J.B. Schuetz, Parks and Beautification Manager with the City of Fort Myers, has been the City’s lead person working with Mr. Diserio. The plans, known as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Landscape Refresh Plans, have been approved by the City’s Beautification Committee. The goal is to both augment and replace the existing landscape along the thoroughfare. The plans have been designed to meet Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) requirements for safety, including no sight obstruction for drivers.
The work will stretch along Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard from Thompson Street to I-75. Installation will include selected palm tree, small trees, shrubs, and ground cover varieties, including:
Palm Trees: Bismarkia Palm, Macarthur Palm Royal Palm, Thatch Palm
Small Trees: Calypso Oleander, Dynamite Crape Myrtle, Eagleston Holly, Weeping Yaupon Holly
Shrubs: Dwarf Ixora, Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass, Dwarf Pink Oleander, Florida Privet, Green Island Ficus, Mrs. Schillers Viburnum, Muhly Grass, Plumbago, Pitch Apple, Texas Sage, Walter’s Viburnum
Groundcovers: Beach Sunflower, Blanket Flower, Gold Mound Lantana, Golden Bromeliad, Needle Point Perennial Peanut
The City of Fort Myers will spend approximately $1 million on plant materials, irrigation, soil remediation and maintenance of the landscaping. The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) does not have any funds invested in this project.
Mr. Schuetz presented the plan to the CRA Board of Commissioners at its May 22, 2019, regular meeting.
