June target set for new golf cart ordinance

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Lee County officials say they are moving forward with proposed golf cart ordinance changes, and hope to have a draft of the new law before the county commissioners by the beginning of June.

Harry Campbell, the chief traffic engineer for Lee County Department of Transportation, said that he had spoken with Lt. Joseph Poppalardo about the ordinance, and they both felt that time had come to start the legal process to get the rules for driving a golf cart changed in unincorporated Lee County.

“We agree that it is in the best interest of public safety to move forward with the ordinance,” Campbell said. “The county attorney’s office is in the process of writing the final wording adjustments.”

Changes to the ordinance would require all golf cart drivers to have a valid driver’s license. It would also restrict the number of occupants to the number of seats in the vehicle and require all small children to be placed in child safety restraints. Liability insurance and proper equipment on carts would also be mandated.

Campbell said that Poppalardo had spoken with Boca Grande Community Panel member Ted Hoopes. Campbell says Hoopes was the only Boca Grande resident to email them on the subject.

A number of other island residents, however, say they also sent emails on the issue. Copies of some of these emails were received by the Boca Beacon.

Campbell said two concerns within the changed ordinance that are under review are insuring that there is no question that golf carts are permitted on the multi-use path that runs from 1st Street south to Belcher Road, and that it will be legal to cross a county road from one facility deemed legal for golf cart use to another.

Both issues were addressed by Hoopes.

Campbell said that he believed use of the path for golf carts, pedestrians and bicyclists was “grandfathered” in before a state law was passed that states golf carts can’t share a path with other modes of transportation.

Campbell and Poppalardo both stand firm on the issue of requiring a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart, and the safety and seating requirements for young children in the proposed ordinance.

“The driver’s license requirement and minimum age limits specified to drive upon county roads are essential if public safety and well being are to be provided for,” Campbell said. “We would like to get the first reading of the ordinance scheduled sometime in May, but hopefully no later than June 3.”

Last week Campbell said that he didn’t anticipate a first reading before July. After the first reading, county commissioners will make their determination, and a second reading will be scheduled for approximately two or three weeks after that. A public hearing will also be held. It will then, if approved, become a legal ordinance.

Campbell said that if there are any other written comments on the matter, they can be sent by email to Steve Jansen at jansensj@leegov.com before April 29.

“If they are sent before then, we will consider them,” he said. “The proposed ordinance would provide a reasonable tool for law enforcement to do their job to enforce reasonable public safety regulations. We would certainly welcome input and suggestions.”