Bonita Springs council asks staff to revisit fishing-pier, water-access study

Bonita Springs City Council asked staff to retrieve and update a 2016 water-access feasibility study to explore a possible fishing pier and other water-access improvements, council members said during a meeting where multiple residents urged the city to move forward.

Council members and several residents said a pier or other access points could provide legal, safe places for young anglers, boost downtown visitation and create a new waterfront landmark. Council Member Jesse asked staff to “dust off that study” and examine options; staff said the 2016 water-access feasibility work by Hans Wilson & Associates will be provided to the council for review.

The 2016 study originally focused on Bonita Beach and identified two primary locations that had been considered earlier: Lovers Key and Dog Beach. A staff speaker said the Dog Beach concept at the time was not a long pier but “more a kayak launch [and] fishing platform.” The speaker also told the council that Lee County had discussed partnership possibilities but had asked the city to hold off while the New Pass bridge project was active.

Public commenters described local interest in improved fishing access. Ron George of Little Hickory Island spoke during public comment on agenda item 8a and said, “I think it’s a great idea.” Kyle Moran, a long-time resident who said he moved to Bonita Springs in 1993, urged the council to match public amenities to the city’s growth, saying, “It’s time that we start thinking big just like our size.” Megan Harris, CEO of Bonita Springs Lysterra Realtors, said her organization supports exploring the idea and “is in favor of moving forward with the idea of exploring” the pier concept.

Council members discussed several location options that had been floated over time: the end of Bonita Beach Road, a site near Beach Marker 5 (the Dog Beach area), land near Lovers Key where bridge and parking work is planned, and a location near Coconut Road. Staff confirmed that the city’s Capital Improvement Plan lists Dog Beach Park in later years. Council members also discussed likely partnerships and funding sources, including the county and Tourist Development Council (TDC) funds; one council member warned that a Lovers Key location could involve state, county and city partners and therefore multiple funding “wallets.”

Officials cautioned that permitting and timelines are significant constraints. A council member said projects requiring Southwest Florida Water Management District permits can take “3 to 4 years.” Staff noted county coordination on earlier discussions, and that previous conversations had included requests for restrooms and additional parking in any partnership.

Next steps: staff will provide the prior feasibility study and related materials to council for further consideration. Council members asked staff to return with the documents to inform whether the city should pursue an updated feasibility study; no formal vote to fund or site a pier occurred at the meeting.