- The bridge toll proposal was intended to generate revenue for the city, helping keep property taxes down.
- The city council continues budget discussions, considering options including a property tax increase.
The idea of tolls on Marco Island’s bridges is dead in the water. City Councilwoman Tamara Goehler says she is dropping the idea after speaking with the city attorney.
Goehler said City Attorney Alan Gabriel told her the proposal to exclude city residents and people coming to work on the island from paying a toll wasn’t possible. With that, the councilor said she won’t pursue her idea that was meant to to try to find more revenue for the city as it struggles with developing a budget for fiscal year 2026, which starts Oct. 1.
“I’ve had so much hate mail. It was horrible. I mean somebody wanted to send me back to Russia,” Goehler said during the Aug. 18 City Council meeting. “I’m not going to make life more complicated for any of you. That’s not my job. … I did propose that, and I don’t think it’s going to go anywhere so you can sleep well tonight.”
Where are Marco’s bridges?
S.S. Jolley Bridge, which connects Marco Island via Collier Boulevard/SR/CR 951, opened Dec. 13, 1969, as the Marco River Bridge with a toll. The first tolls were 40 cents per car. They later were cut to 20 cents and were eliminated in 1979. The bridge was renamed in honor of Judge S.S. Jolley in 1991. A second span was added in 2011…