Charlotte County presses Lee on Boca Grande parking

Charlotte County commissioners will meet with Lee County officials next month in an effort to resolve an ongoing dispute over parking restrictions on Boca Grande, as residents continue to press local leaders to protect public access to the island. 

Commissioners on March 10 unanimously voted to schedule a joint meeting with the Lee County Commission on April 27 to discuss the issue. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Lee County Administration East Building, 2201 Second St., in Fort Myers. 

The conflict centers on a Lee County ordinance adopted in August that restricts parking in parts of Boca Grande. Under the rules, vehicles without permits are limited to three hours of parking in the downtown area, and public beach parking between First and 19th streets has been eliminated. 

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

Charlotte County residents have repeatedly appeared at commission meetings urging county leaders to challenge the restrictions, which they say limit access to beaches, businesses and public spaces on the island. 

The controversy also led residents to form a nonprofit advocacy group, Open Shores of Southwest Florida Inc., which supports public beach access. Robin Wilkins, a Charlotte County resident, told commissioners the group was created in response to the restrictions. 

Wilkins and others said the parking changes have reduced access for those with disabilities and created barriers for seniors and veterans. 

Captain Marian Schneider, a longtime Boca Grande resident and founder of Grande Tours, told commissioners that parking disputes on the island have occurred for decades. She held up a stack of newspaper clippings during the meeting and described historical disagreements over dock space and parking availability. 

Schneider said that as far back as 1972, residents planted cactus in right-of-way areas to discourage parking. 

For many years, Charlotte County residents have visited Boca Grande to enjoy its beaches, restaurants and shops. At recent meetings, some business owners said the parking restrictions have reduced customer traffic because many visitors travel from off the island. 

Boca Grande is divided between two counties. The northern portion lies in Charlotte County, while the main village and southern two-thirds of the island are in Lee County. Most restaurants, shops and public beaches are located in the Lee County portion. 

Charlotte County commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 12 to begin formal conflict resolution proceedings with Lee County, a process required under state law before litigation can be pursued. 

The first attempt to resolve the dispute stalled Jan. 5 when a conflict resolution meeting between representatives of both counties ended within minutes without agreement. 

Commission Chair Joe Tiseo and County Administrator Hector Flores represented Charlotte County, while Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane and County Manager Dave Harner represented Lee County. 

During the meeting, Tiseo proposed several possible compromises, while Ruane pushed back on the suggestions. 

Under Florida law, if the initial conflict resolution meeting fails, the next step requires both county commissions to meet jointly. If that meeting does not resolve the issue, Charlotte County could pursue legal action, County Attorney Janette Knowlton previously told commissioners. 

Commissioner Bill Truex said he recently met with state Reps. Danny Nix Jr. and Vanessa Oliver in Tallahassee to update them on the situation. Tiseo said the legislators are not currently intervening and are allowing the statutory process to play out. 

During a recent visit to Boca Grande, Tiseo said he spoke with residents who expressed frustration about the number of parking restriction signs placed throughout the island. 

Tiseo previously described the signage as sign pollution, referring to the numerous notices outlining the parking rules. 

He said that during a visit to the island at 4 p.m. March 7, activity remained busy, and he observed a few available parking spaces, including three spots on Fifth Street and one or two spots at state parks.