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

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.