Hearing Delayed Again, But the Case Moves Forward: 18 Months In, Nobody Is Above the Law
To everyone who has signed and supported this petition, thank you. Here's where things stand at 17751 Nalle Rd.
Another delay. Once again, the property owners (the Blackwells) requested a continuance. This time it's because their attorney is out of the country for the September 22nd hearing. The hearing is now expected the first or second week of October (date to be confirmed). Lee County Attorney Amanda Swindle is prosecuting the case, and the County has collected substantial evidence of the ongoing zoning violations. An onsite inspection just last week confirmed the violation still exists, and a Notice of Hearing was posted on the property.
Two code enforcement specialists in 18 months. Irving Meneger was the first specialist assigned to this case. Juan Guzman was the second. Both have since resigned, and we're waiting for a third to be assigned. The County has told me it continues to monitor the active case and is moving ahead with enforcement in the meantime.
An ironic twist. The Blackwells' attorney asked whether the case could be dropped because the primary complainant — me, the neighbor right next door who has listened to the grinding, cutting, and steel dropping every single day — has sold his house. The County's answer was clear: no. The zoning law is still being broken. The industrial operation needs to shut down and all equipment needs to be removed, regardless of who lives next door.
Our news. My wife and I have decided to sell our beautiful home, and it's going to a buyer with horses who is active in the 4-H community — exactly the kind of use AG-2 zoning was designed to protect. We fully disclosed what is happening next door, and we provided the buyer's attorney with the County Attorney's contact information so the new owners can continue pursuing the shutdown of All Florida Industrial Fabrication under Lee County zoning law.
What's next. I will attend the October hearing and share a final update with all of you on the outcome.
It's been a long 18 months. I've called the Sheriff's Office multiple times, and the answer has always been the same: as long as it isn't happening at night, there isn't much they can do. That's exactly why zoning laws exist, and exactly why this case matters.
Nobody is above the law. Not in Lee County, not in AG-2, not anywhere. The "I'll do whatever I want on my property" routine doesn't override the rules everyone else follows, and in this case it's finally coming to an end.
Thank you for standing with our neighborhood.
Matt Angerer
17601 Nalle Rd.