Tom D’AprileTom D’AprileTom D’AprileTom D’AprileTom D’AprileDistrict 1 - CountyDistrict 1 - CountyDistrict 1 - CountyDistrict 1 - CountyDistrict 1 - CountyCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissioner7 4 3 - 1 3 0 77 4 3 - 1 3 0 77 4 3 - 1 3 0 77 4 3 - 1 3 0 77 4 3 - 1 3 0 7

Adam CummingsAdam CummingsAdam CummingsAdam CummingsAdam CummingsDistrict 2 - CountyDistrict 2 - CountyDistrict 2 - CountyDistrict 2 - CountyDistrict 2 - CountyCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissioner7 4 3 - 1 2 9 87 4 3 - 1 2 9 87 4 3 - 1 2 9 87 4 3 - 1 2 9 87 4 3 - 1 2 9 8

Mac V. HortonMac V. HortonMac V. HortonMac V. HortonMac V. HortonDistrict 3 - CountyDistrict 3 - CountyDistrict 3 - CountyDistrict 3 - CountyDistrict 3 - CountyCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissioner7 4 3 - 1 3 0 87 4 3 - 1 3 0 87 4 3 - 1 3 0 87 4 3 - 1 3 0 87 4 3 - 1 3 0 8

Matthew D. DeBoerMatthew D. DeBoerMatthew D. DeBoerMatthew D. DeBoerMatthew D. DeBoerDistrict 4 - CountyDistrict 4 - CountyDistrict 4 - CountyDistrict 4 - CountyDistrict 4 - CountyCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissioner7 4 3 - 1 3 0 97 4 3 - 1 3 0 97 4 3 - 1 3 0 97 4 3 - 1 3 0 97 4 3 - 1 3 0 9

Sara DevosSara DevosSara DevosSara DevosSara DevosDistrict 5 - CountyDistrict 5 - CountyDistrict 5 - CountyDistrict 5 - CountyDistrict 5 - CountyCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissionerCommissioner743-1306743-1306743-1306743-1306743-1306

Charlotte CountyCharlotte CountyCharlotte CountyCharlotte CountyCharlotte CountyBoard of CommissionersBoard of CommissionersBoard of CommissionersBoard of CommissionersBoard of Commissioners

What’s Inside

Message from the County Administrator

Extension Services

Fire/EMS Development & Growth

Utilities Acquisition

Protecting the Scrub Jay

Construction, Special Projects & Redevelopment Update

The County Workforce

Charter Review Commission

The Budget at a Glance

County Receives Recognition

Protecting Our Harbor

A Year in Review - Economic Development

Grants - Finding Funding Source Beyond Tax Dollars

Environmental Services

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources

Charlotte County Demographics

Sales Tax Projects & Capital Improvements

Public Works - Infrastructure Improvements

Directory of County Offices

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Back Cover

A Messagefrom the County Administrator

Bruce LoucksCounty Administrator

The Gasparilla Pass Artificial Reef project in theGulf of Mexico was an accomplishment ofCharlotte County and IFAS Sea Extension Grantprogram; these reefs were created for use byrecreational and commercial fishing andrecreational divers. The Sea Grant agent was ableto divert nearly 30,000 tons of concrete from thedemolition of an Interstate Highway 75 bridge tocreate those two artificial reefs. These reefs arealready attracting several species of fish such asgrouper, snapper, sheepshead and angel fish.

Stock Enhancement for Charlotte Harbor is the goalof the Redstart Project that’s located on SanibelIsland. Sea Grant Agents have raised more than$200,000 to develop the facility which will rear 30,000redfish annually for release into Charlotte Harbor. Thefacility is being used as a model for other groupsaround the state. More than 75 volunteers areinvolved.

Commercial Pruning Training was an Extension

initiative for 2003. Local talent, County Horticulturist,Dave Jahn, assisted with hands-on basic pruningtechniques to a large class of County employees andPrivate Commercial Tree Firms who attended aMarch 25th “Basic Pruning Principals - AFoundational Training for Non-Certified Arborists”.The proper pruning of woody plants, especiallytrees, is important to our urban forests in regardsto the health of our trees, hazard issues andesthetics.

It has been a busy year for the Sea Grant Agents andthe artificial reefs program. More than 25,000 tons ofthe I-75 bridge rubble were deployed on two newCharlotte County reefs.

The Master Gardener volunteer class completedintense training in all aspects of Home Horticulture.Master Gardeners provide the backbone of ourExtension Horticulture Program as they educate thepublic about common sense pest management, plantselection and culture.

Extension Services in 2003

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This year has been an active and productive yearfor Charlotte County. In addition to the everydaytasks of meeting Charlotte County citizens' needs,a number of significant initiatives, both new andfrom the prior year, were undertaken.

The phosphate "battle" is still waging, withprogress being made in terms of affecting thepermitting of many activities which impact thePeace River. The interest of Charlotte County'senvironmental and drinking water supplies will beprotected through these efforts.

The County has undertaken a number of growthmanagement initiatives which are setting the stagefor the future of Charlotte County. A sample ofthese initiatives are: 1.) Murdock VillageRedevelopment, an area between U.S. 41 and ElJobean Road comprised of 1,200 acres of oldplatted properties which are languishing due to theplatting of that property over thirty years ago. Theeffort will create a viable, functioning communitywith a mixture of commercial centers, mixed usehousing and green space. 2.) The RegionalCommerce Park (airport) land use issue has beenresolved and we are beginning to see a realmovement towards commercial development in

that area. 3.) The CharlotteHarbor CommunityRedevelopment Area has beeninfused with new life as theCounty will be providing TaxIncrement Funding (TIF) tojump start redevelopment inthat area.

The Permitting Departmenthas implemented a number of changes which havereduced the processing time for single familyhomes to less than two weeks. We continue towork with the Charlotte County Builders andContractors' Association to improve the processfor commercial permitting as well.

The new Charlotte County Regional Library at theintersection of U.S. 41 and Forrest NelsonBoulevard is nearing completion and will provide40,000 square feet of library resources.

The Board of County Commissioners has workeddiligently to keep the County's tax rates low whilecontinuing to provide quality services to the public.That is our commitment and we welcome yourcomments and suggestions for improvement.

Fire/EMS Development and GrowthOur personnel respond to medical, dive rescue andhazardous materials calls. Firefighters engage instructural, wildland, vehicle and marine firefightingefforts. At present, Fire personnel are housed in14 stations throughout the County. As CharlotteCountycontinues its rapid growth and development,Fire/EMS services will expand to meet theadditional needs.

Fire Station 13 (Englewood) and Station 14 (CapeHaze) were constructed during this past year as aresult of funding from the 1998 One-Cent SalesTax.

In order to achieve the highest quality service andresponse, it is imperative that the Department’sapparatus (ladder trucks, rescue vehicles and allequipment) be maintained and replaced asnecessary. Over the past year, Fire Station 2(Collingswood Boulevard) replaced their LadderTruck, funded by delinquent property tax fund.Stations 2, 7 and 12 received replacementambulance vehicles funded by the CIP vehiclereplacement fund. The Department is alsoexpected to take delivery of a new rescue boat thisyear which is made possible through a grantfunded by boater registration fees.

The Charlotte County Fire/EMS Departmentcontinued its efforts in community education overthe past year. The Public Relations/Educationdivision had contact with more than 41,162 peoplethroughout the community. Programs such as theLil’ Bits Child Passenger Safety Program havebeen very successful and as a result hundreds ofcar seats have been provided and inspected toensure our children’s safety. Fifteen additionalchild passenger safety technicians were trainedand St. Joseph Hospital has endorsed the car seatprogram now requiring every parent who gives birthat St. Joseph Hospital to attend the fire departmentcar seat checkpoints. In addition, every OB nurseon staff at the hospital has been provided with carseat safety education and car seat instruction isnow provided in every child birth class.

The Charlotte County Fire/EMS Departmentreceived the Life Safety Achievement Award for2003 from the Residential Fire Safety Institute forthe second time. For more than 10 years, the LifeSafety Achievement Award has recognized thelocal fire prevention activities that contributed toreducing the number of lives lost in residentialfires. The Charlotte County Fire/EMS Departmentqualified for this award because it recorded zerodeaths in structures during that year. Althoughresidential fires in the U.S. account for 20 percentof all fires, they result in 80 percent of all firedeaths. The Life Safety Achievement Awardrecognizes fire departments for their fireprevention efforts and encourages them tocontinually improve those efforts.

County’s Financial SnapshotThe financial condition of the County remainsstrong both in its government operations andactivities, and its enterprise or business-typeactivities. This is reflected in thecomprehensive Annual Financial Report of theCounty through September 30, 2003. Statutoryand other required reserves are in place, bothgovernmental and enterprise operations.

The short term bond ratings for the Utility debtof the County is:

• Moody’s Investor Service “Aaa”• Standard & Poor’s AAA/A-1+

Rating Services

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Scrub Jays - How to Protect a Species while Promoting Development

After many years of negotiation, litigation anddelays, the acquisition of the assets of FloridaWater Services was officially completed onDecember 12, 2003. These assets included DeepCreek wastewater collection and water distributionsystem as well as the Burnt Store water andwastewater treatment facilities. The Burnt Storesystem includes a Reverse Osmosis (RO) watertreatment facility with a capacity of 0.880 milliongallons per day (MGD). The Burnt Store area alsohas a 0.250 MGD extended air wastewatertreatment facility that is undergoing an expansionto 0.500 MGD. Currently, effluent is disposed ofon site in three rapid infiltration basins. Once theexpansion of the wastewater facility is complete, itwill produce an effluent that meets reclaimed waterstandards. This reclaimed water would beavailable to provide reuse to future developments inthe area.

Other noteable 2003 acheivements include:

• Construction was completed on the BeaconLift Station and Lift Station # 833 rehabilitationprojects. Both projects upgraded aged

wastewater lift stations to current standardsand both locations were enhanced visuallywith architectural fencing and vegetation. Thework completed will extend each station’sservice life approximately 30 years.

• Existing water services are being switchedover to newly installed water mains in theCape Haze subdivision. Upon completion theold mains will be discontinued from service.Residences in the Cape Haze Subdivision willexperience enhanced water pressure andwater quality. Additionally, fire protection hasbeen upgraded with the installation of severalnew hydrants.

• Throughout the County, the Field OperationsDepartment, along with Quality Control,installed 1231 new meters in 2003, Fieldoperations also installed 451 new lowpressure sewer services, retrofitted 162 lowpressure services, and repaired 204 water linebreaks, repaired 133 wastewater line breaks,responded to over 1963 low pressure sewerservice calls, operated 4982 valves, andreceived 11,000 locate requests from outsidecontractors.

Utilities Acquisition

the scrub-jay review. In response to a requestfrom local realtors and so that the public wouldhave ready access to the information, a mapshowing scrub-jay habitat was posted on theCounty’s GIS website, which resulted inconsiderable concern and comment from thepublic, particularly the real estate andconstruction industries.

Charlotte County, concerned about habitat issueand the rights of property owners, developed twoHCP scenarios: one a County-wide programwhich would address both public and privateprojects; and one which would address only thoseCounty projects identified in the 5-yearconstruction plan which impact scrub-jay habitat.

The different scenarios, their costs, and theirpros and cons are being addressed and

reviewed.

For more information on scrub-jays inCharlotte County please visit our

website atwww.charlottecountyfl.com.

Charlotte County is playing the role of guardianangel in saving a species of bird, commonlyknown as the Scrub-Jay. The scrub-jay isprotected under the federal Endangered SpeciesAct and imposes large environmental andeconomic impact on it’s surroundings. CharlotteCounty is home to 135 scrub-jay groups withapproximately 419 individuals in four separatepopulations and areas.

Consistent with a preliminary HabitatConservation Plan (HCP), Charlotte County beganto route individual residential projects to theFlorida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommission (FWC) and U.S. Fish and WildlifeService (USFWS) for review andpermitting if they were located inthe areas determined to beoccupied by scrub-jays (based on a2002 survey). Staff members also beganworking with realtors, builders andproperty owners on a case by casebasis when individual properties triggered

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Murdock Village

Regional Commerce Park

Charlotte Harbor

State Route 776 Corridor

Developed 4,000+ acre Airport Commerce Park Overlay and implementing zone district.

Completed the SR 776 Corridor Study and have begun implementing goals of the Study (e.g. currentlyidentifying commercial nodes and working with FDOT and Sarasota County to obtain “Scenic Highway”designation).

Prepared recommendations for Murdock Town Center and worked with consultant to prepare MurdockTown Center Conceptual Plan. Provided staff assistance to consultants establishing the MurdockVillage Community Redevelopment Area, Request for Proposal and Redevelopment Agreement.

Charlotte Harbor: Prepared ordinances for Architectural Design Standards and Sign Standards. Heldpublic visioning charettes for the update of the Charlotte Harbour CRA Development Plan. Worked withthe Attorney’s Office to prepare Tax Increment Financing (TIF) ordinance that was adopted by theBoard and worked with the Budget Office and Property Appraiser’s Office to implement the ordinance.

Construction Services: Successful establishment of monthly meetings of the Building IndustryOversight Committee to deal with issues such as the service delivery of the permit process, feeschedules and miscellaneous matters. Completed an ordinance dealing with revisions related toFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements. New regulations were establishedrelated to stem walls footers for structures. The Englewood Building Department office was expandedto include a plans review employee and 4-5 building inspectors. This increased staffing provides ahigher level of customer service to residents in the area. Review times were improved as follows:single family permits from 45 days to 10 days, commercial projects from 75 days to 45 days, andmiscellaneous permits from 45 days to 14 days.

Planning Services: Completed community plans for the South Gulf Cove and Placida communitiesand continue to work with the South Gulf Cove Advisory Committee to implement goals and objectivesof the community plan. Initiated community planning efforts for Manasota Key, Harbour Heights andDon Pedro/Knight Island. Coordinating with Lee County and residents for the preparation of the BocaGrande community plan. Completed initial study of County land uses to examine land use ratios andto determine shortages of commercial and industrial lands in the County; initiated the identification,rezoning and/or plan amendment for properties to be changed to commercial and industrial zones[Commercial Intensive (CI) and Industrial Light (IL)] and land uses. Completed draft Evaluation andAppraisal Report of the County’s Comprehensive Plan and submitted it to Department of CommunityAffairs for review and comment.

Ordinances: Prepared and implemented the Commercial Design Standards. Prepared andimplemented Landscape and Buffering Standards. Worked with Environmental Services and SolidWaste Management to prepared and implement Dumpster Location and Standards. Prepared andimplemented revisions to Waterfront Properties, Agriculture, Accessory Structures, Breeding, Boardingand Training of Animals, Special Events, Junk Cars, Boat Storage and Temporary Storage Buildingssections of the Code.

Construction, Redevelopment & Special Projects

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Do you know a County employee? You probablydo. Charlotte County employs more than 1,100people, and those employees are likely to beamong your neighbors or acquaintances. Theycontribute to the County’s economic health andmost are citizens in our community. They areinvested in the quality of life in Charlotte Countyand have a personal interest in the price tag forproviding it.

In any organization, salary is only one factorinfluencing job satisfaction and employeeretention—provided the job’s salary is reasonablycomparable with the going wages in the area.Last year the County Commission approved awage and benefits study to find out how westacked up. We found that although we’re ontarget with benefits, many County salaries weresignificantly below what others were paying forsimilar jobs. The County Commission committedto bringing employee wages to within areasonable and competitive margin of other publicsector employers.

In return for this vote of confidence, a PerformanceManagement system was adopted for generalemployees. This new County program matchesannual pay adjustments to employees’performance and goals accomplishment.Supervisors now receive comprehensive training tobetter coach their employees, developing andmaintaining a clear level of expectations andaccountability.

Participating in community partnerships, includingthose with the School Board, the United Way, the

Workforce Council, Leadership Charlotte andJunior Leadership Charlotte (Chamber ofCommerce), helps maintain our alignment withthe public’s interests. In fact, since last year,local business leaders have stepped up andhelped in the assessment of candidates forexecutive jobs in County government, in theirparticular areas of interest and expertise. Thesecooperative efforts result in value-added benefitsto the public.

As a team, Charlotte County employeesadditionally represent the community in goodways—in their in-school Mentor a Minor Program,United Way contributions, March of Dimesfundraising, Adopt-a-Road efforts and ongoingblood donations.

If you know someone qualified to join our team,tell them to click on the Jobs tab atwww.charlottecountyfl.com, write us atgreatjobs@charlottefl.com, or call us at 743-1260.

The County Workforce

Charter Review Commission EstablishedA Charter Review Commission, consisting of fifteen members and three alternates, was appointed bythe Board of County Commissioners in November. According to the County Charter, every six years acommission will be appointed to review the home rule charter and propose any admendments orrevisions which may be advisable for placement on the general election ballot. All Charter Reviewmeetings are open to the public and meeting dates can be found online at www.charlottecountyfl.com.

What is a Home Rule Charter? The basic concept of home rule is relatively simple: The authority toact in local affairs is transferred from state law to a local charter, adopted and, as need be amended,by the voters through referendum. Home rule shifts much of the responsibility for local government fromthe state legislature to the local community. A county that adopts a home rule charter has the ability toamend its governmental organization and powers to suit its needs. A home rule charter is, in essence,a local constitution.

11 Largest Employers in Charlotte County

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Company EmployeesCharlotte County School Board 2630Bon Secours Health Care 1251Publix Super Markets, Inc. 1175Charlotte County Board of Commissioners 1123Charlotte County Regional Medical Center 980Wal-Mart 934Fawcett Memorial Hospital 776Winn Dixie Stores 587Charlotte County Sherriff’s Office 514Charlotte Correctional Institute 400Suncoast Media Group 400

Balances & Reserves, 25%

Ad Valorem, 13%

Sales/Use/Fuel Tax, 5%

Franchise Fees, 1%

Telecommunications, 1%

Fire Assessments, 2%

Grant Revenue, 2%

State Shared Revenues, 3%

Charges for Services, 14%

Special Assessments & Impact Fees, 6%

All Other, 2%

Interfund Transfers, 14%

Debt Proceeds, 12%

Utilities - Water & Sewer$122,966,956

20%

General Fund$97,197,982

16%

Transportation Trust Fund$73,923,856

13%

Sales Tax Projects$55,634,250

10%

MSBU's & MSTU's$47,471,377

8%

Charlotte Public Safety Unit$32,736,080

6%

Landfill & Sanitation Districts$32,479,429

6%

Capital Projects Fund$26,562,633

5%

Charlotte County Fire Rescue$19,863,790

3%

Impact Fees Trust Fund$17,224,103

3%

Health Self-Insurance Trust$14,765,067

3%

All Other Funds$38,626,594

7%

The County's budget is separated into 122 separate funds, each having it's own funding sources. The Chart below shows the major funds that comprise thecounty's budget. County Utilities actually make up the largest segment of the budget, at 20% of the total. It's major revenue sources are user fees for bothwater and sewer. The County's General fund is second, with 16%. It is funded by ad valorem taxes, State Shared Revenues, and other taxes. It fundsParks, EMS, Administrative functions, Law Enforcement, the County Jail, and Public Libraries. Transportation trust fund, at 13% of the total county budget,uses Gas Tax and Impact fees to fund major Road Projects, as well as county road and drainage infrastructure maintenance. Sales Tax projects funds, as thename implies, is where all the proceeds of the local one cent sales tax are collected, as well as expended. MSBU and TU's collect special assessments topay for local street and drainage maintenance work. There are about 70 separate funds in all, totaling 8% of the County's budget.

