LaBelle, FL

Regular Commission Meeting

Regular Commission Meeting

The LaBelle City Commission meets Thursday, October 08, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the LaBelle Commission Chambers, 481 West Hickpochee Ave. The agenda includes second readings of two ordinances changing the future land use and zoning for a 1.58+/- acre tract near West Yeomans Avenue, West Hickpochee Avenue, and North Main Street, plus a resolution amending Fire Department fees and an ordinance updating the historic preservation program. The consent agenda covers the September check register, September meeting minutes, staff reports, and items on Maintenance Department relocation, a pipe upsizing at the Tortilla Plant, and Civic Center capacity.

• Ordinance 2026-01 (second reading): change future land use for 1.58+/- acres from Downtown District to Commercial
• Ordinance 2026-02 (second reading): change zoning for the same tract from PUD and Downtown Business District to PUD
• Resolution 2026-37: amend Fire Department fee schedule for land development applications, plan reviews, inspections, permits, and fire apparatus standby
• Ordinance 2026-12 (second reading): update historic preservation code, revise Historic Preservation Board, and establish an ad valorem tax exemption for historic rehabilitation
• Consent agenda: September check register, September minutes, staff reports, Maintenance Department relocation, pipe upsizing at Tortilla Plant, Civic Center capacity

Regular Commission Meeting

City Commission Final Budget Special Meeting

The LaBelle City Commission is holding a special meeting to adopt the final ad valorem (property) tax levy and the final budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Two resolutions are on the agenda: one setting the tax rate and one approving the overall budget. No other business is listed; the meeting is focused solely on these final budget actions.

• Resolution 2026-35: adopting the final ad valorem tax levy for FY 2026-2027
• Resolution 2026-36: adopting the final budget for FY 2026-2027

City Commission & Tentative Budget Meeting

The LaBelle City Commission will hold its tentative budget meeting on September 10, 2026, including swearing-in ceremonies for the Mayor and Vice Mayor. Commissioners will consider adopting the FY 2026–27 budget, setting the millage rate, and hearing public testimony. Multiple zoning and comprehensive plan amendments are scheduled for first and second readings.

• Resolution 2026-29: variance request for 100 N. Lee St. in Downtown Center zoning district
• Resolution 2026-31 & 2026-32: proposed millage rate and tentative budget adoption for FY 2026–27
• Ordinance 2026-01 & 2026-02: rezoning 1.58-acre tract at W. Yeomans Ave & W. Hickpochee Ave from Downtown District to Commercial and PUD zoning
• Ordinance 2026-12: historic preservation code update to comply with Certified Local Government program
• Ordinance 2026-09 & 2026-10: second readings on municipal dock activities ban and Florida Fire Prevention Code adoption

Local Planning Agency Meeting

The LaBelle Local Planning Agency will review two ordinances proposing amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan, including changes to land use, housing, infrastructure, and water supply facilities. These updates aim to revise future land use maps and policy elements before potential adoption.

• Ordinance 2026-08: Amends 12 elements of the comprehensive plan, including future land use, housing, and infrastructure
• Ordinance 2026-11: Proposes changes to the water supply facilities work plan within the comprehensive plan

City Commission Budget Workshop

City Commission Budget Workshop & Special Meeting

The LaBelle City Commission is holding a budget workshop and special meeting to discuss the proposed FY2026-2027 budget, along with an employee handbook, the location of the Barron Park Pavilion, and a general fund transfer. These are discussion items under new business, with no final votes scheduled on the agenda.

• Proposed FY2026-2027 Budget
• Employee Handbook
• Barron Park Pavilion Location
• General Fund Transfer

The Commission authorized a $1 million internal loan from the general fund to the utility fund to cover immediate construction costs while awaiting grant reimbursements. Additionally, officials approved the relocation of the Barron Park pavilion to the former tennis court site and authorized a $112,000 storm mitigation planning task order fully funded by a state grant. The Commission also updated bank account signatories to reflect the upcoming mayoral transition.

