Old Boca Grande plat, history, figures in current Lee County parking discussion

Editor’s Note: Last month, the Boca Beacon filed a public records request with Lee County on issues related to Boca Grande parking. In the files, there are interesting tidbits related to Gasparilla Island. One item that came up was the 1925 plat that shows donation of public streets from the Boca Grande Corporation to public use.

In documents relating to parking in Boca Grande, one question is streets, and the dimensions of public ownership. In one set of letters this spring, Marc Mora, assistant county manager, was searching for background information regarding the dimensions of 5th Street. The county is deciding on options for that street’s parking, which is used for Lee County Parks and Recreation beach access.

Mora wrote, “Attached you will find an aerial depicting a county property for beach parking located in Boca Grande. Hoping your team can kindly research for any existing documentation that details dimensions. Appreciate any assistance.”

Karen Babcock, property acquisition agent for the county, found one of the original plats for Gasparilla Island and downtown Boca Grande. She wrote, “Attached please find the revised plat of Boca Grande in Plat Book 7, Page 1. The area in questions is in the road right of way as highlighted on the attached PDF. Per the plat, the area is 110’ by 310’. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything additional.”

Robert Clemens, Department of County Lands, responded and forward the information for Mora.

The map is familiar to some from the Boca Grande Historical Society. It was signed by J.A. Starrett, secretary of the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway Company, and Geo. B. Burton, the railroad’s president on Dec. 4, 1925.

The document reads, “Boca Grande Corporation, owner of the land shown on this plat ….hereby dedicates to the public use forever all of the streets and avenues shown on said plat lying north of the southernly line of Seventh Street, the streets and avenues shown on said plat lying south of the southerly line of seventh street having heretofore been shown on the plat of said land heretofore filed.”