2003-2004 Budget - Sources of Funding

2003-2004 Budget - Where Funds Are ExpendedCharlotte County's budget of $579.5 million is funded by many different sources. Ad Valorem Taxes, the tax based on the value of yourproperty, accounts for only 13% of the funding used to provide government services. Charges for Services, which would include water andsewer fees, and Special Assessments, which include the Street and Drainage maintenance Units, together account for 20% of the revenuegenerated. This helps ensure that the areas actually receiving the benefits are those that are paying for it. Balances and Reserves representthat amount of accumulated cash balances, that are used to fund the next year's operations. Typically the balances are largest in capital projectfunds where projects are in various stages of completion.

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Transportation$100,593

52%

Culture/Recreation$35,849

18%

Physical Environment$38,510

20%

General Government$10,560

5%

Public Safety$9,730

5%

2003-2004 Budget - Capital Improvement ProgramA Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a planning process that identifies the capital investments a local government intends to make over aperiod of time. Capital, for a local government, constitutes the facilities and equipment needed to perform the jurisdiction’s functions and toproduce and deliver the services expected of it. Generally speaking, capital improvements are things that are unique, fixed in place, (relatively)permanent or which have long useful lives, and are expensive ($100,000 and above). Charlotte County’s CIP is, with some exceptions,limited to the acquisition of and improvements to real property. These include facilities and structures such as roads and bridges, parks andrecreational facilities, libraries, office space, and other related facilities or infrastructure needs.

County Receives Recognition for Excellence in 2003The Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States presents awards togovernment units and public employee retirement systems whose comprehensive annual financialreports (CAFRs) achieve the highest standards in government accounting and financial reporting.Charlotte County was awarded with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in FinancialReporting for its Comprehensive Annual Report for fiscal year 2001-2002. The County has receivedthis recognition for the past 16 consecutive years.

The Government Financial Officers Association of the United States also presented a distinguishedBudget Presentation Award to Charlotte County for its annual budget for the past fiscal year 2001-2002. In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document thatmeets criteria as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan, and as acommunication device.

The National Association of County Information Officers is a professional organization, (an affliate ofthe National Association of Counties) that supports and recognizes “Best Practices” in governmentcommunication. During their annual conference, which took place on July 11, 2003, GeographicInformation System (GIS) received an award and the Communications and Marketing Departmentwas recognized with six awards.

GIS was awarded with a 1st place for their GIS mapping web pages.

Communications and Marketing was awarded the following:• 1st Place - Internal Communication - CCNews, the employee newsletter• 1st Place - Script Writing - One Cent Sales Tax Video• 2nd Place - Black & White Photography - “Don’t Feed the Alligators”• 3rd Place - Video Tape - One Cent Sales Tax Video• 3rd Place - Marketing Campaigns - One Cent Sales Tax Public Information Campaign• 3rd Place - Crisis Communication - Charlotte County Emergency Management Web Pages

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Phosphate mining in the Peace River Basincauses enduring impacts to the Peace River andCharlotte Harbor. To reach the phosphate rock,mining companies first scrape off the top 30 ormore feet of land, and this strip mining reducesthe quantity and quality of water flowing off theland into the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor.Reduction in water flow is particularly troublingbecause the Peace River is one of CharlotteCounty’s most important sources of drinkingwater. While Charlotte County is not trying toshut down the phosphate industry, serious reformis needed to make sure phosphate mining doesnot destroy the other natural resources and thesenic beauty in the Peace River Basin andCharlotte Harbor that are so important to CharlotteCounty’s economy and way of life.

In 2003 Charlotte County successfully continuedits efforts to protect Charlotte Harbor from thedeleterious impacts of expanded phosphate miningin the Peace River Basin. As phosphate miningexpands and moves south in the Peace RiverBasin, the impacts of changes in the quality,timing, and quantity of water flowing into CharlotteHarbor will increase. Mining closer to CharlotteHarbor will also increase the threat of accidentalreleases of mining wastes into the lower PeaceRiver and Charlotte Harbor fisheries. In order toavert the potential loss of the economic and naturalresource value of the lower Peace River andCharlotte Harbor fisheries, the Charlotte CountyCommission has aggressively opposed theexpansion of phosphate mining in the Peace RiverBasin through administrative litigation, staterulemaking, and the federal environmental impactstatement process.

Impacts of Phosphate on the Peace River andCharlotte Harbor - Approximately 400,000 acres,or 625 square miles, in the Peace River Basin arecurrently owned or controlled by the phosphateindustry. This represents roughly twenty-six (26%)percent of the Basin. This property is currentlybeing mined, held for future mining or reclaimed forother uses. At present, approximately 180,000acres or 281 square miles have been mined. Thisrepresents roughly twelve (12%) percent of thePeace River Basin.

Phosphate mining in the Peace River Basin hasadversely affected the timing and volume of flow,and degraded water quality in the Peace River andCharlotte Harbor. Groundwater levels have been

lowered, available surficial aquifer storage hasdecreased, the hydrologic role of the matrix lyingbetween the surficial and intermediate aquifers hasbeen destroyed, direct recharge of surface waterswithin the drainage basin has been significantlydiminished, and thousands of acres of wetlandsand upland communities have been lost ordegraded.

Charlotte County Litigation to ProtectCharlotte Harbor - Altman Tract - The AltmanTract Environmental Resource Permit (“ERP”) wasissued to IMC Phosphates by the FloridaDepartment of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”)in 2002, and it was challenged by Charlotte Countyand other interested parties. Charlotte County hasmaintained that this permit, consideredcumulatively with other impacts from phosphatemining in the Peace River Basin, will negativelyaffect the environment, water supplies, andeconomic vitality of the entire region.

This case was tried in the spring of 2003, and inAugust 2003 a hearing officer agreed that thepermit was flawed and failed to provide reasonableassurance that the environment would beprotected. He recommended that FDEP reject thepermit. FDEP agreed with the hearing officer anddenied IMC Phosphates’ permit application. In hisdecision, FDEP Secretary David Struhs called theIMC plan to reclaim the land after mining“inadequate” and noted that they failed to provideaccurate information, an adequate reclamationplan, and necessary financialassurance that the site would beadequately reclaimed aftermining, all of which are requiredby law.

