Rail-Trail Vote Success Clears Path for 11-Mile Regional Bikeway
Bonita Springs, FL · August 21, 2026
Muggy breezes are rustling through the oaks along Old 41 this morning, bringing a lively slate of Friday evening plans right behind them.
The Lead
Voters across town delivered a decisive green light for the long-discussed Bonita-Estero Rail-Trail, approving the funding referendum with 68 percent of the vote in Tuesday's primary election. The overwhelming support clears the final funding hurdle required to purchase 11.4 miles of inactive Seminole Gulf Railway right-of-way, including nearly six miles running directly through town.
The acquisition will transform the overgrown steel corridor into a continuous, paved multi-use trail connecting local neighborhoods to Coconut Point and regional parks. With voter approval secured, project leaders alongside the Trust for Public Land are moving immediately into full property inspections and purchase negotiations with the railway. Once land acquisition closes, community design workshops will gather resident feedback on access points, shaded rest stops, and local historical markers before ground crews arrive on site.
Local Pulse
FEMA Flood Mitigation Elevates 23 Area Homes City Council approved federal grant funding to raise twenty-three flood-prone residential structures above future storm surge levels.
East Terry Street Pathway Construction Moves Forward Public works crews begin utility staging for stormwater upgrades and a new multi-use path along East Terry Street.
Today's Outlook
- High 92°F · Low 76°F — Overcast
- Keep sunscreen handy despite the cloud cover during your afternoon outdoor errands.
What's On Around Town
Sugar Rush Live Rooftop at Riverside, 6:00–9:00 PM Open-air live music overlooking the downtown park with local food options.
Night Market At The Springs Hopsized Brewing, 6:00–9:00 PM Local artisan vendors, food trucks, and fresh craft brews on tap.
Johnny Rogers: The History of Rock 'N' Roll Performing Arts Center, 7:30 PM High-energy tribute performance celebrating classic rock hits at Arts Bonita.
Fort Myers: Monthly Downtown Music Walk River District, 6:00–10:00 PM Short drive north for street performers, open galleries, and late dining.
Spotlight & Story
- Rusty the Cor-Ten Steel Dog Sculpture
- Standing eight feet tall in Depot Park, this 500-pound Cor-Ten steel hound by sculptor Dale Rogers earned its permanent home in 2011 when local residents launched a successful petition drive to block its relocation, keeping the weathered pup anchored near the riverbanks.
Bonita Springs Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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