At a recent city council meeting, city officials reopened the discussion about ideas for the Bonita Springs fishing pier. The idea was originally proposed in 2016 but was put on the back burner until the Big Carlos Bridge renovation was further along. Now that the renovation is underway, city council is ready to revisit the idea.
Council Member Jesse Purdon reopened the preliminary discussion of the Bonita Springs Fishing Pier, suggesting that the city “dust off” the feasibility study conducted in 2016. Jesse gave his support for the idea, noting that it would be a salute to the city’s humble beginnings as a fishing village and how it would make a safer spot for fishermen who currently fish off the bridges. He also mentioned how Bonita Springs has earned a few landmarks over the past decade, noting the library, high school, and our thriving downtown area. He suggested that the Bonita Springs Fishing Pier could be the next big landmark that helps us catch up to our larger, neighboring cities.
Bonita Springs Fishing Pier Possible Locations
Back in 2016, the city council discussed five potential sites for the pier. They looked at the area next to Doc’s Beachhouse, mile marker 5, Dog Beach, the backside of Coconut Road, and Lover’s Key State Park. Jesse noted that he did not include any possible locations in his briefing because the decision would be far down the road, and he did not want to ruffle any feathers. Another representative claimed that the two locations that were focused on in 2016 were Dog Beach and Lover’s Key.
When the discussion led to funding, Jesse mentioned the potential for State funding IF the pier were to be built on Lover’s Key. Any state funding would be in addition to county and city funding, which would cut the cost of the project significantly.
Bonita Springs Fishing Pier Design
Jesse then painted an idea of the Bonita Springs Fishing Pier with a bait shop and a restaurant that would overlook the Gulf and “the most beautiful sunsets in the world.” He suggested looking at the top 5 fishing piers in the state and combining elements of each to create “one that’s a hybrid of all the best.” He then highlighted a pier near Delray, and we believe he may have been referencing the beautiful new Pompano Pier, pictured below.
The discussion ended with city council members asking for a copy of the 2016 feasibility study and a general consensus to continue the conversation after reviewing it.
To stay up to date on this project and other notable news in SWFL, subscribe to our 8-year-running newsletter!
