Trail Hubs and Bridges Take Shape Along the Inactive Tracks
Bonita Springs, FL · October 3, 2026
Pumpkin patches are officially open along Morton Avenue this morning, even if the thermometer insists summer never left. Grab an umbrella and pace yourself.
The Lead
Voters overwhelmingly backed the $35 million bond measure in August, and now the complex work of turning the 11.4-mile inactive rail corridor into the Bonita Estero Rail Trail is hitting its stride. Project partners are navigating title work, environmental assessments, and appraisals ahead of the targeted property closing this month. Urban design firm Schenkel Shultz is already drafting layouts for trailheads, restrooms, parking facilities, and bridge crossings to ensure the path serves cyclists, runners, and commuters smoothly. Once the property transfer closes, the next physical milestone falls to Seminole Gulf Railway, which will spend up to two years removing the remaining tracks and rail ties.
Local Pulse
East Terry Overnight Lane Shifts Begin Tuesday Roads Flaggers will redirect traffic to southern lanes between Imperial Parkway and Interstate 75 while crews install northern utility lines.
Beach Parking Reimbursement Pilot Opens for Residents City Hall Residents can now apply for municipal rebates covering the cost of their annual county beach parking stickers.
Northbound Lanes Reopen Following Friday Rollover Crash Safety Emergency crews cleared an overturned vehicle on Tamiami Trail at Terry Street, restoring normal weekend traffic flow by evening.
Today's Outlook
- High 90°F · Low 76°F — Rain showers (56% chance of precipitation)
- Tuck an umbrella into your bag before heading out into the afternoon rain showers.
What's On Around Town
Today
Farmer Mike's Fall Festival Farmer Mike's U-Pick (26031 Morton Ave), 9:00 AM–10:00 PM · $7 Wander sunflower fields, pick pumpkins, and tackle the autumn corn maze.
Steeln' Peaches Sugarshack Downtown (27421 Old 41 Rd), 7:00 PM · Free Catch a high-energy Allman Brothers revue under the downtown palms tonight.
The Lord of the Rings Symphony Music and Arts Community Center (13411 Shire Ln), Fort Myers, 6:00 PM · Paid Experience iconic fantasy film scores performed live by the regional symphony.
Tomorrow
Flamingo Island Flea Market Flamingo Island Flea Market (11902 Bonita Beach Rd SE), 8:00 AM–4:00 PM · Free
Sarah Hadeka Sugarshack Downtown (27421 Old 41 Rd), 1:00 PM · Free
Dear Evan Hansen Hinman Auditorium (10150 Bonita Beach Rd), 2:00 PM · $24
Monday
Meals of Hope Food Pantry St. Mary's Episcopal Church (9801 Bonita Beach Rd SE), 1:00–5:00 PM · Free
Arts and Culture Town Hall Cape Coral Art Center (4533 Coronado Pkwy), Cape Coral, 5:00–7:00 PM · Free
Live Music with TL Jentgens Sugarshack Downtown (27421 Old 41 Rd), 7:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Rotary Club of Bonita Springs
- Chartered in 1978, this 75-member service club has quietly directed over $3 million into neighborhood programs. Every Monday from 1 to 5 p.m., volunteers run the Meals of Hope pantry line behind St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, handing fresh groceries directly to waiting families.
Bonita Springs Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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