A proposal by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners that would eliminate nearly all public street parking near Boca Grande’s beach access points is drawing backlash from the surrounding community, who say the plan restricts public access to taxpayer-funded roads and beaches.
On June 17, commissioners advanced a draft ordinance that would ban parking on most public beach access streets in Boca Grande, a barrier island community of fewer than 1,000 full-time residents. The ordinance is expected to go to a vote on August 5.
If approved, the measure would restrict beach parking to the Lee County park at 5th Street and nearby state park areas. Dozens of public access points along Gulf Boulevard and side streets would be off-limits for parking, even as the roads themselves continue to be maintained using county tax dollars…