Immokalee CRA Minutes 08/20/2025
Enclosure 1
1
MINUTES
Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee Community Redevelopment
Advisory Board on August 20, 2025. The Advisory Board members, staff, and public appeared virtually and
in person.
Hybrid Remote Public Meeting
CareerSource
750 South 5th Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
A. Call to Order.
The meeting was called to order by CRA Chair Michael “Mike” Facundo at 8:31 A.M.
B. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
Michael “Mike” Facundo led the Pledge of Allegiance and the opening prayer.
C. Roll Call and Announcement of a Quorum.
Christie Betancourt opened a roll call. A quorum was announced for the CRA Board.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present in Person:
Michael “Mike” Facundo, Bernardo Barnhart (8:36 A.M..), Patricia “Anne” Goodnight, Paul Thein,
Lupita Vazquez Reyes, Jimmy Nieves, Oscar Lugo, and Edward “Ski” Olesky.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present via Zoom:
None.
CRA Advisory Board Members Absent/Excused:
Mark Lemke, Yvar Pierre, and Estil Null.
Others Present in Person:
Andrea Halman, Yolanda Flores, Dr. Jaime Khemraj, Sarah Harrington, Misty Smith, Kaitlyn Zindle,
Jennifer Flores, Sarah Catala, Lee Van Gelder, Armando Yzaguirre, Cherryle Thomas, Joseph Mucha,
Hugo Osorio, Tim Denardis, Said Gomez, and Commissioner William “Bill” L. McDaniel, Jr.
Others Present via Zoom:
Ahmed El, Tricia de Cambria, Melissa Silva, Lorraine Lantz and Kyle Pryce.
Staff Present in Person: John Dunnuck, Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza.
D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom
Staff commented that a Board member may attend via Zoom.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight made a motion to allow board members to Zoom
Privileges. Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 6-0.
E. Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented the Agenda to the board for approval. The Agenda was approved as presented.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented.
Mr. Jimmy Nieves seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 6-0.
Page 861 of 1848
Enclosure 1
2
F. Approval of Consent Agenda
1. Minutes
i. Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for June 18, 2025 (Enclosure 1)
2. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2)
3. Code Enforcement Report (Enclosure 3)
4. Staff Reports
i. Assistant Director Report (Enclosure 4)
ii. Project Manager Report (Enclosure 5)
iii. Project Observation Field Report (Enclosure 6)
iv. Community Meetings (Enclosure 7)
Staff presented the Consent Agenda to the boards for approval. The Consent Agenda was approved as
presented.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. Mr. Jimmy Nieves seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 6-0.
G. Announcements.
1. Public Comments speaker slips
CRA Staff commented on the public 3-minute speaker slip policy for each Topic. The Board will
give more time if they feel it’s necessary.
2. Communications Folder
Staff reviewed the communication folder with the board and members of the public. Included in the
folder were the public notice of the Immokalee Community Redevelopment Advisory Board
Meeting, CAT Fare Study Notice, CRA College Intern newsletter, complete resolution of the
Immokalee Water and Sewer District connection fees and other community events.
H. Other Agencies
1. FDOT Updates
No Updates.
2. Other Community Agencies
i. Immokalee Water and Sewer District (IWSD) (Enclosure 8)
Ms. Misty Smith provided a brief recap of IWSD staff’s attendance at the Lipman Backpack
Giveaway Event. This year staff decided to have the artwork of the Drop Savers Contest winner
on the bags to distribute to community members at the backpack event.
Ms. Misty Smith and Ms. Sarah Catala provided information on their upcoming Board Meeting
and Rate Study Public Hearing.
Ms. Sarah Catala, Executive Director of Immokalee Water and Sewer District (IWSD),
provided information on the ten locations of the Advanced Meters as part of their Smart
Infrastructure Utility Project. The IWSD has been able to prevent several sanitary sewer
overflows.
