Election Day: Tuesday August 18th, 2026
Early Voting: August 8th – August 15th
The Bonita Estero Rail Trail, BERT , is about safety and quality of life. It creates a safe place away from traffic where residents of all ages can walk, bike, relax, and enjoy nature close to home, while protecting this corridor for future generations. Vote Yes for BERT on August 18.
What Will Be On The Ballot:
Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) General Obligation Bonds
To acquire the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT), and build a multi-use trail for runners, walkers, and cyclists to improve pedestrian safety, shall Bonita Springs issue general obligation bonds not exceeding thirty-five million dollars principal amount, maturing within thirty years of issuance, with interest not exceeding the maximum legal rate, and payable from ad valorem property taxes levied in amounts sufficient to pay debt service on such
Bonds?
___YES, FOR BONDS
___NO, AGAINST BONDS
What is the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT)?
The Bonita Estero Rail Trail, or BERT, is a planned multi-use paved trail that will connect communities across Bonita Springs, Estero, and Collier County. It will convert an unused railroad corridor into a multi-use trail for residents to enjoy the outdoors in a safe manner.
What is being proposed to Bonita Springs Voters?
On Tuesday, August 18, Bonita Springs voters will consider a bond referendum to fund up to $35 million to acquire a 5.8-mile portion of the corridor to build a multi-use trail that will improve pedestrian safety, provide recreation opportunities, improve quality of life, and protect the corridor from private development.
How long is the trail?
The trail will span approximately 11.4 miles along an existing rail corridor, running from Wiggins Pass Road in Collier County, north through Bonita Springs and Estero, ending at Estero Parkway. The city of Bonita Springs is asking voters on August 18, 2026, to approve a bond measure to acquire the 5.8-mile portion that runs through the city and to begin construction on a portion of it.
Paid political advertisement for and sponsored by Vote4BERT2026, P.O. Box 366518, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34136