Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It's a Sad day for f\Fort Myers
I hope everyone is happy. The man who brought us all a failing downtown Publix, will now be the mayor of the city. More of the same. Sad. At least it wasn't the cocky wife beater who wants to save the environment, and go green all while he drives a Hummer and shamefully lies about his military service.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Stupid Clock Tower (revised)
Upon viewing the property appraiser's website at Leepa.org, the clocks appear to be part of the jail complex.
What I want to know is: why did we need 2 clocks on top of a city building that you can't even read what time it is (or even see it from 90% of the vantage points). Just 2 buildings away, there is a beautiful, older clock on one of the lower rise buildings (and you can easily read the time). That makes 3 clocks within 1/2 block of each other! I mean WTF? Why was this passed? Someone please find out how much they cost, because I want to know.
What I want to know is: why did we need 2 clocks on top of a city building that you can't even read what time it is (or even see it from 90% of the vantage points). Just 2 buildings away, there is a beautiful, older clock on one of the lower rise buildings (and you can easily read the time). That makes 3 clocks within 1/2 block of each other! I mean WTF? Why was this passed? Someone please find out how much they cost, because I want to know.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Stupid Clock Tower- Another Fleecing of Fort Myers
Did you know that there are 2 clocks at the top of the new building in downtown Fort Myers (Just to the west of the new jail that's being built)? I am almost certain that it's a city building.
You can't even see the clocks because:
1) They're way too small and poorly designed (and way too high up), and
2) You can really only see them from 1 or 2 vantage points. One, when you're coming over the bridge into downtown, and the other when your approaching MacGregor from Cleveland Ave (if you blink, you'll miss it [from both ways] because there's a tiny window of opportunity to see them). This is a fleecing of $.
I will look into this a little deeper, because I surely hope that this wasn't paid for by you and me the taxpayer.
Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
You can't even see the clocks because:
1) They're way too small and poorly designed (and way too high up), and
2) You can really only see them from 1 or 2 vantage points. One, when you're coming over the bridge into downtown, and the other when your approaching MacGregor from Cleveland Ave (if you blink, you'll miss it [from both ways] because there's a tiny window of opportunity to see them). This is a fleecing of $.
I will look into this a little deeper, because I surely hope that this wasn't paid for by you and me the taxpayer.
Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
I just received this, and here is my retort...
This was a comment from LegalType1:
"You should move away - you are deranged and hatefilled"
"You should move away - you are deranged and hatefilled"
Hello,
I am much more concerned than I am hate filled (though perhaps a little derranged:)
Hate doesn't do anyone any good and it is counter productive. I know that my blog comes off as abrasive, but it is nothing but truth. I don't try to fill people's heads with lies; but rather share my experience I have had living in downtown ft. myers. The city council has all but diminished the hopes of many of it's River District residents, and has been stringing people along for some time. You cannot tell me that elected leaders have helped more than they have hurt, or have put the interests of it's residents first. Ask any of the shop owners downtown; especially the ones who have been here for a long time (and there aren't many). Read the comments left in my blog and you won't find one person who believes our city leaders have steered the city right.
I will continue to tell the truth; even if it hurts. But it needs to be told. I'm sorry if the truth is offensive.
I hope that things will improve. It's just sad that things have gone the way they have, given the potential this city has.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Don Paight and the big joke
The big joke is that Poisonous Paight knows exactly where all the bodies are buried.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Rats in Downtown- Lots of Rats
A couple years ago, I went to look at the building for sale that is located between (the building is one entity) French Connection and Subway (after Ellington's closed and before Envie Lounge opened-- it's out of business now- suprise). The building, I was told, was partly owned by a Lee County commissioner.
To my surprise, on the floor, I could have filled a few garbage cans with nothing but rat droppings that were (mostly) in the kitchen (I'm not exaggerating). The floor was almost completely covered with rat shit. The stainless steel counters were covered. All of the food service equipment was covered. Everything was covered in rat shit! (and all of that equipment was included in the sale, and would eventually be wiped down and used by the latter business). It was the most disgusting thing I have ever witnessed. There must have been 1000's of rats living inside there!
But how did they get in and where do they go? The food in there was long gone. But I suppose there was plenty more food elsewhere because the space is sandwiched (no pun intended) between 2 other restaurants.
Hmmm, makes you wonder.
It's not news that we have a rat problem in Downtown Fort Myers. It is infested.
Upstairs in the same building was an endless supply of exposed asbestos that was sloppily handled (and probably filled the air). Another part of the upstairs had a hole in the roof from a past fire. Needlesstosay it was a code nightmare. It was falling apart (and that's an understatement).
Note: If you are foolish enough to move to downtown Fort Myers, and you are looking at properties...
Bring a Code Enforcement Officer to the property with you!
The owner will not like this, but you will know what you are in for. I have saved 100s of 1000s of 100000s of dollars and a lot of nightmares by doing this. Unfortunately, Not many others have and they have eventually lost everything and there wasn't a Goddamn thing they could do about it!
Another Note: Even though you have brought a code enforcement officer with you, you still must do your homework! This is because there are too many people's hands in the pot, and a lot of time their notes do not match up; hence you can really screw yourself (and I mean BAD, and I cannot stress that enough). You are helpless and at the mercy of a bunch of beareucrats who don't know what in the hell they're doing.
Anyway, rats. Lots of rats. You even see them in the daytime around The New River District. There are more rats than residents in those beautiful and empty high rises along the river.
To my surprise, on the floor, I could have filled a few garbage cans with nothing but rat droppings that were (mostly) in the kitchen (I'm not exaggerating). The floor was almost completely covered with rat shit. The stainless steel counters were covered. All of the food service equipment was covered. Everything was covered in rat shit! (and all of that equipment was included in the sale, and would eventually be wiped down and used by the latter business). It was the most disgusting thing I have ever witnessed. There must have been 1000's of rats living inside there!
But how did they get in and where do they go? The food in there was long gone. But I suppose there was plenty more food elsewhere because the space is sandwiched (no pun intended) between 2 other restaurants.
Hmmm, makes you wonder.
It's not news that we have a rat problem in Downtown Fort Myers. It is infested.
Upstairs in the same building was an endless supply of exposed asbestos that was sloppily handled (and probably filled the air). Another part of the upstairs had a hole in the roof from a past fire. Needlesstosay it was a code nightmare. It was falling apart (and that's an understatement).
Note: If you are foolish enough to move to downtown Fort Myers, and you are looking at properties...
Bring a Code Enforcement Officer to the property with you!
The owner will not like this, but you will know what you are in for. I have saved 100s of 1000s of 100000s of dollars and a lot of nightmares by doing this. Unfortunately, Not many others have and they have eventually lost everything and there wasn't a Goddamn thing they could do about it!
Another Note: Even though you have brought a code enforcement officer with you, you still must do your homework! This is because there are too many people's hands in the pot, and a lot of time their notes do not match up; hence you can really screw yourself (and I mean BAD, and I cannot stress that enough). You are helpless and at the mercy of a bunch of beareucrats who don't know what in the hell they're doing.
Anyway, rats. Lots of rats. You even see them in the daytime around The New River District. There are more rats than residents in those beautiful and empty high rises along the river.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
H2 Is the Exception
Of Important Note:
H2 is awesome, and Harold is a class act. Wish there were more in The River District like it. He is truly an incredible host!
H2 is awesome, and Harold is a class act. Wish there were more in The River District like it. He is truly an incredible host!
A Beautiful Saturday- But Not in Fort Myers, Florida
Ah yes, another beautiful weekend not to go to downtown Fort Myers again.
Is the reason because there's just too much to do to choose from? Or is it because it's nothing but nightclubs (that bitch about not being able to open their doors to 18 year olds?) Or is it because that's all (nightclubs) there is downtown (and they don't open up until 10pm anyway)?
No, it's probably because there's absolutely nothing to do and nothing but a handful of sub par eating establishments to go to. Those are the only places open during the day (that is if they are still in business).
Which brings me to the story of all the rats which infest the downtown buildings (the same ones where those restaurants are). I will blog of this horrific experience later; along with all of the exposed asbestos (which unfortunately I experienced firsthand!)
Much much much more later...
Is the reason because there's just too much to do to choose from? Or is it because it's nothing but nightclubs (that bitch about not being able to open their doors to 18 year olds?) Or is it because that's all (nightclubs) there is downtown (and they don't open up until 10pm anyway)?
No, it's probably because there's absolutely nothing to do and nothing but a handful of sub par eating establishments to go to. Those are the only places open during the day (that is if they are still in business).
Which brings me to the story of all the rats which infest the downtown buildings (the same ones where those restaurants are). I will blog of this horrific experience later; along with all of the exposed asbestos (which unfortunately I experienced firsthand!)
Much much much more later...
