Punta Gorda council votes to remove specific golf‑cart restriction on Tidal Creek Bridge after public input

Punta Gorda City Council voted in July 2026 to remove a narrowly tailored ordinance provision that had restricted golf‑cart crossings of the Tidal Creek Bridge on West Retta Esplanade.

The action followed a legislative public hearing and public comment from businesses and residents. Patty Allen, general manager of Fisherman’s Village, told the council the resort has used a slow, rule‑governed shuttle across the bridge for years without incident, calling the 553.5‑foot route an asset to visitors. “We have used this method for several years now without any issue, noise, or incident,” Allen said. Resident Tim Ritchie urged caution about expanding golf‑cart use on city streets more broadly, saying it could create safety issues for other neighborhoods.

Council debate focused on liability, parity and enforceability. Some members said eliminating the specific bridge restriction would protect the city from added exposure while not banning street‑legal golf carts, which state law permits. A staff legal briefing noted that retaining the ordinance could imply city authorization and thus shift liability questions. After discussion, Councilmember Melissa Lockhart moved to remove the stricken language as proposed; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The council clarified that the change removes the targeted restriction but does not prohibit street‑legal golf carts elsewhere in the city. Councilmembers said they want consistent treatment of residents and businesses and to avoid creating unintended traffic patterns that could increase public‑safety risks. The city attorney and staff will update the code text to reflect the council’s action.

What happens next: The clerk will publish the amended text and staff will proceed with any required codification steps. Councilmembers and staff indicated they will monitor any incidents and consider further refinements if operational or safety concerns arise.