Charlotte County officials have urged the Lee County Board of Commissioners to consider the regional impact of proposed parking restrictions on Gasparilla Island, warning that limits on public access to Boca Grande beaches could harm residents, businesses, and long-standing tourism patterns.
In a letter dated July 30, Charlotte County Commission Chair Joseph Tiseo expressed concern that the draft ordinance would “limit public parking access on Gasparilla Island” in ways that could “deter residents and tourists alike” and undermine both coastal recovery and the local economy.
“We respectfully urge the Lee County Commission to consider the potential impacts of this ordinance on the broader community and identify solutions that improve access and safety rather than limiting it,” Tiseo wrote.
Lee County’s draft ordinance, set for public hearing on Aug. 5, proposes eliminating beach-access parking on streets between 1st and 19th in Boca Grande, with exceptions for state park lots. It would also establish a strict permitting system for downtown parking and impose fines of up to $300 for violations. Vehicles including golf carts and motorcycles would be subject to regulation.
The changes are being proposed in response to increasing congestion, blocked driveways, safety hazards, and beach littering along the narrow barrier island, according to Lee County officials. Residents in support say the measures are long overdue and necessary to protect the island’s quality of life.
But Charlotte County’s letter adds to a growing chorus of concerns that the restrictions may overreach.
“The proposed changes could limit beach access at a time when our region is still recovering from significant storm-related damage and ongoing challenges related to coastal resilience,” the letter states.
Many Charlotte County residents living in neighboring communities such as Rotonda West, Cape Haze and Placida rely on Boca Grande beaches for recreation and contribute to the local economy as visitors. Island business owners have said that the majority of their customer base comes from these areas.
Gary Cross, a representative of the Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce, told local media that 75% of visitors park at beach access points and 87% shop or dine downtown — activity that may decline if public parking is sharply restricted.
More than 10,000 signatures have been collected on a petition opposing the ordinance. The upcoming public hearing is expected to draw significant turnout, including testimony from Charlotte County residents, business leaders, and tourism advocates.
Lee County has not yet responded to the Charlotte Commission’s letter, but commissioners are expected to review all public comments prior to a final vote.
Lee County is scheduled to hold the public hearing and potential vote on the Gasparilla Island parking ordinance on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., in the County Commissioners’ Chambers at 2120 Main Street, Fort Myers.
The county’s formal notice confirms that at that meeting, commissioners will “consider the enactment of a county ordinance … relating to the modification of parking on Gasparilla Island”.
See the letter sent to Lee County Commissioners here.
