By Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass
Another busy season has come and gone, but it’s clear that Lee County is a year round destination. Our SWFL International Airport had a record breaking month this past March with more than 1.5 million passengers in its 39 year history The tourism industry continues to be a vital resource for economic growth and job creation throughout the County and it’s a positive experience that keeps visitors and seasonal residents coming back. We’re not recovering, we’re thriving.
As some of our seasonal residents head home, the County continues to work for you and forge ahead on long awaited projects and future planning. Your Board remains committed to completing and accelerating transportation and infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, sidewalks, and utilities, throughout the County. During our May 17 Board meeting, one of our agenda items included approval of a change order for Lehigh Local Roadway Resurfacing. This change order provides funding for the resurfacing of additional roads at the northwest corner of Lee Boulevard and Gunnery Road. For more updates on the County’s Road Repaving program please visit www.leegov.com/dot/roadwatchupdate.
During that meeting we also approved the purchase of over 13 acres located at the northwest corner of Milwaukee Boulevard and Homestead Road South. I am excited to report this site will serve as a future library and will be sure to keep you updated as this project progresses.
The rainy season is already here and the hurricane season is quickly approaching. It is important to always be prepared in case of an emergency or natural disaster. Last year’s season brought 21 named storms – the third busiest on record. Although we did not receive any direct hits, each season is different.
We encourage all residents and business owners to use our helpful notification tools to stay informed about storm threats. You can download the Lee Prepares App on your phone and sign up for Alert Lee by going to www.alertlee.com. It will generate calls, emails or texts about significant emergencies. We encourage you to prepare early this season, make a family plan, put together your disaster supply kit, and take advantage of the Governor DeSantis’ upcoming tax-free days for buying supplies. Response and recovery involves the entire community and the time is now to prepare. Visit www.leegov.com/hurricane for more resources and information.
It is a privilege and honor to continue serving and representing you and all of Lee County. As always, please feel free to contact my office at (239) 533-2227 if I can ever be of assistance.