Page 862 of 1848
Enclosure 1
3
Ms. Christie Betancourt asked about the coverage area of the connection fee. Ms. Sarah Catala
said the coverage area includes the Central Service Area, which includes all of Immokalee and
the area going North along State Road 29 up to the Roundabout. The IWSD is currently in the
preliminary stages of planning for the construction of new lines along State Road 29.
A brief discussion was held on commercial deposit fees. Ms. Sarah Catala clarified that the
fees are based on the EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit) and meter sizes. The connection fees
are separate. The connection fees will help recover the cost of expanding the system capacity
to accommodate growth. Ms. Catala provided further information on the connection fees that
are effective after October 1, 2025. The connection fees will be enacted for new developments.
She clarified that certain cases pertaining to redevelopment may be charged a connection fee
or a portion of a connection fee.
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes asked about the deficiencies that exist in the system and if the
residents are affected by this. Ms. Sarah Catala commented on the water affordability and said
the deficiencies in the system would be related to areas that have older pipes that may need
replacement and regular maintenance.
Mr. Michael “Mike” Facundo commented on the IWSD needs to have a system that
accommodates to the growth of the community. Mr. Facundo asked if the IWSD could present
in a future meeting and provide information on the connection fee and their 5-year plan.
Ms. Sarah Catala also provided information on the Florida Bill that went through Legislature
to eliminate fluoride from drinking water. After much discussion on this matter, the IWSD
Board decided to act and suspend the district from adding fluoride to drinking water. The IWSD
Board decided to take the savings from the elimination of fluoride, and have it donated towards
the Healthcare Network, so that they can provide their services through their mobile dental
care for the community of Immokalee. Healthcare Network will monitor how the money is
spent, and they will provide an update to the IWSD Board.
If anyone is interested in attending the IWSD Board meeting virtually, they may contact Ms.
Sarah Catala.
ii. Collier County Code Enforcement
Mr. Joseph “Joe” Mucha introduced himself. He previously worked in Immokalee from 2015
to 2017. He has returned to the Immokalee Community. If anyone needs any assistance with
Code Enforcement, he is open to helping out.
Mr. Joe Mucha is also working on the Community Cleanup, which will most likely be held on
September 13, 2025. However, Utilities needs to check the site. Once confirmed, staff will
provide the information to community members.
Page 863 of 1848
Enclosure 1
4
iii. Collier County Parks and Recreation
Mr. Said Gomez provided updates on the Immokalee parks. Park staff recently worked with
105.5 The Beat, who were looking to give backpacks away. They held this backpack giveaway
event at Immokalee South Park. This event was successful; 105.5 The Beat gave away around
150 backpacks.
The Summer programs at the Immokalee Community Park and South Park were very
successful. Overall, participants for both parks were around 90 kids. Park staff are now taking
in VPK for both locations.
As of now, the Immokalee Sports Complex fields are open. Mr. Manny Tourn and the Pop
Warner group are using the fields. Park staff are working with both these organizations,
especially with the overall growth of their participants. Mr. Gomez is hoping to find additional
field space with the Interlocal Agreement with Eden Park, as well as getting creative and using
the outfield as well.
Mr. Said Gomez also provided information on the fitness center at the Immokalee Sports
Complex. Park staff see around 400 participants a day. This shows the growth of the
community. Staff are also kicking off the swimming lessons at the Immokalee Sports Complex.
iv. Immokalee Eastern Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Melissa Silva provided a comment on Zoom. The 29th Cherryle Thomas Christmas Around
the World Parade will Parade and Gala event will be held on December 6, 2025.
The Immokalee Eastern Chamber of Commerce will also have its 2nd Annual Jail & Bail
Fundraiser on November 7th - proceeds of that event are going towards the parade & gala.
They would like everyone to participate in their first annual 5K Trail Run - this event will be
a Chamber and Rotary of Immokalee Club event - all proceeds will benefit the parade & gala
event. This event is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025. They’ll release details about the
5k and how to register.
v. Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida
Dr. Jaime Khemraj introduced herself. She is the Chief Medical Officer at Healthcare Network.
She commented on the support of the dental screening services with their mobile units. They
are committed to ensuring health care for everyone.
