Lee County has owned what is known as the Seafarer’s Lot, in front of Margaritaville, since purchasing the property for $900,000 in 2010. After knocking down the empty mall building in 2011, the property has been unused due to funding. That’s about to change.
On Thursday the Tourist Development Council approved $72,000 that will be added to the overall project cost of $163,000 to convert the gravel lot into a paved paid golf cart parking lot. LCSO will kick in $35,000 and move their trailer over to the lot and Lee County will contribute $56,250. There will also be 7 bike racks, enough room to lock up 56 bikes.
Several members of the TDC nearly squashed the project. One member said the lot would benefit residents more than tourists. Another wasn’t happy there wasn’t a representative from Fort Myers Beach at the meeting to help pitch the project. Vice Mayor Scott Safford represents Fort Myers Beach on the TDC and is on a Cruise this week. TDC member from Cape Coral Bill Steinke said there was more of a need for car parking than there is for golf cart parking.
The next step is for the project to go before the full Board of County Commissioners for approval so there is no ground breaking date or opening date to announce as of yet.
Hopefully bike parking will be free !!!
Another parking lot besides one where the Town Hall use to be. Why is our Town trying to be in the Parking Lot business, amd create another employee on the payroll? Sell these properties and to someone or an entidy that creates something that adds to our tax base. Hmm, thought tax rates was also under fire
Re-read the first sentence. The Town does not own the property.
Doesn’ t the mayor own a golf cart rental and sales business? This would sure help him out alot.
Ed, I believe the property was given to the town by Torgerson as part of the Margaritaville negotitions upon a request from then-Councilwoman Joanne Shamp. You may want to check that.
You are correct, but it was then transferred to the County to be able to complete the round about at the base of the bridge. This is a Counry owned and maintained property. The town bears no cost or revenue from this.
Love this idea! More people would drive golf carts instead of cars if there was inventive to do so. This is one step in the right direction. Those concerned about the speed limit of the carts need to relax. You’re on the beach. Slow down and enjoy the views.
Says the person who probably isn’t running to Home Depot multiple times or doing other time sensitive work. Slow traffic means more time, and time is money! And I’d rather have time to enjoy the views!
Florida Law requires that street legal golf carts (LSV) have a governor limiting their speed to 25MPH and they must be on roads with a speed limit of 35MPH or less.
Totally agree with Lynn. The golf carts are causing huge traffic slowdowns. Especially the little yellow ones. If golf carts are going to be allowed on the island, then they need to be required to do the speed limit. That’s 30mph. Even during low season, the yellow carts are creating a line of cars behind them. Some have the courtesy to pull to the right and let traffic pass, but that’s dangerous for the bicyclists, since the carts are pulling into their lane. Maybe the whole “golf cart” idea should be scrapped. It’s only good in a “golf cart community” where there are dedicated lanes for them, which FMB doesn’t have.
Totally agree! If they can’t do the speed limit, they should not be allowed. It’s finally low season and we still can’t go the speed limit on Estero.
Agree 100%. How long until someone gets injured in an accident on a rental golf cart. Do they all have seat belts? Turn signals?
Great, than golf carts has as spot which will free up spaces for cars.
Golf carts?! If they can’t do the speed limit, get them off the roads!
Agree!
Low Speed Vehicles (carts) are capable of doing much faster speed’s, but are regulated by state law to 25 MPH and can only be used on roads with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or less.