• Approved $1M internal loan from general fund to utility fund (5-0)
• Approved relocation of Barron Park pavilion to old tennis court pad (4-1)
• Approved $1,800 Christmas tree purchase (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-30 for bank signatory changes (5-0)
• Approved $112,000 storm mitigation task order (5-0)
• Deferred employee handbook review to September 10 (unanimous)

City Commission Budget Workshop

The LaBelle City Commission is holding a budget workshop to discuss the FY2026-2027 utility budget. The agenda contains only this single new business item, followed by adjournment. No specific dollar amounts or details are listed in the agenda.

• FY2026-2027 Utility Budget review

The LaBelle City Commission held a budget workshop for FY2026-2027, discussing the utility fund budget, grant reimbursement delays, and a sanitation contract dispute. The Commission directed that notices be included with September utility bills advising customers of a potential rate increase of up to 4.2%, effective October 1, 2026. No formal votes were taken on the budget items; the workshop was adjourned unanimously.

• Directed utility rate increase notices up to 4.2% with September bills (unanimous)
• Discussed $284,000 transfer from water fund to offset sewer deficit
• Discussed $1.3M Waste Connections contract dispute, no settlement budgeted
• Adjourned workshop unanimously (5-0)

Regular Commission Meeting

La Comisión de la Ciudad de LaBelle llevará a cabo audiencias públicas para adoptar las tarifas finales de protección contra incendios, protección policial, instalaciones recreativas e iluminación pública. También considerarán una excepción especial para un centro de cuidado infantil en 90 Howe Avenue, una variación de cerca en 471 Fort Thompson Avenue y las primeras lecturas de ordenanzas para rezonificar un terreno de 1.58 acres cerca de West Yeomans Avenue y enmendar el código del muelle municipal.

• Resolución 2026-25: Establecimiento de las tarifas finales para la protección policial
• Resolución 2026-24: Enmienda al acuerdo interlocal con el Condado de Hendry para servicios de control de animales
• Ordenanza 2026-01 (primera lectura): Enmienda al plan integral a pequeña escala para 1.58+/- acres cerca de West Yeomans Avenue de Distrito del Centro a Comercial
• Ordenanza 2026-09 (primera lectura): Creación de actividades prohibidas y sanciones para el muelle municipal
• Resolución 2026-21: Excepción especial para un centro de cuidado infantil en 90 Howe Avenue

The LaBelle City Commission voted unanimously to direct staff to amend the land development code to define data centers and establish them as a prohibited use. The Commission also approved a fence variance, a special exception for a child care facility, and several resolutions establishing rates for fire, police, recreation, and street lighting services. A motion to increase Civic Center fees passed 4-1, and a continuance was granted for a comprehensive plan amendment.

• Approved Resolution 2026-22 fence variance at 471 Fort Thompson Ave (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including check register, minutes, staff reports, lift station proposals, and FY2026 audit engagement (unanimous)
• Approved increasing Civic Center deposit to $2000, rental fee kept at $2500 (4-1)
• Directed staff to amend land development code to define data centers as prohibited use (unanimous)
• Directed City Attorney to draft ordinance creating Local Small Business Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Directed City Attorney to draft ordinance to appoint residents to Local Planning Agency (unanimous)
• Declined Caloosa Humane Society Gala sponsorship request (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-21 special exception for child care facility at 90 Howe Ave (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will consider Ordinance 2026-08, which proposes transmitting amendments to the City of LaBelle's Comprehensive Plan. The ordinance would update multiple elements of the plan, including Future Land Use, Traffic Circulation, Housing, Infrastructure, Conservation, Recreation, Intergovernmental Coordination, Capital Improvements, Concurrency Management, Public School Facilities, and Economic Development, as well as the Future Land Use Map and other maps. This is a transmittal action, not a final adoption.

