North Civic looks to build on great 2015
Although one of its key members suffered a serious personal setback in October, 2015 was one of much forward motion for the North Fort Myers Civic Association as a whole
The group took the bull by the horns and attacked major challenges in the community, targeting empty storefronts and county ordinances while debuting new organizations and new initiatives in hope of bringing North Fort Myers some much-needed commerce.
President Michael Land’s biggest triumph was the start of the North Fort Myers Renaissance campaign, which started Oct. 9 with a packed house at the Shell Factory’s Dolphin Room and all five Lee County commissioners present.
Later that night, a car accident left Land in serious condition, with multiple injuries to his face. His initiative, though, moved forward.
Organizers were still able to send out promotional brochures, put billboards throughout the community to, hopefully, start the area on its way towards a better economic future.
This year is expected to be even better, according to Land, provided people get involved.
“We want to build up our membership and the participation rate. I often say that public apathy is the plague of the 21st century. We need to use the Internet and participate,” Land said.
The year is expected to start with a bang. Under the auspices of Commissioner Brian Hamman, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners has agreed to spend $50,000 in a study that will help improve the area’s economy.
The new Farmer’s Market is also in full swing, with more than 30 vendors committed. Even though the first few weeks have been dampened by poor weather, nicer weather is expected to get the market back on track, with crafters expected to give things a boost a few times over the winter until the market closes in March.
A joint meeting of the North Fort Myers Design Review Panel and the Planning Panel was expected to get things going early on Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. at the rec center. A proposed RaceTrac gas station on the fork of Old and New 41 is on the agenda.
The first meeting of 2016 promises to be a good one as Lois Knox, director of the Small Business Development Center at FGCU, is expected to speak at the Community Center on Tuesday, Jan. 12, and the civic association will also vote on filling directorships. Elections for officers will occur in March.
The first meeting of the North Fort Myers Renaissance Committee will be held on Thursday, Jan. 21. Land said many of the civic leaders are expected to attend.
“We want to get that things going so we don’t lose the momentum we gained in October with the four highway billboards, the promotional brochure,” Land said. “We need a springboard to get things started.”
There is also a pancake fundraiser being planned for Applebee’s on Saturday, Jan. 23 or 30 from 8 to 10 a.m. Tickets are expected to be $10, with the possibility of a speaker and a pancake eating contest.
The annual town hall meeting is to be set for either February or March, and the new North Fort Myers Library is expected to be finalized at some point.
Among other challenges include the future of Waterway Estates, the possible creation of a beachlike peninsula along the river and the creation of a public boat ramp.
“We’re the only community in Lee County without one, even though we have 18 miles of riverfront,” Land said. “That doesn’t make sense.
Land said the challenges North Fort Myers faces are magnified even more as it is considered unincorporated Lee County.
“We need civic pride and a sense of community. It’s a problem because we don’t have local officers or a mayor in city hall,” Land said.
The North Fort Myers Civic Association meets at the rec center on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Dues are $10 annually for members. For more information, go to northfortmyerscivicassociation.com.