Lieutenant Matt Chitwood from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on recent incidents and upcoming plans. He highlighted that no urgent or notable incidents had occurred in recent months, but planning is underway for augmented patrols during the Labor Day weekend. A discussion arose regarding a disturbance call from the south end of the island, where deputies faced resistance while detaining an individual. The situation escalated, prompting additional deputies to respond. Despite the urgency, no serious injuries occurred, and the matter was resolved using a taser.

Traffic management emerged as a major focus, particularly regarding the impact of construction and traffic patterns on emergency access. Members discussed the ongoing roundabout project and its effects on traffic flow, especially during peak times. Concerns were raised about fire trucks’ ability to navigate through congested traffic, highlighting potential risks during emergencies. The committee proposed alternative parking solutions for construction vehicles, including providing parking space under the bridge or adjacent areas.

The committee reported that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) was receptive to their concerns and had invited them to participate in weekly project update calls. Although they could not attend the first call, they received minutes from the meeting and ensured future representation to stay informed and address traffic issues as they arose. The current one-way traffic setup on Crescent Street was also discussed, with potential solutions such as making Crescent one-way to facilitate check-ins at local businesses while ensuring emergency vehicles could navigate effectively.

Further traffic concerns focused on access and congestion near Margaritaville. One participant noted the challenges of bridge access during emergencies, particularly when vehicles are stacked trying to enter Margaritaville. The possibility of removing the stop sign at Fifth Street was debated, with skepticism about whether it would alleviate traffic issues or create further complications. The committee discussed the installation of flaggers at key intersections during peak traffic times to facilitate smoother movement, with Captain Waller mentioned as being involved in these discussions.

Attention was also directed towards the repair of concrete sidewalks, with staff having taken photographs and GPS locations of areas needing repair. These details had been sent to the county, which is in the process of finding a vendor for the repairs. The timeline for these repairs remains uncertain. The traffic light at the intersection of Fifth Street and Old St. Carlos was another point of concern, with participants awaiting updates from the county on when repairs would occur.

The committee also delved into the issue of electric bikes, confirming that an ordinance is being drafted to allow electric bikes on sidewalks and possibly the beach. Further discussions on this ordinance are anticipated in the coming months, with hopes that the draft will be ready by October. The proposal to use mats similar to those on beach access paths to facilitate electric bike access was identified as a viable solution, with considerations for funding and timing in relation to ongoing beach replenishment efforts.

Additionally, the committee considered options for enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Pilot programs to roll out mats to assist access to the beach were mentioned, particularly in areas where access might otherwise end. These mats would be deployed in the mornings and removed after use to avoid interfering with turtle nesting seasons. There was also an exploration of providing equipment that allows users with disabilities to transition into the water, utilizing devices with large tires designed for such purposes.

The need for improved street lighting was another significant topic. A recent survey initiated by the town manager identified non-functioning lights along Estero Boulevard, with findings forwarded to the power company for resolution. The ongoing issues with street lighting stemmed from a combination of factors, including a previous decision to turn off lights that were potentially disorienting to turtles. The committee acknowledged that the transition to amber fixtures post-storm had not resolved the underlying issues, but recent efforts have yielded positive results.

Finally, the committee discussed potential improvements for the area near Lovers Lane and the North End of the island. Members emphasized the importance of executing the vision from the 2017 plans, with suggestions on routing pedestrian access and utilizing Moby mats to facilitate access for golf carts. However, skepticism was expressed regarding the practicality of these suggestions. The meeting concluded with logistical discussions about the next meeting date, tentatively planned for September 25th.