Annexation problem arises in Bonita Springs
A misinterpretation of the law could put the City of Bonita Springs’ Pelican Landing annexation referendum in doubt.
Bonita officials haven’t collected enough signed consent forms from residents in the annexation area to hold the referendum, the Lee County Attorney’s Office said this week in a memo to county commissioners. After several public hearings and months of debate with its unincorporated northern neighbor Estero, Bonita passed a referendum resolution Oct. 16. Bonita wants to ask 842 voters in the upscale Pelican Landing community just north of city limits to join Bonita on Feb. 25.
According to state law 171.0413, owners of more than 50 percent of land in the annexation area have to consent to annexation prior to a city conducting a referendum. Bonita is attempting to annex 486 acres so it needs signed consent forms from owners of 243 acres. Bonita has only received consents from owners of 175 acres, said Michael Jacob, managing assistant county attorney.