To the editor:
On behalf of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, Horizon Council and Economic Development Office, we are strongly opposed to the relocation of the Fort Myers Postal Service Processing and Distribution Center to Sarasota and Tampa.
This will impact not only Lee County, but Charlotte and Collier as well. This represents a total population of 1.1 million and approximately 29,000 businesses.
We need your help and below are some facts and how you can help:
Will adversely impact our already struggling local economy and tax base.
The closing of the distribution facility is estimated to result in a minimum total wage loss (direct and indirect wages) of $40 million to Lee County and the surrounding areas as calculated by Florida Gulf Coast University).
The closing of the facility is estimated to result in a minimum job loss of 550 in Lee County and the surrounding area.
Additional reductions in area work force and wage losses may be realized due to the out-migration of entire families as a result of layoffs and forced relocations.
Less sales tax revenue will be realized as a result of out-migration leading to decreased spending.
Loss of Fort Myers Postmark unless requested.
Local businesses will not receive current mailing discounts and will see further delays in local mailings.
Please write in opposition to this relocation. You may submit comments up to 15 days after the public hearing to:? District Manager of Consumer and Industry Contacts, Suncoast District, 2203 N. Lois Ave., Suite 1032, Tampa FL 33607-7132.
Tamara Pigott
Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau
