North Captiva neighbors push for action as debris pile sparks environmental concerns

NORTH CAPTIVA, Fla. (WINK)—Neighbors say a large debris pile has been sitting on North Captiva Island for nearly four years, and they want it gone.

The pile appeared after Hurricane Ian hit the area. Richard Gross, an Upper Captiva neighbor, said the debris doesn't belong on the island.

"It really doesn't belong here," Gross said. "Anybody could see that this is not part of our island, and it should be."

Deborah Harner, another Upper Captiva neighbor, said the environmental impact concerns her.

"This trash pile has been building up, and it's been things have been leaching into the soil, debris has been going into the water, you can see it floating around most days," Harner said.

Neighbors shared photos showing that the property was full of mangroves and other trees before Ian. Harner called the situation an environmental disaster.

Dave Wilcox, an Upper Captiva neighbor, said the debris is affecting local wildlife.

"We're getting more rats, more coyotes, crows, raccoons," Wilcox said. "I mean, it's just, it's kind of changing the balance of the ecosystem out here, and it's very fragile."

Lee County records show the property owner has been cited for nuisance accumulation and open storage without proper approvals. A hearing examiner determined the owner is in violation.

County records also show the owner has been subject to $250-a-day fines since August of last year until the property is brought into compliance. The county says the applicant just filed a request to rezone the property to a commercial planned development to allow a solid waste transfer station.

The property owner, Mike Verona, declined an on-camera interview but told WINK News by phone he's concerned about the debris and doesn't want it there either. He says he's trying to remove it but claims Lee County is preventing him from taking it to his barging location in St. James City.

Verona sent documents showing a separate code enforcement case at that property. He says the facility has been operating since 1976.

Gross said neighbors just want the trash removed.

"Having the trash removed would be an ideal situation," Gross said. "However, it gets done, I don't care."

The county says both code cases remain open, and liens have been filed against the property.