A new petition has been launched to oppose a proposed Lee County ordinance that would significantly restrict public beach parking in Boca Grande. The draft ordinance, set for a vote on August 5, 2025, aims to eliminate public beach access parking throughout Boca Grande, limiting it exclusively to Gasparilla Island State Park. Additionally, it proposes a two-hour parking limit in the downtown business district and introduces a tiered permit system for residents, hotel guests, employees, and house guests, affecting all vehicles, including golf carts and motorcycles.
In response, community members and visitors have initiated the “Keep Boca Grande Open” petition, advocating for the preservation of public beach access and parking. The petition emphasizes the importance of Boca Grande’s beaches to the community’s social, economic, and environmental well-being and suggests alternative measures such as posted rules, enhanced enforcement, and community outreach programs to address concerns without resorting to closures.
Local business owners, represented by the Boca Grande Merchants Association, have also voiced concerns that the proposed parking restrictions could deter tourists and negatively impact the island’s economy. They argue that limiting parking access would discourage visitors who contribute significantly to local commerce
The proposed ordinance has sparked a broader community debate, with some residents calling for a comprehensive parking study to better understand the implications and to develop solutions that balance environmental preservation with public access.
For more information on the petition and ways to get involved, you can visit the Keep Boca Grande Open website or sign the petition directly on MoveOn.sign.moveon.org+
