The two Verandah Community Development Districts (Verandah CDDs – East and West) were responsible for the initial creation and continued maintenance of our preserves, lakes, and related storm water management system. Verandah West CDD comprises approximately 777 acres and includes the western area of the community from the Main Gate to the walking trail behind Brantley Oaks and Lakeview Isles. Verandah East CDD comprises approximately 652.6 acres and includes the eastern area of the community from the walking trail behind Brantley Oaks and Lakeview Isles to the East Gate.
A Community Development District is a special-purpose unit of local government that is established by Florida Statutes. As units of government, they operate outside of the VCA. The Districts are governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors who are elected Verandah homeowners themselves.
The infrastructure costs of the CDDs are financed through the issuance of low interest 20 or 30-year special assessment revenue bonds. The debt from these bonds makes up most of the annual assessment from a District. Assessments are collected as part of each homeowner’s Lee County’s annual property tax bill. The management team consists of a District Manager and field personnel. Each District also engages the services of a professional engineer, an attorney, and other professionals as needed.
The independent management of Verandah’s CDDs safeguards the community’s quality of life. Residents enjoy enhanced and protected wetland preserves, storm water flood protection, and other benefits without having to wait for uncertain future municipal improvements. Verandah’s CDDs are an assurance of quality for years to come.
Verandah’s land contains natural flow-ways and wetlands that are home to many species of Florida wildlife and birds. These natural areas along with an extensive system of inter-connected lakes form the backbone of Verandah’s water management system. These important features are managed by the Verandah’s CDDs to ensure their functionality and pleasing aesthetics in perpetuity for the benefit of those who live in Verandah. It’s important to note that no person or owner may disturb, clear, or seek to improve the nature preserves, ponds, or adjacent stormwater areas.
Members of the Board are elected in accordance with Florida Statutes through the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. Each November, prior to the General Elections, candidates are solicited via advertisement in the News Press and the election is announced. Each member is elected for a 4-year term. (Terms are staggered so the Board does not change all at once.) Similar to the VCA, if only one person applies for election, their name does not appear on the ballot and they are seated. If a seat becomes vacant before the end of a term the Board of Supervisors may appoint a successor. These appointments are done in a public meeting.
Your Verandah West Supervisors are Jeff Jordan, Susie McIntyre, Ed Faynor, Norm Toback, and Gerald Baldwin. Your Verandah East Supervisors are Denny Shields, David Moore, John Sample, Stu Axelrod, and Jacqueline Voiiles. Everyone in Verandah is grateful for their service.
The CDDs typically meet month/y or quarterly and these meetings are publicly announced. All meetings of the Board are held at the VCA Office and are open to the public. Written Minutes are available through the District Manager.
The District Manager for both Districts is Cleo Crismond-Adams of Wrathell, Hunt and Associates, LLC. E-Mail: [email protected]. (239) 498-9020
