Lee County advances Gasparilla parking ordinance to public hearing after hours of testimony; public hearing set for May 20

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted 3–2 April 1 to move a draft amendment to the Gasparilla Island parking ordinance to a public hearing on May 20, setting the framework for time limits, tow zones and higher fines while directing staff to refine a special‑event permit process and enforcement details.

Staff described the draft ordinance as a set of changes intended to reduce chronic, long‑term parking on island medians and residential streets and to increase enforcement tools. As presented by county staff, the draft would:

- Limit parking to two hours in the downtown business district; - Prohibit parking on the south side of Fifth Street West between Gilchrist Avenue and Park Avenue and along East Railroad Avenue north of Seventh Street; - Limit parking on the Gilchrist Avenue median between Fifth and Third Street to Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; - Allow towing in designated areas and raise fines for violations to a range that was discussed at $150 to $300; and - Direct staff to install signage and to allow fees and tow‑away rules at specified beach access points under existing parks ordinances.

During more than three hours of public comment, dozens of island residents, merchants and clergy urged different outcomes. Several clergy and long‑time residents said the proposed restrictions would block churches’ longstanding overflow parking practices and would harm elderly congregants. "The churches are not the cause of the parking issues… but we are the collateral damage, and we will be the collateral damage," church leader Kimberly Whipple told the board.

Business owners argued a two‑hour downtown limit would hurt merchants and employees, who rely on nearby parking to serve tourists and shoppers. The Boca Grande Chamber requested additional outreach to local businesses and a public workshop on the island; the chamber’s executive director told the board merchants had not been contacted as part of the current drafting process.

Commissioners and staff acknowledged the draft left important implementation questions open, particularly enforcement mechanics for two‑hour limits and rules for employee and contractor parking. County staff said enforcement options under consideration include park rangers taking photographic or time‑stamped evidence and coordination with the sheriff’s office for citation and towing operations. Staff also warned that automated digital notification (text/email) for tolls and parking has been limited in other jurisdictions because of fraud and scams, a concern raised in separate agenda discussion earlier in the meeting.

The board’s action sent the draft ordinance to a formal public hearing on May 20 and asked staff to return with a special‑event permit program for churches and other groups, additional signage plans and clearer enforcement mechanisms. The motion to proceed to a public hearing passed 3–2 after commissioners debated whether to delay the item for more public outreach and technical detail.

Ending: The item will return to the board following the advertised public hearing; commissioners may amend the draft during the public‑hearing process.