Boca Grande parking dispute remains unresolved after Lee, Charlotte meeting

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—A months-long fight over parking on Boca Grande remains unresolved after a high-stakes meeting between Lee and Charlotte County leaders.

 Leaders from both counties met on Monday, hoping to find common ground on the growing parking problem. While both sides showed a willingness to work toward solutions, they remain divided on what those solutions should look like.

• RELATED: Boca Grande parking saga continues as county commissioners prepare to meet again

"Obviously, Charlotte County has concerns. The residents there think there is less parking, which there is less parking, because now we have structured parking," said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the Lee County Board of Commissioners. "And then obviously our Boca Grande, Lee County residents were concerned about the overcrowding of the beaches."

Lee County leaders say the restrictions were put in place to deal with overcrowding and safety concerns. They argue the new rules bring structure to what was previously chaotic parking.

"We want public access. We just want structured parking," Pendergrass said. "Before we had people parking on people's yards, behind their houses, parking blocking driveways."

Opponents argue the rules go too far, limiting access to a beach that's long been shared. Robin Wilkins, a representative from Open Shores of Southwest Florida, called the ordinance flawed.

Charlotte County leaders say the issue isn't just crowding—it's the loss of parking. Charlotte County Commissioner Joe Tiseo said anywhere from 300 to 400 spaces have been lost.

"Now that's significant to lose that amount of space," Tiseo said.

Community members say the restrictions are changing what Boca Grande has always been. The new rules have altered the character of the island and how residents use the beach.

"It took away a way of life. It took away customary use of that public access beach," Wilkins said.

Lee County leaders say they understand the concerns but point to growth across the region. Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane said the area's rapid population increase makes parking challenges inevitable.

"There's not going to be enough. When you're talking about 30 and 40,000 residents coming looking for parking," Ruane said.

Still, both sides say they're open to working toward a solution. For now, no votes were taken, no changes were made, and no clear compromise was reached.

Both counties say this issue will head back to their boards in the coming weeks. If no agreement is reached, it could move toward mediation.