Skip to main content

Merchants concerned as parking sign goes up on 4th Street

,
October 17, 2025
By Garland Pollard

As signs go up across Boca Grande for a new parking ordinance, some merchants are already worried about placement, including an area on 4th Street that is marked on the ordinance with one side of the street for permits, and another side as 3-hour.

“We are concerned that our entire front entry will be completely blocked,” said Therese Iammarino, of Boca Blooms. On Friday, a “By Permit Only” sign appeared on the corner, where customers come to park and pick up flowers. The issue was also concerning to businesses across the street, including Kim Newlin of Newlin’s Mainely Gourmet. Today was her first opening of season; next door staff were unpacking new merchandise at Palm on Park.

Iammarino was worried that if the “By Permit Only” signage stays, people with permits will be parking all day, which will affect business. She also said that golf carts were an important part of their traffic. 

The Beacon reached out to Lee County. They are working on a single email contact for parking issues. There is no Parking Committee yet to raise issues to, as not all the members have been appointed. The county will be adding a single email point of contact, and will be adding stickers to the signage.

“This will be where Boca residents and business owners can write to us about concerns or send us questions,” said Betsy Clayton, communications director for Lee County.

During this period, Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies are using “reasonable discretion” as the permits have not yet been issued, according to Capt. Todd Olmer.

“Boca Grande deputies are in regular contact with our partners in Lee County government as this project continues,” said Capt. Olmer, in an email to the Beacon Friday morning. “Deputies are using reasonable discretion in enforcement while the new parking changes are being implemented and appreciate the ongoing efforts to inform residents and visitors of this process.”

LCSO is aware that parking passes have not been issued.

“Additionally, deputies are fully aware that residential passes have not been provided yet, and how this affects any type of enforcement,” Olmer said.

Signs have gone up across the island, in various places including around The Gasparilla Inn, up and down Palm Avenue, at the south end on Belcher Road and along Gulf Boulevard.

More confusion ensued Friday when there was a water leak to a six inch water main on 4th Street, at the site of the new sign. A Gasparilla Island Water Association truck was there to repair the pipe. Some had thought that the sign installation drilling had perhaps caused the leak, but it was apparently a coincidence.

Lee County’s installation of signage before a parking pass program has been announced has been a question for retailers and residents. The county has yet to make an announcement on issues like costs, rollout or criteria. The passes will be available to residents, businesses, rental guests and on-island workers.

The new parking plan has 3-hour parking in town, with no restrictions after 5 p.m.

“The team is still working on a timeline for the parking passes,” said Clayton.

Links: