Derek Felder, a community leader and nonprofit advocate, announced today that he will seek election to the office of Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District. The announcement highlights working for better Lehigh Acres, and a stronger community. Which the candidate identifies as a central concern for residents of East Lee County.
“Our community is growing, and our infrastructure needs to keep up. I’m running to make sure Lehigh Acres plans responsibly, invests wisely, and builds for the future.” — Derek Felder
Derek moved to Lee County in April 2021 and has been involved in the community with various roles. Derek was appointed by the Lee County Commissioners to several organizations such as: Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board- Jan 2023; Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen Advisory Committee- June 2026; Lee County Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee- Feb 2024; Lehigh Acres Street Lighting MSTBU Committee (Past 2023-2025).
Derek’s involvement in the community doesn’t stop here. He is also a member of several local organizations focusing on Lehigh Acres. Lehigh Acres Architectural, Planning & Zoning Review Board; Lehigh Acres Community Council; Lehigh Acres Community Council Sidewalk Committee; Unite Lehigh, Inc.- President; East Lee Wildlife Stewardship Group-
Vice President; Town Lakes HOA Board Member-Past Vice President; Alva, Inc; Lehigh Acres Rotary Club (President 2026-2027); Lee County Republican Executive Committee; East Lee County Republican Club; The Republican Club of Southwest Florida.
As a member of several organizations, Derek attends several meetings on a regular basis. Some of the meetings Derek attends are Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District Meetings; Love Lehigh Meetings; Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Meetings; Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization Board Meetings; FDOT Meetings; Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Meetings.
The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (LAMSID) continues to make significant progress in canal maintenance, water storage, and water-quality improvement projects throughout the community. These efforts are important not only for managing the district’s extensive water-management system, but also for supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of Lehigh Acres.
One of the district’s major current projects is CREST, which is scheduled to have its ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 19. Other important initiatives include the Frank Mann Preserve, the ROBUST project addressing Bedman Creek, and ongoing work at the Bottomless Lake parcel. The Bottomless Lake project has the potential to create a new community park and interpretive museum center, providing both recreational and educational opportunities for residents.
LAMSID is also working with Lee County on the Sunshine Boulevard four-laning project. As part of that effort, the county is acquiring LAMSID property, while the district is receiving new infrastructure improvements and updated water-management modeling. Continued cooperation between LAMSID and Lee County will be important as Lehigh Acres continues to grow and its infrastructure needs evolve.
There are also opportunities to explore additional water-management projects in the future. One example is the potential use of the Buckingham Preserve area to help rehydrate portions of the Six Mile Slough watershed. Projects such as this could provide opportunities to improve water management while supporting environmental preservation.
There are several areas where LAMSID could potentially expand its role or strengthen its partnerships to address issues that directly affect residents.
One opportunity would be exploring whether LAMSID could assume responsibility for the Lehigh Acres Street Lighting MSTBU, if legally and financially feasible. Another would be pursuing solutions for building of sidewalks as the community continues to develop.
LAMSID could also strengthen coordination with Lee County regarding right-of-way drainage. While many of these drainage systems are not LAMSID’s direct responsibility, they can have a significant impact on how effectively stormwater reaches LAMSID’s canal system. Improving coordination between the district and county could help identify problems earlier and develop more effective solutions.
Another opportunity involves LAMSID’s existing bridge powers. There are locations throughout Lehigh Acres where additional canal crossings could potentially improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion. Working collaboratively with Lee County’s Department of Transportation to evaluate potential bridge locations could provide another tool for improving the community’s transportation network.
One potential location worth studying is Sunrise Boulevard, where a connection between Homestead Road and Bell Boulevard could potentially improve connectivity and provide an additional route for residents.
LAMSID has an important role to play in the future of Lehigh Acres. Maintaining the district’s existing water-management infrastructure is essential, but so is looking ahead to opportunities that can improve drainage, water quality, transportation connectivity, recreation, and quality of life.
The goal should be to build upon the district’s existing responsibilities while developing stronger partnerships with Lee County and other community organizations. By taking a proactive, collaborative, and data-driven approach, LAMSID can continue preparing for the future needs of a growing Lehigh Acres.
I, Derek Felder, am running for the LAMSID Board because I care deeply about the future of Lehigh Acres and believe our community deserves informed, engaged, and accountable leadership. I want to bring my experience as a community advocate and my involvement with local organizations to the district, while listening to residents, asking questions, and working collaboratively to find practical solutions. My goal is simple: to help make responsible decisions today that will benefit the residents of Lehigh Acres for years to come.
