Committee discusses beach tram, park-and-ride and traffic congestion on Fort Myers Beach

Members of the Fort Myers Beach Public Safety Committee spent part of their Feb. 20 meeting discussing potential sand-based shuttle service, use of Newton Park or the Pine Ridge park-and-ride as staging areas, and traffic congestion related to construction workers and visitor parking.

Multiple committee members suggested a slow beach tram or golf-cart shuttle running on a removable mobility mat outside of turtle season to move people between the south and north ends, reduce vehicle traffic and provide an option for residents and visitors. One member proposed starting service at Newton Park and noted that existing parking there is underused. They also discussed installing bike racks in the southern approach to downtown so riders can park and walk the most congested blocks.

Committee members asked staff to consult Chad Schutz, the town’s environmental manager, about potential environmental impacts. Committee participants identified turtle nesting season, bird sanctuary space and the need to avoid vegetation or erosion impacts as primary concerns. The committee did not take a formal vote on any tram proposal; members discussed options and asked staff to convene follow-up conversations with environmental staff and town leadership for feasibility and timing.

On traffic, members described recurring peak congestion traveling north on Estero Boulevard, attributed in part to construction-worker vehicles entering from side streets and to multiple parking-lot departures. Members said traffic backups can extend several blocks and suggested further study and coordination with county officials.

Next steps from the discussion: staff were directed to invite the town’s environmental manager to provide guidance on sand-based shuttles and to return with options or constraints for committee consideration.