Friday, August 21, 2009
Fort Myers is a War Zone, Ripe with Criminals, Predators, & Greed from a corrupt Government
It's very eerie when you walk the streets of downtown Fort Myers. (I think I saw tumbleweed rolling through). It's like someone dropped a bomb because of all the vacant buildings, and zombies (homeless) who roam the street. No wonder they filmed a zombie movie here years ago. It's very sad, and is a reminder of the greed from high government officials who foolishly thought that the boom would go on forever. Nothing lasts forever.
Don't think about opening a business here in downtown because the rents are astronomical! Something like 25 businesses have failed within 18 months of opening because:
1) There is absolutely no "give" with the city. They offer very little if any help to small business. They are all about big box; Starbucks (they opened 2 locations and had to close 1 already because they were only a few blocks apart), Quiznos, Publix (that's a whole seperate blog- tax breaks- free rent, etc), and any other big name (because they can afford the rent) who is foolish enough to come in and do business where there are hardly any residents)
2) There is a new street being closed every other week and many streets are one ways. People completely avoid downtown altogether.
3) Code enforcement is sooooo hardcore that people go broke (and these are the honest folks who want to comply) trying to fix/ renovate/ build. It's stiffling.
4) Property tax rose astronomically in the boom and since has slowly and disproportionately fallen since. Many people feel that the Tax Appraiser has been dishonest in his assesments. It's funny how, with all the foreclosures, the taxes have been slow to fall. (Foreclosures, by the way, don't figure into one's property tax assesment). So, for example, if you own a $1,000,000 property, and the foreclosed property right next to you sells for $100,000, you will still pay what YOU were always paying on your Million dollar property (with next door not even entering the equation to lower your assesment for that given year and possibly for years to come). Because of poor planning, the city is broke (and Cape Coral is near bankrupt, which is another blog, including the dismissal of firefighters in Leehigh Acres).
Our city bigwig, Don Paight (head of the Downtown Redevelopment) hasn't helped the situation either. When interviewed by the news, he blamed the businesses that went under on the owners (99 percent of whom were small businesses!) Where's the love? Don't come to Fort Myers!
The crown jewel of downtown is Centennial Park. There you will find tons of homeless, drunk people who (many who are probably victims of the foreclosure crisis, and many just mentally challenged). God bless them though; they have done nothing wrong. And that's another blog... The city just loves to do nothing about the homeless problem. There isn't any place for them to go in the vacinity. They sleep on the benches, and wander hoplessly and helplessly (and you know what the old adage is: Idle hands are the devil's workshop- need I say more).
Downtown Fort Myers (within 1 mile) has a slew of sexual preditors, offenders, and criminals hanging around. I'm not talking just a couple; I'm talking maybe 60 or 100 and that's only what's listed on the FDLE website (I will post that link soon so that you may think twice of moving to Fort Myers, and raising your children in this dreadful hell that the Chamber of Commerce loves to call "paradise" to bait the unsuspecting newcommer). Down here in Fort Myers, it seems like once a week the TV news is reporting on another sexual molestation case in a pre-school or what not. A lot of sexual offenders end up in Lee County (and in all fairness, Florida in general) because of the beautiful warm weather. Warm weather and children. Fort Myers crime per capita is the same as Miami's; out of control.
When the "boom" was going on a couple years ago, all we heard about was how we need to build more schools, and provide more of this and more of that to fulfill demand. We had and influx of illegals here and they were filling up the already overcrowded schools, health department (for free health care), and just plain exhausting the system.
That's all for now, down here in beautiful Fort Myers, Florida!
(Much, much more later-)
Don't think about opening a business here in downtown because the rents are astronomical! Something like 25 businesses have failed within 18 months of opening because:
1) There is absolutely no "give" with the city. They offer very little if any help to small business. They are all about big box; Starbucks (they opened 2 locations and had to close 1 already because they were only a few blocks apart), Quiznos, Publix (that's a whole seperate blog- tax breaks- free rent, etc), and any other big name (because they can afford the rent) who is foolish enough to come in and do business where there are hardly any residents)
2) There is a new street being closed every other week and many streets are one ways. People completely avoid downtown altogether.
3) Code enforcement is sooooo hardcore that people go broke (and these are the honest folks who want to comply) trying to fix/ renovate/ build. It's stiffling.
4) Property tax rose astronomically in the boom and since has slowly and disproportionately fallen since. Many people feel that the Tax Appraiser has been dishonest in his assesments. It's funny how, with all the foreclosures, the taxes have been slow to fall. (Foreclosures, by the way, don't figure into one's property tax assesment). So, for example, if you own a $1,000,000 property, and the foreclosed property right next to you sells for $100,000, you will still pay what YOU were always paying on your Million dollar property (with next door not even entering the equation to lower your assesment for that given year and possibly for years to come). Because of poor planning, the city is broke (and Cape Coral is near bankrupt, which is another blog, including the dismissal of firefighters in Leehigh Acres).
