• Frequently Asked Questions

    The list below of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers are intended to address the most common questions about the UCCA and island specific considerations. If you have a question that is not answered here, you may email info@uppercaptivacivicassociation.org and we will reply to your inquiry promptly.

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  • Membership

    Can anyone join the UCCA?

    Yes, membership to UCCA is open to all persons who are interested in the affairs of the island and are 18 years of age or older.  You do not have to be an island resident or property owner to become a member.

    You may join online or by paper form and check. Directions for the process are found at the following link.

    How do I join the UCCA?

    There are two ways to join. One is to do so online or you may print and complete an application form and mail the form and payment. The annual cost of membership is just $50.00. You may complete either method by clicking on the following link.

    Online – Follow the three easy steps on the left side of that screen to pay, complete your application, and login.

    Paper Form and Check – Follow the steps on the right side of the page to print/complete the form, write a check, and mail the application and check to the mailing address listed in the instructions.

    In either case, your information will be processed and you will receive an email to confirm your membership which includes a login account that you may use to access special members only information such as access to an online membership and island residents contact directory. Special content is found in the Members page of the website.

    How do I renew my membership?

    Each year, as a current member, you will receive an email with information providing easy directions for renewal. However, you may also renew at any time after your access has expired (January 1) by clicking the following link to log in to your member account. You will be presented with an expiration notice and a link to renew online.

    You may also complete a renewal form by clicking the following link and mailing the form, along with your payment to the identified address on the form.

    IMPORTANT:
    Online renewal requires you to LOG IN to your Membership account to allow your renewal payment and process to update your member record for the new membership year. Please do not choose the Join Us link as this will prevent you from joining again with the same email address, and if you choose a new email address, you will establish an new account, not renewing your existing membership.

    If you have forgotten your password, you may choose to reset it on the login page. If you do not remember which email address or username you used for your account, you may email info@uppercaptivacivicassociation.org and request your email or user name.

    I am having trouble logging into my member account on the website, how do I get help?

    You should be able to reset your password yourself on the Members Only page on the website. Simply click on the “Forgot Password?” link just below the “Login” button in the Member Login section.

    If you do not remember your username, you may also login using the email address associated with your member account.

    If you have tried these and still are in need of help, email info@uppercaptivacivicassociation.org and we will be sure to contact you and get things working for you.

    What benefits do I receive as a part of my UCCA Membership?

    Being a member of UCCA provides you an opportunity to be a part of a group of people that are striving to strike a balance of the preservation of the unique character of our barrier island community, while at the same time, managing the reality of a changing population of home owners and visitors.

    In addition to voting privilege’s on major initiatives, you also have access to the UCCA kayak launch, regular news letters, and access to special online member only content on the UCCA website including membership contact information, island resident directory, and other helpful content.

    Why do I have to login to the website?

    The only time you will be required to login to the website will be for things where the system must know that you are a current UCCA member. Below are two examples:

      1. Members only content is restricted to current members of UCCA, so the system must confirm that the person trying to access the content is a current member. By logging in, the system can check your member status and let you access the content.
      2. The other example is for membership renewal. In order to apply any dues payment to the proper account and to automatically update your member status for the new year, the system must know which member is being renewed.

    Safety and Security

    How do we decrease the speed of golf carts on the island?

    Newer golf carts have an on-board computer that can be programmed by on-island businesses to reduce the maximum cart speed.  Options for this “chipping down” process are summarized below.

    UCCA is not endorsing any maintenance provider; the service you receive and price you pay will vary with the on-island business that you choose based on your own negotiations. It’s always a good idea to research your options and ask neighbors for feedback on the on-island businesses that they’ve used.

    Slowing down newer golf carts that have on-board computers is a relatively easy, quick and low-cost procedure for those on-island businesses that have the correct equipment to update your cart’s programming. To illustrate the setting options for his recently “chipped down” Club Car golf carts, Islander Frank Sbarro provided the following table:

    There are also methods to manually control the speeds of older golf carts that don’t have on-board computers that are specific to each golf cart and manufacturer.  We recommend that you discuss the options for your older carts with the business that currently maintains your golf cart.