Protecting Our Harbor

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IMC Phosphates appealed the decision by FDEPin the Altman Tract case. A decision on the appealis not expected until late 2004 or early 2005.

Manson Jenkins Property - The first ERPauthorizing expansion of phosphate mining in thePeace River Basin challenged by Charlotte Countywas the Manson Jenkins Property case. Thiscase was tried in 2002, and FEP ultimatelydecided to uphold its decision to issue the permit.Charlotte County appealed that decision to theFirst District Court of Appeal (“DCA”). The briefshave been filed and oral argument was held onJanuary 20, 2004. We anticipate a decision byMarch 2004.

Ona Mine - The Ona Mine is a major new minethat will significantly expand phosphate mining intothe southern Peace River Basin. It will cover20,675 acres or approximately 32 square miles.IMC proposes to strip mine approximately seventy-seven (77%) percent of the property or about15,836 acres. The proposed reclamation plan willleave hundreds of acres of lakes on the site aftermining, which will be as much as 90 feet deep.These lakes and other flaws in the reclamationdesign significantly decrease downstream flows ofwater to the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor,especially during the critical dry months of eachyear.

Mining on the Ona Mine property will also destroyor displace fish and wildlife including numerousthreatened or endangered species such asAudubon’s crested caracara, bald eagle, burrowingowl, Florida grasshopper sparrow, Florida sandhillcrane, Florida scrub jay, limpkin, little blue heron,peregrine falcon, red-cockaded woodpecker, snailkite, southeast American kestrel, tri-colored heron,white ibis, wood stork, Florida black bear, Floridamouse, Florida panther, gopher frog, Americanalligator, eastern indigo snake and gopher tortoise.Wildlife nesting, resting and forage habitat will bedestroyed and corridors and migratory pathwayswill be diminished.

FDEP proposed issuing an ERP for the Ona Minein February of 2003. Charlotte County and otherinterested parties filed requests for administrativehearing. Deficiencies in IMC’s permit applicationsidentified by Charlotte County caused FDEP to re-evaluate its decision to issue the One Mine permit.To accommodate FDEP’s re-evaluation, the finalhearing was continued and it is now scheduled fora 5-week period beginning on May 10, 2004.

Charlotte County has already won one victory inthe Ona Mine case. IMC had applied for a variancefrom state water quality standards so that it couldleave open mine cuts as part of the “lakes”proposed in the reclamation plan. After CharlotteCounty pointed out the water quality problemsposed by leaving these open mine cuts, and after alarge public outcry from impacted residents inCharlotte County and elsewhere, IMC Phosphateswithdrew the request for variance from the statewater quality on December 1, 2003.

Charlotte County continues to remain a strongforce in Florida’s economy. Charlotte Countyis continuing to develop infrastructure fortomorrow’s businesses and is continuing towork on the Airport Commerce Park and theMurdock Development Center. There is not alot of land available in Charlotte County forindustrial uses; however, with the approval ofthe rezoning of these areas, it will make roomfor much needed business/commercial parks.

Over the past year, the EconomicDevelopment Office handled 1,633 inquiries, anincrease of 167% over last year. This year,1,098 were requests for general economic,demographic and business information; 103were new business recruitment prospects; and432 were business assistance activities.Approximately 11% of the total inquiries werea result of direct marketing efforts.

A Workforce Training Grant was awarded toCharlotte County to establish an avionicstraining program at Charlotte Tech Center fortraining to be utilized by Eastern Avionics andfuture aviation related business; only one oftwo programs in the state operated by a publictechnical school.

In 2003 there was recognition of existingbusinesses who added employees:

• 47 new jobs created with an annual wageimpact of $1.8 million.

• 54 indirect jobs created with an annualwage of impact of $2.2 million.

• Of the 47 new jobs created, the averageannual wage was $35,000.

A Year in Review -Economic Development

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In the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Charlotte Countyparticipated in over 28 different grant programsresulting in more than 50 awarded grants inexcess of $10,000,000. These programs rangefrom small grants for informational publications togrants for the dredging project at Stump Pass.

There are also numerous grant applications pending during this fiscal year. Additionally the County hasutilized funding from two grants related to the Dredging of Stump Pass and the realignment of this inlet tothe Gulf of Mexico. These two grants were both from the Department of Environmental Protection of theState of Florida totaling $3,037,455.

The County also took advantage of previously awarded grants for three Parks & Recreation Projectsequalling $492,000 earmarked for Frank Ross Park, the Englewood Beach Project, and the SpringLake Park Project.

Charlotte County receives approximately $360,000 each year from the West Coast Inland NavigationDistrict (WCIND). These funds are derived from Ad Valorem tax assessments from county residents.The County, through the recommendation of the Marine Advisory Committee awards funding assistancegrants for these funds. These funds are added to the Boater Registration fees form county residents toprovide $675,000 in grants to county agencies and departments for the improvement of the waterways ofthe county. These projects range from boat ramps to education equipment for safety and boatingactivities resulting in a total amount of funding distributed of $937,994.

Charlotte County also awards grants to 20 agencies within the county to provide contracted servicesresulting in a total of $1,505,129 being distributed. Some of the agencies that receive these funds arethe Arts & Humanities Council, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County,Charlotte Alliance for a Safe & Drug Free Community, Charlotte County Council on Aging, EnglewoodFamily YMCA, For the Love of Kids, Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, and Charlotte CountyCommunity Mental Health Services.

For a more detailed list of grant funding awarded to the County please call (941) 743-1524.

Grants - Finding Funding Sources Beyond Tax Dollars

- CCTV20 -A Direct Connect to the Community

Grants are an invaluable funding sourcecontributing more than $10,000,000 to

County projects during the past year alone.

In 2003, the County’s Communications andMarketing Department went live withCCTV20, the County’s government accesstelevision channel which airs locally onComcast Channel 20.

A partnership was developed with theCharlotte County School Board to assist withfunding and to supplement programming.Programming currently includes governmentmeetings, special events, original/localprogramming and educational programming.

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Mosquito Control - Pest Management achieved the following operational accomplishments which haveenhanced the protection of Charlotte County’s residents’ health and safety. Mosquito-borne diseasesurveillance program increased their sentinel chicken monitoring flocks by 50%. Sentinel chickens areused to detect the presence of West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis and Eastern EquineEncephalitis in Charlotte County. Areas experiencing activity are targeted for increase mosquitocontrol adulticiding. Mosquito Control also implemented a new Domestic Mosquito surveillanceprogram to target container breeding mosquitoes in residential yards and neighborhoods.

Environmental ServicesPest Management

Community Clean-Up Events - Environmental Services is an active partner in the Illegal DumpingTask Force Committee which coordinates with residential civic and homeowner associations to improvetheir community by removing accumulated junk and illegally dumped waste. This successfulcommittee includes Code Compliance, County Attorney’s Office, Public Works, Sheriff’s office, Parksand Recreation, Waste Management and homeowners groups and private citizens. Code Compliancepre-clean up sweeps have successfully mitigated numerous residential neighborhood complianceissues. This year we held the second annual Boat Amnesty clean up which removes derelict boatsfrom our neighborhoods. So far this year over 184,000 pounds of materials have been collectedthrough these clean up events.

Environmental Services

Natural ResourcesStump Pass - Charlotte County successfully re-opened Stump Pass which not only allows more directboating access between Lemon Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, but also improves the exchange of waterbetween the Gulf and the Bay in the area around the pass. The Natural Resources Division providedon-site coordination with State and Federal regulatory agencies during the dredging, and is responsiblefor implementation of the on-going permit requirements. The Division is also coordinating andmonitoring any impacts the dredging may have on shorebird and sea turtle nesting along the beachesnorth and south.

Manatee Markers - The Natural Resources Division served as the primary contact between the regulatoryagencies regarding manatee zones, and helped secure funds through the West Coast Inland NavigationDistrict to pay for the installation of the State’s manatee zones as required by State law. As a result oflitigation at the state and Federal level, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission have implemented manatee protection zones in Charlotte County’s naturalsurface waters. The installation of the markers delineating the manatee protection zones will enable theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release a number of dock permits currently on hold in Lemon Bay.

Solid Waste ManagementCommunity Service - C.A.R.E. Project Reuse: The Solid Waste Management Division’s vision of areuse store became a reality in 2003. The Division solicited Charlotte County non-profit organizationsfor interest in operating a re-use store at the West Charlotte Mini-Transfer & Recycling Facility. TheCenter for Abuse & Rape Emergencies [C.A.R.E.] responded enthusiastically and C.A.R.E. ProjectReuse opened in October 2003. This is the first re-use store at a transfer facility on the west coast ofFlorida. All Charlotte County residents disposing of useful items can donate them to C.A.R.E. whichsells the items to support their organization’s mission. This partnership also successfully divertsmaterials from disposal and saves space at the Charlotte County Zemel Road Landfill.

page 13

Parks DivisionAthletic Fields• Implementation of a county wide

comprehensive turf management program.• Completed athletic field retrofit on Harold

Avenue Park field #7. This involved replacingand improving sod, irrigation system,sidewalks, dugouts, scoreboard and ADAscore booth.

• Converted Field #8 to softball play at HaroldAvenue Park.

Environmental Parks• Created approximately 12 miles of fire breaks

throughout four environmental parks, andurban interface safety zones.

• Generated and began conducting acomprehensive wildlife and vegetationmonitoring program to utilize throughout allenvironmental parks. This will assist staff inmaking sound management decisionsinvolving land management practices.

• Created a prescribed fire program forCharlotte County and conducted its firstprescribed fire. Staff conducted twoprescribed burns during this period.

• Constructed prescribed burn units atAmberjack, Tippecanoe, and CharlotteFlatwoods Environmental Parks for futureprescribed burns.

• Created a productive working relationship withthe Englewood Fire District, the CharlotteCounty Fire/EMS, the Division of Forestry,and the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and StateBuffer Preserve.

• Treated approximately 30 acres of exoticvegetation in three different environmental

Historical Division• The Historical Center opened new 5,210

square-foot facility on Bayshore Road inCharlotte Harbor.

• Established four galleries of permanentexhibits tracing the history of the CharlotteCounty area.

• Featured four changing exhibits related tostate and local history.

• Hosted more than 5,500 visitors for theannual Florida Frontier Days Festival.

• Served 2,547 students with in-schooleducational programs.

• Hosted tour groups, individuals and familiesfrom across Florida, the United States, andthe world.

• Presented 17 adult education programs.• Held 8 programs for children and families.• Offered historical preservation, resource

information and referrals to the general public.• Produced exhibit panel translation booklets in

Spanish and German.

Libraries DivisionTwo significant projects were begun during the2002-2003 Fiscal Year for the Library System:• January 21, 2003 began the journey toward a

new and improved automation system withthe Request for Proposal posted.

• October 7, 2003 the new TLC web basedlibrary and automation system went live foruse by library patrons and staff.

September 2003 the Board of CountyCommissioners approved the award of a bid toL.A.M. Management, Inc. for the totalrenovation of the vacated Kash ‘N Karry buildingto house the 42,000 sq. ft. Mid-County RegionalLibrary. Sales tax extension funds provided forthe purchase of the new building, which wouldbe converted into a new and substantially largermain library. The expanded space will allow forincreased service to the public in an expandedreference section, genealogy department,increased book space, larger meeting rooms,study rooms, computer lab, young adult area,and children’s department.

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources

page 14

parks. Exotic vegetation includedBrazilian pepper, melaleucca, andcogon grass.

• Installed a perimeter security fenceand three security gates aroundAmberjack Environmental Park.

• Conducted full ecologicalassessment for two environmentalparks including habitat, exoticvegetation, native vegetation, wildlife,feral animal, listed species, urbaninterface, and fire fuel managementassessments.

• Began trail clearing for public accessat Tippecanoe Environmental Park.

• Revised the feral hog removalprogram. Over 40 feral hogs wereremoved from environmentalparkland.

Recreation DivisionThe Recreation Division is responsible foroperating seven recreation facilities in CharlotteCounty: in Punta Gorda, the Charlotte CountyMemorial Auditorium and Civic Center and theCarmalita Recreation Center; in Port Charlotte,the Port Charlotte Beach Recreation Center, PortCharlotte Beach Pool, Harold Avenue RecreationCenter and the Charlotte Sports Park; inEnglewood, the Tringali Recreation Center whichconsists of three buildings. Your recreationprofessionals also plan and implement over 60special events each year, schedule athletic fieldand court usage and schedule picnic pavilionreservations.

Highlights of 2003 include:• Served 343,617 customers at seven

recreation facilities. Amenities within thesefacilities include one stadium, one auditorium,one swimming pool, two community centers,two gymnasiums and 12 meeting rooms.

• Held more than 30 special events includingthe annual Halloween Carnival, WinterWonderland, Easter Egg Hunt, MegaCommunity Garage Sales, TennisTournament, Fishing Tournament.

