[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6292758,"mediaKeyId","2525405-ce67b7eaf1430b3b4ff66fa2258c6dde","parentId",2525405,"title","Councilmembers report progress on school replica, trail talks, mural funding and town-hall plans","audioSeconds",493,"startMs",1320000,"endMs",1813000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525405-ce67b7eaf1430b3b4ff66fa2258c6dde&start=1320&end=1813","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525405-ce67b7eaf1430b3b4ff66fa2258c6dde/thumbnail_1320000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6292758/Bonita-Springs-City/Lee-County/Florida/Councilmembers-report-progress-on-school-replica-trail-talks-mural-funding-and-town-hall-plans","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292758-518887017cd0a13cbe4ad02d254cd98a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188431&Signature=fl871lL~KYZKc0HuTZCLjDCwDNg7bu6hV3dPksnTqPQ7E3UY~5UYt-R5wJQHWwZG3O557NSdh-4ZbZPbWhgXDQO9i2yU33kYYaiGLxDcCkukQAeaLkmzZNGCaRr4RB96QnAFcamk3ubYytUOMHjiWTFhl45cyP507MAo0IPW68f1zTlOdKFnQtwUJQnlvnKxXQmR5nIAnhFmQymrtXoFSh203uVl9n-KeBOP7pweV2RToAiOx0ZWC4MFG0TDxaLMJLyFdbYPplxTy7xswlVl0iJBVhzXn~5I6c1nvvWtcPdoWs-AYdOReKQRW10LRX97hOyfAXDH4vH4rN6xYO-L4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Bonita Springs, FL","date","2025-03-05T23:22:42Z","article","Councilmembers used their reports period to brief the public on several ongoing local initiatives, including progress on a proposed façade replica for the old Bonita Springs Elementary School, early regional planning on a rail-to-trail conversion, Tourist Development Council funding for a downtown mural, and an upcoming town hall with county leaders.

Councilmember Follick reported that the school district returned with a proposal “probably 95% of what we wanted” to build a one-to-one façade replica of a portion of the old school. Follick thanked Superintendent Denise Carlin and board member Bill Ribble for their role; the district will return with design verification and a proof of concept, and Follick said the council should see materials within about 30 days. Follick and others emphasized the city does not own the original school building or site.

Nut graf: The items discussed in members’ reports do not reflect final council action but signal coordination among city staff, the school district and regional partners on community design, trail planning and downtown placemaking.

Other council reports included:
- Rail-to-trail planning: Councilmember Chris (surname not specified) said Bonita Springs, Estero and Collier County are coordinating on a “Veil to Trails” (transcript phrasing) effort to convert a railroad right-of-way. He said the parties are working toward decisions on funding and a purchase price tied to a March 1, 2026, contract deadline.
- Mural funding: Councilmember Nigel said Tourist Development Council dollars will fund a downtown mural; the TDC will pay the artist and maintenance costs, and the artwork will be subject to city approval.
- Town hall with county officials: Councilmember Jim announced the city will host a town hall with Lee County District 3 Commissioner David Malacca and County Manager Dave Harner at the Bonita Springs Fire Headquarters on Thursday, March (date in transcript not fully specified), from 4 to 5:30 p.m., with time reserved for resident questions.
- Representative Botana and Strike Lane: Councilmember Jamie clarified that a Florida House bill filed by Representative Botana “has absolutely nothing to do with Strike Lane” and that the city is not pursuing opening Strike Lane to 3 Oaks Parkway; she said the traffic light installation at Strike Lane and Old 41 followed a traffic study and that the city had no plans to change access.

