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Hard to imagine that it is time for our Coffee together again; the summer is truly flying by! I always look forward to this quarterly gathering, and I am particularly excited to meet on a Saturday this time, in response to many requests that we meet at a time that is possible for working people as well.
If you've never been to one of my Coffees, it's a great opportunity to get updated on county activities and to ask me questions about what's important to you. And you can come as you are -- on your way home from the gym, on your way to the beach, in the middle of your back-to-school shopping. Whether you're a regular or this will be your first time, I hope I will see you this Saturday! (Click on the image above or HERE to RSVP -- be sure to tell me how many people are coming so we can make sure to have enough coffee.)
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Commissioner Solis discussing the Lee County / City of Bonita Springs / South Florida Water Management District proposal to divert stormwater into Collier County during a phone call with Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons: July 10, 2018.
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Late in June, I discovered that there was discussion regarding the possibility of diverting large quantities of stormwater south, into Collier County, as one way to prevent the devastating flooding that had occurred in some Lee County neighborhoods during Hurricane Irma. I was alarmed by this information and called the County Manager’s office at once to express my concerns on behalf of District 2. From my work with residents after the storm, I know too well how much flooding, near flooding and damage we experienced across wide swaths of the District last summer, from Palm River through Collier’s Reserve and on to the final stormwater outfalls into the Vanderbilt lagoon.
Imagine my surprise to hear that the County Manager’s office was also unaware of these discussions. Immediately, I drafted THIS resolution for presentation to the Board, opposing any diversion until a complete vetting of all possible effects and alternatives had been completed, including a full public outreach effort. I also called the Mayor of Bonita Springs, offering our cooperation to determine options that are also in the best interest of the residents, businesses and visitors of Collier County. The full Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Resolution at our July 10 meeting, and the County Manager and I are scheduled to meet August 14 with Lee County, the City of Bonita Springs and the South Florida Water Management District for a discussion of this issue.
I believe we have already accomplished much of what was needed, i.e., getting the District’s attention and getting involved in the modeling and analysis. As we bear witness this summer to what are potentially side effects of discharges of large volumes of water of unknown quality into our inland waters and sensitive estuaries, we must uphold our obligation to our residents to preserve the integrity of these systems.
We are at the very beginning of this endeavor; I want to assure residents that no water will actually be diverted in the near future. And of course, we will keep you posted on the process through this newsletter.
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Wouldn't it be great if all the county agencies would gather in one room just to answer your questions? Guess what - they do!
The North Naples Community Task Force is a monthly meeting of representatives from numerous state and local agencies -- Code Enforcement, the Sheriff’s Office, the Fire Districts, Public Utilities, Pollution Control, Domestic Animal Services, to name a few (plus your District 2 County Commission office, of course!) -- together with leaders and representatives of Civic and Homeowners Associations from communities throughout North Naples.
It is a great place to bring your questions, concerns and ideas and to learn more about how your county government works. If you're wondering whether your association attends (and they probably don't), ask them! Maybe you would like to be the liaison. Live in a non-gated community, or one without a formal association? That's ok, we'd love to see you there!
This useful resource is managed through your Code Enforcement office. If you have questions relating to the Task Force, please call District Investigations Supervisor Eric Short at 239-252-5732. To receive notice of the meetings via email, click HERE.
North Naples Community Task Force Meeting
3rd Tuesday of every month @ 9:00 a.m
(August 21st this month)
At North Collier Regional Park
(ask at the Exhibition Hall desk for room location)
15000 Livingston Road Naples, FL 34109
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