She provided updates on the Healthcare Network. In compliance with a new Florida Law, 9th
– 12th Graders will need an electrocardiogram (EKG) should they wish to participate in sports.
Healthcare Network is offering sports physicals for $25. Should the finding of EKG be
discovered, Healthcare Network has partnered with a specialist/cardiologist in Collier County
to assist in backing up the network’s primary care providers’ interpretation and help connect
that child to a specialty provider.
Page 864 of 1848
Enclosure 1
5
Healthcare Network has been asked by Collier County Community and Human Services
Director, Kristi Sontag, to support developing an infectious disease plan for implementation to
high-risk groups, one of which is Immokalee and Golden Gate. Healthcare Network is in the
process of meeting every month, if anyone is interested in participating, they are welcome to
email Dr. Khemraj.
Healthcare Network is also implementing its second community advisory group meeting on
September 26 at 3:30 p.m. at the Marion E. Fether Building in Immokalee. If anyone would
like to comment on the services and care the Healthcare Network provides to them, they are
welcome to attend this meeting.
I. Community Presentations
No presentations.
J. Old Business
1. Contractor Maintenance Reports
i. A&M Property Maintenance Report & Schedule (Enclosure 9)
Mr. Armando Yzaguirre provided updates on A&M Property Maintenance. Mr. Yzaguirre
commented that everything is going as normal. A&M staff had difficulties this past month with
the street sweeper schedule, since it has been raining. Other than that, there are no other major
issues.
As for the homeless, A&M staff have noticed that there is low activity within the Zocalo area;
however, there seem to be many homeless individuals present on the 9th Street Property.
Mr. Yzaguirre provided an update on the irrigation at the Cemetery. The irrigation work has been
completed. A&M staff had to remove a lot of the pavers along the side of the sidewalk. A pop -
up line was installed near the center; the rest consisted of drips or bubblers. Mr. Yzaguirre
commented that A&M would like to donate Javelin along the fence line until CRA staff figure
out the next steps. Mr. Yzaguirre has also run new irrigation at the small section near the turning
lane in front of the cemetery at the end of the median.
ii. New Market Road Commercial Project (Parcel along Pinellas Street)
a. Vacating the Alley (Enclosure 10)
Staff provided a summary of the previous time the item was presented to the board on May 21,
2025. Mr. Hugo Osorio, Project Manager with Boral Engineering, is working with Mr. Timothy
Denardis on a proposed commercial plaza along New Market Road and Pinellas Street. The
project is about 42,000 square feet (+/- six lots).
As part of the Site Development Plan, the applicant submitted an alley vacating request for a 20-
foot-wide alley lying between Lots 2-7, Block 2. Per Collier County, any alley or easement
verification must include public benefit, which may be financial or in-kind.
Page 865 of 1848
Enclosure 1
6
The Collier County Transportation Department directed the applicant to seek a recommendation
from the Immokalee CRA to ensure the proposed public benefit aligns with the CRA goals and
community priorities.
On May 21, 2025, the Advisory Board voted anonymously to provide a Letter of Support for
vacating the alley, with the recommendation that any future public benefits be directed towards
the Immokalee CRA. However, CRA Staff have not finalized the Letter of Support due to the
Advisory Board’s input on the type of community benefit to recommend as part of the County’s
review.
Ms. Christie Betancourt provided a couple of recommendations that included direct financial
contribution to the CRA Capital Account, enhanced landscaping or streetscape improvement
beyond standard requirements or additional public amenities.
Mr. John Dunnuck commented that when the County gives up something, they are also looking
to gain something. Staff would like the input from the Advisory Board on the specific benefit to
the Immokalee CRA.
Ms. Christie Betancourt also commented on the property closeness to a proposed development
on Westclox and SR 29. Potentially, a roundabout is set to be done.