    All of the island golf cart rental and maintenance businesses were surveyed and those that responded are below, in alphabetical order, what their charges would be to “chip down” a golf cart:

    Derek’s Club Car Repair and Custom Carts (239-240-2919): Derek stated that he has the hand-held controller for newer IQ carts and some of the older PowerDrive controllers, if it has the socket. If using the programmer, it takes just a few minutes. If it is quick job, he will consider doing it for free as long as customers bring him future work. There are other ways to slow down older carts that he would be glad to evaluate and price.

    Island Club at North Captiva (239-240-2919):  No response

    Pieces of Eight Golf Cart (239-565-1331): Call or text to evaluate if this provider is still willing to do this service and for pricing.

    Safety Harbor Club (239-472-1019):  Safety Harbor Club would be able to adjust the speed on modern carts for members and non-members. Their minimum time charge is 1/2 hour which would equate to $37 for a non-member and less for a member. Rick also stated that they would not support manually adjusting older carts.

    Tortuga Property Services (239-400-4928):  Depending on the carts age and if it has a controller, they can reset the chip to as low as 7-8 MPH.  Their bill in one-hour increments and their charge would be $60.

    Lukas Warrelman (239-225-5044):  No response

    The goal of this FAQ is to provide as much detail as currently available and suggest that all owners, especially those owners that rent, to at least consider dramatically reducing the speed of golf carts that we make available to renters.

    UPDATES OR CORRECTIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO info@uppercaptivacivicassociation.org

    Is there a law against driving golf carts on the beach?

    Yes, there is a law against driving golf carts on the beach, not just North Captiva Island beaches, but all beaches in Lee County.  The punishment for driving on the beach is a fine of “up to $500” and/or “imprisonment up to 60 days” for each offense.

    That ordinance is found under “Beach and Dune Management”, not under any golf cart or motor vehicle ordinances. The full ordinance is here and also covers beach equipment etc. I encourage you all to read it by clicking HERE.

    Excerpts:
    Beach means the area of sand along the Gulf of Mexico that extends landward from the mean low water line to the place where there is a marked change in material or physiographic form, usually the effective limit of storm waves. Beaches include dunes and dune vegetation.

    Purpose and intent
    The purpose of this division is to encourage a steward-like attitude toward one of the county’s most valuable assets, the beach. It is the intent of this division to preserve and improve the condition of the beach asset as a place for recreation, solitude, and preservation of beach vegetation and marine wildlife.

    Destruction or diminishment of dune or beach system
    No person may conduct or allow any of the following activities on the beach, upon a dune, or in the water adjacent to the beach, unless otherwise specifically permitted in accordance with section 14-172

    (7) Operate any air-powered or any engine-powered non-watercraft vehicle, machine, or implement, including any battery or electrical powered vehicle, machine, or implement, except for a wheelchair or approved conveyance for a person with a disability which is actually being used by the person with a disability or as authorized in section 14-175

    What type of law enforcement does the island have?

    The Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) exercises primary law enforcement jurisdiction on the island. While there are regular island visits by deputies, direct response for calls for help by residents or visitors, and near island patrols by boat, it should be understood that the county’s limited resources are allocated based on historic crime rates, and as North Captiva island historically has a very low crime rate and few calls for service each year, a permanent presence on the island should not be expected. Resources are allocated as the need arises and situations dictate changes over time. The LCSO deputies also have regular contact and collaboration with the Fire District Administrative Staff.

    The Lee Plan, 2020 Codification, as amended through June 2020 state the expectations of our island community as follows:

    OBJECTIVE 26.7: PUBLIC SAFETY.  Preserve the character of North Captiva by providing for a law enforcement presence on North Captiva Island. (Added by Ordinance No. 09-09, 18-18)

    POLICY 26.7.1: The North Captiva community will encourage the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to be present during special events and during periods of high occupancy on North Captiva. The North Captiva community will work to identify housing and other resources as necessary in support of enforcement activities. (Ordinance No. 09-09 18-18)

    POLICY 26.7.2: Lee County will continue to ensure viable hurricane evacuation for hurricanes and other emergencies as well as emergency communication options for the residents and other affected persons. (Ordinance No. 09-09, 18-18)

    Who do we call when there are sustained loud noises after 10PM?

