The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce held its monthly membership luncheon Thursday at Shuckers. Lee County Parks and Recreation Director Jesse Lavender was the guest speaker. Here’s what he had to say…
Lavender spoke to the group about his history and service as the Director of Lee County Parks and Recreation. Lavender was born and raised in Fort Myers and is proud and happy to still be here. Lavender has been with the department for 18 years.
As Director, Lavender is responsible for the operation of all of Lee County’s parks and facilities saying “he is particularly proud of several improvements to Lynn Hall Park, the $1.1 million dedicated to improvements at the Matanzas Pass Preserve and a number of other capitol improvements to Fort Myers Beach and Lee County parks & facilities.”
Lavender also said Lee County is “working with the Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches group to bring their replica arches to Bowditch Park with work beginning soon after the group reaches their fundraising goal.”
The Director is excited about the new county park planned for a 5,000 acre parcel near I-75 & Corkscrew Road featuring nature trails, Eco tents, outdoor activities and camping facilities with the goal being “a great park with a national park feel”. They hope to name the new park after former Fort Myers Beach Mayor and Lee County Commissioner Larry Kiker. The projected opening is 2025/2026.
Regarding our two Lee County stadiums (JetBlue Park & Hammond Stadium / Lee County Sports Complex) Lavender proudly stated that “they generate $78 million dollars into the Lee County economy.”
The Chamber also recognized Lee County Deputy Joe Clark as the “Deputy of the month” for his role in investigating and apprehending individuals responsible for recent south-end auto thefts.