• Ordinance 2026-08: transmits amendments to the Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use Element and Map
• Amendments to Traffic Circulation, Housing, Infrastructure, Conservation, and Recreation elements
• Amendments to Intergovernmental Coordination, Capital Improvements, Concurrency Management, Public School Facilities, and Economic Development elements
• This is a transmittal step, not final adoption of the plan changes

The Local Planning Agency voted unanimously to continue Ordinance 2026-08, a comprehensive plan amendment, to its September 10, 2026 meeting. City Planner Patty Kulak requested the continuation to incorporate public input from a June workshop. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Continued Ordinance 2026-08 (comprehensive plan amendment) to Sept. 10, 2026 LPA meeting (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency Meeting Cancelled

City Commission Budget Workshop

City Commission Special Meeting

The City Commission is meeting to discuss Resolution 2026-23 regarding the proposed millage rate and roll-back rate for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. The body will also establish the date, time, and place for public hearings concerning the tentative budget and millage rate.

• Resolution 2026-23: Setting the proposed millage rate and roll-back rate for Fiscal Year 2026–2027

The City Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2026-23, which sets the proposed millage rate for fiscal year 2026-2027, includes a roll-back rate, and establishes public hearing dates for the tentative budget. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no other substantive decisions made.

• Approved Resolution 2026-23 setting proposed millage rate for FY 2026-27 (unanimous)

City Commission Budget Workshop

City Commission Budget Workshop

The LaBelle City Commission will hold a budget workshop to begin discussions on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. This is a preliminary meeting with no decisions expected.

• FY2026-2027 Budget discussion

The City Commission held a budget workshop to review the proposed FY2026-2027 General Fund Budget, which projects a 4.2% increase in both revenues and expenditures, with property tax revenues based on maintaining the current 5.0 millage rate. The commission discussed departmental budgets, staffing, capital projects, and reserves, but took no formal action, as the workshop was for review and discussion only. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

• No formal action taken on FY2026-2027 budget (workshop only)
• Adjourned workshop unanimously

City Commission Budget Workshop Cancelled

Local Planning Agency Meeting

La Agencia de Planificación Local de LaBelle discutirá y potencialmente recomendará tres ordenanzas: una enmienda al texto y mapa del plan integral (Ordenanza 2026-08), una enmienda al mapa de uso de suelo a pequeña escala para un terreno de 1.58 acres cerca de West Yeomans Avenue (Ordenanza 2026-01), y una enmienda correspondiente al mapa de zonificación (Ordenanza 2026-02). La enmienda a pequeña escala cambiaría la designación de 'Distrito del Centro' a 'Comercial' y la zonificación de PUD/DBD a PUD. Estos asuntos se considerarán en la reunión del 9 de julio de 2026.

• Ordenanza 2026-08 – enmiendas al texto y mapa del plan integral para múltiples elementos y el Mapa de Uso de Suelo Futuro
• Ordenanza 2026-01 – enmienda al plan integral a pequeña escala para 1.58+/- acres cerca de West Yeomans Avenue, de Distrito del Centro a Comercial
• Ordenanza 2026-02 – enmienda al mapa de zonificación para el mismo terreno de Unidad de Desarrollo Planificado (PUD) y Distrito de Negocios del Centro (DBD) a PUD

The LaBelle Local Planning Agency voted 3-2 to approve Ordinance 2026-01, a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment changing the future land use designation for a 1.58-acre parcel at State Road 80 and North Main Street from 'Downtown District' to 'Commercial' to allow a Wawa convenience store with fuel pumps, and forwarded it to first reading. The LPA also approved Ordinance 2026-02, a related zoning map amendment from PUD/DBD to PUD, by the same 3-2 vote. The LPA unanimously continued Ordinance 2026-08, a comprehensive plan text and map update, to the August 13, 2026 meeting, scheduling a community workshop for July 30, 2026, after concerns about public input and review time.

