 (Hurricane Irma): Closed out and paid about $945,731

Fermin shared that he can fit 20 to 25 iguanas in the bigger traps

Vice President David Mintz reported that they could have Fermin come out on Tuesday as usual to eradicate the iguanas, but also set the traps He could then return the next day to clean them out

Mintz noted that it would double the cost of his services from $25,000 to $50,000 annually, but the panel could ask Lee County for the additional funds or pay it itself and then seek reimbursement

President Jay Brown suggested that the panel cover the cost for the extra day and speak to the county

“I think we have money that we can commit to six months,” he said

“And see if that makes a difference,” Brown added.

Others on the panel agreed

“I think a big push for a short period of time to eradicate is the way to go,” Panel Member Linda Laird said “If it doesn't make a difference, than plan X ”

The Green Flash project

Brown explained that The Green Flash owner Tim McGowan held a public meeting on July 19 at the restaurant on a proposed rezoning project and the project team was available to answer questions

The panel previously reported that the intent is essentially to rezone the property from two conflicting zoning districts (C-1 and CM) to a single Commercial Planned Development (CPD) zoning district

“There's a number of things he wants to do,” Brown said

He reported that two proposed changes are creating an outside dining area across the front of the building with one service line of tables under the roof and significantly increasing the boat dockage that is available up to about 50 slips with the aim of making the restaurant a boating destination

The extra slips would also assist with the number of required parking spaces for occupancy

Brown shared that many attendees advised McGowan