07/20/2025
The following letter was written by Jackie Silcox and was sent to the Lee Co. Board of Commissioners. Thank you Jackie for taking the time to write this letter! It really hits on many key points that us island natives feel so strongly about.
I am writing regarding the proposed Boca Grande Parking Ordinance that was presented to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on June 17, 2025, by a group of individuals representing themselves as speaking for the majority of the Boca Grande Community. I was able to watch this meeting online and would like to take this opportunity to comment.
I consider myself to be a true Boca Grande Native. I grew up on the island in the 1960’s, 70’s & 80’s when the island was truly a united community. My grandmother, Leila Bowen, operated the first laundry and seamstress service on the island. Her husband, Herbert Bowen, was a custodian for the original Boca Grande School, as well as a skilled carpenter. The building that houses the Boca Grande Art Alliance was originally my grandparents’ home. It was moved to its current location next to The Louise du Pont Crowninshield Community House on Banyan St, from Railroad Ave, in later years.
My Father, Jack Silcox, graduated from Boca Grande High School, and was drafted into the US Army after his senior year of high school. My father went on to fight in N**i Germany, during World War II, and was awarded both the Silver Star and Bronze Star for his bravery in battle. His story is showcased at the Boca Grande Historical Society, along with many other Boca Grande warriors. My Father was also a Master Carpenter and was known for his spectacular woodwork. The beautiful doors that grace the front entrance to the Johann Fust Community Library, on 10th St, is just one example of his amazing work.
My parents lived on Tarpon Ave, not far from the Gasparilla Inn. My sister and I were able to hold onto our family home for several years after the passing of our parents. Unfortunately, the rising cost of property taxes and insurance made it necessary for us to sell in 2020. I currently live just over the causeway bridges, not far from the island, like so many of the families that I grew up with. I still consider Boca Grande to be my home, the place where my heart resides.
I have many concerns over the revised parking ordinance that was presented to you on June 17, 2025. A primary concern is that the group misrepresented themselves to you by repeatedly claiming their proposal to be a “unified” one of the island community. I’m sorry, but in my opinion, this could not be further from the truth. It is my understanding that many of the family-owned businesses on the island were not even polled. These are businesses that will be critically affected, facing possible closure, if this ordinance passes and there is a 2-hour parking limit downtown.
Another miscommunication by this group was that the parking issues that occurred this past winter season were caused by the high growth rate of communities nearby. While this may be part of the issue, not once was it mentioned that the closing of many other nearby beaches, off- island, also greatly contributed to the parking issue. Englewood Beach, as well as some Venice beaches, were closed due to damage caused by Hurricanes Helene & Milton. Parking areas on the Southern end of Boca Grande were also closed for the same reason. Boca Grande was one of the few beaches that was open for spring break visitors this year. There was also a larger number of construction vehicles present on the island, with contractors working on hurricane restoration. These additional items had a major impact on parking in Boca Grande, but these facts were not mentioned in the presentation to you. It was also not mentioned that parking concerns mainly occur during the busiest time of the year on the island (winter months and especially spring break time). There are plenty of places to park right now (in July). Englewood Beaches and Venice Beaches have also now reopened, which will help considerably.
It is widely known that some of the residents that own homes on the public beaches have long been trying to keep the public from parking in the median along Gilchrist, and at the public beach accesses from 1st St to 19th St. I realize that there have been some issues with the public parking here. However, with proper signage, trash receptacles, more public restrooms and better policing perhaps some of these issues may be controlled. It is my opinion that this group is taking advantage of the unfortunate destruction caused by the two hurricanes last fall to try and push their agenda. Was it mentioned to you that during the summer months, when these beach residents are away at their summer homes and away from Florida, that the contractors that work on their “winter” homes are also parking in these areas? Also, the side beach access streets are funded and maintained by Public Tax dollars. If the public is no longer allowed to use these accesses, unless they bike or walk there, should our tax dollars be used to take care of them? To bike or walk there you would need to be staying on the island. I’m sorry but I don’t plan to ride my bicycle down from Englewood.
The proposed ordinance wants to push day visitors to County and State parking areas towards the Southern end of the island. Even as young children, we did not go to the beach to swim South of 1st St as we knew it wasn’t the safest area to go into the water. The currents are much stronger in these areas.
The proposed two-hour parking limitation downtown will have a significant impact on the locally family-owned island businesses. As a native, but non-resident, I will no longer be able to drive down to the island to have lunch at the Temptation Restaurant or Sisters, and then shop at Gasparilla Outfitters, The Lilly Store, and Fugates, followed by an ice cream at The Pink Pony. This is something that my family, as well as many daytime island visitors, love to do. When we were recently enjoying a restaurant and several stores on the island, we were parked 3-4 hours downtown. Is this proposal fair to actual island natives such as myself and to the businesses? We are natives that helped to mold the community. Also, during normal times, it is NOT common for a daytime beachgoer to park downtown for a day at the beach.
I also fear for my church, which is the First Baptist Church of Boca Grande. Our 3 buildings have now been destroyed twice. Once by Hurricane Ian, and again by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We are a congregation that is struggling to get back on our feet to rebuild. If this proposed ordinance, and its limitations, are passed our church may not survive.
The proposed parking ordinance will also have an adverse effect on our island fishing guides when their charter guests are faced with the 2-hour parking limitation. A fishing charter normally lasts longer than 2 hours. The fishing guides are another group that will possibly be put out of business if this ordinance is passed.
The proposal also states that the public parking area at the end of 5th Street will not be used for beach access. However, Lee County recently replaced the public ramp located at the end of that parking area, down to the beach, using public dollars. The original ramp was destroyed by the last two hurricanes. Now the proposed plan states that the public will not be allowed to use this for beach access. Does that make sense?
I sincerely hope you will consider doing the right thing by the actual Boca Grande Community, and those of us that dearly love the island, by agreeing to not pass this proposed parking ordinance. Please work towards a common goal that is good for the ENTIRE community.
Thank you,
Jackie Silcox Fogarty
Englewood East (Formerly Boca Grande)
