Rep. Fitzenhagen writes govenor, requests emergency declaration

FORT MYERS, Fla. – On Tuesday, Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen wrote to Gov. Rick Scott to ask that he consider declaring a state of emergency for Lee County and its surrounding areas.

Her letter came with an invitation for the governor to tour Southwest Florida “to see the places and people that have (been) negatively affected.”

Fitzenhagen’s request comes as Southwest Florida business owners, scientists and residents pressure the state to find a suitable solution to the the more than 3.3 billion gallons of brown water released from Lake Okeechobee. It also was sent to Scott a day before mayors of Lee County’s six municipalities are expected to hold an emergency joint meeting to discuss taking action against the massive water releases.