Residents in Bonita Springs, Florida have approved a $35 million bond to purchase a crucial 5.8-mile stretch of disused railway. This decision marks the final step in acquiring the central section of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT), an 11.4-mile trail that will help fill a gap in the Florida Gulf Coast Trail, a planned 400-mile network spanning Southwest Florida. The bond will be repaid through local property taxes over 30 years, with estimates suggesting an additional $49-$88 annually for an average homeowner. The project aims to transform the abandoned railway into a pedestrian and cyclist path, enhancing regional connections and boosting local businesses. The Trust for Public Land played a significant role in the project, working with city officials, local organizations, and volunteers to secure the corridor's purchase. Completion of the trail will provide a new regional route connecting with the planned Paradise Coast Trail, expected to span 75 miles from Marco Island to South Lee County, eventually linking up with the Florida Gulf Coast Trail. City officials and project partners are currently conducting environmental checks and property assessments before the transaction is finalized in October. Construction work on central Bonita Springs is set to commence shortly after.