Commissioner proposes county funding for Arches project
A Lee County commissioner proposes to have the county fund the Fort Myers Beach arches restoration project.
District 2, Cecil Pendergrass has notified Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, Inc. that he will, on Nov. 5, ask the elected board to direct county staff “to begin the process of permitting, design and review, and construction of the Arches in the Crescent Beach Family Park” and to also provide the funds to make the project happen.
…”We are excited of the possibility of getting this project going via Lee County,” said Steven Ray McDonald, president of Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, Inc. in an email blast. “We are hoping the Commissioners will vote with Cecil to fund the saving of our history.”
Approval would not mean the volunteer organization’s efforts would end, he added.
“Our organization will still be involved in planning, consulting, and design. Our organization will continue fundraising, our efforts will enhance the counties project with things such as signage and planting. We will donate our funds to the County towards the Arch Project,” McDonald wrote.
He attached the email he said he received from Pendergrass:
“Steve,
“Thank you for sharing. Per our conversation, I will be bringing up the Fort Myers Beach Arches as a commissioner item on November 5. My request and motion will be to have the Board’s support to direct County staff in order to begin the process of permitting, design and review, and construction of the Arches in the Crescent Beach Family Park. My request will also include that the County funds the construction of the project. Also, should the group wish to continue fundraising and/or use those funds towards the project itself or any other educational purpose for the project (i.e. signage) that can be included. Our history is important to me and this is the fastest, most efficient means to make sure the history of Fort Myers Beach is preserved and restored.
“If members/community of supporting this effort would like to attend the meeting on Nov 5 to show their support for my item, that would be great. I am hopeful my fellow colleagues on the BoCC will also support restoring history.
“Thank you,
“Commissioner Cecil L Pendergrass”
The effort to restore the Beach’s historic entryway has long been proposed. The group recently was given permission to create a 60 percent rendition on county property at Crescent Park.