Mr. Hugo Osorio reintroduced himself and Mr. Timothy Denardis. He has received feedback
from the County Staff. Staff have asked Mr. Osorio and Mr. Denardis to come back to the board
to clarify and be specific about the benefits. The County is also looking at vacating this alley to
address the drainage issues that may arise. Mr. Osorio commented on the standard within the
SDP, so they are looking to have proper drainage.
Ms. Lorraine Lantz introduced herself; she is with Collier County Transportation Planning. Her
group provided comments to Mr. Osorio and Denardis on the public benefits and requirements.
She clarified that they are one of the reviewers and said the Developer Review is the group that
does the actual vacation process. Typically, with vacations, staff look at what type of easement
it is and look at the disciplines to see what type of impact the project has if it’s vacated.
Originally, Ms. Lorraine Lantz and her group were not able to find a public benefit regarding
this project; however, they suggested that Mr. Osorio and Denardis come back to the CRA to see
if there is anything the developer is willing to contribute to that may be above their requirement.
The Road Maintenance and Facilities group has mentioned that there is an opportunity for an in-
kind swap.
There is an easement of about 8 acres that is in a different location on the same property. If the
developer is willing to make the swap, the developer would take on the drainage impact of that
property to improve and maintain it. Ms. Lantz reiterated that County staff would like to know
if there is something else in the area that could be of interest to the Immokalee CRA.
Page 866 of 1848
Enclosure 1
7
Mr. Facundo asked for clarification on the alternative easement that the County may need.
Ms. Lantz commented that 3,000 square feet is of value to the County and the Community. It’s
a platted access easement. For the County to give this right up, they would like something of
value in return. It was conceptually discussed that the County would like an easement parallel to
Jefferson Ave that would go from Pinellas Street to SR 29 and somewhere on the North side that
would go to the New Market area. Ms. Lantz commented that Mr. Marshall Miller, who is with
Stormwater Road Maintenance, is the one who brought this up and said there could be an
easement that the County could trade for compensation on the easement alley that would be
vacated.
Mr. Facundo asked if sketches could be provided to show the easement that is being negotiated.
Ms. Lantz followed up and said that at this time, she does not have a sketch or legal description.
A discussion was held on the options that could be further discussed, which include delegating
the authority to the Transportation Department to negotiate the easement or recommending a
different alternative.
Mr. Facundo commented that in a normal development, an appraisal of value can be made. If
done this way, this can lead to the developer paying the County and possibly having the funds
go back to the CRA. He recommended that a decision not be made without first understanding
what the best use is for the property and discussing all options.
Mr. John Dunnuck provided clarification on what the board could recommend and said that the
property can be appraised for cash value, which could then lead to right-of-way improvement or
any other alternative that puts the decision back in the hands of the County.
Mr. Denardis commented that it’s a good idea to figure out the cash value of the alley. However,
he expressed his concern about the price being unaffordable to buy and how it could potentially
lead to no development and having just a vacant lot for the next years to come.
Mr. Facundo followed up and commented that he understood Mr. Timothy Denardis’ concerns;
however, the board would like to do their due diligence and weigh in all the options before a
final decision is made.
After much discussion from the board, they directed staff to obtain an in-house valuation analysis
of the 20’ alley (3,311 sq. ft, 0.08 acres) and to explore a suggested on-kind swap based on
drainage improvements, to determine the best contribution to the CRA area.
Mr. Facundo wanted to make the motion, so he handed over the gavel to Vice-Chair Bernardo
Barnhart. Staff will provide an update at the next CRA meeting.
Page 867 of 1848
Enclosure 1
8
CRA Action: Mr. Michael “Mike” Facundo made a motion to direct CRA staff obtain an in-house
valuation analysis of the 20’ alley (3,311 S.F., 0.08 Acres +/-) proposed for vacation, and to work with
Collier County Transportation staff to provide the Immokalee Community Redevelopment Advisory Board
with (1) the valuation results, and (2) sketches/details of the potential in-kind easement swap for drainage
improvements, so the Board may determine the most appropriate public benefit contribution to the
Immokalee CRA area before making a final recommendation to the County. Ms. Patricia “Anne”
Goodnight seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
2. Development Report by Johnson Engineering (Enclosure 11)
Ms. Kaitlyn Zindle provided an overview of the August Development Report. Ms. Zindle
highlighted new developments. The new development review petitions included Lee County
Elementary Co-op Immokalee Warehouse, Park View Community Center – Results Care Physical
Therapy Pain & Wellness, Iglesia Cristiana, and the Immokalee Government Center.
Ms. Christie Betancourt commented on the available property listing completed by CRA Intern
Karen Fernandez Rua and the assistance this listing can provide to developers. The Development
Reports have been helpful to staff in providing status for projects that have been making progress.
Ms. Betancourt commented on the changes that are set to be made soon. Winn-Dixie is closing, and
it will become an ALDI. A brief discussion was held on these changes and what they can mean for
the Immokalee community.
3. Advisory Board update
i. New Board Orientation
Staff have met with all board members except for Mr. Edward “Ski” Olesky. Staff will do so in
the upcoming days. Staff have gone over the Bylaws, Roberts Rule of Order, and the Agenda.
ii. New Board Meeting Agenda
Staff provided the board members with a draft outline of the Agenda. Staff discussed the time
and location of the upcoming meetings. As of now, staff have been notified that the conference
room will not be available after this month; however, if there are any changes, staff will make
the Board aware. The Immokalee CRA Board will be meeting at the Immokalee Community
Park. They are not open until 9 a.m., so staff are proposing to meet at 9.00 a.m. Due to the
programming done at the Immokalee Community Park, staff are unable to set up the day before,
so they will be setting up before the meeting starts.
Staff provided the board with a couple of items for discussion. This included whether the board
would like to continue doing the opening prayer or have a moment of silence. Staff will also start
sending all items in the Communication Folder to the board members; unless it’s a big file, staff
will then share it via a link. Another item discussed was adding Public Comments before the
announcement and having another section of Public Comments on general topics, not on the
current or future agenda. Ms. Christie Betancourt provided clarification on the Public comments
not in the current or future agenda and said that anything that has not been discussed in the
Agenda can be discussed in this item.
Page 868 of 1848
Enclosure 1
9
The Board members supported the start time of 9:00 a.m.
A discussion was held by the board members on whether they should continue with an opening
prayer or a moment of silence. Information was given on what is done by the Board of Collier
County Commissioners. Staff also provided a brief history of what was previously done by the
CRA Board.
After much discussion, each board member gave their input as follows:
1. Michael “Mike” Facundo - Opening Prayer
2. Edward “Ski” Olesky - Moment of Silence
3. Jimmy Nieves - Opening Prayer
4. Paul Thein - Opening Prayer
5. Lupita Vazquez Reyes - Ms. Reyes feels that the County should be accessible and said that
the moment of silence feels very inclusive. This allows each person to pray with their own belief.
6. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight - No opinion on this matter.
7. Bernardo Barnhart - Opening Prayer
8. Oscar Lugo - Opening Prayer
The board made a motion to continue the opening prayer.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight made a motion to have the Immokalee Community
Redevelopment Advisory Board continue with an opening prayer . Mr. Bernardo Barnhart seconded the
motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 6-1.
iii. 2025 Calendar update (Enclosure 12)
Staff asked that the board make a recommendation on the start time of the Immokalee
Community Redevelopment Advisory Board. After a brief discussion, the Board made a motion
to start at 9:00 a.m.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight made a motion to have the Immokalee Community
Redevelopment Advisory Board meeting start at 9:00 A.M. Mr. Jimmy Nieves seconded the motion, and it
passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
iv. FRA Conference
If any board member is interested in attending the 2025 Florida Redevelopment Association,
they may contact CRA staff to register and make accommodations. If a board member is
attending for the first time, staff will ask that the board members attend the CRA Board Training
Course.
4. 2025/2026 Strategic Plan Update
Staff will present the Strategic Plan Update to the Board of Collier County Commissioner s in the
upcoming meetings. Staff are putting a draft together to take it to the County Attorney and process
this item.
