Lee County taps tourist tax reserves for parking project at site of former Seafarer's Mall

On Tuesday, the Lee County Board of Commissioners approved a recommendation to use Tourist Development Tax Reserves to fund the creation of bicycle and golf cart parking at the former Seafarer's Mall property. The approval of the recommendation, made by the Tourist Development Council, means that Lee County Parks and Recreation expects to add paid parking for up to 56 bicycles and 29 golf carts to the property, as well as space for the Lee County Sheriff's Office Outreach Center and a drinking fountain. The $163,200 project will be funded by $71,950 in reserves from the Tourist Development Tax on short-term lodging, $56,250 from Lee County's general funds and $35,000 from LCSO to relocate the outreach center, the county said. Lee County acquired the Seafarer's Mall property in June 2010, along with the property that is now Crescent Beach Family Park. The Seafarer's Mall site was demolished in 2011, and since then, the property has been used to store LeeTran vehicles, stage and support beach construction projects, among other temporary county activities. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV