ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Citizens oppose development that would destroy acres of mangroves
The controversial project near Shell Point would destroy 36 acres of mangroves. After a strong show of opposition, the county hearing was continued until January 7 to allow rebuttal from applicant. Originally published in the News-Press on Dec. 6, 2019 by Bill Smith Opponents of a plan to remove mangroves on the shore of the…
Stand up for Natural Florida: Say NO to the Roads to Ruin!
Add your support to the “No Roads to Ruin” Coalition… click here to lend your voice to a statewide coalition opposing the three toll roads – including the Southwest-Central Florida Connector, extending from Collier County to Polk County — being proposed to destroy large swaths of Florida’s last remaining rural lands, pollute waterways, and threaten…
Why We Support Nick Batos for County Commissioner
Lee Future believes the election of Nick Batos to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners in 2020 will have a dramatic impact on the future of our county. When elected Batos plans on working with Frank Mann, who is seeking reelection in 2020, to change the direction of the county. The following interview from…
Lee Future urges Florida legislature to fully fund Florida Forever
Lee Future is one of 141 civic, environmental and other organizations from throughout Florida urging the Florida Legislature to approve legislation that will once again fully fund Florida Forever. The state’s premier land conservation program has been grossly underfunded these last 10 years, ever since the Great Recession of 2008. This program, if fully funded, could…
Fighting the Toll Roads
Tools for the Battle Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature passed a bill to fast-track three major new toll roads that will destroy large swaths of Florida’s last remaining rural lands, pollute waterways, and threaten endangered wildlife including the iconic Florida panther. If completed as proposed, 330 miles of toll roads could be constructed by 2030….
Nick Batos Announces Candidacy for Lee County Board of County Commissioners
One of the goals of Lee Future is to encourage residents who share our concerns and beliefs to run for public office. Therefore, we are encouraged when a candidate with the qualifications and positions as strong as Nick Batos step up to seek county positions of power. Only leaders who are free from the grip…
Savor the victory, then prepare for the next battle
The push to control limerock mining is far from over, and recent county actions have made the fight against future requests more difficult. Neighbors and opponents of expanded mining activities in the Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource DR/GR) area should be somewhat heartened by the Lee County Commission decision to reject the rezoning request for Old Corkscrew…
How Many Mines does Lee County Need?
Lee County already is the second biggest supplier of construction aggregate in Florida and has long provided about 70% of all of this essential road and building material for all 7 southwest Florida counties from Sarasota to Collier. Lee Future opposes the approval of unnecessary additional mines, and the erosion of the protections in the Comprehensive…
Wear RED to the Nov. 6 Board of County Commissioners Meeting
…oppose more lime rock mines Lee Future joins the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) in encouraging all its members to wear red to the November Board of County mmissioners final decision on the rezoning of the Troyer Brothers mine. Since we can’t testify, this will visibly show the County Commissioners that we support the Hearing Examiner’s decision…
Blue-green Algae in our Waters is a Disaster
…And it’s Caused More by Humans than by Nature The battle over water quality and public health returns to the Florida legislature. After last year’s devastating outbreak of blue-green algae and red tide, it seemed every politician vowed to “do something.” Now Florida lawmakers have the chance to demonstrate their commitment with solid action. Lee…