• Planned and implemented over 25 ongoingprograms including teen dances, youthbasketball leagues, USTA Team Tennis

Ralleyball, roller skating sessions, openvolleyball, table tennis and badminton,Parent/Tot Playgroup, summer roller skating,open gym, swimming lessons and Aquacizeclasses.

• Conducted summer camp for over 1,400youth, ages 5-16. Programs were added thisyear for teens and specialty camp, Eco-Encounter Camp. Other youth recreationprograms available during school breaks andTeacher In-Service Days include ElementaryBreak Escape, Holiday Break Blast andSpring Break Blast.

• Partnered with area organizations to bringadditional recreation opportunities to thecommunity.

• Produced and distributed the Blueway Trailsbrochure mapping 219 miles of trailsthroughout Charlotte County for the canoe/kayak enthusiast.

• Assume operations at the Charlotte SportsPark, making the 84 acres available to thecommunity for special events and leisureactivities including Salute to Charlotte Stars,Charlotte Harbor Nature Festival, NFL Punt,Pass and Kick Competition, ASA YouthBaseball, MSBL Baseball and drop-inactivities including remote control airplanes,boats and cars, fishing and golfing.

page 15

25.9%25.9%

22.5%

6.5%

19.2%

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

0-17 18-24 25-44 45-64 65+

138,128

141,627

144,571

147,402

150,141

132,000

134,000

136,000

138,000

140,000

142,000

144,000

146,000

148,000

150,000

152,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Charlotte County Demographics & StatisticsCounty Population 1998 - 2003 2003 Population by Age Group

Unemployment 1998 - 2003 Real Property Value 1998 - 20033.9%4.1%

3.1%2.8%

3.4%

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

$9

$9

$10

$12

$14

$0

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

$14

$16

FY98-99 FY99-00 FY00-01 FY01-02 FY02-03

Billions

page 16

16,103 16,068

19,233

20,701

23,740

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

4.7141 4.7141 4.7141

4.8709 4.8709

4

4.5

5

5.5

6

FY99-00 FY00-01 FY01-02 FY02-03 FY03-04

1,003904

1,5291,589

1,785

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

2,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

All Construction ServicesAnnual Permitting Comparison 1998 - 2003

*Charlotte County has the eigth lowest Countywidemillage rate (of all 34 counties) in the State of Florida.Source: Florida Department of Revenue

County Millage Rate 1999 - 2004

New Construction - Single Family Homes(residential permits) 1998 - 2003

Includes all types of permitsand sub-permits that theCounty issues.

page 17

Ad Valorem Tax Levies

The example above reflects a typical tax breakdown for anaverage home in the County. The total tax amount is broken downby various rates that apply to the specific area in which the homeis located.

The Charlotte County School Board is an independently electedbody that is authorized to levy its own taxes.

The “Other” category includes independent districts which alsohave separately elected or appointed boards.

Lighting District0.25 millage

2%

Public Safety1.8524 millage

12%

Other0.65 millage

4%

County Commissioners4.8709 millage

30%

School Board8.418 millage

52%

Franz Ross ParkFootball, Tennis, Picnic Area, Trails, Playgroundsand Concession/ Restrooms.

Stump Pass Beach ParkBoardwalk, Dune System, Restrooms and Parking.

Englewood BeachReconstruction and expansion of existing park andnew group pavilion.

Rotonda Community ParkPlay Field, Tennis, Trails, Group pavilion,Playground, Restrooms and Habitat Preserve.

Mid-County Park (Phase I) (Renamed NorthCharlotte Regional Park) Soccer Fields, LittleLeague Complex, 18 hole Disc Golf Course,Concession and Restrooms.

Boat RampsLand Acquisition at Ainger Boat Ramp.

Winchester Evacuation Route

Twenty-eight miles of sidewalks including:US 41 Beautification. (Sidewalk and landscapingbetween Pt. Charlotte Blvd and West Tarpon Blvd)Sidewalk on Westchester Blvd (Brooklyn Avenue toKings Highway)

Charlotte High School Performing Arts Center

Remodeling and Additions to the CulturalCenter

New 911 Dispatch Center and backup facilitiesPurchase of two Advanced Life SupportRescue Vehicles. Stationed at El Jobean andPunta Gorda.

Provided 35 acre mitigation for WinchesterEvacuation RoutePurchase of one Special Operations TruckThis truck is used for special types of emergencysituations and supports the 24 member SpecialOperations Team.

In 1998 the citizens of Charlotte County voted for a 1% sales tax to improve our quality of life. Thetaxes collected from that initiative totaled $54,459,000. In 2002 the voters again went to the polls andapproved an extension of the 1% sales tax, which will run through 2008. The total funds expected fromthe current sales tax are expected to total $96,000,000. On these two pages is the current status ofthe projects from both the 1998 and the 2002 initiatives. If you have any questions on the sales taxprojects, or would like additional information contact the Charlotte County Capital Projects office at(941) 743-1905.

Sales Tax Projects & Capital Improvements

Projects Completed

Public Works - 2003 Infrastructure ImprovementsPaving Program - Currently, we have $14.1 million under contract and/or completed in WestCounty ($6.6 million), Mid-County ($3.7 million), & South County ($3.8 million).

US 41 Beautification Program - A comprehensive revitalization plan was prepared for Phase I (W.Tarpon to Port Charlotte Blvd.) and it was presented to the BCC & reviewed and accepted by theBoard (Oct. ’03). The engineering design contract was prepared & approved (Jan. ’04). The existingparking public pods were landscaped and proposals for additional design work in the corridor havebeen prepared. General clean up & clearing continues.

Piper Rd. Alignment Study - A comprehensive corridor alignment study was initiated for PiperRoad as a critical element of the development of the Airport Commerce Park.

Dredging Program - The dredging of Stump Pass was completed in 2003. Manchester Waterway,Buena Vista/Grassy Point, & South Gulf Cove dredging is complete. Alligator Creek and PirateHarbor projects are contracted to begin and the NW Port Charlotte dredge project is pendingissuance of permit.

Burnt Store Road Projects - Design contracts were awarded for sidewalks at the north end of thecorridor and safety improvements along the entire 8.5 miles. The coordinated transportation corridorstudy with Lee County has begun.There are many other design projects that are underway & other construction project completed, but these are the most significant of 2003.

page 18

Projects in Progress or PlanningAmberjack Environmental Park -UnderConstruction *This is a 220 acreenvironmental park. Infrastructure, Boardwalkswith observation decks, Scrub Jay Preserve andland management activities, Parking/Access,Nature Trails, Picnic Areas and Restrooms.

Oyster Creek Environmental Park-UnderConstruction *This 132 acre park is locatedadjacent to Lemon Bay High School with futureaccess to Cedar Point Environmental Park andWest County Regional Park. Funding providedleverage to obtain Rails to Trails grant funds for atrail under Route 775 which will connect CedarPoint Environmental Park and Oyster CreekEnvironmental Park. Infrastructure, Parking,Restrooms, Canoe/Kayak launch, Trails, FishingDock and Gopher Tortoise Sanctuary.

South County Regional Park - Phase I - UnderConstruction *This is a 90 acre regional parkreadily accessible to Punta Gorda and SouthCharlotte County and near schools. LandAcquisition - Funds leveraged to obtain anFlorida Communities Trust grant for landacquisition. Infrastructure and site preparation forbaseball fields and soccer fields. Combining 1998and 2002 Sales Tax Dollars will allow this park tobe built in its entirety.

Port Charlotte Beach Park — Phase I and IIPermitting Stage *This heavily used beach parkis 14.95 acres. Replacement of pool filtrationsystem and heater (complete). Improvements toboater parking and access, Pedestrian courtyardto link active recreation areas, and ADAremodeling improvements to all buildings andrestrooms.

Sunrise Park—Phase IPermitting Stage *40.55 acres.Parking, Trails, Canoe/kayak launch, Fishingdock, Picnic areas and Exotic vegetation control.

West County Regional Park (Official name:Oyster Creek Regional Park) - Acquisition andmaster planning phase *This park contains 112acres environmental and 50 acres of activerecreation. Land Acquisition - Funds leveraged toobtain a Florida Communities Trust grant for landacquisition. Combining 1998 and 2002 Sales TaxDollars will allow this park to be built in its entirety.

2002—Sales Tax Extension

South County Regional Park - UnderConstruction *This is a 90 acre regional parkInfrastructure for complete park.Lighted Little League Complex (5 fields) withsupporting amenities, Lighted Soccer Complex (4fields) with supporting amenities, Lighted TennisCourts, Lighted Basketball Courts, Multi-PurposeGymnasium and Pod.

West County Regional Park (Official name:Oyster Creek Regional Park) - ConstructionDocuments and Permitting Underway*This park contains 112 acres environmental and50 acres of active recreation and incorporates theexisting San Casa Football Fields.Construction management team selected,Infrastructure, Multipurpose Field, Pop Warnerfootball fields, Bridge connecting to Oyster CreekEnvironmental Park, Tennis, Basketball, Pool, Trailhead for environmental park, Trails, Playgroundand Paw Park.

Mid-County Regional Park (Official name:North Charlotte Regional Park) Phase IIDesign UnderwayComplete soccer and baseball complex withadditional fields, Basketball, Picnic facilities,Skating amenities and Trails.

Bayshore Live Oaks Park - ConstructionDocuments and Permitting UnderwayConstruction management team selected, Landacquisition, demolition, and site cleanup(essentially complete), Historical andenvironmental interpretative trail, Special eventsplaza, Canoe/kayak launch, Picnicking,Playground, Riverwalk, Landscaping, Restrooms,Parking and Pedestrian linkage to CountyGreenway System.

Boat RampsLand Acquisition at Ainger Boat Ramp (Complete),Partial funding for South Gulf Cove Boat Ramp(Complete), and Ongoing pursuit of propertyacquisition opportunities for new public boatramps.

AuditoriumStudy being conducted on adding conferencecenter capabilities.

page 19

GENERAL INFORMATION743-1200Toll Free(Englewood, Cape Haze)697-4308

ADMINISTRATIVE (MURDOCK)COMPLEX743-1944

ANIMAL CONTROL764-4320

ATTORNEY, COUNTY743-1330

BUDGET743-1551

CENSUS INFO., STATISTICS672-3023

CODE ENFORCEMENT743-1247

COMMISSION OFFICES743-1300

COMMUNICATIONS &MARKETING DEPARTMENT623-1092

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTDEPARTMENT743-1222

CONTRACTOR LICENSES743-1209

DIAL-A-RIDE833-6248

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT627-3023

ELDER HELPLINE505-4884

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT505-4620

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES764-4360

EXTENSION SERVICES(Horticulture, Marine Resource,Water Conservation, 4-H)764-4340

FACILITIES CONSTRUCTIONAND MAINTENANCE743-1392

FIRE/EMERGENCY MEDICALSERVICES743-1367

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATIONSYSTEMS743-1383

HISTORICAL CENTER629-PAST

HUMAN RESOURCES743-1260

HUMAN SERVICES833-6500

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYDEPARTMENT623-1065

INSPECTIONS743-1204

LIBRARIES743-1460

METROPOLITAN PLANNINGORGANIZATION (MPO639-4676

MUNICIPAL SERVICES BENEFITUNITS (MSBU)743-1383

NATURAL RESOURCES764-4360

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING743-1209

PARKS RECREATION &CULTURAL RESOURCES625-7529

PERMITTING743-1201

PEST MANAGEMENT (Mosquitoand Aquatic Weed Control)764-4360

CHARLOTTE COUNTY OFFICES

OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURTPort Charlotte 743-1573Punta Gorda 637-2285

PROPERTY APPRAISER743-1470

SHERIFF'S OFFICE639-2101

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS637-2232

TAX COLLECTOR743-1350

PLANS EXAMINATION743-1201

PUBLIC WORKS, DIVISION OF575-3600

PURCHASING743-1378

REAL PROPERTY SERVICES206-3740

RISK MANAGEMENT743-1332

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT(Collection, Recycling,Hazardous Waste)764-4360

TOURIST DEVELOPMENTBUREAU743-1900

TRANSIT575-4000

UTILITIES764-4300

VETERANS SERVICES625-4422

ZONING, FLOOD ZONE, LANDINFO.743-1964

ZONING CODE COMPLAINTS743-1247

COUNTY & STATE JUDICIALOFFICES/DEPARTMENTS

COURT ADMINISTRATOR637-2281

JUSTICE CENTER COMPLEX639-3111Toll Free(Englewood, Cape Haze)697-4000

MEDICAL EXAMINER625-1111

PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE637-2181

STATE ATTORNEY637-2104

STATE AGENCIES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH639-1181

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH743-1266

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

CHARLOTTE COUNTY SCHOOLBOARD575-5400

U.S. HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVES - 13THDISTRICT - KATHERINE HARRIS800-453-4184

U.S. HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVES - 16THDISTRICT - MARK FOLEY627-9100

STATE HOUSE OFREPRSENTATIVES - 72NDDISTRICT575-5820