Bonita Springs City Council on Wednesday directed the city attorney to draft and mail a letter to residents of San Carlos Estates clarifying the city’s position after concerns about correspondence and signage raised by landowners and the district.

The action followed extended remarks from Jim Bradford, chairman of the San Carlos Estates Water Control District, who said letters he sent to state legislators and landowners were intended to clarify differences between remaining an independent special water control district and becoming a dependent district of the city. Bradford said any suggestion his correspondence intended to disparage the city or indicate a city takeover was a misunderstanding and apologized for any misperception.

Why it matters: landowners in San Carlos Estates raised concerns after a district‑issued letter and public signs created the perception the city intended to assume control of the district. The council majority agreed the city should respond directly to residents to correct misconceptions and preserve transparency.

Bradford told council he had met with city staff and council members and that his letters were intended to emphasize the choice landowners face — to remain an independent landowner‑elected water control district or to accept conversion to a dependent district in which the city council would make district decisions. "I have never indicated nor do I believe that the city asked Representative Butana to pursue his legislation," Bradford said in remarks presented to council and summarized during the meeting.

Council members emphasized transparency to residents and discussed signage that had appeared in the community. Multiple council members thanked Bradford for coming and suggested a city letter to clarify the record. Council members also noted the city had no current plan to open Scribe (Strike) Lane or otherwise change infrastructure absent the standard capital improvement planning and public process.

Council voted to direct the city attorney to draft a letter to residents clarifying the city's position and to have the mayor sign that letter; the motion passed on a roll call vote. The chair of the San Carlos Estates district requested an opportunity to review the draft before mailing and staff indicated they would provide a copy.

The council's action was procedural direction to staff; it does not change district governance or convert the district. Any change in district status would require separate legislative or landowner action and is not a decision the council made at this meeting.