Highlights of new parking draft set for August vote

The Beacon is still getting questions about a new draft ordinance that would remove public beach parking access from Boca Grande, except for the Gasparilla Island State Parks. The ordinance draft was moved forward on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The vote is expected to be held in August.

Highlights:

• 5th Street: The 5th street parking area will close to beach access parking and become a non-residential two-hour parking lot for island locals, businesses and hotel use.
• Hotel Guests Excepted: Hotel guests must get placards to park on the street in residential and non-residential zones.
• Vehicle Registration: Vehicles requiring new the new tags will not only include automobiles and trucks, but golf carts and motorcycles, as they are all considered “vehicles.” All vehicles must be registered.
• All other streets in Boca Grande would become private residential parking, with four-tiers of parking, or no parking at all.
• Non-residential parking includes downtown and around The Gasparilla Inn with employees and hotel-motel guests excepted.

Other notes: 

• Designated approved public events could be ok, if approved by the “Lee County assigned Boca Grande deputy.”
• The kayak launch at 19th Street is not listed in the ordinance. On a map it is listed as a “general parking area.”
• The cost of the permits (see article) is not listed. All vehicles require them.
• Construction-related vehicles and service delivery vehicles would be permitted “during the provision of service.”

The full ordinance is at bocabeacon.com/parking.