Boca Grande parking saga continues as county commissioners prepare to meet - again

BOCA GRANDE, Fla. (WINK)— Elected leaders are preparing to meet once again in search of a solution to a dispute that has divided neighbors on a small Southwest Florida island. 

Lee County commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance in August that eliminated public beach parking on Boca Grande between First Street and 19th Street. The legislation also limited downtown parking to three hours. 

The ordinance created several permit categories for nonresidents, including employees, hotel and rental guests, long-term visitors, and workers, Gulfshore Business reports.  Violations can carry fines of up to $200 for standard infractions and up to $500 for blocking driveways. 

Supporters of the legislation argue it will help preserve Boca Grande's unique character. Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane, who has championed the legislation, points to increased traffic from nearby developments. 

"The real Red herring is the fact that they've built 32,000 residences within three miles of Boca Grande," Ruane previously told WINK News. 

The goal is to, "preserve the character of the Island generally as low intensity residential and resort," according to the legislation. "Thereby promoting and stabilizing the residential property values and tax base of the Island and the Island's tourist related economy."

But critics argue the restrictions are designed to limit beach access keep people away from high-value properties. 

Dan and Patricia Bruton live just over the causeway in Charlotte County. The Bruton's said the new rules prevent them from visiting Boca Grande's beaches. 

"I think we've been squeezed out by the ultra rich," Dan Burton said. "Whether they're Democrats or Republicans, they're the rich guys squeezing out the average person."

Small businesses are feeling the impact too. Bart DeStefano, co-owner of South Beach Bar and Grille, sits on the Boca Grande Parking Committee created by Lee County commissioners. DeStefanos said some Boca Grande shops have been squeezed by boycotts.

"The Charlotte County people want a boycott. The people that live on the island were bullying people with threats of boycotts if he didn't support their measures," DeStefano said. "You know, it's a sad situation."

DeStefano said he is concerned about losing customers during the summer, when Boca Grande relies on nearby visitors. 

Charlotte County commissioners have pushed for a compromise, but entertained the idea of a lawsuit. Charlotte County Commission Chair Joe Tiseo and County Administrator Hector Flores met with Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane and Lee County Manager Dave Harner during a conflict resolution hearing on Jan. 5. The meeting concluded within minutes and produced no agreement, Gulfshore Business reports. 

Under Florida law, when a conflict resolution hearing fails, the next step requires the full boards of county commissioners from both jurisdictions to meet jointly. If that meeting also fails to resolve the dispute, Charlotte County would have the option to pursue legal action.

The second conflict resolution meeting will happen 9:00 a.m. Monday in Room 118 of the County Administration East Building at 2201 Second Street in downtown Fort Myers. A Lee County spokesperson said public comment will be entertained.

The meeting will also be livestreamed on YouTube, the Lee County website, Facebook, and LeeTV.