    As we all are aware, there will be situations on island where groups or individuals may get carried away in their celebrations and excitement of life in our island paradise, and continue these celebrations on into the night and beyond. While we appreciate and celebrate the freedom we have as Americans to enjoy ourselves, there are also limits to that expression that begin to infringe on the rights of others to enjoy domestic peace and tranquility. When those limits are exceeded, and you have done a reasonable job of being a good neighbor, then what are the options?

    The first option, if one feels comfortable in doing so, may be to have a friendly chat with the party letting them know that their excitement is going above and beyond a reasonable level and is disturbing those around them. Having the knowledge of the times and noise levels below may help convince them to tone it down. No need to get confrontational or physical, just a friendly reminder. If that does not do the trick, the next option is to call the authorities.

    Under Lee County Code (14-18, § 6, 9-2-2014), no business or residence may create a sound level which exceeds the limits set forth for the receiving land use category in Table 1 when measured at or within the real property line of the receiving land.

    Table 1
    SOUND LEVELS BY RECEIVING LAND USE

    Land Use Category Time Sound Level Limit dBA
    Residential, public space, or agricultural 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m.
    10:00 p.m.— 7:00 a.m.    		 66
    55
    Commercial or business 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m.
    10:00 p.m.— 7:00 a.m.    		 72
    65
    Manufacturing or industrial At all times 75

    If you believe that there are possible violations of these levels during the above times, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is empowered to enforce this ordinance. If an officer encounters a circumstance which reasonably indicates that a person is violating this chapter, the officer will conduct either a sound level measurement test, or noise disturbance determination in accordance with section 24¼-5(4) of this chapter to determine whether or not a violation of this Chapter exists. Nothing in this Chapter shall prohibit the LCSO from charging persons responsible for acts which affect the peace and quiet of persons who may witness them for breach of the peace or disorderly conduct under F.S. § 877.03, as may be amended from time to time.

    If and when you make the call, please use 239-477-1000 for a “non-emergency dispatch”

    Golf Cart Registry

    How does this new registry work with the new process that the Island Club is rolling out for their golf carts?

    Unlike the Island Club, the UCCA registry is open to all Islanders, whether members of the UCCA, Safety Harbor Club, or the Island Club.  It can work in conjunction with the Island Club’s new contracts and golf cart policies, especially for those Islanders that are not eligible for inclusion in the Island Club’s new program.

    I can’t figure out how to size my golf cart pictures so that the upload works. What should I do?

    If you have re-read the instructions found by clicking the HELP button on the Golf Cart Registry page and still are having issues in getting the photos accepted, email the picture(s) to info@uppercaptivacivicassociation.org and we can do the reformatting and upload for you.

    I created my registration a while ago and need to update/change the record (update the information or delete the cart). How do I do that?

    When you first registered your golf cart in the application, you received an email with a “Golf Cart Participant Record” identifier (a 5-character alpha/numeric identifier).  If you did not save that number or have deleted the confirmation email, you can do a search for CartID, Cart Color, or House Name to get the Record ID (the applications sequence number assigned in the order that your cart registration occurred) and enter that number in the EDIT/UPDATE screen. You will receive an email that contains the registration link for your use in managing your registration.  You should then save that email for future edit/updates.

    I created my registration on the website but I did not receive my confirmation email. Is my registration complete?

    If you don’t receive the confirmation email, it could be due to a typo in the email address you entered, or the email may have been moved to your email spam folder. You may send an email to info@uppercaptivacivicassociation.org to have someone check on the status of your registration.

    I don’t have a serial number or house label on my cart. Can I still register my cart?

    Yes, even if you don’t have any markings on your cart, you can use your house name as the Cart ID. However, for ease of recognition and reporting we suggest adding some type of identifier on each cart registered.

    I requested the email link to update/delete my cart registration, but I haven’t received it yet. What do I do?

    As a security measure, the registry system suspends repeated requests for the link. If you make an email link request too frequently, the system ignores your subsequent requests.  You must wait 24 hours before you try again … and remember, enter the Record ID (the number assigned in sequence by the application, based on when the cart was registered) ONLY ONCE and then wait 10 minutes (checking both your inbox and your spam/junk folders).  If you still haven’t received the email link, send an email to info@uppercaptivacivicassociation.org requesting assistance.

    Will the UCCA Golf Cart Registry include “fleet” operators like the Island Club, Boats and Fun, and others that rent their golf carts out?

    Yes, if the businesses want to participate, they can send requests to info@uppercaptivacivicassociation.org as to how to create an Excel spreadsheet for upload into the system and we will work with them to get those golf carts into the registry.

    Environment

    Is there a law against driving golf carts on the beach?

    Yes, there is a law against driving golf carts on the beach, not just North Captiva Island beaches, but all beaches in Lee County.  The punishment for driving on the beach is a fine of “up to $500” and/or “imprisonment up to 60 days” for each offense.

    That ordinance is found under “Beach and Dune Management”, not under any golf cart or motor vehicle ordinances. The full ordinance is here and also covers beach equipment etc. I encourage you all to read it by clicking HERE.

    Excerpts:
    Beach means the area of sand along the Gulf of Mexico that extends landward from the mean low water line to the place where there is a marked change in material or physiographic form, usually the effective limit of storm waves. Beaches include dunes and dune vegetation.

    Purpose and intent
    The purpose of this division is to encourage a steward-like attitude toward one of the county’s most valuable assets, the beach. It is the intent of this division to preserve and improve the condition of the beach asset as a place for recreation, solitude, and preservation of beach vegetation and marine wildlife.

    Destruction or diminishment of dune or beach system
    No person may conduct or allow any of the following activities on the beach, upon a dune, or in the water adjacent to the beach, unless otherwise specifically permitted in accordance with section 14-172

    (7) Operate any air-powered or any engine-powered non-watercraft vehicle, machine, or implement, including any battery or electrical powered vehicle, machine, or implement, except for a wheelchair or approved conveyance for a person with a disability which is actually being used by the person with a disability or as authorized in section 14-175

    What is Brazilian Pepper and how does the eradication ordinance affect me?

    Brazilian Pepper is an invasive plant species that is abundant on many vacant lots in the North Captiva Island community. Lee County ordinance,  Sec. 33-1741 requires eradication of all Pepper by January 1, 2021 from all Real Property. While there have been numerous communications about this deadline, there is still an abundance of Brazilian Pepper on the island. For more information about the eradication effort, please click the following link to go to the Brazilian Pepper Eradication page on our website.

    What is the Dark Sky initiative and how does it impact our island?

    The Upper Captiva community decided to “regulate outdoor lighting in public and private places in order to reduce or prevent light pollution or light trespass and to preserve the vision enjoyment of the night sky on Upper Captiva.” (see Dark Sky Ordinance FAQ) by 1 January 2021.

    UCCA Member Melissa Heberle presented at the January 2020 General Membership Meeting on the International Dark Sky Association  (www.darksky.org) and the potential vacationing benefits for being designated as a “Dark Sky Place”.  Many people seek out Dark Sky Places for their vacations, bringing their telescopes for star gazing.

    The information below is a summary of a more complete work on the Dark Sky initiative: 

    Artificial light at night has revolutionized the way we live and work outdoors, but it has come at a price. When used indiscriminately, outdoor lighting can disrupt wildlife, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view of the universe.

    Since 1988, the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has led a movement to protect night from light pollution.  IDA has designated 133 International Dark Sky Places, protecting nearly 100,000 sq km of dark places around the globe, they have 64 chapters operating in 18 countries, and IDA has supported 23 dark sky communities in adopting strong lighting policies.

    Light pollution is increasing worldwide at twice the rate of global population growth. Eight out of ten people live under a light-polluted night sky, at least three billion dollars is wasted on outdoor lighting each year in the U.S., and virtually every species studied has been harmed by light pollution.

    Tonight, wherever you are, go outside and look at the sky. Can you see the wonders? Overhead are countless distant fires, stars upon stars in clusters and constellations, a natural darkness where the faintest colors and lights shine. For most of human history, wherever on the globe, this was the night we knew. This was the darkness in which all life evolved and which our body and spirit still crave. Art and science and religion all flowed from our experience of natural darkness and a starry night sky. This is where we came from, this is who we are.

    –Paul Bogard, author of End of Night, 2019

    The IDA’s vision, purpose, and approach can be found at https://www.darksky.org/our-work, if further information is desired.

    If interested in a way to measure Dark Sky with your smartphones, try:

    Apple:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dark-sky-meter/id602989060

    Android: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=dark%20sky%20meter&c=apps&hl=en_US

    What is the Dark Sky ordinance and how does that affect me?

    Several years ago, the Upper Captiva community decided to “regulate outdoor lighting in public and private places in order to reduce or prevent light pollution or light trespass and to preserve the vision enjoyment of the night sky on Upper Captiva.”

    No later than 1 January 2021, all exterior lighting on Upper Captiva must conform to the requirements found in Lee County Ordinance 14-13, Section 33-1736 (Outdoor lighting standards).

    Please click here to read the applicable details of the ordinance and see lighting diagrams/examples to help you to understand and comply.

    The complete Lee Development Code can be found at https://www.leegov.com/bocc/Ordinances/14-13.pdf, was enacted by the Lee County Commission on 17 June 2014.  The Upper Captiva sections start on page 14.

    Infrastructure

    What are the options for internet service on-island?

    Although there are several options for service on-island, there are trade-offs between price, available speed, and in some cases, maximum data caps.  As with all products, each person will have to determine what their actual needs are to determine the connection speed and reliability they want to choose.

    A summary of the most common options is listed below. UCCA is not endorsing any provider, and the service you receive and price you pay will vary with the options you choose and negotiate in your particular plan with the provider. It’s always a good idea to research your options and ask neighbors for feedback on the services they’ve used.

    UCWISP.com is a new wireless service bringing high-speed internet to Upper Captiva. You can have up to 100Mbps bandwidth and unlimited data for a low monthly cost.

      • https://ucwisp.com
      • Minimum data rate of 10Mbps bursting up to 100+Mbps
      • Unlimited data with no bandwidth throttling ever
      • Buy your own equipment, no leasing of equipment
      • Ubiquiti Nanobeam antenna ($150.00) and optional Ubiquiti Cube WiFi router ($100).
      • DIY installation or use a local contractor
      • $149/month for 10/100 service plan
      • No contract
      • Shop small, Buy local

    T-Mobile Home Internet:

      • https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet
      • The cost is $50/month if you sign up for paperless billing
      • Although the T-Mobile website shows that service is not currently available, many Islanders report that they have gone to any local T-Mobile retail store location (see https://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator?sortBy=type1&page=1&search=33924) to can sign up and take home a mobile cellular access point
      • Reported speeds on the island are in the 20Mbps – 100Mbps range, depending on home location and where in the home the access point is set up
      • There is no rental fee for the access point and installation is as simple as plugging in the device to the electric outlet and checking different places in your home for best/strongest signal.

    AT&T Wireless Broadband for Business:

      • https://www.att.com/buy/broadband/availability.html (enter your on-island address and check business)
      • The cost is $65/month plus taxes and fees if you sign up for paperless billing
      • Although the AT&T website shows that broadband wireless service is not currently available for residential, if you run a business from your home (even as a rental), you should qualify for a business account
      • Reported speeds on the island are in the 20Mbps – 150Mbps range, depending on home location and where in the home the access point is set up
      • There may be a delivery and installation fee but you can check in with a retail store to discuss options (see https://www.att.com/stores/?q=33945&qp=33945&r=50&l=en)

    Verizon Home Wireless Internet:

    CenturyLink is the least expensive service with the slowest download/streaming speed. Depending on your location on the island and number of neighbors using CenturyLink internet at the same time, you may get anywhere from .5 Mbps to 1.5Mbps (that is the nature of DSL service, and is running on the old copper wire phone lines on the island). At the upper end of this speed, you can usually stream one TV channel, surf websites, or download email; but not always all at the same time, as well as a Voice Over IP (VOIP) telephone service like MagicJack.

      • https://www.centurylink.com/home/internet
      • The price for new customers is $49/month
      • The modem can be rented at $15/month or purchased for $200 (stores like BestBuy will typically have a better price for purchase)

    North Captiva Island Club (for NCIC members) has tiered pricing based on speed (5, 10, 15 or 20 Mbps). This service requires a line-of-sight antenna on your home connected to the NCIC tower at the Club complex. That tower then connects via microwave back to the mainland. This provides for a high speed service that is fairly stable, even in bad weather (unlike satellite connections). The NCIC service also provides options for a streaming TV service.

      • https://www.northcaptiva.com/
      • 5 MB service per month is $89
      • 10 MB service per month is $159
      • 15 MB service per month is $229
      • 20 MB service per month is $289
      • Installation of antenna and router with setup (including first month’s service) is $550-$700 depending on your home configuration to mount and access the NCIC tower)
      • ROKU/FireStick/Apple TV appliance is $40/TV

    StarLink is a high-speed satellite service which is now being rolled out by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company. This effort to bring affordable, high speed internet access to rural customers is being rolled out in our area soon. In addition to the speed, and lower cost, the difference here is that there is no proposed data cap imposed on users.

      • https://www.starlink.com/
      • You can sign up for the waiting list for our area and preorder your Starlink service on its site with a refundable $99 deposit
      • Service began in our area in January 2022
      • Initial island users of this service see average download speeds over 200 Mbps and upload speeds of about 20 Mbps
      • Service charge of $110/month
      • Equipment costs for small satellite dish, router, and power supply is $599 plus $50 shipping (self-install required)
      • Note: User should be comfortable with self install. There is no customer service.  No phone number, email nor online chat to contact should you have issues.

    Viasat Satellite Service:

      • https://www.viasat.com/internet requires a 2 year-contract
      • The price for new customers for their 3 plans are:
        • Unlimited Bronze: 12Mbps with the possibility of “throttled” (slower) downloads after your monthly usage exceeds 40GB (about 20 hours of streaming per month) is $70/month
        • Unlimited Silver: 25Mbps with the possibility of “throttled” (slower) downloads after your monthly usage exceeds 60GB (about 38 hours of streaming per month)is $100/month
        • Unlimited Gold: 30Mbps with the possibility of “throttled” (slower) downloads after your monthly usage exceeds 100GB (about 48 hours of streaming per month) is $150/month
      • Equipment cost is $12.99/month or $299.99 for “lifetime prepaid”
      • Installation cost is $99

    HughesNet Satellite Service:

      • https://www.hughesnet.com/get-started requires a 2 year-contract
      • The price for new customers for their 4 plans are:
        • 10GB Plan: 25Mbps with the possibility of “throttled” (slower) downloads after your monthly usage exceeds 10GB (about 15 hours of streaming per month) is $60/month
        • 20GB Plan: 25Mbps with the possibility of “throttled” (slower) downloads after your monthly usage exceeds 20GB (about 30 hours of streaming per month)is $70/month
        • 30GB Plan: 25Mbps with the possibility of “throttled” (slower) downloads after your monthly usage exceeds 100GB (about 48 hours of streaming per month) is $100/month
        • 50GB Plan: 25Mbps s with the possibility of “throttled” (slower) downloads after your monthly usage exceeds 50GB (about 75 hours of streaming per month) is $150/month
      • Equipment cost is either:
      • Lease at $9.99/month plus $99 lease setup fee
      • Purchase for $349.98 for “lifetime prepaid”
      • Installation cost is currently free

    Why is my internet service on the island so slow and inconsistent?

    As a bridgeless barrier island, North Captiva was originally inhabited without any utilities and infrastructure like phone, cable TV, or power.  In time, utilities were added, including the phone service which now exists which is delivered by means of a microwave link from the mainland to the NCIC tower and then delivered to homes via copper phone wires run underground by CenturyLink.

    CenturyLink Internet is delivered over these phone lines using a method called DSL. With that type of service, delivery speed depends on several factors including distance from the island delivery tower, condition of the copper phone lines, and overall demand of all other island homes using the internet at the same time. That has left the island with fairly slow (painfully so in many locations) and inconsistent DSL. There are above ground options like satellite providers and NCIC house antennas providing internet service which have challenges of their own.  None of these match the speed and reliability of the fiber networks available these days on the mainland that many of us have come to expect.

    There is some hope on the horizon as wireless providers introduce 5G service options which may reach the island in the future. Also, Elon Musk’s StarLink satellite project is rolling out and may reach our area by summer of 2021 with more affordable and consistent high speed internet service. You may read more about internet options in the Internet Options FAQ.

    County Services

    Why do we not seem to get our “fair share” of Lee County services?

    North Captiva is a bridgeless barrier island. As such, Lee County considers the residents here to be living in an area that will receive reduced government services (“Non-Urban Areas”). Just as people that choose to move out into the very rural parts of any state, there are less governmental services delivered such as roads maintenance, water/sewer, trash collection, etc.  The county has been very clear in this view as seen in the following Excerpt from the Lee Plan 2020 Codification (as amended through June 2020):

    POLICY 1.4.2: The Outer Islands are sparsely settled, have minimal existing or planned infrastructure, and are very distant from major shopping and employment centers. Except for those services as provided in compliance with other sections of this plan, they are not expected to be programmed to receive urban-type capital improvements in the time frame of this plan, and as such can anticipate a continued level of public services below that of other land use categories. The continuation of the Outer Islands essentially in their present character is intended to provide for a rural character and lifestyle, and conserve open space and important natural upland resources. Maximum density is one dwelling unit per acre (1 du/acre). (Ordinance No. 98-09, 09- 09)

    It is understood that it can seem “unfair” that we pay taxes that are intended to pay for roads, sewer, trash collection, schools, and other governmental services and yet receive little or no investment directly to the island. However, this is the current reality of our situation, and is not out of the norm for services to other extremely rural areas. While we can continue to advocate for tax investments by the County, we must also realize that we live in a unique location and we will not receive the same services as the “mainland”.

    Why doesn’t Lee County provide garbage service like they do for other taxpayers in Lee County?

    Lee County’s study that was completed in January 2009 determined that the costs charged to islanders would be significantly higher than charged by the current businesses like Davenport, North Captiva Island Club, or Safety Harbor Club.  For greater details, a report was created by Lee County on 18 January 2009 is available clicking here.

    The county estimate for service similar to what Davenport, NCIC, and SHC currently provide was $1800-$1880 per home (in 2009 dollars).  There were a number of notes that were apparently not included in that price (presumably meaning the total actual costs would likely be higher since:

    • Does not include capital costs except allowance for land rental.
    • Does not include white goods, bulky goods
    • House collection cost is not a competitive bid. Bidding is likely to reduce indicated cost.
    • Does not include commercial participation. Requiring comm. properties to participate in certain services such as site, compaction, fork-lift, chipper may marginally reduce costs.
    • Does not include existing residential SW Assessment of approx. $20 per unit/yr.

    Capital costs would be things like golf cart/ATV and trailer for garbage collection (or possibly worse, a commercial trash collection vehicle with compactor).

    As a comparison (in 2020 dollars):

    • Davenport currently charges $375/quarter ($1500) per year for 2x pickup each week
    • NCIC currently charges $275/6 months plus $17/bag (total annual costs are variable to each homeowner based on the number of bags)
    • SHC currently charges $1075/quarter for 1x pickup each week of up to 2 garbage cans (but garbage collection isn’t separately priced and that fee includes dockage, septic, water, pool/tennis courts, and use of other club amenities)

    The community and Lee County jointly decided in 2009 that costs were lower with the existing 3 choices, and that determination is likely to be the same in 2021 and later.

    Last Updated:  19 November 2020

    Why doesn’t Lee County provide recycling service like they do for other taxpayers in Lee County?

    While there have been continuing efforts by the Board exploring various options with Lee County and their contracted provider of recycling services, WastePro, but the bottom line is that Lee County’s study that was completed in January 2009 determined that the there were insufficient quantities to make “recycling of these items practical”. Not much has changed in that posture since that time.  The same study in January 2009 that included Lee County taking over our garbage collection and disposal had a single paragraph that stated their views, extracted verbatim below:

    Recycling
    Residential and Commercial recycling will reduce solid waste disposal cost but not the larger ‘handling’ costs.  We do not believe that the Island, in general, produces enough suitable paper and cardboard materials to make recycling of these items practical.  However, it is likely that recycling of containers (glass, metal, and plastic) would be appropriate particularly if such items are compacted prior to the water transport.  We believe that if a compaction and handling system was provided for garbage, it could also be used for this purpose.  If a central site/location is established for solid waste compaction then it could also allow for the individual generators to drop-off such recyclable containers at the central site.  Further review and investigation is required to determine the cost-effectiveness and practicality of recycling containers.  Glass bottles may prove to be particularly problematic.

    Davenport and Safety Harbor Club currently provide limited recycling services for their customers.

    Last Updated:  19 November 2020