Ending: These updates are informational; councilmembers said staff will return with formal proposals, designs, or contract information as appropriate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Bonita Springs, City council meeting, March 5, 2026","oneSentenceSummary","Councilmembers updated the public on a plan for a Bonita Springs Elementary School façade replica, regional discussions on a rail-to-trail project, Tourist Development Council funding for a downtown mural, and a city-hosted town hall with county officials.","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},6292762,"City says Bonita Beach renourishment projects complete; initial state reimbursement estimated at 35–40%",132,823000,955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525405-ce67b7eaf1430b3b4ff66fa2258c6dde&start=823&end=955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525405-ce67b7eaf1430b3b4ff66fa2258c6dde/thumbnail_823000.jpg","/articles/6292762/Bonita-Springs-City/Lee-County/Florida/City-says-Bonita-Beach-renourishment-projects-complete-initial-state-reimbursement-estimated-at-3540","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292762-03b00bf18e5229fad8e751610777f41a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188431&Signature=QRjcVnNrdSOnkwmfqxhDsNbEKMhzn2IrQSiHk0Zs13ne3dg35iBa4XylrDCmO00r453Hj6~p-3rgMJvinAs4hJQt14lP5nEmkvCIchevZFd38sgaGeLb41pfcViMZJLPPnqvgtIbQ~v-ebx7goe6ui3FMwi3SZ5T1Q~3pif58rX0UF6qtSdNLx22NIQ7KkKaLDAJq8LgLrvrFac~igMZY4eVs8LGzJZy~tZ05ABiuKt2y6bd5w4QaOPOo98TefhZD-YgiFRE7gryMZoWb3QuHpcmI7FVRyj3XfL89rlS27jk10xj8lhYwXa9XK7jRiFZ~y0bd7PQaUHg8VQhAHD7Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff reported that two beach renourishment projects — the recurring renourishment at the north end of Bonita Beach and Lovers Key and the South Bonita Beach project originally prompted by Hurricane Ian — have concluded and the sand has been placed.

“Both projects are complete. They completed really last week,” said Matt (staff member). He said the contractor is largely demobilized though a dredge may remain offshore and that punch-list remediation with Lee County remains for some work, including clearing sand from a parking lot on Higree Boulevard near Access 10.

Nut graf: The projects restored shoreline lost to multiple storms and were funded in part by borrowed dollars from Lee County while the city pursues state reimbursement. City staff said they have received initial confirmation from the Florida Department of Emergency Management that required documents were submitted and that the city is currently “solidified into the program.” Staff estimated guaranteed reimbursement at “approximately 35 to 40%” at this stage and said higher reimbursement tiers typically require demonstration of incident response.

City Manager (unnamed) said staff will continue to work on the program requirements and that there may be related policy updates to come before the council.

Ending: Staff said beach restoration work is concluded, with remaining administrative tasks for reimbursement and minor remediation to be completed.","City staff reported two beach renourishment projects are complete; the city has submitted documents to the Florida Department of Emergency Management and currently estimates guaranteed reimbursement of about 35–40%.",{"_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},6292767,"Council approves citywide parks master plan contract, will include downtown Lehi Hotel area",45,473000,518000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525405-ce67b7eaf1430b3b4ff66fa2258c6dde&start=473&end=518","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525405-ce67b7eaf1430b3b4ff66fa2258c6dde/thumbnail_473000.jpg","/articles/6292767/Bonita-Springs-City/Lee-County/Florida/Council-approves-citywide-parks-master-plan-contract-will-include-downtown-Lehi-Hotel-area","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292767-43540efd7be41624ad2eeb1cd7836a3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188431&Signature=OZtQkZ1jPw-oN0QNw5Q322hCIzVfeTjjvowU9Vyhh0Mv-RM-cSF6XSuOm2xpmt~2joOHrKIjhR7zZjt5-UgKtJiWm~4CHu5OSX404hv43W3OkYd6CKx6tnbQu76Ll6iLGBAuFayvHhXQjxrkFScuaUcb2XZb5CbYohPET6B0u52PZ3p5QVgzE~oGqWip~7hN246JQ24RJlFnuImqu2tYkkiVgo4Fve6HtflJevYa5VWZbo2gHEoV-gaFq82SkGwWVANJc9BMgL8gk308IocAAJ5Vt8Bi5jVKBD2XhNuKwB6TyN72eHXdIbY5Dm-UUR5O4~8NtXj9A8183M4XBAX4ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bonita Springs City Council approved the consent agenda, which includes a contract to develop a citywide parks master plan that officials said will encompass all city parks, including downtown and the Lehi Hotel area.

Nicole Perino, Parks and Recreation Director, told the council: “It will encompass all parks, so it is a city wide master plan, so it will, yes, it will include downtown.” She also said staff would coordinate with DPZ to consider the Liles area (reported in the meeting transcript as Lyles/Liles/Lyles) during design work.

Nut graf: The parks master plan is intended to provide a single planning document for parks citywide rather than separate downtown- or neighborhood-only plans. Council approval came as part of the consent agenda and passed on a roll-call vote.

During the consent-agenda discussion a councilmember asked specifically whether the contract covered “the overall use of the parks which includes the Lehi Hotel area, downtown,” and Perino confirmed it would. The consent agenda was approved by roll call with recorded ayes from Member Bogaz, Deputy Mayor Purdon, Council member Carr, Mayor Gibson, Council member Quarry, Council member Fullick and Council member Fitzpatrick.

Ending: The contract will move forward; Perino and staff said they will continue outreach to downtown stakeholders and to DPZ for further design work.","Council approved the consent agenda including a parks master-plan contract described by Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Perino as citywide and including downtown and the Lehi Hotel area.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6292771,"Council authorizes $311,000 offer in judgment in PG Mine road-rights dispute",118,676000,794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525405-ce67b7eaf1430b3b4ff66fa2258c6dde&start=676&end=794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525405-ce67b7eaf1430b3b4ff66fa2258c6dde/thumbnail_676000.jpg","/articles/6292771/Bonita-Springs-City/Lee-County/Florida/Council-authorizes-311000-offer-in-judgment-in-PG-Mine-road-rights-dispute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292771-697f338ed36f2abe243944d620a1d9ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188431&Signature=ns3sV48TA2sP6wgDxbceWJbZvc1nfDZtRjSidqPhlQnWPmZy~KrrkuvIYY4XMD4lX4F3-UiE7F84w5hH0WdpiAxagRb93vrCbvoaOkx1L2hPCwrSJRG1cnHGGKk2Pyrs8SF4ezTxvQ8DL~Pckyh0DI5Kqs9tI4dKN~GthTLkiNNAg~umaajszpHLXze6xXs3ENVXsYYYXsLp9HzBGkztIZcig53cidhbOVDXXS4Q7Rb56OP1fMlb170f~iFy23UNO5qMDWAmabb5BepZcIHTZoLvR7evJPirR0-6Od~T43J~ygixkkQGDdeF9F2Va98VlfoEfwL87UqxvUdvYdEx7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bonita Springs City Council voted to authorize staff to file an offer in judgment of $311,000, exclusive of fees and costs, in the city’s condemnation dispute over a road right-of-way tied to PG Mine Acquisitions.

City Attorney (unnamed) told the council mediation had left the parties “pretty far apart on the appraisal and business damages,” and recommended the offer as a measure to limit the city’s exposure on fees. The city attorney said the funds related to the case come from amounts paid by BG Mine and “nothing’s coming directly from the city.”

The motion to authorize the offer was put to a roll call vote. Deputy Mayor Purdon, Council member Carr, Mayor Gibson, Council member Quarry, Council member Follett, Council member Fitzpatrick and Member Bogaz voted aye. The motion carried.

Nut graf: The offer-in-judgment procedure allows the city to propose a settlement amount before trial; if the city makes such an offer and the jury awards a lesser amount, statutory rules can limit the city’s additional liability for certain fees and costs. The council’s action does not itself settle the underlying claim; it merely authorizes sending the offered amount as a procedural step in litigation.

City Attorney (unnamed) said the authorization is intended to “limit the city’s exposure on fees” and confirmed the payment would be drawn from funds paid by BG Mine. No dollar amounts for fees or costs were specified in the meeting.

Ending: The council did not set further deadlines for the litigation during the meeting. The city attorney said outside counsel participated in mediation; no settlement agreement was announced.","The Bonita Springs City Council authorized staff to file an offer in judgment for $311,000 (exclusive of fees and costs) in ongoing condemnation/road-rights litigation related to PG Mine Acquisitions; the move was approved by roll call.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Councilmembers report progress on school replica, trail talks, mural funding and town-hall plans

City says Bonita Beach renourishment projects complete; initial state reimbursement estimated at 35–40%

Council approves citywide parks master plan contract, will include downtown Lehi Hotel area

Council authorizes $311,000 offer in judgment in PG Mine road-rights dispute