Marco council floats Jolly Bridge staging site; county raises legal and municipal‑priority concerns

Marco Island elected officials proposed exploring whether a small county parcel near the Jolly Bridge could serve as a limited staging area for seawall contractors, with ideas to screen the site and add a pocket park element. The concept drew support as a brainstorming idea but also significant caution from county commissioners and staff.

Trinity Scott noted the site is "only 0.5 acre" and that FDOT owns adjacent property and controls roadway access; she warned that the county's coastal zone operations are likely to need the site for dredge and barge staging. Commissioners emphasized public access and aesthetics, recalled prior episodes when unscreened laydown piles were visible at the island's gateway, and asked the city to prepare a white paper and a business plan that addresses municipal needs, legal constraints and public benefit before staff expend time on the idea.

Several marine contractors and local business owners said a dedicated staging location could reduce neighborhood impacts from truck traffic and barges; commissioners said they would consider proposals but would not agree to permanent encumbrances on county property without clear public benefit and legal feasibility.