ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD March 6, 2025 1 | P a g e The Economic Development Advisory Board of the City of Fort Myers, Florida, met in regular session at Oscar M. Corbin, Jr. City Hall, 2200 Second Street, a meeting place in the City of Fort Myers, Florida, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 2:02 p.m. Present were: Chair Dennis Landfried, presiding, Vice Chair Orie Lee Ford (Arrived at 2:05 p.m.), Regular Board Members John Kakatsch, Ken Pariser, Jerome Miller, Gladston Clarke, and Alternate Member Duane Dyar (Left at 3:24 p.m.). Also present was Steven Weathers, Economic Development Director, and Grant W. Alley, City Attorney. Absent: Alternate Board Member Nannette Maxson. CALL TO ORDER Chair Landfried called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Landfried led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by prayer given by Board Member Miller. PUBLIC COMMENTS (None) OATH OF OFFICE Jennifer Myers, Recording Specialist, conducted the Oath of Office for the reappointment of Dennis Landfried, term of February 18, 2025 through February 17, 2028, and Ken Pariser, term of February 18, 2025 through February 18, 2028. REGULAR ITEMS 1. Approve Minutes of the February 6, 2025 meeting MOTION: Board Member Pariser moved to approve the Minutes of the January 10, 2025; seconded by Board Member Strong; motion carried unanimously. STAFF COMMENTS Steven Weather, Economic Development Director, introduced Kaitlin Danks, Business and Economic Development Specialist, to provide project updates. Ms. Danks gave a brief overview of some of the current projects: The Spin Micro Mobility project, which includes implementing scooters and bikes into the City, is moving forward and will be presented to Council for a final decision at the April 7, 2025 Regular Council Meeting. Aviation Precision Technologies are relocating from Miami and plans to hire over 100 employees and collaborate with the Lee County School District for a jet engine repair technical program.

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD March 6, 2025 2 | P a g e The Amazon project is progressing with the initial foundation development and expected to create around 1,000 jobs when completed. There is an ongoing effort for a Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) campus Downtown and a meeting with FGCU leadership is scheduled for March 28, 2025 to discuss specific needs and proposals. Ms. Danks advised that she was invited to represent FGCU at the Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days to advocate for funding. Kind Design Living Seawalls has been nominated for an Edison Award and are working on getting a historical seawall site as a pilot test project in this area. Prime Healthcare Properties will be developing a surgical center with an anchor tenant. Ride Nature, a nonprofit business Downtown also involved in international skateboarding and surfing, is facing a revenue drop due to a conditional use permit violation and there are ongoing efforts to support the business and address their permit issues. There are ongoing discussions about creating a City-owned skate park. Various film projects: The American Constitution documentary’s national premier on April 3, 2025 at the Alliance of the Arts; There have been three requests for filming in this area; The Fort Myers Film Festival is developing international partnerships with the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico Film Festivals; A private production team is interested in a hometown makeover project, but funding remains a challenge and a private film studio is considering a $4 million purchase on 1525 Hendry Street. Board Member Miller requested that the City’s film office link on Film Florida webpage be revitalized. Ms. Danks replied that she will investigate this matter. Ms. Danks gave a brief overview of various events that she and Mr. Weathers attended or will be attending. She noted that the City’s 2025-2026 budget process has begun, and they will be asking for program funding of $50,00.00, which the Board recommended, to host site selectors and business journalists. Ms. Danks asked the Board for ideas for the Economic Development page on the City website as she will be making modifications. Mr. Weathers reported that the Economic Development Office will be leading the City’s effort to create a Downtown Culinary District that will include branding and marketing. Board Member Miller suggested that the 5 th Friday could be geared around the culinary district with restaurant specials. Chair Landfried asked for an update on the News Press site. Mr. Weathers replied that the contract has been signed and the project is proposed to be a mixed-use project with housing, retail, and a grocery store, however, visible construction on the site will not begin until approximately 2027. Mr. Weathers reported that Suntex was granted a one-year extension from City Council due to the delay with the Army Corps of Engineers permitting process. Board Member Miller asked for an update on the City of Palms Park project and questioned whether there is a deadline with United Soccer League (USL) to move forward or the City

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD March 6, 2025 3 | P a g e will find another way. Mr. Weathers replied that United Soccer League (USL) is still working on securing a team owner before having discussions with the City. Board Member Miller mentioned that the Board previously made recommendations for either the developer or City Manager to meet with Lee County about using bed tax funds or the $1 million in escrow towards the project and for the City to have naming rights. Mr. Weathers advised that he and Kaitlin Danks, Business and Economic Development Specialist, are attending the Edison Awards and will not be at the Board’s next meeting on April 3, 2025. BOARD MEMBER & CHAIR COMMENTS Vice Chair Ford felt that the City needs to create a community plan for future growth that would include infrastructure needs particularly roads and walkways, and pertinent types of development. City Attorney Alley replied that impact fees are a significant funding source for infrastructure projects and can be used to attract specific types of development as well. He suggested that the Board be informed by staff about impact fees and waivers to better understand impact fee policy. Chair Landfried felt that the City needs to create incentives to direct development towards specific projects that it wants in specific locations. Mr. Weathers conveyed that to draw in specific development the City could target areas with pre-permitting, or the City could invest in developments that will give the City something specific it wants in return. Board Member Miller mentioned the current Comprehensive Plan revision meetings are still ongoing with the next meeting on March 24, 2025. Mr. Weathers requested that the Clerk send to the Board the Comprehensive Plan meeting flyer and suggested inviting the Community Development Assistant Director to a meeting for an update on the Comprehensive Plan. Board Member Miller mentioned that the Edison Ford Winter Estate is advocating to use the Lee County library tax fund to create the Edison Botanical Library. Vice Chair Ford suggested that the City find out from Lee County the amount of bed tax coming in from City hotels and if the City is entitled to any of the funds for its projects. Mr. Weathers replied that he will find that information and that Councilperson Bochette represents the City at the Lee County Tourist Development Council meetings. Board Member Miller suggested that at the next meeting the Board finalize its list of recommendations to Council so that Mr. Weathers can schedule a presentation to Council at an upcoming workshop. He reviewed the Board’s potential three recommendations to Council: (1) Fowler Street improvements, (2) Start discussions about potential uses for the vacant police station, and (3) City project investment offers to developers for a return of their own community investment. Vice Chair Ford conveyed that the City has the authority to approve or deny a project and suggested that it set criteria for projects. Chair Landfried stated that he started meeting with each individual Council Member to understand their economic development priorities.

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD March 6, 2025 4 | P a g e Board Member Miller requested staff to provide an update on a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an engineering study of Hall of 50 States. Mr. Weathers replied that he will follow up and advise the Board. Board Member Miller announced that the Procurement Department is hosting a Supplier Outreach and Training on April 2, 2025 at the Collaboratory which is intended to help businesses understand how to do business with the City. Board Member Pariser asked if there is an update on the vacant Sears property. Mr. Weathers replied that it was sold to a Chinese investor with plans to make the outer section multi use with restaurants and retail however, they have not released plans for the inside of the building. NEXT MEETING – April 3, 2025 ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Board Member Kakatsch moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:06 p.m.; seconded by Board Member Clarke; motion carried unanimously.