Our city bigwig, Don Paight (head of the Downtown Redevelopment) hasn't helped the situation either. When interviewed by the news, he blamed the businesses that went under on the owners (99 percent of whom were small businesses!) Where's the love? Don't come to Fort Myers!
The crown jewel of downtown is Centennial Park. There you will find tons of homeless, drunk people who (many who are probably victims of the foreclosure crisis, and many just mentally challenged). God bless them though; they have done nothing wrong. And that's another blog... The city just loves to do nothing about the homeless problem. There isn't any place for them to go in the vacinity. They sleep on the benches, and wander hoplessly and helplessly (and you know what the old adage is: Idle hands are the devil's workshop- need I say more).
Downtown Fort Myers (within 1 mile) has a slew of sexual preditors, offenders, and criminals hanging around. I'm not talking just a couple; I'm talking maybe 60 or 100 and that's only what's listed on the FDLE website (I will post that link soon so that you may think twice of moving to Fort Myers, and raising your children in this dreadful hell that the Chamber of Commerce loves to call "paradise" to bait the unsuspecting newcommer). Down here in Fort Myers, it seems like once a week the TV news is reporting on another sexual molestation case in a pre-school or what not. A lot of sexual offenders end up in Lee County (and in all fairness, Florida in general) because of the beautiful warm weather. Warm weather and children. Fort Myers crime per capita is the same as Miami's; out of control.
When the "boom" was going on a couple years ago, all we heard about was how we need to build more schools, and provide more of this and more of that to fulfill demand. We had and influx of illegals here and they were filling up the already overcrowded schools, health department (for free health care), and just plain exhausting the system.
That's all for now, down here in beautiful Fort Myers, Florida!
(Much, much more later-)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Fort Myers Mayoral Hopeful Derrell Gardner & Domestic Violence & Battery
I was appalled when I saw this one! Add this to my previous list of Ft. Myers' woes.
His military record may be alright, but if you're not happy in the home, then how can you be happy outside of your home? I'm not trying to be mean, and I'm certainly not making things up.
Here's the man's arrest information:
http://www.leeclerk.org/Criminal_detail_new.asp?CsNum=00-MM-010872&CsType=Misdemeanor
(You decide)
The other candidates appear to have clean records, but only time will tell.
Time tells a lot. Time has told a lot about the Lee County Sheriff Scott and his Hussein Obama statement. Time has revealed that former County Manager Don Stilwell was participating in viewing "inappropriate" emails (and that's all they got him for-- it has been said that there is much more to his story).
There is of course plenty that time doesn't tell, and that's for another blog. (Like all of the time that has been spent on the downtown Ft Myers redevelopment, and how the Master Planner, Andres Duany, was ignored, and how the city can barely stay afloat now from the bed it has made for itself)
His military record may be alright, but if you're not happy in the home, then how can you be happy outside of your home? I'm not trying to be mean, and I'm certainly not making things up.
Here's the man's arrest information:
http://www.leeclerk.org/Criminal_detail_new.asp?CsNum=00-MM-010872&CsType=Misdemeanor
(You decide)
The other candidates appear to have clean records, but only time will tell.
Time tells a lot. Time has told a lot about the Lee County Sheriff Scott and his Hussein Obama statement. Time has revealed that former County Manager Don Stilwell was participating in viewing "inappropriate" emails (and that's all they got him for-- it has been said that there is much more to his story).
There is of course plenty that time doesn't tell, and that's for another blog. (Like all of the time that has been spent on the downtown Ft Myers redevelopment, and how the Master Planner, Andres Duany, was ignored, and how the city can barely stay afloat now from the bed it has made for itself)
Don't Come to Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers, Florida is one of the worst places on the planet to live and it's getting worse all the time. In particular downtown Fort Myers is really an upsetting experience. Most everyone else agrees. The foreclosures are staggering and the crime is way out of control. There are not enough police to protect it's citizens. I would say that it's a wonderful place to buy a foreclosed home or one of the many many foreclosed condos on the river (there's a recent article in the News-Press that tells the story of the sole family who occupies an entire 25 story condo on the river). Be careful if you do buy a home here because the chances of it getting broken into and all the appliances stolen, and then being trashed is completely possible and even probable depending where in the county you move to. I know that this sounds bleak. Bleak is an understatement.
Corruption is a whole other blog....
Corruption is a whole other blog....
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