Bridge statement reminds Charlotte County of GIBA parking neutrality

The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority board voted to stay neutral on the Boca Grande parking issue, recommitting to their mission and role as bridge to the island.

The board’s statement, sent to Charlotte County Administrator Hector Flores reads:

“At GIBA, we have always been clear on our mission to provide safe and efficient traffic flow along the causeway. While many factors outside of our control may affect operations, we will continue to focus on our mission.”

At the beginning of November, Charlotte County passed a resolution asking for mediation with Lee County regarding the parking ordinance dispute. This is the process that jurisdictions in disagreement must go through before litigation. 

At Wednesday’s meeting, GIBA Counsel Robert Berntsson shared that he had been contacted by the Charlotte County attorney inquiring about including GIBA in the resolution as an entity that could be affected by the outcome of the dispute. Berntsson, as well as Executive Director Kathy Banson, have been in contact with Flores, and the board voted to authorize Banson to reply to Flores declining participation and reaffirming its values. 

“I think it’s something we should not touch at all,” said Advisory Member Ron Drake, at the meeting. “We have a focus, and that’s to provide safe access to and from this island, and I think that’s our mission.”

A story on the year’s operations is here.