Lee County

Lee County is looking at a flat budget this coming year, based on preliminary property tax numbers. And, if voters approve major changes to the tax system in November, deep budget cuts may follow in future years.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners on June 16 approved the draft RESTORE Act Direct Component Multiyear Implementation Plan (MIP) and authorized a 45-day public comment period as required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Traffic on thenewBig Carlos Pass Bridge will be shut down in both directions between 8 and 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, so crews can conduct final work needed before project completion.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier highlighted the results of an operation dubbed Sunset Stakes that targeted illegal gambling practices across Lee and Collier counties, mentioning that a new task force to address the problem is coming to Southwest Florida.

Lee County is inviting the community to celebrate the completion of the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge and the Big Carlos Bridge artificial reef with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 30.

A boil water alert for Corkscrew Road east of I-75 is now lifted for residents and businesses in that area.

It appears a beloved Southwest Florida restaurant will stay open with new owners. The Alva Country Diner on State Road 80 has been sold, and the current owner says the new owners want to keep it much the same as it's been for 30 years.

During summertime months when county ordinance prohibits the use of fertilizers that contain nitrogen and phosphorus, residents are encouraged to seek alternatives to fertilizer to keep their lawns and landscape healthy and fed, while also ensuring local waterways remain protected.

A multi-agency effort united Lee, Collier and Hendry County agencies to address child exploitation.