Bonita Springs’ voters will either derail a rail-to-trail project connecting Collier and Lee counties or may decide the project is on the right track. As voting is underway in Florida, Bonita Springs voters in particular hold the Bonita Estero Rail Trail project in their hands, which could affect Floridians far and wide with plans for state connectivity.
Converting the Seminole Railway, owned by the Fort Myers’ Fay family, to a paved multiuse trail for bicyclists and pedestrians through Bonita Springs is at the very least a $35 million decision for Bonita Springs residents. They will be asked on their ballots—some of which are being cast in mail-in ballots and early voting ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary Election — whether they approve the City of Bonita Springs obtaining a $35 million bond to purchase a segment of the railway and begin planning its conversion. Further costs down the line — depending on plans completed during the $35 million purchase and phase 1 — could be incurred to later complete construction.
If they vote to deny the expense, a trail could connect on a different route. But, the abandoned railway could potentially remain running through the city…