Government Digest: July 9 - July 15

Immokalee airport proposals sought

COLLIER COUNTY — The county is soliciting proposals from consultants, developers and businesses to develop the Immokalee airport site into a viable industrial park. The solicitation ends at 5 p.m. July 23. The Immokalee Regional Airport sits on 1,333 acres 35 miles northeast of Naples.

According to a county press release, the goal is to attract manufacturing businesses that would hire and train local workers, bring in international cargo carriers and U.S. Customs officials, and contribute new and vital industry to the local economy. Depending upon the quality of the proposal (in terms of private investment and anticipated employment generation), the county is prepared to negotiate both the rental rate and terms.

For information, contact Scott Johnson, county purchasing agent, at (239) 252-8995 or email [email protected].

Dingfelder replaces Dingfelder for seat

TAMPA — Democrat and former Tampa City Councilman John Dingfelder qualified, for now at least, for the District 1 Hillsborough County Commission seat after missing a resign-to-run deadline in June. With the prospect of a lawsuit by the local GOP, Dingfelder withdrew from the race June 29 only to be appointed the nominee by Hillsborough County's Democratic Party a day later. Under state law, if a party is left without a nominee, the party may select one. The GOP may still sue, however.

Linda Saul-Sena, who like Dingfelder missed the same deadline and resigned her Tampa City Council seat, has chosen not to withdraw from her race for a countywide District 5 seat. Because each missed the deadline, both immediately had to resign their respective seats on the Tampa City Council in order to run for the county commission seats. In the meantime, at least seven people have filed papers to be appointed to the two vacant city council seats.

Saul-Sena is running against Republican County Commissioner Ken Hagan and Jim Hosler, a planning consultant running with no party affiliation. Dingfelder would face the winner of the Republican primary between former state Rep. Sandy Murman and Trey Rustmann, a personnel firm project manager.

Businesses asked to register voters

PINELLAS — The county's Supervisor of Elections office is asking area businesses, houses of worship and organizations to schedule voter education and registration events at their facilities. The outreach effort aims to increase voter participation in the primary and general elections. On-site voter registration, election materials, mail ballot request forms and demonstrations of the paper ballot optical scan voting system are available at no cost to participating locations. For more information, email [email protected] or call (727) 464-5700.

Tax relief for spill victims?

TALLAHASSEE — The Senate Select Committee on Florida' Economy is set to meet July 12 in Pensacola to take testimony to consider legislation offering property tax relief to those affected by the BP oil leak. Chaired by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Destin, the committee has led development of legislation the past two years to create jobs and spur the economy. Gulf Coast members of the committee are Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton and Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples.

MEETINGS

PINELLAS COUNTY
The Tourist Development Council d/b/a Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater, meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday July 14, in the 5th floor assembly room, Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court St., Clearwater. For more information call (727) 464-6633.

The Economic Development Council meets Thursday, July 15, at 8 a.m. at EpiCenter rooms 1-453 and 1-455, 13805 58th St. N., Clearwater. For more information call (727) 464-8123.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council board meets at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 15, in the first floor conference room, 1926 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers. For more information, contact Debbie Kooi at (239) 338-2550 ext. 210, or email to [email protected].