Commission directs staff to draft structured parking ordinance for Boca Grande amid resident concerns

Lee County commissioners directed staff to draft a structured parking ordinance for Boca Grande after a lengthy public comment period in which residents, business owners and church leaders described a surge in visitor parking, blocked driveways and safety concerns.

Commissioner Pendergrass said the issue has been under review since April 2022 and repeated that the intent of a structured parking plan is to prioritize public safety and balance access for residents, churches and businesses. "What I'm trying to do is obviously put the public safety first," Pendergrass said, noting prior island experience in other barrier‑island communities.

Multiple speakers — including clergy, community association leaders and long‑term residents — urged the board to allow public hearings and community input on any proposal and warned that imposing mainland, county‑wide rules without local tailoring could harm island churches and businesses. The senior warden of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church asked that gatherings beyond Sunday services not be unduly restricted and requested notice so residents could participate. Several speakers argued Boca Grande is an environmentally sensitive, historic community that needs a tailored approach rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all enforcement model.

Commissioners said the draft ordinance will go through regular public‑hearing processes. County legal staff confirmed any property‑rights or zoning implications will be part of the ordinance drafting and hearing process. The motion directing staff to prepare the ordinance and address public comments passed unanimously.