History of the Lehigh Acres Citizen

The Lehigh Acres Citizen is more than a decade old and serves a young, growing, vibrant community.

The first issue of The Cirizen was published on September 6, 1996 after Breeze Newspapers agreed with community leaders that readers in Lehigh Acres deserved a publication that would bring them up-to-date community news.

When the first papers hit the streets of Lehigh, it was accepted with anticipation and excitement. In addition to delivery to Lehigh homes, the paper also was available in racks throughout the community. The first headline in the new Lehigh Acres Citizen read "Albion ready to go to work." The story reported Lee County Commissioner John Albion's victory over his Republican Primary opponent Jerry Moore.

Lehigh Acres then had a population of around 25,000 and many in the community asked for a paper filled with local news, local photos and plenty of community activity items. They believed that the community, 20 miles from Cape Coral, would grow as much as Cape Coral. And they were right. Today's Lehigh Acres has a population of over 75,000.

The Lehigh Acres Citizen believes the community will continue to grow, and plans to be a part of it.