Lee County Set for Major Change: Single-Member Districts on Ballot!

Fort Myers Beach, Florida, USA - In a move that could reshape county governance in Lee County, the state legislature has approved a bill that allows voters to decide in a 2026 referendum whether to elect county commissioners by district. Currently, all commissioners are elected by voters countywide, but this new proposal from State Rep. Mike Giallombardo (R-Cape Coral) aims to change that landscape dramatically. If the bill receives final approval from Governor Ron DeSantis, and ultimately passes the referendum, voters in each district will have the chance to elect their own commissioner starting in 2028, as reported by Fort Myers Beach Talk.

The proposed change has raised a mix of enthusiasm and concern among local citizens and officials. Under the new system, voters would no longer have the ability to weigh in on candidates outside their own districts. Currently, commissioners must reside in their districts but represent all voters in the county. Critics, including Lee County District 2 Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, assert that this model may reduce accountability, potentially isolating elected officials from county-wide issues. Similarly, District 5 Commissioner Mike Greenwell voiced his opposition during the bill’s initial introduction in 2023, despite some constituents showing support for it.

Strengthening Representation

The motivation behind Giallombardo’s legislative push stems from a desire to enhance representation for communities that feel marginalized, particularly those in unincorporated areas. This sentiment was echoed during a meeting at Florida Southwestern State College, where the Lee County delegation voted 6-1 in favor of allowing the referendum vote. Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka stood alone in her dissent, mentioning concerns about the bill’s implications on the proposed changes regarding an elected county mayor.

In addition to creating single-member districts, the bill includes provisions for adding a new commissioner if the county’s population surpasses one million—currently sitting just over 800,000—along with staggering four-year terms for commissioners. This adaptability shows an effort to handle growth in Lee County while keeping representation accessible to the citizens. However, concerns have also surfaced about the potential for a six-member commission to lead to divisiveness among districts.

Public Sentiment and Potential Impacts

Public support illustrates a clear demand for change. Many residents in northeastern Lee County, who have long felt disenfranchised, welcome the prospect of more localized representation. Such sentiments align with the goals stated by Giallombardo, who advocates for a system where local needs are more directly addressed.

However, the transition to single-member districts isn’t devoid of opposition. For example, Commissioner David Mulicka has put forth a counterargument that emphasizes a commitment to representing all county residents, while others have contested the necessity for the change, asking for clarity on the problem it aims to resolve. Meanwhile, the Lee County League of Women Voters exhibits its support for the single-member district proposal, indicating that organized movements are rallying behind the legislation.

Voting Process Ahead

Under Florida law, as detailed in statute 124.011, the proposition for single-member representation requires approval from a majority of qualified voters. Once implemented, the ballot may include wording that asks if the current system should transition to electing commissioners solely from their districts. To further complicate matters, a resolution introduced through petitions may also lead to this proposition being presented on the ballot.

The next steps are crucial, as effective representation is a topic close to many voters‘ hearts in Lee County. With the referendum on the horizon, residents will need to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of a system that aims to alter how their county government operates fundamentally.