City of Bonita Springs, City council meeting, April 15, 2026

The City Council meeting of Bonita Springs on April 15, 2026, focused heavily on procurement and budget matters related to a proposed $35 million bond referendum for acquiring an inactive railroad corridor and developing the Bonita Estero Rail Trail. Public comments raised concerns about the financial impact on taxpayers, potential environmental liabilities, and the transparency of the purchase agreement. The council addressed these concerns by explaining due diligence processes, including environmental assessments, and clarified that the referendum allows voters to decide on the project. The council unanimously approved the bond referendum ordinance to be placed on the August 18, 2026 ballot. Additionally, the meeting included discussions on capital improvement funding, financial reporting, and potential policy considerations for permit fee structures benefiting nonprofit organizations. No conflicts of interest were found regarding the mayor's involvement in the project.