The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) is holding a public hearing for PD 25-12: Cape Haze Hutton MF, a proposed planned development that directly impacts our local wetlands.
When: Today, Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Hearing Starts: 2:00 PM (Plan to arrive by 1:40 PM)
Where: Commission Chambers, Room 119
Parking at the Government Center can be extremely difficult. There is ample parking in the Port Charlotte Town Center mall parking lots directly across the street. Please use the designated crosswalks when crossing Murdock Circle, as traffic can be heavy.
Find Your Seat: Seating in the main Commission Chambers may be limited for this high-interest item. If the room is full, you may be asked to join others down the hall in an overflow room.
Ensure You Are Heard: Even if you are in the overflow room, you will still have the opportunity to speak at the podium in the main chambers. Be sure to tell the staff present that you plan to speak so they can ensure you are called to the podium at the appropriate time.
At the Podium: When it is your turn, state your full name and address (optional) for the record.
The 5-Minute Rule: You have 5 minutes to speak. Focus on your strongest point first to ensure your most important concerns are heard within the time limit. You will hear a "beep" when you have 30 seconds remaining (a great time to make your concluding remarks).
To be most effective, frame your comments around the aspects that are most important to YOU. Share any research that you've personally done. Avoid referring to unsubstantiated information from social media. Avoid personal attacks. The Board is looking for "Competent Substantial Evidence."
Be Yourself: Your voice is important. Talk about why this issue is important to you and your community.
Read Your Statement: It is perfectly fine to write out your comments ahead of time and read them directly from the page. This helps ensure you hit all your points within the time limit!
You are Not Alone: Remember that 150+ people, neighbors, and fellow citizens have your back—literally!
The Commissioners’ Role: The Commissioners are there to listen; they represent you. Note that they will not ask you questions or answer questions during your testimony.
Environmental & Infrastructure Impact: Address the specific functions of the Cape Haze Wetlands, such as habitat loss, water filtration, and flood mitigation. Can our current roads and utilities handle the added units proposed by Hutton?
What's Important to YOU: Are there reasons why you oppose the project? Increased noise, traffic, light pollution, loss of scenery along a Florida Scenic Highway, or even if you feel a four story apartment complex replacing beautiful tall pine flatwoods will become an eyesore - all great reasons to share if they matter to you!
Pro-Tip: Be Prepared for a Long Day Land use hearings can often last several hours. Bring snacks and bottled water to keep your energy up while you wait for your turn. If you have photos of wildlife or flooding on this site, bring 7 copies to hand to the Clerk for the record.
You can still submit written comments. Email bcc@charlottecountyfl.gov and include "OPPOSITION to PD 25-12" in the subject line.