The Lee County Board of County Commissioners recently took a key action to maintain and improve our beautiful coastline! The board officially authorized interlocal agreements to inject nearly $6.5 million into beach and shoreline projects across the county.
Where is the Funding Coming From?
This significant investment comes directly from the Tourist Development Tax (TDT)—often called the “bed tax”—which is assessed on short-term lodging like hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. This means dollars generated by tourism are directly dedicated to preserving the natural assets that attract visitors (and residents!) here in the first place.
The projects approved are just part of the larger commitment: the commission’s budget for the Beach and Shoreline Program totals over $29 million for the fiscal year 2025-26.
What Does This Funding Support?
The approved TDT revenue will be used to fund 13 specific beach and shoreline projects. The primary focus is on maintenance and ensuring public access and amenities are safe and functional.
This includes essential upkeep for:
- Public beach accesses
- Boardwalks and paths
- Restroom facilities
- Equipment maintenance
Who is Participating?
To manage and execute this work, the county approved agreements with various local entities, including:
- Local Government Bodies: City of Sanibel, Captiva Erosion Prevention District, Town of Fort Myers Beach, City of Cape Coral, and the Village of Estero.
- Key Non-Profits & Agencies: Barrier Island Parks Society, Keep Lee County Beautiful, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
This collaborative effort ensures that beach and shoreline preservation remains a priority across all our unique communities.
Looking Deeper
This $6.5 million disbursement represents a portion of the TDT dedicated specifically to coastal health, reinforcing the county’s commitment to our environmental and recreational resources. It’s a clear example of how visitor dollars are reinvested to sustain the quality of life and the natural beauty of Lee County.
For more details on the Beach and Shoreline funding programs, you can visit the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau website.
