[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6345448,"mediaKeyId","2249165-48dfe33e507a1a96757f36903680a519","parentId",2249165,"title","Council approves downtown assemblage plan allowing two flexible vendor pads; staff and council debate food-truck rules","audioSeconds",1003,"startMs",4962000,"endMs",5965000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249165-48dfe33e507a1a96757f36903680a519&start=4962&end=5965","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249165-48dfe33e507a1a96757f36903680a519/thumbnail_4962000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6345448/Bonita-Springs-City/Lee-County/Florida/Council-approves-downtown-assemblage-plan-allowing-two-flexible-vendor-pads-staff-and-council-debate-food-truck-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345448-918f13160ea0dc78b60ad413204bd37d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776481271&Signature=RBaECyEvoMesa1Hk0WFyFm~QgO0sO7oWf1d6xALJmpeHWi2vp~DIZzezZmUxEbUmNgxMLjz0p0neoFnzLN2G25NY2e1xnasRL5LjlNFoN6AkDjLxHXcaXLr-NX~3LpUWLAoFmyfUIetbabcmuFwXKuU~ecHHN0uQjx~5KwTrDeBOzqp7hEnJ30e81IQ8KJln05frcSojkz3l2UUfV6dkhbATo8Vu3uaXBFHH2tK35Ac5HUKrcHkAr5TwaRcacm~AUqJzQQyXv6w5R1i4lxo2L0oi313gGY4e7Z4F~E6GzId8QJ-~CloxVELGhLtLEDDD6jwhWtOI647c11hLG5qlng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Bonita Springs, FL","date","2025-02-06T01:57:22Z","article","The Bonita Springs City Council unanimously approved an assemblage concept plan for a downtown Innovation District site that includes two flexible vendor pads, a container-bar concept and caretaker residences. Council and staff discussion focused on how the city's mobile-vendor rules apply to the Innovation District and whether the council could impose additional site-specific requirements.

Community Development staff told the council the Innovation District allows a different treatment than the rest of downtown. \"What they are allowed to do is they're allowed to have up to 2 individual mobile food vendors on-site if it's part of their proposed plan,\" said Mike Fegan, Community Development, describing the code's Innovation District provisions. The applicant's representatives said the pads are intended to be flexible: for example, they could hold a food truck, a pop-up retail kiosk or an event ticket booth.

Legal limits and flexibility: City attorneys and staff reviewed a 2020 local ordinance, then explained state action that preempted some local regulation of mobile food vendors. \"The legislature preempted local governments with respect to the regime that the city previously enacted,\" staff said, describing changes that restrict how the city may regulate mobile vendors statewide. City staff clarified that while the Innovation District expressly allows two mobile vendors on-site as part of an approved concept, broader changes to the food-vendor ordinance affect other districts and temporary uses.

Parking, safety and operations: The council asked detailed questions about parking, hookups and nightly operations. The applicant said the site plan shows 10 parking spaces plus one accessible stall for the container/bar area and that some on-site parking is for back-of-house storage; the project also proposes caretakers' residences that would occupy two of the site spaces when present. The applicant said the pads were intentionally designed as “flex spaces” to host food vendors or non-food uses for special events, rather than additions that would require permanent utility infrastructure such as a gas line.

Council concerns and outcome: Several council members said they would prefer a single food truck on a nightly basis rather than two permanent food-truck operations, and asked staff to review whether parking or utility connections should be strengthened at final engineering. After discussion, Councilmember Fullick moved to approve the assemblage concept; the motion passed on a roll call with all councilmembers voting in the affirmative.

What happens next: Approval of the assemblage plan permits the concept and moves the project to the detailed permitting and development-order stage, where staff will review engineering and final site plans. Council members and staff said site-specific details such as permanent hookups, final parking calculations and event management will be reviewed at that later stage and, where code permits, could be addressed in development-order conditions.

Ending: Council members asked staff to monitor on-site parking and operations at the final-permit stage and to return if additional code amendments are needed to align the city's mobile-vendor program with evolving downtown objectives.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Bonita Springs, City council meeting, February 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Bonita Springs City Council unanimously approved an assemblage concept plan for a downtown Innovation District site that includes two flexible vendor pads, a container-bar concept and caretaker residences.","taxTitle","Bonita Springs City, Lee County, Florida","taxId",3827,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345453,"Residents of San Carlos Estates press council to oppose local bill that could transfer water-district control",2222,283000,2505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249165-48dfe33e507a1a96757f36903680a519&start=283&end=2505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249165-48dfe33e507a1a96757f36903680a519/thumbnail_283000.jpg","/articles/6345453/Bonita-Springs-City/Lee-County/Florida/Residents-of-San-Carlos-Estates-press-council-to-oppose-local-bill-that-could-transfer-water-district-control","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345453-c9d76df3ba1a3446dc3e76f509c5449e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776481271&Signature=mWCQDEdurU~I4uV-L1QPwDadNmE1-zmV52Qoo1boXvK4-1Mlw9zT7OZSs8UKDZAdc-SOKsCCXXK-kkli5QRWXrmNyF2oLRyG17nIw3o3j7iINl~r36m-rqe8xIKKZM1O73b8oJqZZQVIOQyQp0zntkU2QZ02QJrj1dyNBWJslYPVXoRmILLPLthsFbNlmrR5nC04hoPYHBacrV9wi-5Xr88SlojqtYalnasrAW35Smzu-cNB9DdqxXvFHHadNLBR8~3hXqYmVlsJhYGKQ~HMjytprVeHiXvGDT~Wue5uz5pak7YzZtIx9R1dzoubOhSG1WJSdyjrgzp6C2gF47aHrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents of San Carlos Estates told the Bonita Springs City Council on Tuesday that they oppose a local bill by state Representative Adam Botana that could change governance of their San Carlos Estates Water Control District.

The residents packed council chambers and used the public-comment period before the council moved item 10a forward so they could hear council discussion while they were present. \"They are not for changing anything and having the water district taken over by the city or any other combination of things,\" said Jim Bradford, a San Carlos Estates resident and chairman of the water control district.

The crowd included neighborhood leaders who said the district already complies with recent state law changes. \"We fulfill the financial requirements. We fulfill the water requirements. And it's just a good system that we have,\" said David Cook, a San Carlos Estates resident. John Salucci, another resident, urged the council to consider that the statewide reform the legislature passed last year (discussed in the meeting as Florida statute 24136, formerly House Bill 703) was intended to standardize oversight of special districts and that a local bill aimed at this district appears to run counter to that statewide intent.

Why it matters: Residents said they spent their own money to pave neighborhood roads and built reserves over years, and they fear a change in governance could threaten those reserves or outside control of local infrastructure. City council members repeatedly told the audience the measure was not city-initiated and that the city likely could not unilaterally \"kill\" a state bill, but they encouraged residents to attend the representative's town hall.

Council response and next steps: Council members moved item 10a ahead in the agenda so those who came for the issue could hear the council discussion. Deputy Mayor Purdon told residents, \"there is no intent from the city side to do anything [in Scribe Lane] ... We don't have a budget item for Strike Lane. Your council member has never brought it up.\" He added that the city would be cautious about delivering a public letter to Representative Botana because the city will likely request state assistance on other matters and does not want to needlessly provoke the delegation.

Council members also noted the procedural hurdles that would limit the bill's chances. Councilman Gibson and others explained that, as presented, the local bill would require approval both by a majority of San Carlos Estates voters and by the entire city electorate; if either fails, the measure would not take effect. \"So, I don't think it's got a very good shot, especially if the majority of you guys are against it,\" the mayor said.

Representational avenues: The council alerted residents that Representative Botana will host a town-hall meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Fire District headquarters on Bonita Grande Drive; several council members urged residents to bring written comments and to email legislators explaining their concerns.

What council did: Council discussed and answered residents' questions at the meeting; no formal vote or ordinance was introduced by the council during the session. Council members recommended that residents continue to engage with their state representative and promised to avoid unilateral city action that would appear to be a takeover.

Context and community impact: Speakers said the district complies with regulatory and financial obligations and highlighted years of neighborhood private investment in roads and reserves. Residents pressed the council for a formal written statement to the district and their state representative; council members recommended pursuing the town hall and direct constituent communications first.

Ending: Council members closed the discussion by directing staff to keep the public informed and by reiterating the date and time of the legislator's town-hall meeting. Residents filled the chamber for the next items and the council took a short recess to allow many to leave.","Dozens of San Carlos Estates residents urged Bonita Springs City Council to oppose a proposed local bill by state Representative Adam Botana that could reorganize their special-purpose water district; council members said the city is not initiating takeover and encouraged town-hall participation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345443,"Votes at a glance: Bonita Springs council approves multiple zoning items, adopts flood-code changes and asks staff to rework festival RFP",3271,3005000,6276000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249165-48dfe33e507a1a96757f36903680a519&start=3005&end=6276","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249165-48dfe33e507a1a96757f36903680a519/thumbnail_3005000.jpg","/articles/6345443/Bonita-Springs-City/Lee-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Bonita-Springs-council-approves-multiple-zoning-items-adopts-flood-code-changes-and-asks-staff-to-rework-festival-RFP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345443-7986126d90f4c188e7c9be66d5d180fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1776481271&Signature=B-f60VBST2wP0wd5wfO3PEbM~4u7oSgcpTaeJf8808j5KwjV5eu1QIfKBtouKeNputuYI047KQUxG4ZPASHgSkOKVUgn5mwgcX1HDXNgjEpEz604n7Deh6sQj9dimrZniN2IjcMzpyM6GAONyQ9Rdq~xJ8-BWFefPnViR282PlttDo6UHvOziD60Wy-sNI6RZlW09-bQRpK1UJ7BPkvyJJ404DoqV-Ls0yQ3OtLyl3qQqH0jT6spTb-yBA8h04JRVtx40twBeMG5brHZPGiMsjpOatqZ9jLclUbRL2-tCNg2LZyLi~CjuLlyjHJRcCzvDpljB3ZuGQ-zyh2i96zNwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bonita Springs City Council recorded a series of formal actions at its meeting on Feb. 25 that included zoning approvals, adoption of a flood-code update and a directive to staff to revise an events contract request for proposals.

Key votes and actions

- Special exception: Naples Coastal Kitchen (outdoor alcohol consumption). Outcome: approved. Roll-call names recorded in the meeting included Mayor Gibson, Councilmember Quarry, Councilmember Fullick, Councilmember Fitzpatrick and Councilmember Carr (aye). (Motion to approve; vote reported in roll call.)

- Rezoning (second reading): 9650 Lawhon Family Road (approx. 2 acres for six single-family units). Outcome: approved. Roll call: Mayor Gibson (aye); Councilmember Corey (aye); Councilmember Fullick (aye); Councilmember Fitzpatrick (aye); Deputy Mayor Purdon (aye); Councilmember Carr (aye).

- Rezoning (second reading): 27400 Arroyo Road (approx. 6 acres for up to 10 dwelling units). Outcome: approved. Roll call: Mayor Gibson (aye); Councilmember Corey (aye); Councilmember Fullick (aye); Councilmember Fitzpatrick (aye); Deputy Mayor Purdon (aye); Councilmember Carr (aye).

- Assemblage / downtown concept plan (Innovation District; container-bar/vendor pads): Outcome: approved (see separate article). Roll call: unanimous in favor from the council members recorded.

- Zoning first reading (rehearing): Northwest corner of Wisconsin Street and Pennsylvania Avenue (up to 40 units). Outcome: deferred to March 5 at 5:30 p.m. (Item postponed for further review and public comment.)

- Code amendment (second reading): Updates to Chapter 10 (Buildings and Building Regulations) and Chapter 24 (Flood Hazard Reduction) to remain consistent with National Flood Insurance Program requirements: Outcome: approved on second reading. Roll-call ayes were recorded from Councilmember Fitzpatrick, Deputy Mayor Purdon, Councilmember Carr, Mayor Gibson, Councilmember Corey and Councilmember Fullick.

- Consent agenda: The council approved the remaining consent agenda items (one item was pulled for discussion). Roll call recorded ayes from Councilmember Corey, Councilmember Fullick, Councilmember Fitzpatrick, Deputy Mayor Purdon, Councilmember Carr and Mayor Gibson.

- Fiesta Benita event RFP: Council voted to reject the existing bids and direct staff to rework the event scope and reissue the request for proposals. Outcome: motion carried on roll call with all councilmembers recorded as voting in favor.

What the votes mean: Several land-use matters were approved on second reading and are now effective per the ordinances; the 40-unit project at Wisconsin/Pennsylvania was not adopted and requires further hearing after applicant revisions and staff responses; the flood-code update will be codified to maintain the city's standing in the National Flood Insurance Program; and the Fiesta Benita procurement will be re-scoped to seek additional bids and clarify in-kind service expectations.

Ending: Staff was directed to return with details for the deferred zoning matter and to prepare a reworked RFP for Fiesta Benita; the city will post formal ordinance texts and related documents after final codification and administrative processing.","At its Feb. 25 meeting the council approved several zoning matters, adopted an update to the city's flood hazard code, advanced downtown assemblage plans, deferred one rezoning and directed staff to revise the Fiesta Benita RFP after rejecting initial bids.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves downtown assemblage plan allowing two flexible vendor pads; staff and council debate food-truck rules

Residents of San Carlos Estates press council to oppose local bill that could transfer water-district control

Votes at a glance: Bonita Springs council approves multiple zoning items, adopts flood-code changes and asks staff to rework festival RFP