FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pete Winton, Lee County Administration
              (239) 335-2777

BOARD TAKES A STAND ON CITRUS TARIFF/APPROVES ROADWAY LIGHTING

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 10, 2003) - The Board of Lee County Commissioners today approved the following items during its regular weekly meeting. They are:

Citrus Tariff - Adopted a resolution that supports no reduction in the current United States tariff on citrus products. The resolution comes as a recommendation from the Horizon Council

Horizon Council - Adopted a resolution that amended the membership of the Horizon Council by creating six additional members. Under the new composition the vice chair, secretary and the treasurer serve as at-large voting members and three additional at-large members were created. The Board also approved redefining the categories of member organizations of the Horizon Council to include private economic development and trade organizations, and community and business organizations.

Constitutional Complex Renovations - Approved $1,198,863 as the guaranteed maximum price for the renovation of the Lee County Constitutional Complex. The work includes the reconfiguration and/or the installation of new architectural, structural, plumbing and mechanical, fire protection, electrical, telecommunication and security systems on the second floor of the complex. The item was also coupled with a budget resolution in the amount of $358,865 that allows the Lee County Tax Collector to contribute to the renovation project.

Roadway Lighting - The Board entered into a Roadway Lighting System agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation. The Board agreed to maintain roadway lighting on South Tamiami Trail from Gladiolus Drive to College Parkway in exchange for Florida Department of Transportation installing the lighting. The roadway lighting project is an attempt to decrease the frequency of nighttime vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian-to-vehicle related accidents.

Causeway Bonds - Approved the selection of underwriters, bond counsel and disclosure counsel for the refinancing of two previously issued bonds series - that were used for the Midpoint Memorial Bridge project - and the issuance of new bonds to finance the Sanibel Causeway bridges replacement.

Ambulance Refurbishment - Approved remount/modular refurbishment of seven ambulances for a total cost of $492,454. The refurbishment improves and u grades the Lee County ambulance fleet, which maintains response time, reliability, and service to the public.

Lease Agreement - Approved a lease with Fort Myers Venture I, L.L.C. for 18,242 sq. ft. of space in the SunTrust Plaza, Suites 600, 703 and 200, located at 2000 Main Street, Ft. Myers. The lease is for one year with the option to renew for 4 additional one-year periods under the same terms and conditions. The lease cost would be a blended rate of $23.25 per square foot. This lease can be terminated by giving six months advance written notice or at time of purchase. Court Administration, Public Defenders Office and State Attorney's Office will relocate to this building.