City of Bonita Springs, City council meeting, March 25, 2026

The City of Bonita Springs City Council held a meeting on March 25, 2026, with significant focus on procurement and budget-related matters. The council discussed and approved moving forward with a purchase and sale agreement with the Trust for Public Lands to acquire the Seminole Gulf Railroad Corridor, a major project involving a general obligation bond referendum to finance the acquisition and related due diligence costs. The bond issuance, potentially ranging from $30 million to $45 million, would be subject to voter approval in August 2026, with the city council planning educational outreach to inform voters. The council also deliberated on a capital improvement project to install a 200-foot flagpole to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary, with an estimated cost of approximately $480,000 plus additional site and electrical work. Due to budget constraints and timing, the council approved funding for the engineering design phase but deferred full construction funding. Other procurement-related discussions included a request to coordinate a dredging survey with Lee County and the West Coast Inland Navigation District, and ongoing considerations about managing fiber optic utility installations in the city. The meeting also covered financial reports, community development updates, and various council member reports, but no additional contract awards or vendor selections were made during this session.