• Approved Ordinance 2026-01 (comprehensive plan amendment for Wawa site) 3-2, forwarded to first reading
• Approved Ordinance 2026-02 (zoning map amendment for Wawa site) 3-2, with staff conditions
• Continued Ordinance 2026-08 (comprehensive plan update) to August 13, 2026, unanimously
• Scheduled community workshop for July 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Civic Center

Regular Commission Meeting

La Comisión de la Ciudad de LaBelle llevará a cabo audiencias públicas sobre varias variaciones de zonificación y excepciones especiales, incluyendo permitir que un restaurante venda alcohol a menos de 750 pies de una escuela en 139 E. Hickpochee Ave, una estación de servicio de vehículos en 682 S. Main St, una variación para reducir el área mínima habitable en 230 Riviera Vista Blvd, una variación de letrero poste en 1860 W. Hickpochee Ave, y una desafectación de derecho de vía. La agenda de consentimiento incluye adjudicaciones para servicios de diseño-construcción para el refugio de control de animales y contratos CMAR para mejoras en la planta de tratamiento de agua potable y de aguas residuales, junto con aprobaciones rutinarias de actas, registro de cheques e informes del personal.

• Audiencia pública sobre la Resolución 2026-14: excepción especial para permitir la venta de alcohol cerca de una escuela en 139 E. Hickpochee Ave
• Audiencia pública sobre la Resolución 2026-15: excepción especial para estación de servicio de vehículos en 682 S. Main St
• Audiencia pública sobre la Resolución 2026-13: variación para reducir el área mínima habitable a 1,800 pies cuadrados en 230 Riviera Vista Blvd
• Audiencia pública sobre la Resolución 2026-16: variación para permitir un letrero poste en 1860 W. Hickpochee Ave
• La agenda de consentimiento incluye Aviso de Adjudicación/Recomendación del Proyecto de Mejora de Agua Potable CMAR y Mejoras de la Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales CMAR

The LaBelle City Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda (excluding Item H for discussion), including several notices of award for construction projects and a transportation maintenance agreement. They also approved four resolutions granting zoning variances and special exceptions, and authorized a revised $20 million line of credit with First Bank at a fixed rate up to 4.5% for four years. The Commission directed staff to prepare a 20-year lease for the Firehouse Community Theatre, but no formal action was taken on that item.

• Approved consent agenda items A-G (unanimous)
• Approved LPA0020 - Zone B Proposal contingent upon grant funding (unanimous)
• Authorized Mayor to execute Resolution 2026-20 for $20M line of credit at fixed rate up to 4.5% (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-13: variance for minimum living area at 230 Riviera Vista Blvd (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-14: special exception for alcohol sales at 139 E. Hickpochee Ave (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-15: special exception for vehicle service station at 682 S. Main St (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-16: variance for pole sign at 1860 W. Hickpochee Ave (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-17: vacating right-of-way in Evelyn Terrace Subdivision (unanimous)

City Commission Budget Workshop Cancelled

Local Planning Agency Meeting

La Local Planning Agency llevará a cabo audiencias públicas y considerará dos ordenanzas: una para modificar el Future Land Use Map de Downtown District a Commercial, y otra para cambiar la zonificación de la propiedad de Planned Unit Development y Downtown Business District a Planned Unit Development. El terreno está ubicado cerca de West Yeomans Avenue y North Main Street. La agencia recomendará una acción a la City Commission.

• Ordenanza 2026-01: Enmienda de plan integral a pequeña escala para un terreno de 1.58+/- acres de la designación Downtown District a Commercial.
• Ordenanza 2026-02: Enmienda del mapa de zonificación para el mismo terreno, cambiando de Planned Unit Development (PUD) y Downtown Business District (DBD) a PUD.
• Audiencia pública y votación sobre ambas ordenanzas.

The LaBelle City Commission unanimously approved a continuance, moving the consideration of Ordinance 2026-01 and Ordinance 2026-02 to the July 9, 2026 Local Planning Agency meeting. The motion was made by Commissioner Spratt, seconded by Vice Mayor Ratica, and all five commissioners voted yea. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved continuance of Ordinance 2026-01 and 2026-02 to July 9, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Commission Budget Workshop Cancelled

Regular Commission Meeting

La Comisión de la Ciudad de LaBelle llevará a cabo segundas lecturas de ordenanzas para anexar una propiedad de 74+/- acres y modificar el mapa de uso de suelo futuro para una propiedad de 84.04+/- acres, ambas al sur de W SR 80 Road y al norte de Helms Road, a "Uso Mixto Periférico". Otros puntos incluyen una presentación sobre la Iniciativa Prenatal a los 3 de la Liga Nacional de Ciudades, la aprobación de un contrato de endurecimiento del departamento de bomberos, discusión sobre mejoras al sistema de agua y conversión del centro cívico, y una resolución para evaluar las barreras de acceso al cuidado infantil.

