Panel advances bill to merge Iona McGregor and Fort Myers Beach fire districts

The Ways and Means Committee advanced HB 4013 on Jan. 22, a bill the presenter described as revising the boundaries of the Iona McGregor Fire Protection and Rescue Services District and merging it with the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District. Rep. Gio Lombardo presented the measure in Rep. Butana’s absence, saying the bill establishes a transition process for the governing body and transfers all assets and liabilities to the merged entity, with implementation contingent on referenda in both districts.

Committee members asked no substantive questions, and the sponsor said there were no amendments. With no public testimony and no debate, the committee called the roll: 17 yays, 0 nays. The bill was reported favorably and will proceed to the next stage of consideration.