What changed in Bonita Springs government the week of Apr 20 — Apr 26, 2026

The Bonita Springs City Council agenda for April 15, 2026 includes consideration of a $70 million bond tax increase to purchase the Seminole Gulf Railway corridor within city limits for conversion to a recreational bicycle trail. The Lee County Taxpayers Association has submitted formal comments requesting that City Council provide on-the-record answers to seven concerns, including alleged undisclosed purchase agreement provisions (pollution cleanup responsibility, retained billboard rights, continued lease payments to railroad, railroad repurchase options, excluded rail connectors), a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Mike Gibson who owns a bicycle shop 500 feet from the proposed trail, and funding gaps for infrastructure removal and trail construction...

The City of Bonita Springs passed Ordinance No. 26-05 on April 15, 2026, which orders a bond referendum election for August 18, 2026...

The Bonita Springs City Council met on April 1, 2026, and approved a $35 million, 30-year general obligation bond referendum for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail project (moving to second reading). The Council also unanimously approved transmission of a comprehensive plan update to the state, awarded the East Terry Street Stormwater and Multi-Use Pathway Project to Quality Enterprises USA, approved a YMCA partnership for summer camp and afterschool programs, and approved a letter of support for Lee County's Opportunity Zone program...