Page 869 of 1848
Enclosure 1
10
5. Budget Update
i. Tentative Budget Report (Enclosure 13)
Staff presented the tentative budget that has been posted on the Immokalee CRA website.
6. Parks & Recreation South Park Project (Enclosure 14)
Staff presented the Parks and Recreation South Park project. The Immokalee CRA has funds up to
$50,000 for Parks and Recreation Improvements for a project that is being brought forward by Parks
and Recreation staff.
The first proposal was over $50,000; however, Parks and Recreation staff asked a different vendor,
and they presented this second proposal at a cost of about $40,000.
Staff reiterated that the Immokalee CRA Board approved their priority listing and included in this
listing was $50,000 for a Capital Project for Parks and Recreation within the Immokalee Area.
Mr. Said Gomez provided a recap of the steps taken by Parks and Recreation staff to find a vendor
that could offer the services needed for a cost under $50,000. He commented that staff would like
to have a shade over the Immokalee South Park playground. A discussion was held on all the other
options waved due to the higher cost of $50,000. This included improvements to Ann Olesky Park
and Dreamland Park.
Staff and board members discussed the overall cost of this project and what is included within the
cost, which includes the actual shade, permitting, and installation of this project. This structure
being aligned as a sail shade will allow staff to avoid additional attention to permitting. Also
discussed were the vendor process for the County and the need for a vendor to follow the policy if
they are interested in doing business with the County.
Commissioner McDaniel reiterated the process that vendors must go through if they are looking to
do business with the County.
Mr. Paul Thein asked if Parks and Recreation staff have considered the replacement cost in their
budget.
Mr. Said Gomez commented that Parks and Recreation staff have a maintenance process that will
most likely play a part if this project is approved.
Mr. Michael “Mike” Facundo commented on the importance of maintaining an item like this shade
structure, especially during the hurricane season, and making sure staff are aware of how to
minimize the damage to items like this.
Commissioner McDaniel commented on the efforts of the Board of Collier County Commissioners
with the creation of a new fund for Capital Asset Replacement and Maintenance.
Page 870 of 1848
Enclosure 1
11
He commented on the importance of taking into consideration of having a sustaining infrastructure
for the community as well as a plan for the growth within the community.
Mr. Jimmy Nieves asked if any other facility in Collier County has something similar to this shade
project. Mr. Said Gomez commented that the only other park that has something similar is North
Collier Regional Park. Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight commented that the school district has a
couple of them installed.
Mr. Oscar Lugo asked if the survey and pipeline services are budgeted. Mr. Said Gomez commented
that an SDP may not be needed due to this project not being an actual shade structure, since there
will be no solid roof.
CRA Action: Mr. Paul Thein made a motion to fund the Parks and Recreation Immokalee South
Park Project with the allocated $50,000 under Fund 1026- Immokalee CRA – Park & Recreation. Ms.
Lupita Vazquez Reyes seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
7. Brief Staff Project update
i. Immokalee Sidewalk Phase III – Eustis Ave. and W Delaware Ave.
Staff provided information on the progress of the Immokalee Sidewalk Phase III project. Staff
have gone out to Bid, and they received one bid of over 1.1 million, which was from Marquee
Development Inc. A pre-construction meeting was held in May 2025. Before staff could issue
a Notice to Proceed, staff had to do some things for the Grant. The grant is for the amount of
$987,000, which has almost covered the expenses for this project. Staff had to put out an
advertisement in English, Spanish, and Creole for jobs for the project with Marquee
Development Inc. An advertisement was also put out in the Naples Daily News, and a permit
was also pulled for this project. Marquee Development Inc. is coordinating with its
manufacturer for the drainage structure. Staff anticipate issuing a Notice to Proceed on
September 8, 2025. Overall, this is scheduled to be a nine-month project, and it includes
sidewalks and drainage improvements.
ii. First Street Corridor Safety Project
A bid opening will be held on August 21, 2025, at 3 p.m. Staff will be attending the bid opening.
The First Street Corridor Safety Project is from Main Street down Immokalee School Road.
Due to many right-of-way issues, staff had to phase this project out. Some existing and proposed
improvements are outside the Right-of-Way, so acquisitions will need to be made. There are
about 18 easements, which are mostly on the East side of the road. Staff can move forward with
the South side portion of this project, where eleven lights are going to be improved, five existing
and six additional where there are no lights at all.
Staff have received 18 legal descriptions and sketches that will be provided to the Transportation
Department so that they can assist CRA staff with the process of acquisitions. There are 60%
Plans for Phase II of this project, which are currently being reviewed.
Page 871 of 1848
Enclosure 1
12
The County and other utility providers have until Friday to provide their comments. There is an
estimate of 12 to 18 months for the acquisition process.
Ms. Christie Betancourt commented that staff will probably have two projects under
construction within the next few weeks. Extra funding of $200,000 was awarded for the
acquisitions. It has been put on the record that the Immokalee CRA will be awarded for the
second phase of this project.
K. New Business.
L. Citizen Comments.
Mr John Dunnuck recognized Ms. Cherryle Thomas. Ms. Cherryle Thomas commented on her efforts
with being a part of the Immokalee Lighting Beautification MSTU Board. Ms. Thomas clarified that Ms.
Dorcas Howard and Mrs. Florence Jelks were the designers of the blue light poles.
Commissioner McDaniel complimented the efforts of the boards’ merging and the progress of the board.
He also commented on the new start time and location of the upcoming meetings.
Commissioner McDaniel provided information on the Williams Ranch acquisition. The acquisition is
moving forward. Remediations of the standards that were set in the contract have been completed. If all
goes well, direction will be given to staff to initiate the comprehensive plan amendment to start the
process to zone the farm fields in the South appropriately for uses.
Commissioner McDaniel also commented on the efforts of getting a road right-of-way to extend Little
League Road down through the property to get to Immokalee Road. This will allow for another access
point out of town. Commissioner McDaniel provided further information on the Rural Land Stewardship
Area (RLSA) and how this will allow for water retention and detention as well as water quality
improvements. He further provided information on the generated credit that is given for an RSLA. A
brief discussion was held on a pedestrian path in the Williams property. If it can be coordinated with the
FPL Easement, then it’s possible to have a path in the property.
M. Next Meeting Date
The newly created Immokalee Community Redevelopment Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday,
August 20, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. at CareerSource SWFL.
N. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 10:36 A.M.
* Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record.
Page 872 of 1848
Zoom Chat
August 20, 2025 Immokalee CRA Hybrid Public Meeting
00:44:52 Melissa Silva: Good morning, I'm having technical difficulties but
we have three upcoming community events. Chrisite ‐ can you please share? We are
proud to co‐host this year's 29th Annual Cherryle Thomas Christmas Around the World
Parade & Gala on Saturday, December 6, also in partnership with Collier County
Parks & Rec.
00:45:20 Melissa Silva: We also have our 2nd Annual Jail & Bail Fundraiser
on November 7th ‐ proceeds of that event are going towards the parade & gala.
00:45:37 Christie Betancourt: Will do.
00:46:23 Melissa Silva: We'd like everyone to participate in our first
annual 5K Trail Run ‐ this event will be Chamber and Rotary of Immokalee Club event
‐ all proceeds with benefit the parade & gala ‐ scheduled for Saturday, October 25
00:46:40 Melissa Silva: We'll release details about the 5k today and how to
register
00:47:37 Melissa Silva: sorry ‐ we're co‐hosting this year's parade with
the Rotary Club of Immokalee
00:58:54 Lorraine Lantz: Christie ‐ we spoke to the developer yesterday
about the public benefit and opportunities for a easement swap based on drainage
00:59:13 Lorraine Lantz: I can speak if you want
01:16:45 Lorraine Lantz: the vacation group meets once a month
01:17:06 Lorraine Lantz: I will coordinate with you
Page 873 of 1848
Page 874 of 1848