By now you’ve heard about State Representative Adam Botana’s proposal to merge the Fort Myers Beach Fire District into Bonita Springs. It’s important to note that your fire district was created by voters back in 1949. Botana’s Bill will change what you’ve had without any voter input or details of how his plan will save you money.
This may be a time when you want your voice to be heard. You should have all the information you need to know whether youre getting the best fire and ambulance coverage in your community. Or, whether this merger will actually save you money.
So far, there has been no specific information shared with the public, the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control Board of Commissioners or Fire Chief Scott Wirth. The last thing anyone wants is for this plan to get through and safety coverage on the island declines or your taxes stay exactly the same.
NOTE: Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth will be our guest on a special Friday Night Happy Hour episode of the program tonight at 5PM. The show will be live here on Facebook and on our YouTube Channel.
Here’s what you should know:
– There has been no documentation presented that shows this plan will save money or improve safety coverage.
– Fort Myers Beach has its own ambulance service. Bonita does not. What happens to ambulance coverage?
– Representative Botana must submit an economic impact statement before the Bill can be filed in Tallahassee. Nobody has seen this document as of yet.
– The Bill can be amended before or on October 30th when the delegation is expected to vote on it.
A section of Florida law states that in a forced merger like this, a study/plan must be done and the state must pay the cost for that study. There is however, another section that states, “The Legislature, by special act, may merge independent special districts created and operating pursuant to special act.”
The Chair of the local Florida Delegation is Jenna Persons-Mulicka. She told Beach Talk Radio News on Thursday that she wants to hear from the residents and so far she has not heard from anyone who’s in favor of this merger.
During the delegation meeting on the 30th in Fort Myers there will be time for public comment. We’re expecting a more specific agenda for that meeting and we will share it with you when it’s released.
There are two ways you can have your voice heard:
#1) Attend the Fort Myers Beach Fire District Board meeting at 10AM on October 18th at DiamondHead. We will carry that meeting live.
#2) Speak during public comment at the Florida State Delegation meeting on October 30th in Fort Myers. If you cannot speak on the 30th, you may want to simply e-mail Jenna your thoughts about this idea.
Here’s contact information for the entire Florida Delegation:
Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka-District 78
Jenna.Persons@myfloridahouse.gov
Senator Kathleen Passidomo- District 28
Passidomo.Kathleen@flsenate.gov
Representative Mike Giallombardo – District 79
Mike.Giallombardo@myfloridahouse.gov
Senator Jonathan Martin- District 33
Martin.Jonathan@flsenate.gov
Representative Spencer Roach-District 76
Spencer.Roach@myfloridahouse.gov
Senator Ben Albritton- District 26
Albritton.Ben@flsenate.gov
Representative Adam Botana – District 80
Adam.Botana@myfloridahouse.gov
Representative Tiffany Esposito- District 77
Tiffany.Esposito@myfloridahouse.gov
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