The Fort Myers City Council approved an employment agreement with Ronald A. Dente Jr. to serve as city attorney, while Lilliana Baker was sworn in as city clerk during the council’s Sept. 21 meeting. Both long-time public servants were selected from within the city organization, providing continuity in two key charter officer positions. Dente was chosen following a competitive selection process that included both internal and external candidates. Dente succeeds Grant W. Alley, who retired just one month shy of 31 years with the City of Fort Myers. Throughout his distinguished career, Alley provided legal guidance to City Council and staff and helped shape decisions that moved the city forward. “It is an honor to continue serving the City of Fort Myers in this new role and to build on the strong legal foundation established by Grant Alley,” Dente said. “My experience with the city provides continuity and a clear understanding of its priorities, and I look forward to working with City Council, staff and the community to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.” Dente has served the city since 2019, first as an assistant city attorney and, since 2024, as deputy city attorney. He brings nearly 30 years of legal experience and has advised city leadership on matters involving municipal governance, land use, procurement, contracts, labor and employment law, ethics and risk management. He has also represented the city in litigation, appellate proceedings and arbitration. Before joining the City of Fort Myers, Dente held legal and leadership positions with the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit; Edison State College, now Florida SouthWestern State College; Charlotte County; the City of Cape Coral; and public defender offices in Florida and Virginia. Dente is board certified by The Florida Bar in City, County and Local Government Law and is a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit civil mediator. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Iowa. Baker succeeds Mary Hagemann, who retired as city clerk Sept. 9. Baker has served the City of Fort Myers for the past eight years and brings more than 17 years of experience in local and federal government, nonprofit organizations and higher education. As city clerk, Baker is exploring new opportunities to connect residents with local government. One initiative she hopes to pursue is partnering with local middle schools to hold mock City Council meetings, giving students firsthand experience with the municipal decision-making process. “I love to help young people understand that local government isn’t just meetings, agendas and people saying, ‘I’ll entertain a motion’—it directly shapes the communities where they live, learn and play,” Baker said. “My hope is to spark curiosity and maybe inspire a few future public servants along the way.”

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HAHarvey Walden

3 hours ago

The 26-27 School Year is Off to a Great Start

The 26-27 school year is off to a great start! Hear from parents and staff as they share their first week of school experiences.

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HAHarvey Walden

3 hours ago

Rising Star: Dhira Sharma

Rising Star: Dhira Sharma Posted on 08/14/2026 Fort Myers High School has a future star on its hands. Engineer and inventor Dhira Sharma is entering his sophomore year with the Green Wave. He's looking to add to his list of accomplishments while having fun designing and building robots.

Community Remembrances

Ward 3 Community Meeting

2 hours ago

"Join us for the Ward Three community meeting! Join Councilperson Teresa Watkins Brown at Lindsford Clubhouse & Pool 4101 Dutchess Park Rd. Fort Myers, FL 33916 on Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. City leadership will share updates on Public Utilities, Public Works, Fort Myers Fire Department, Fort Myers Police Department Parks & Recreation, and more"

Ward 1 Community Meeting

3 days ago

"Join us for the Ward One community meeting!Join Councilperson Teresa Watkins Brown at Riverside 3061 E Riverside Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33916 on Tuesday, September 22 at 6:00 p.m. City leadership will share updates on Public Utilities, Public Works, Fort Myers Fire Department, Fort Myers Police Department, Parks & Recreation, and more.If you can’t join us in person, click this link to register and watch the meeting live online."

Free Hearing Screenings at Florida Medical Hearing Centers July 17

1 week ago

"Community Outreach Event Date: July 17th Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Join us for a free community outreach event where you can receive complimentary hearing screenings, consultations, and information about hearing loss and hearing aid technology. Our team of experts will be available to answer your questions and provide guidance on the best solutions for your hearing needs."

Procurement Resources

1 week ago

"Procurement Resources Last Content Update: Friday, July 14, 2023 City of Fort Myers Procurement Policy (PDF) Bid on Surplus Property City of Fort Myers Procurement Ordinance City of Fort Myers Local Vendor Preference Ordinance City of Fort Myers Minority Business Enterprise Program Ordinance Federal Business Opportunities Florida Association of Public Procurement Officers Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) Florida Department of State Division of Corporations Florida State Contracts Purchasing System Florida State Statutes - Chapter 287 Gulf Coast University Small Business Center Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers and Section 3 Certification Lee County Division of Purchasing National Institute of Governmental Purchasing - NIGP the Institute for Public Procurement State of Florida Department of Management Services Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD)"

Procurement Ordinances

1 week ago

"Procurement Ordinances Last Content Update: Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Procurement Ordinance (38-61 – 38-68) The City of Fort Myers's procurement ordinance was established following Federal and State laws, best practices, global values, guiding principles and standards of practice. Local Vendor Preference (38-71) In an effort to promote the participation of local vendors in the procurement process, the City of Fort Myers Mayor and City Council has established the following: The City of Fort Myers Code, Section 38-71 pertaining to the procurement of general goods and services provides for a preference in the amount of 5% which may be given to City of Fort Myers businesses and the amount of 3% which may be given to Lee County businesses. No business shall be qualified to receive a preference amount that exceeds 5%. Minority Business Enterprise Program (MBE) Ordinance (Section 38-122) The City of Fort Myers has established an MBE Ordinance for expenditures of construction, professional services, goods, and other services. Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) are businesses who constitute a present ability to perform the services and/or provide the goods required and who are certified by the State of Florida Office of Supplier Diversity and whose principle place of business is located within the boundaries of Lee County. The City has set a goal to utilize minority business enterprises for fifteen (15%) percent of the total dollars when contracting for construction contracts through prime contracts and subcontracts."

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Sep24

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

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Sep24

Building & Zoning Oversight Committee (BZOC) Meeting

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Sep25

Pre-Solicitation Meeting: Professional Implementation Services for Oracle Utilities Billing

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Oct01

Economic Development Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall, Council Chambers

Oct13

October Meeting 2026

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