Finding a place to park near the beach in Boca Grande is about to get more difficult.
On Tuesday, Lee County commissioners unanimously approved a controversial ordinance that significantly limits public parking on Gasparilla Island, drawing sharp criticism from Boca Grande beachgoers, business owners and some residents.
Watch Fox 4’s Alex Orenczuk report on the ordinance:
Lee County Commission passes controversial Boca Grande parking ordinance
The new rules eliminate public parking from 1st to 19th Street and impose a three-hour parking limit in the downtown district unless the driver has a special permit. Permits will be available to residents, island employees, hotel guests, and approved nonprofit volunteers. Fines for violating the ordinance start at $200, with penalties reaching $500 if a vehicle blocks a driveway…