Neighbors protest delay in repairs to Matlacha Pass Bridge

Reporter: Jolena Esperto
Published: Updated:

People took to the streets to protest the delay in repairs to the Matlacha Pass Bridge, which connects Pine Island.

Residents say it’s taken too long to rebuild, and they said having long wait times to get on and off the island is affecting the local economy.

They held signs saying “broken promises,” “broken bridges,” and “island businesses can’t wait.”

Protesters rallied around their Pine Island border.

Cindy Tolliver is a 45-year-old owner of traders hitching posts, and she doesn’t know if her business will make it now with the construction.

“I’m not the only one suffering; every business in Matlacha and Pine Island is suffering because people won’t come out,” Tolliver said.

This group said something needs to change because Matlacha and Pine Island have already taken a big enough hit.

They’re upset about the traffic buildup from the construction. Businesses say it’s scaring people off.

However, the Little Pine Island Bridge construction did draw people to Yucatan Friday afternoon.

Terri Franklin said, “The traffic is some days it’s so bad you go off island to do errands, and it takes you 45 minutes to get off and go home.”

The Florida Department of Transportation said the project will be completed as fast as it can be, but for Tolliver and many other protesters, this isn’t quick enough.

FDOT also said all piles for the seawall and bridge on the northwest side have been driven. Crews are now focused on forming and pouring the concrete bulkhead on the east side.

Kevin Ruane, the Lee County commissioner who represents this area, is thankful for the state’s help but said there needs to be more accountability for everyone involved in the delays.

“The contractors need to be held accountable, so the citizens, the businesses, the community, can come back. I’m not used to someone saying, four months, eight months, 12 months, and have the professional courtesy to tell me the issues at hand, and if you can’t, you don’t have the willpower and the manpower and say you can’t do it. Don’t continue to bid on contracts that you can’t do,” Ruane said.

Ruane said he’s not sure how long the delay will be.

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