County code regulations topic of discussion at GPICA meeting
Last Tuesday, July 2, at its monthly meeting, the Greater Pine Island Civic Association invited William Diaz, code enforcement manager from the Lee County Department of Community Development, to answer questions about zoning enforcement on Pine Island/Matlacha, including updates on code enforcement activities related to Hurricane Ian.
An islander inquired as to what, if anything, can be done about island homes that have been seemingly abandoned since Hurricane Ian.
Diaz said his department is currently functioning at normal operation. While he admits as a lifelong South-west Floridian, he’s seen the many storms that have hit this area, and in his opinion, Ian was the worst of them. Diaz asked that everyone send concerns or contact the county if their property is still in need of surveying.
Diaz explained a false assumption held by many and made evident after Hurricane Ian was that the county could step in and condemn property.
“We do not condemn structures,” Diaz said.
Neither does the county padlock businesses, he said.
A member asked if there was a way to reach the coding office if an assumed violation was in question. Diaz encouraged anyone with a potential violation to send an email to the county, as the preferred way of communication.
The office email address is CodeEnforcement@leegov.com. You can also call 239-533-8895.
To see more of this meeting, please visit the GPICA Facebook page for the livestream. For other questions, visit GPICA.org. For inquiries, email Info@GPICA.org.
GPICA meetings take place at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at the First Baptist Church of Pine Island, 5363 Avenue D, Bokeelia, FL 33922. Members and non-members are welcome.
GPICA recruiting new board members
If you’ve been wanting to be more involved in charting the course for Pine Island’s future, now is your opportunity! The GPICA is recruiting new members to fill out the remaining terms for recently vacated posts and to fill open seats on the board.
To become a board member, you must support the organization’s ideals of responsible, smart-growth planning, the preservation of sensitive natural areas and the importance of protecting the unique character of our rural and agricultural island community. Board members must have joined the GPICA at least six months ago and be current in their dues.
If you have questions about serving on the board, would like to be considered for a term on the board or would like to nominate a fellow islander, please email your contact information to Info@GPICA.org.
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC / pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com, please email