Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in roads
Cape Coral Bridge Replacement Land Acquisition
The county paid $780,000 for right-of-way on the Cape Coral Bridge replacement project, avoiding potential condemnation fights.
Alico Road Widening Phase 1-A
Alico Road is a major east-west corridor in south Lee County that's increasingly congested. Widening Phase 1-A moves forward with a contract award.
Gladiolus over Summerlin Bridge Repainting
A $700,000 bridge repaint carries a $160,000 inspection bill that Commissioner Mulicka called excessive; staff says nighttime work and paint-spec testing make on-site inspection essential. The project starts January 4, during tourist season.
Gasparilla Island Parking Rules
Boca Grande's emotionally charged parking fight got a narrow fix: churches can now use the Gilchrist median between Second and Third Streets on Sunday mornings and Christmas Eve, matching the parking committee's 12-2 vote. Critics say the broader ordinance has cost the county federal beach funding and hurt tourism.
Three Oaks Middle School crossing safety
Following last meeting's direction, the county will install a school speed zone on Three Oaks Parkway in front of Three Oaks Middle School during drop-off and pick-up.
Gilchrist Avenue median restoration
Storms destroyed the landscaped median in Boca Grande; staff will bring back a cost estimate to restore it.
Stringfellow bridge replacement design
The county awarded a competitively bid contract for engineering and design of the Stringfellow bridge replacement — not construction yet, but a step toward replacing the aging span.
Sanibel-Captiva Road storm surge hardening
Nearly $875,000 in design work is moving forward to harden the critical Sanibel-Captiva corridor against hurricane storm surge, with construction expected in early 2028.
Burnt Store Road safety improvements
Construction starts in June on $3 million of safety upgrades — paved shoulders, rumble stripes and turn lanes — along five miles of two-lane Burnt Store Road.