• Segunda lectura de la Ordenanza 2026-05 que anexa 74+/- acres al sur de W SR 80 Road y al norte de Helms Road
• Segunda lectura de la Ordenanza 2026-06 que modifica el mapa de uso de suelo futuro para 84.04+/- acres a "Uso Mixto Periférico"
• ITB 2026-01 Contrato de Endurecimiento y Adición del Departamento de Bomberos de LaBelle con DEC Contracting Group Inc
• Resolución 2026-12 que aprueba la evaluación de programas, problemas y barreras del cuidado infantil
• Discusión sobre la Orden de Cambio No. 1 de las Mejoras al Sistema de Agua Potable de LaBelle

The LaBelle City Commission unanimously approved a resolution assessing childcare programs, added duplex development rights in R‑2T and R‑3 zones, and adopted a change order for the drinking water system. It also passed two ordinances annexing and re‑designating land south of W SR 80, and approved the fire‑department contract on the consent agenda. Staff were directed to review duplex rights and to explore space options for the civic center.

• Approved Resolution 2026‑12 assessing childcare programs (unanimous)
• Approved addition of duplex development rights in R‑2T and R‑3 zones (unanimous)
• Approved LaBelle Drinking Water System Improvements Change Order No. 01 (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 2026‑05 annexing ~74‑acre property south of W SR 80 (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 2026‑06 comprehensive plan amendment for ~84‑acre property (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda items, including ITB 2026‑01 fire department contract (unanimous)
• Directed staff to review duplex development rights and explore civic‑center space options (direction)

Regular Commission Meeting

La Comisión de la Ciudad de LaBelle llevará a cabo primeras lecturas de dos ordenanzas para anexar una propiedad de 84 acres al sur de SR 80 y enmendar el mapa de uso futuro del suelo a 'Uso Mixto Periférico.' Las segundas lecturas están programadas para una enmienda de PUD sobre KMJ Investments y cambios a los usos de excepción especial en el Distrito de Superposición SR 80. La agenda también incluye artículos de consentimiento como la aprobación del registro de cheques, actas y una resolución que actualiza la política de solicitudes de registros públicos, además de artículos sin audiencia pública como una transferencia de terreno, solicitudes de financiamiento y dispositivos de calmado de tráfico.

• ORDENANZA 2026-05 (primera lectura) – Anexión de una propiedad de 74+/- acres al sur de W SR 80 Road y al norte de Helms Road
• ORDENANZA 2026-06 (primera lectura) – Enmienda de plan integral a pequeña escala para designar la misma propiedad como 'Uso Mixto Periférico'
• ORDENANZA 2025-09 (segunda lectura) – Enmienda al Desarrollo Planificado Unitario de KMJ Investments en una propiedad de 2+/- acres al norte de SR 80
• RESOLUCIÓN 2026-11 – Autorizando la responsabilidad financiera por una característica artística comunitaria bajo el Puente Bridge Street en Desoto Avenue
• ITB 2026-01 – Recomendación de adjudicación para el endurecimiento y la ampliación del Departamento de Bomberos de LaBelle

The commission unanimously approved Resolution 2026-11, giving the city full financial responsibility for a community artistic feature beneath the Bridge Street Bridge and designating the mayor as the authorized officer. It also approved the Cow Bird as LaBelle's official city bird, the fire department hardening award recommendation, an Enterprise Fleet Management proposal, two new speed humps, and a tree‑removal contract for Barron Park. Several ordinances were moved forward to second reading, and the LaBelle Museum FPL bill was paid.

• Approved Resolution 2026-11 for community artistic feature (unanimous)
• Approved Cow Bird as official city bird (unanimous)
• Approved ITB 2026-01 fire department hardening award recommendation (unanimous)
• Approved Enterprise Fleet Management proposal (unanimous)
• Approved addition of two speed humps (unanimous)
• Approved Hunter Tree Service contract for Barron Park tree removal (unanimous)
• Moved Ordinance 2026-05 (annexation) to second reading (unanimous)
• Moved Ordinance 2026-06 (comprehensive plan amendment) to second reading (unanimous)

Regular Commission Meeting

La Comisión Municipal votará sobre la Resolución 2026-07 que autoriza hasta $20 millones en bonos de ingresos de agua y alcantarillado para mejoras del sistema. También celebrarán primeras lecturas de dos ordenanzas: una que modifica las condiciones para el Desarrollo Planificado Unitario de KMJ Investments cerca de la State Road 80, y otra que ajusta los usos de excepción especial en el Distrito de Superposición de la State Road 80. La agenda de consentimiento incluye aprobaciones rutinarias y un contrato con Four Waters Engineering.

• Resolución 2026-07: hasta $20M en bonos de crédito renovable de agua y alcantarillado para mejoras del sistema
• Ordenanza 2025-09 (primera lectura): modifica las condiciones para el PDU de KMJ Investments en más de 2 acres cerca de la State Road 80
• Ordenanza 2026-07 (primera lectura): modifica los usos de excepción especial en el Distrito de Superposición de la State Road 80
• Agenda de consentimiento: registro de cheques de marzo, informes del personal, reparaciones de la estación de bombeo principal de la WWTP, contrato con Four Waters Engineering
• Elementos sin audiencia pública: revisión arquitectónica de Mavis Tires, solicitud de financiamiento de LDRC y actualización de control animal

The Commission authorized a $20 million water and sewer revolving credit bond and approved several land development resolutions. Additionally, the city approved multiple emergency bids for insulation, cleaning, and park repairs.

• Approved $20M water and sewer revolving credit bond (5-0)
• Approved Woodard & Curran Staff Report (5-0)
• Approved Mavis Tires Architectural Review (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-08 LDRC Certified Local Government Program (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-09 LDRC Captain Hendry House Project (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2025-09 first reading (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2026-07 first reading (4-0)
• Approved $17,159 M&S Spray Foam Insulation bid (5-0)

Regular Commission Meeting

La Comisión de la Ciudad de LaBelle considerará la aprobación de un bono de $20 millones para agua y alcantarillado con el fin de financiar mejoras en el sistema. Está programada una segunda lectura de una ordenanza que modifica las condiciones para el Desarrollo Urbano Planificado LaBelle Riverside. La agenda de consentimiento incluye registros de cheques, actas, un acuerdo de fuegos artificiales y una oferta para el endurecimiento del departamento de bomberos. Además, se discutirán permisos de remoción de árboles y un permiso para eventos especiales.

• Resolución 2026-07 que autoriza hasta $20,000,000 en Bono de Crédito Revolvente de Agua y Alcantarillado para mejoras
• Ordenanza 2026-08 (segunda lectura) que modifica las condiciones para el Desarrollo Urbano Planificado LaBelle Riverside
• Solicitudes de permiso de remoción de árboles para 277 E Hickpochee Ave y SR 80/Captain Hendry
• Propuesta y Acuerdo de Fuegos Artificiales Zambelli en la agenda de consentimiento
• ITB 2026-01 Departamento de Bomberos de LaBelle – Endurecimiento y Adición en la agenda de consentimiento

The commission approved a bridge financing plan for utility improvements using First Bank and United Community Bank, with First Bank in first position. Fire department hardening was approved 4-1, and a fireworks contract was renegotiated for up to $25,000 (4-1). Several other items were approved, including tree removal permits, a school zone, GIS mapping, a PUD fee reduction, sewer line upsizing, a contract amendment, and museum pest control funding. A planned unit development ordinance (2026-08) was continued for further review and neighborhood notification.

