Economic Development Advisory Board - August 6, 2026 minutes 2026-08-06

Economic Development Advisory Board · 2026-08-06 · minutes

The document is the minutes of the Economic Development Advisory Board meeting held on August 6, 2026, at Oscar M. Corbin, Jr. City Hall, 2200 Second Street, Fort Myers, Florida. The meeting included a presentation on the Multi-Sportsplex Feasibility Study for the City of Palms Park, which is in a detailed planning phase with a refined concept expected in eight to ten weeks. The project is projected to create approximately 435 jobs, $21.2 million in earnings, $62 million in economic output, and $4.8 million in tax revenue. Staff updates included a $40,000 TDC grant proposal for a promotional video, a Spin micro-scooter request to increase from 100 to 200 scooters, extend operating hours to 1:00 a.m., and a new fee structure guaranteeing a minimum of $35,000 annually, a proposal for an Economic Development Master Plan, preliminary discussions with MLS NEXT Pro for a developmental soccer team, and discussions with a university for criminal justice programs. Other major redevelopment opportunities mentioned include the New Press site, new police station, City of Palms site, new City Hall, Yacht Basin redevelopment, Lee Health's new hospital on Colonial Boulevard and redevelopment of the current 17-acre Cleveland Avenue property, and a new Costco location. The meeting minutes from July 2, 2026, were approved. The next meeting is scheduled for September 3, 2026.