Last night about 35 citizens attended a public hearing regarding the Big Carlos Pass Bridge Lee County is planning to replace. Built in 1965, Lee County says replacing the bridge is a high priority due to its age and exposure to salt water. 8 people spoke during the public comment period, including Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy.
The Mayor has a lot of history in that area. His parents bought property near the bridge back in 1973 and he’s fished on and near the bridge since he was a young boy. “I’ve caught every fish known to man in that water,” Murphy said.
While the Mayor agreed having bigger bike lanes and walking paths would be nice, he’s vehemently opposed to a 60-foot bridge being built. The Thursday night presentation only included the 60-foot replacement bridge, which would cost nearly $90 million, and last 75 years, and a no-build rehabilitation plan, which would cost $40 million. But the bridge would still need to be replaced in 20 years. Those cost estimates include maintenance and operation of the bridges over their life spans.
Earlier on in the process there was also an option to replace the current 24-foot drawbridge with another 24-foot drawbridge. That option was not even on the table at the hearing last night. Back in 2018 the Lee County Board voted 4-1 in favor of moving forward with the 60-foot bridge. The late Larry Kiker voted no.
The County was told it would cost millions of dollars more to replace the 24-foot drawbridge with a similar bridge than it would to build a 60-foot bridge. That seemed to have some residents scratching their heads. There’s a lot of skepticism about the cost difference.
Mayor Murphy has been vocal about what the 60-foot bridge will do to those that use the bridge now to fish. “You will displace fisherman that have been there for generations. That tradition will end.” He said it was one of the most fished bridges in Florida.Â
Murphy said he believes there a lot of people on both sides – Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs – that are opposed to this bridge. He said he spoke to council members in Bonita and most of them are opposed. In fact, last night Bonita Springs councilman Jesse Perdon said this bridge is a very bad idea. He said this bridge is wrong and it will only lead to widening the roads as well. Perdon said he was surprised the hearing wasn’t packed with more people opposed to the bridge.
Former Fort Myers Beach council member Bruce Butcher said he cannot wait for the bridge to be replaced because of how dangerous it is. “I quit riding my bike because I got scared. I look forward to a replacement.” Butcher also voiced some skepticism about the cost difference between a 24-foot bridge and a 60-foot bridge. He said that “seemed suspicious.”
The bridge study is expected to be completed this Spring. Once the study is complete, if an alternative other than the no-build/rehabilitation alternative is selected, the design and permitting phase will begin and is expected to be completed in 18 to 24 months. Construction is anticipated to take two to three years, pending final selection of a bridge type.
Lee County representatives did not respond to any questions or comments during the hour-long session Thursday night. Comments can be submitted about the project until February 11th HERE.
Project information and graphics showing the proposed improvements will be available for viewing at the Fort Myers Beach Library until Feb. 18. (The picture below is from the library). We broadcast the Thursday night hearing on our Facebook page. Watch it HERE.
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