Bonita Springs approves BERT – and voters did so by a landslide.
Bonita Springs voters overwhelmingly supported the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) referendum during the August 18, 2026 election, marking a major milestone for the long-discussed regional trail project.
According to unofficial election-night results, 8,749 voters — 68.28% voted YES, compared with 4,065 voters, or 31.72%, who voted NO.
With more than two-thirds of participating voters supporting the referendum, Bonita Springs sent a clear message: BERT is moving forward.
What Did Bonita Springs Voters Approve?
The referendum gives the City of Bonita Springs authorization to issue bonds to help acquire its portion of the inactive Seminole Gulf Railway corridor and begin moving the trail project forward.
The larger vision for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail would transform approximately 11 miles of inactive railroad corridor through Bonita Springs and Estero into a paved, multi-use trail for walking, running, biking and other forms of non-motorized recreation.
Bonita Springs controls a critical portion of that route, which is why Tuesday night’s vote was such an important step for the overall project.
The goal is not just to create a recreational trail, but to establish a safer, more connected route through the community that could eventually link neighborhoods, parks, businesses and other trail systems throughout Southwest Florida.
A Major Win for BERT Supporters
The August 18 referendum was the result of years of discussion and advocacy surrounding the abandoned rail corridor.
Supporters have argued that the corridor represents a rare opportunity to preserve a continuous stretch of land through the heart of a rapidly growing area before that opportunity disappears.
For families, the trail could offer a safer place for children to bike and walk. For runners and cyclists, it could provide a long recreational route separated from vehicle traffic. And for businesses located near the trail, supporters hope BERT could eventually bring additional foot and bicycle traffic into commercial areas.
Tuesday night’s results showed strong support for that vision.
At 68.28% YES, the referendum didn’t just pass – it passed by a substantial margin.
Does This Mean BERT Will Be Built Right Away?
Not quite.
While the referendum passing is a huge milestone, there are still several steps between Tuesday night’s vote and a completed trail.
The city will still need to work through the acquisition of the railroad corridor, financing, agreements with other governmental entities, engineering, design, permitting, and ultimately construction.
Funding for the entire regional trail will also involve multiple jurisdictions and potentially additional grants and outside funding sources.
So while you probably won’t be riding your bike down the completed BERT Trail next month, the vote removes one of the biggest remaining questions surrounding the Bonita Springs portion of the project.
The community has now officially authorized the city to move ahead.
What Could BERT Mean for Bonita Springs?
If completed as envisioned, BERT could become one of the most significant recreational and transportation amenities in Bonita Springs.
The trail could create a dedicated corridor for:
- Walking and running
- Biking
- Families and children
- Recreational riders
- Commuters traveling short distances without a car
- Connections between neighborhoods, parks and businesses
Perhaps most importantly, it would create a route largely separated from the busy roads that currently make biking and walking difficult in parts of Bonita Springs.
As Southwest Florida continues to grow, preserving opportunities for outdoor recreation and alternative transportation becomes increasingly important.
Once continuous corridors like the former railroad right-of-way are lost or broken apart, recreating them later can be extremely difficult.
That is one reason the BERT proposal generated so much interest throughout Bonita Springs and Estero.
What Happens Next With the Bonita Estero Rail Trail?
Now that Bonita Springs approves BERT, attention will shift toward the acquisition and development process.
Residents should expect additional discussions about financing, design, construction timelines and how the Bonita Springs portion of the trail will connect with Estero and other future trail systems.
There will almost certainly be more decisions ahead.
But one question has now been answered decisively.
Bonita Springs voters want BERT.
After years of discussion, advocacy, and uncertainty, 68% of voters said YES to the Bonita Estero Rail Trail referendum on August 18, 2026.
For BERT supporters – and for anyone hoping to see more safe, connected places to walk, bike, and enjoy the outdoors in Southwest Florida – that is a major reason to celebrate.
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