The Burnt Store Corridor Coalition will be holding our Community Forum on February 8th at 2 pm at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Rd. Speakers will include Charlotte Cty Commissioners Christopher Constance and Joe Tiseo, Charlotte Cty Sheriff  Bill Prummel, Punta Gorda Mayor Lynne Matthews and Police Chief Pamala Davis, Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane and Sheriff's Dept. Major James Heughlin.  (Attached is a more complete list of officials and government attendees).

The meeting will address the major issues affecting the Burnt Store Corridor in Charlotte and Lee Counties, including the municipalities of Punta Gorda and Cape Coral.  The following concerns will being addressed in this critical meeting for our area:

 Will the 2005 Burnt Store Master Plan Be Updated? – In September, the Charlotte County Commissioners agreed to update the original plan and measure the impact development has had on the area. But as of today, no further action has been done. Without an update there will be a two-tiered system with current communities at a disadvantage.

Hydraulic Study Needed –A current concern is the amount of flooding in the communities south of Zemel Road. Drainage issues will also be increasing for the rest of our communities as each new community coming on line brings further issues for our older communities.   

Traffic Safety & Road Connector Update - There will be an update on the timetable for the road widening project and the installation of a traffic light by Vincent Ave.  Also, the coalition has made it a priority to address the safety of the road and increase police resources along the road.  Charlotte County has proposed 4 Connector Options for traffic from Burnt Store Road going East. Which is best for our Charlotte and Lee communities?

Wildlife Study   -Our work continues with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center to measure the extent of damage to the wildlife along the corridor and talk with Government Representatives to address this.  We have been in discussions with a representative from Governor DeSantis office and Congressman Steube’s office for the purpose of securing funding to create a wildlife corridor.

Commercial Development -   We are working with both counties on finding areas eligible         for commercial development, especially around the area by the Charlotte / Lee border.