New $100M Big Carlos Pass bridge opens in Fort Myers Beach

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — A new connection is officially in place for Lee County after years of construction, controversy and change.

Drivers now have a wider, stronger, future-ready crossing over Big Carlos Pass. What used to sit above the water is now helping build life below.

WINK News was at the ribbon-cutting for the new bridge. The wait is finally over after years of planning, delays and construction.

"What a fantastic day to be in Lee County," Commissioner David Mulicka said.

"We're celebrating the completion of the Big Carlos Bridge," Mulicka said.

District Three Commissioner Mulicka said the bridge cost nearly $100 million. Getting here wasn't always smooth sailing.

"It was a struggle to get here. I remember four or five years ago getting those letters and comments and calls about, we don't want this bridge," Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass said.

Despite the pushback, county leaders said this was a necessary step for island transportation.

"The old draw bridge had its season … but this new bridge, so much care was taken into making sure that it will be a bridge for the future and future generations to use," Brian Hamman said.

They said this storm-resilient bridge will stand for more than 60 years.

"It's a bridge that's going to connect Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach together," Hamman said.

They said it's built for more than just cars. There are bike lanes, sidewalks and a shared-use path.

The old bridge didn't just disappear—it got a second life. About four nautical miles offshore, more than 2,400 tons of the old drawbridge now make up a brand-new artificial reef.

"We have repurposed 4.9 million pounds of concrete … it's been stacked up out there to create a structure that is an immediate habitat for our marine life," Leslie Haynes said.

The reef will give fishermen a new place to cast a line while giving marine life a new place to call home.

"It gives them a new area for feeding, reproducing and to hide from predation for decades to come," Haynes said.

While the bridge is now open, the area directly underneath it isn't—at least not yet. It will remain closed until summer 2027 while crews build a new parking lot, restrooms and improved beach access.