Dashing between the downpours of rain, Lee County residents of Gasparilla Island dealt with some pretty long lines throughout most of Election Day on Tuesday (at left). Photo by Julianne

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority ad valorem tax referendum was curtly voted down by island voters on Election Day, to the tune of 542 to 301. The tax and bond would have helped to fund the new bridge project, which is projected to cost a projected $47 million.

GIBA Chairman David Hayes said he was not surprised.

“That was our backup plan in case the SIB (State Infrastructure Bank) loan didn’t get approved,” he said. “The voters spoke, and that’s fine, I respect that. I just pray the SIB gets approved so we can keep tolls to a reasonable level. We submitted it, and it’s currently in the governor’s office awaiting approval.”

Lines were long at the Boca Grande Community Center on Tuesday, as voters took their turn at the polls. Only one scanning machine was available for each voter’s four-page ballot, which is par for the Lee County course.

Election Supervisor Sharon Harrington said that Lee County precincts with more than 3,500 voters were supposed to have two scanners, precincts with fewer voters have one. Boca Grande, of course, has less than 3,500 voters.

To read more of this story, pick up a Boca Beacon on newsstands today, or click here to subscribe.

( 0 Votes )