Boca Grande at a Crossroads: Why the New Parking Ordinance Threatens More Than Just Convenience

Boca Grande isn’t just a destination, it’s a memory for many of us. It’s where we paddle alongside manatees, enjoy a quiet lunch near the beach, stroll downtown with an ice cream, or take in the island breeze from a golf cart or bike. It’s a peaceful day trip for locals and a cornerstone for businesses that rely on tourism to survive. But a proposed parking ordinance from Lee County may tip the island’s delicate balance. And as locals, it’s not in our favor.

The Problem Behind the Proposal

Yes, problems exist. Some island residents have reported loud music, unleashed dogs, defecation in yards and on the beach, and an overall sense that basic respect for others has gone out the window. And frankly, they’re right. This kind of behavior shouldn’t be tolerated anywhere, let alone in someone’s backyard. We should expect better from visitors, and accountability should absolutely be enforced.

But banning public street parking across large swaths of the island? That’s not a solution. That’s a knee-jerk reaction with massive collateral damage. Learn more about the history of the proposal, and public records associated with it on the Boca Beacon Parking page.

What’s in the Ordinance?

• Prohibits parking on major thoroughfares like Gulf Blvd, Gasparilla Road, and Harbor Drive.
• Restricts residential zones to vehicles with special A–D permits, leaving visitors and recreational users with minimal options.
• Enforces a strict 2-hour parking limit in non-residential zones unless you hold a specific permit.
• Designates limited areas for public parking, which will concentrate demand and inevitably overflow to other sensitive areas.

Read the full proposed ordinance for yourself.
Download the proposed ordinance (PDF)

The Unintended Consequences

• Locals Lose Access: For many of us who work hard and want to enjoy the island without paying resort prices, Boca Grande has always been a shared treasure. Removing public access takes away that opportunity. From grabbing lunch and renting a paddle board to walking the beach at sunset.
• Paddlers Get Squeezed Out: 19th Street East and West currently offer one of the few access points to the water and are at risk of being overrun or blocked altogether. If these areas are flooded with displaced vehicles from banned streets, paddlers may lose access entirely.
• State Parks Will Be Overwhelmed: Gasparilla Island State Park parking lots are already maxed out. Rangers can’t write tickets, they can’t manage traffic, and they’re struggling to keep up with trash and  maintenance as-is. This proposal shifts the burden to the parks, without giving them any tools to handle it.
• Local Businesses Will Hurt: Shops, golf cart rental companies, tour operators, and restaurants all rely on accessible parking. If people can’t park, they won’t come, and that affects the whole economy of the island.
• Short-Term Problem, Long-Term Consequence: The peak of visitor traffic is only about 10 weeks a year. Mostly from mid-February to late April. Is a permanent ban really the best we can do to handle a seasonal issue?

There Is a Better Way

Let’s focus on enforcement and not exclusion. Equip the Sheriff’s Office and Lee County Parks and Recreation to deal with unruly behavior. Fund additional rangers and staff who can write tickets and hold violators accountable for peak season. Designate safe zones for beach parking but do not eliminate it completely. But don’t shut down access entirely for the people who love and respect this island.

How You Can Help

Show up and speak up
Lee County Board of Commissioners Meeting
Tuesday, August 5 at 9:30 AM
2120 Main St., Fort Myers, FL

Fill out the petition this data will be presented at the meeting on August 5, 2025. Sign it now!

Read the full proposed ordinance for yourself.
Download the ordinance (PDF)