New Florida law could end Fort Myers programs helping minority businesses

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—The Fort Myers City Council voted to move two programs aimed at helping minority-owned businesses to a public hearing.

Behind the garage doors of the big blue building on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard sits more than a fleet of vehicles. These hearses are part of Erma Boyd Dorsey's family legacy.

"We've been in business since 1924, so this is our 102nd year in business," said Boyd Dorsey, owner of James C. Boyd Funeral Home.

Boyd Dorsey told WINK News that keeping these doors open takes a significant amount of capital. One of the biggest challenges, she said, is access to money.

"It's like you got good credit, you keep your bills paid, everything's paid off, but then you go to try and get a loan, it's virtually impossible," Boyd Dorsey said.

City Council voted Monday to move the issue to a public hearing on whether to eliminate the city's Minority Business Enterprise Program and Local Vendor Preference Program. Councilwoman Diana Giraldo is referring to a new Florida law scheduled to take effect next year.

"We're being told what to do, and that really is removing our ability to do our job," Giraldo said.

City leaders say the law will limit local governments' ability to fund or maintain certain diversity, equity and inclusion-related programs. Mayor Kevin Anderson says the goal is to keep supporting local businesses while following state law.

"We just have to find ways to make sure that we are doing this fairly and across the board for everybody," Anderson said.

Boyd Dorsey believes that without programs like these, the road could be harder for future entrepreneurs.

"It would really hurt the community tremendously," Boyd Dorsey said.

A public hearing is scheduled for June 15. Residents and business owners will have the opportunity to weigh in before the council makes a final decision.