100 signatures reached
To: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Lee County Commission
Protect Public Beach Access in Boca Grande – Stop the Lee County Parking Restrictions
To: Governor Ron DeSantis
Email: [email protected]
Dear Governor DeSantis,
I am writing to express deep concern over a recent decision by the Lee County Commission that threatens long-standing public beach access in Boca Grande, Florida.
Email: [email protected]
Dear Governor DeSantis,
I am writing to express deep concern over a recent decision by the Lee County Commission that threatens long-standing public beach access in Boca Grande, Florida.
On August 5, 2025, the Commission unanimously approved a new parking ordinance that:
- Eliminates public parking access from 1st Street to 19th Street in Boca Grande, restricting it solely to permit holders—residents, hotel guests, employees, and approved nonprofit volunteers.
- Limits downtown parking to just three hours for all others, effectively deterring longer recreational visits and harming local businesses.
- Imposes steep fines—up to $300 for parking in residential zones and $500 for blocking driveways.
These changes jeopardize public access to one of Florida’s most treasured beach communities and contradict the values of open coastline enjoyment that so many Florida families and visitors hold dear.
Importantly, this surge in visitation to Boca Grande may be largely temporary. Following recent devastating hurricanes, several beaches throughout Southwest Florida have been closed for repairs. This likely displaced many beachgoers to Boca Grande, artificially inflating traffic and parking needs. As other beaches reopen, pressure on Boca Grande will naturally decline, making these drastic long-term restrictions appear disproportionate and premature.
Additionally, there are concerns that reduced public access and parking availability may disqualify Boca Grande from future state and federal beach renourishment funding, which often hinges on demonstrable public accessibility.
I respectfully urge your leadership and review on the following:
- Reconsider the removal of public parking between 1st and 19th Streets, preserving equitable beach access for all Floridians—not just permit holders.
- Reevaluate the three-hour downtown parking restriction, allowing flexibility for families, tourists, and local commerce.
- Assess the ordinance's impact on future coastal funding eligibility, and share findings transparently with the public.
- Encourage a collaborative advisory process involving residents, business owners, visitors, and county officials to find a fairer, less exclusionary solution.
Governor DeSantis, your continued commitment to protecting Floridians' rights and natural resources is vital. This issue is about more than just parking—it’s about preserving the public's access to Florida’s beaches, a core part of our identity, economy, and freedom.
Thank you for your time, leadership, and attention to this matter.
Why is this important?
Commitment to protecting Floridians' rights and natural resources is vital. This issue is about more than just parking—it’s about preserving the public's access to Florida’s beaches, a core part of our identity, economy, and freedom.