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Open Shores of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Open Shores of Southwest Florida, Inc.Open Shores of Southwest Florida, Inc.Open Shores of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Working to Restore Public Parking for 

Beach Access in Boca Grande 

Open Shores of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Open Shores of Southwest Florida, Inc.Open Shores of Southwest Florida, Inc.Open Shores of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Working to Restore Public Parking for 

Beach Access in Boca Grande 

September 2026 Update

Open Shores of Southwest Florida is a community-based nonprofit organization working to restore reasonable public parking for beach access on Boca Grande through research, documentation, public education, and community engagement.


We thank everyone who attended our August 5, 2026 informational meeting, participated in our fundraiser, and supported our recently launched GoFundMe campaign.


Lawsuit Filed Against Lee County


A lawsuit was filed against Lee County on July 18, 2026, Case No. 26-CA-004154. The lawsuit seeks court guidance on important questions involving public beach access and parking on Boca Grande.


One issue concerns the beach access streets and their designation and use for parks and recreation purposes. Public records, including Lee County GIS information and other county materials, have been cited in support of this issue. The lawsuit asks the court to address how those designations relate to the county's current parking restrictions and applicable county ordinances.


A second issue involves Florida Statute §316.1964 and vehicles displaying disabled parking permits or qualifying license plates. The statute generally provides exemptions from parking fees and penalties on public streets and highways for qualifying vehicles transporting the person to whom the permit or plate was issued, subject to specified exceptions.   Florida Statute §316.1964 — Online Sunshine 


The lawsuit asks the court to determine how these provisions apply to Boca Grande's parking permit requirements.


Lee County has filed a motion to dismiss, with a hearing scheduled for October 12, 2026.


Looking Ahead


Open Shores will continue reviewing public records, documenting developments, sharing information with the community, and following the legal proceedings.


We appreciate everyone who has attended meetings, volunteered, shared information, participated in fundraising efforts, or made a donation.

About Open Shores SWFL

Group of people forming a circle with their hands, smiling upwards.

Our Mission

Open Shores of Southwest Florida is dedicated to working to restore reasonable public parking for beach access in Boca Grande through research, documentation, public education, transparency, and community engagement.


We document public parking conditions, review public records, monitor government actions, and share factual information with the community. Through these efforts, we work to support practical, meaningful access to Boca Grande's public beaches while encouraging informed public participation and constructive dialogue.


Support the Effort

Open Shores is a volunteer-led organization, and community support helps us continue our work.

Donations through our GoFundMe campaign help support legal consultation, public-records research, documentation, and community outreach.


Your support helps Open Shores continue researching, documenting, and sharing information about public parking and meaningful beach access on Boca Grande.

Donate Through GoFundMe

Other Ways to Support Open Shores

 Prefer not to use GoFundMe? You can also support Open Shores 

by mailing a check or donating securely through PayPal.   


Note:  Open Shores of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. 

Donations are not tax deductible. 

  

Checks may be made payable to:

Open Shores of Southwest Florida

8725 Placida Rd., Suite 7430
Placida, FL 33946

DONATE WITH PAYPAL

Parking Conditions on Gasparilla Island

Open Shores continues documenting conditions affecting meaningful public beach access on Gasparilla Island. Watch our latest field observations and community updates. 

Help Protect Public Beach Access

Take the Beach Access Survey

Take the Business/Employee Survey

Take the Business/Employee Survey

 Share your experience to help document real-world beach access and parking impacts. 

Take The Survey

Take the Business/Employee Survey

Take the Business/Employee Survey

Take the Business/Employee Survey

 Help us understand how these changes are affecting local businesses and employees. 

take the business/employee survey

ADA / Mobility Access Survey

ADA / Mobility Access Survey

ADA / Mobility Access Survey

Share experiences related to mobility challenges, ADA access, and beach accessibility conditions on Gasparilla Island. 

take the ADA SURVEY (NEW)

Volunteer with Open Shores

ADA / Mobility Access Survey

ADA / Mobility Access Survey

 Join our efforts to protect public beach access and support community action—at whatever level feels right for you. 

Volunteer with open shores

What We Are Documenting

Open Shores documents publicly available information and real-world conditions affecting public parking and meaningful beach access in Boca Grande.


Our current work includes:

  • Public parking and beach access conditions
  • Parking availability and usage
  • Accessibility and mobility concerns
  • Public records and historical documentation
  • Government actions and meeting materials
  • Community observations and experiences


📄 New on the Website


Open Shores continues to expand its online document library. Public records, research documents, and parking usage reports are available for review. Use the Boca Grande Records and Parking Usage Reports links at the top of the page to explore the growing collection.


New materials will continue to be added as they become available.

Why This Matters

Meaningful public beach access is about more than having a public beach on a map. It means people can reasonably reach, park, use, and enjoy that beach under everyday conditions.


Open Shores of Southwest Florida documents real-world conditions, encourages transparency, and promotes practical solutions that support reasonable public parking and meaningful public beach access for residents, visitors, businesses, seniors, caregivers, and individuals with mobility limitations.


Our goal is simple: to help ensure public beach access is usable, accessible, and available in practice for everyone.

Follow the Movement on Facebook

  Stay informed about public parking, beach access, accessibility concerns, public meetings, community efforts, and other developments affecting Boca Grande. 

  

 Follow Open Shores on Facebook for updates regarding public meetings, committee meetings, public comment opportunities, and developments affecting beach access on Gasparilla Island. 

  

 Together, we can help support practical public parking and meaningful beach access for current and future generations. 

follow Open Shores On facebook

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

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Open Shores Southwest Florida, Inc.

Copyright © 2026 Open Shores Southwest Florida, Inc. -

 All Rights Reserved.

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