• Approved bridge financing with First Bank and United Community Bank (unanimous)
• Approved ITB 2026-01 LaBelle Fire Department hardening and addition (4-1)
• Approved renegotiating fireworks contract for no more than $25,000 (4-1)
• Approved tree removal permits for 277 E Hickpochee Ave and SR 80/Captain Hendry with payments in lieu
• Continued Ordinance 2026-08 for Riverside PUD with re-advertising and neighborhood notification (unanimous)
• Approved establishing school zone on JC Lyons Drive (unanimous)
• Approved GIS mapping subject to attorney review of grant conditions (unanimous)
• Approved reducing PUD submittal fee for Sola Vie development to $68,000 deposit (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency Meeting

La Agencia Local de Planificación discutirá y posiblemente recomendará la aprobación de tres ordenanzas. Dos involucran una anexión de 74 acres y una enmienda al plan integral de 84 acres para propiedades al sur de W SR 80 y al norte de Helms Road, cambiando el uso futuro del suelo de "Multi-Use" del condado a "Outlying Mixed Use" de la ciudad. Una tercera ordenanza modificaría el Código de Desarrollo Urbano para revisar los usos de excepción especial en el Distrito de Superposición de la State Road 80.

• Ordenanza 2026-05: Anexión de una propiedad de 74+/- acres al sur de W SR 80 y al norte de Helms Road dentro de los límites de la ciudad, sin cambios en el uso de suelo y zonificación existentes hasta una ordenanza posterior.
• Ordenanza 2026-06: Enmienda al plan integral a pequeña escala para una propiedad de 84.04+/- acres en la misma área, cambiando el uso futuro del suelo de "Multi-Use" del condado no incorporado a "Outlying Mixed Use" de la ciudad.
• Ordenanza 2026-07: Enmienda al Capítulo 4, Artículo V, Sección 4-82 del Código de Desarrollo Urbano, modificando los usos que requieren aprobación de excepción especial en el Distrito de Superposición de la State Road 80.

The Local Planning Agency continued discussions regarding a property annexation and future land use amendment. The agency approved an amendment to the City of LaBelle Land Development Code regarding special exception uses in the State Road 80 Overlay District.

• Continued Ordinance 2026-05 (74+/- acre annexation) (5-0)
• Continued Ordinance 2026-06 (84.04+/- acre land use amendment) (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2026-07 regarding State Road 80 Overlay District uses (5-0)

City Commission LDRC Workshop

La Comisión de la Ciudad llevará a cabo un taller de LDRC para discutir la misión y visión del comité, revisar elementos del plan de trabajo, incluyendo Captain Hendry House, Ft. Thompson Parklet e instalación de iluminación solar, y considerar un contrato entre el LDRC y la ciudad. Se recibirán comentarios del público y se identificarán los próximos pasos.

• Revisión del plan de trabajo para Captain Hendry House
• Discusión sobre el desarrollo de Ft. Thompson Parklet
• Revisión del proyecto de instalación de iluminación solar
• Revisión del contrato entre LDRC y la ciudad
• Planificación de eventos del centro

The commission reviewed draft mission and vision statements for the LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Commission (LDRC) and its proposed work plan. No formal decisions were made during this workshop. Commissioners deferred a request to increase LDRC annual funding from $21,000 to approximately $60,000 to upcoming budget workshops. The commission directed the LDRC to submit written funding proposals and will schedule a separate workshop to discuss transitioning the Swamp Cabbage Festival.

• Deferred LDRC funding increase request ($21,000 to ~$60,000) to budget workshops
• Requested LDRC submit written funding proposals with financial statements
• Directed LDRC to refine draft mission and vision statements
• Scheduled future joint workshop for Swamp Cabbage Festival transition
• Noted general support for exploring Certified Local Government designation

Regular Commission Meeting

La Comisión de la Ciudad de LaBelle considerará varios asuntos en su reunión regular, incluyendo audiencias públicas sobre una ordenanza que modifica las condiciones del Desarrollo Planificado Unitario (PUD) LaBelle Riverside, una variación para un retiro lateral en 990 Tropicana Street, y una extensión de una excepción especial para un lavado de autos en 240 y 250 Selma Daniels Avenue. Los elementos sin audiencia pública incluyen un permiso de remoción de árboles, una solicitud de evento temporal, un ajuste en la tarifa de conexiones de residuos sólidos, y la discusión de usos permitidos en el Distrito de Superposición de la State Road 80. La agenda de consentimiento incluye la aprobación de actas, informes del personal, un acuerdo de extensión de la tubería principal de agua, un ajuste de pensión del departamento de bomberos, la disposición de vehículos, y una resolución que autoriza una solicitud de préstamo del Fondo Rotatorio Estatal.

• Audiencia pública sobre la Ordenanza 2025-08 que modifica las condiciones del PUD LaBelle Riverside al sur de Cowboy Way
• Audiencia pública sobre variación para un retiro lateral de 5 pies en 990 Tropicana Street (requiere 7.5 pies)
• Audiencia pública sobre extensión de excepción especial para un lavado de autos en 240 y 250 Selma Daniels Avenue
• Audiencia no pública sobre usos permitidos en el Distrito de Superposición de la State Road 80 (Sección 4-87.3)
• Elemento de consentimiento: Resolución 2026-06 que autoriza solicitud de préstamo del Fondo Rotatorio Estatal para proyectos de agua

The Commission approved a tree removal permit for Grand Oaks, a side yard setback variance for Tropicana Street, and a car wash special exception. Additionally, the Commission approved the Southern Swamp Gala temporary use application and various staff reports.

• Approved HCSO Staff Report (4-0)
• Approved Fire Department Pension True Up (4-0)
• Approved Three Vehicle Disposition of Property Report (4-0)
• Approved Residence at Grand Oaks Tree Removal Permit with re-planting condition (4-0)
• Approved Southern Swamp Gala Temporary Use & Special Events Application #1802 (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-04 side yard setback variance for 990 Tropicana Street (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-05 car wash special exception at 240 & 250 Selma Daniels Avenue (4-0)

Local Planning Agency Meeting

La Local Planning Agency llevará a cabo una audiencia pública y considerará dos ordenanzas para un terreno de 1.58 acres al norte y sur de West Yeomans Avenue, al oeste de North Main Street. La Ordenanza 2026-01 propone cambiar la designación del mapa de uso de suelo futuro de Downtown District a Commercial. La Ordenanza 2026-02 propone modificar el mapa de zonificación de Planned Unit Development (PUD) y Downtown Business District (DBD) a PUD. La reunión está programada para el 12 de febrero de 2026.

• Ordenanza 2026-01: Enmienda de plan integral a pequeña escala para cambiar el uso de suelo futuro de Downtown District a Commercial para un terreno de 1.58 acres.
• Ordenanza 2026-02: Enmienda del mapa de zonificación de PUD y DBD a PUD para el mismo terreno.
• La propiedad se ubica generalmente al norte y sur de West Yeomans Avenue, al norte de West Hickpochee Avenue, y al oeste de North Main Street.

The Local Planning Agency voted unanimously to continue two ordinances that would rezone a 1.58-acre tract from Downtown District to Commercial and amend the zoning map accordingly. No final decision was made on the ordinances themselves; the matter was postponed for further review.

• Unanimously voted to continue Ordinance 2026-01 (comprehensive plan amendment) to a future meeting (4-0)
• Unanimously voted to continue Ordinance 2026-02 (zoning map amendment) to a future meeting (4-0)

City Commission Special Meeting

La Comisión de la Ciudad de LaBelle celebra una reunión especial con un solo punto de nuevo negocio: una solicitud de cerveza y vino del Comité Swamp Cabbage. No hay otros asuntos en la agenda.

• Solicitud de cerveza y vino del Comité Swamp Cabbage

The LaBelle City Commission approved a request from the Swamp Cabbage Committee to allow beer sales and liquor samples at the event. The approval allows the festival to sell beer and distribute liquor samples using a hand-stamp tracking system. The measure passed 3-2.

• Approved beer sales and liquor samples for the Swamp Cabbage event (3-2)