Rail Trail Path Clears Major Funding Hurdle Toward Reality
Bonita Springs, FL · September 13, 2026
Thick cloud cover is keeping the morning glare at bay. Whether you're tracking offshore powerboats along the coast or browsing market stalls, you have an easy Sunday ahead.
The Lead
Bonita Springs City Council voted to authorize moving forward with a $35 million general obligation bond issuance dedicated to acquiring and developing the Bonita Estero Rail Trail. The proposed regional linear park aims to transform an 11.4-mile inactive rail corridor running from northern Collier County through downtown and into Estero into a paved, continuous multi-use pathway for cyclists, runners, and walkers.
With regional partners splitting the total $60 million corridor purchase price, the city's bond initiative provides the critical local financing backbone to secure the corridor before development begins. Converting the dormant rail bed will create a safe, off-street recreation spine linking neighborhoods to shops, parks, and regional trail networks. Surveyors and environmental teams are currently finalizing due diligence appraisals ahead of property closing.
Local Pulse
Downtown Parking Study Moves Ahead Consultants will evaluate weekend vehicle volumes to explore potential public-private garage partnerships along the commercial corridor.
Lee County Schedules Annual College Night High school families can meet nearly 100 university representatives Tuesday evening at Suncoast Credit Union Arena.
Avow Expands Hospice Services Across County The nonprofit provider extends licensed supportive care services northward from Collier into southern Lee County neighborhoods.
Today's Outlook
- High 87°F · Low 75°F — Overcast (36% chance of precipitation)
- Keep a small umbrella close during afternoon errands under the heavy cloud cover.
What's On Around Town
Marco Island: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort (560 S Collier Blvd), 7:00 AM–1:00 PM Climb 110 flights alongside first responders to honor fallen heroes.
Flamingo Island Flea Market 11902 Bonita Beach Rd SE, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Hunt for crafts, fresh produce, and oddities in covered aisles.
Fort Myers Beach: Roar Offshore Boat Races Margaritaville Beach Resort, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Watch high-horsepower catamarans race full throttle along the Gulf shoreline.
Sunday Football Kickoff Sugarshack Downtown (27421 Old 41 Rd), 11:00 AM Catch game-day screens outdoors with food trucks and cold taps.
DeRomo's Sunday Prix-Fixe The Promenade at Bonita Bay (26811 S Bay Dr), 4:00–9:00 PM Savor a three-course Italian dinner before an evening courtyard stroll.
Spotlight & Story
- Bonita Shores Club
- Headquartered at 315 West Avenue, this volunteer-run hall hosts weekly bridge matches and community yoga for the non-gated Collier border enclave. Even decades-long neighbors frequently confuse it with the 3rd Street boat ramp, which runs under an entirely separate, private association.
Bonita Springs Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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