Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents say Boca Grande parking ordinance is restricting beach access; ask county to pursue legal review
Summary
Residents and advocacy group OpenShores told the board the Boca Grande parking ordinance has, in practice, limited access for seniors and people with mobility issues and called for county action; commissioners discussed statutory processes and later approved moving item E1.
Multiple speakers raised concerns that a local ordinance has reduced practical access to Boca Grande beaches and urged the county to pursue legal or injunctive review.
Robin Wilkins, speaking for OpenShores of Southwest Florida, a newly formed 501(c)(4), told the board the ordinance “is not the intent of this ordinance to restrict access by the general public” according to its text, but observed that "in reality, it has restricted access" for seniors, disabled veterans and people with mobility issues. Wilkins said OpenShores’ early survey of roughly 200 responses found the majority reported limits on access and raised questions about whether any ADA or Title II analysis was completed prior to the ordinance.
Skip Wilkins and another resident urged commissioners to preserve beach access and said the ordinance has removed disabled parking near 5th Street and shifted demand to other island locations; one resident said affected parties have hired attorneys. Commissioners acknowledged constituent work and said state lawmakers are monitoring while Charlotte County pursues the statutory process and discussions with Lee County. The chair noted constituent videos and on‑site observations shared with staff.
Procedural outcome: the board pulled item E1 for comment and later approved the item; commissioners also said they would continue following the statutory process and pursue appropriate next steps.
