Ribbon cutting today for Suncoast Community Center

Oct 6, 2010 2 min read

A ribbon cutting will be held today for the Suncoast Community Center.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 2 P.M.

2241 Case Lane

North Fort Myers, Florida

Background information:

Suncoast Community Center

1998- The Suncoast Neighborhood Task Force began as a grassroots organization to

address community concerns.

April 2002 to present- The Lee County Board of County Commissioners designates

Suncoast Estates as a target neighborhood to work closely with Lee County’s

Department of Human Services (DHS) Neighborhood Building program. DHS

utilizes Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Block Grant Funds

(CDBG) on infrastructure and public service projects to improve the quality of life for

residents. DHS works with Suncoast in developing a Revitalization Plan focusing on

safety, housing, capital improvements, social, educational and recreational activities.

Throughout the years, CDBG funds have been utilized for construction of sidewalks,

storm water drainage, bus shelters, concentrated code enforcement and various public

services including food pantry, resident coordinator services, and operation of their

current rented center.

2003- The Suncoast Neighborhood Task Force became a 501 (c3) not for profit

organization.

2004- The Suncoast Neighborhood Task Force, Inc. voted to spend CDBG funds on a

community center.

April 2005- After much searching, 3.9 acres of property was purchased, and the

planning stages began for a future community center.

January 2010- Construction began on the community center.

Present Day- The new community center will house the Resident Coordinator, who

manages the center, Goodwill Industries, Inc., and other local partners to provide

services. The community center has a commercial kitchen and a large meeting room

which can be used for fundraising events, special neighborhood events, large

activities, a designated voting location, and much more. In addition, the center is a

“hardened” structure, and will be used for post-disaster services to the Suncoast

Estates neighborhood complete with a back-up generator.

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners, Suncoast Neighborhood Task Force,

Inc. and our community partners are excited to bring such a needed resource to the

community. We look forward to all the new services and activities that will be available

to the residents of Suncoast Estates.

Source: Suncoast task force