Bonita Springs, Florida Explained

Bonita Springs, Florida
Etymology:Spanish; Castilian: bonita (beautiful), English: beautiful springs
Settlement Type:City
Nickname:Gateway to the Gulf
Motto:"Small Town Charm, Big Bright Future"
Mapsize:250x200px
Coordinates:26.3497°N -81.7908°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Florida
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Lee
Established Title:Settled
(Town of Survey)
Established Date:Late 1800s-1912[1] [2]
Established Title2:Incorporated (city)
Established Date2:1925-1932
Established Title3:Reincorporated (city)
Established Date3:[3]
Government Type:Council-Manager
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Rick Steinmeyer
Leader Title1:Councilors
Leader Name1:Jamie Bogacz,
Jesse Purdon,
Laura Carr, Chris Corrie,
Nigel P. Fullick, and
Fred Forbes
Leader Title2:City Manager
Leader Name2:Arleen Hunter
Leader Title3:City Clerk
Leader Name3:Mike Sheffield
Leader Title4:City Attorney
Leader Name4:Derek Rooney
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Footnotes:[4]
Area Total Km2:120.47
Area Total Sq Mi:46.51
Area Land Km2:99.50
Area Land Sq Mi:38.42
Area Water Km2:20.96
Area Water Sq Mi:8.09
Area Water Percent:13.95
Elevation Ft:10
Population Total:53644
Population As Of:2020
Population Density Km2:539.12
Population Density Sq Mi:1396.32
Population Urban:425,675 (US: 97th)[5]
Population Density Urban Km2:676.5
Population Density Urban Sq Mi:1,752.0
Postal Code Type:ZIP codes
Postal Code:34133-34136
Area Code:239
Timezone:Eastern (EST)
Utc Offset:-5
Timezone Dst:EDT
Utc Offset Dst:-4
Blank1 Name:FIPS code
Blank1 Info:12-07525[6]
Blank2 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank2 Info:0279207[7]

Bonita Springs is a city in Lee County, Florida, United States. The population was 53,644 at the 2020 census,[8] up from 43,914 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, on the state's southwest coast.

History

Bonita Springs' history dates back approximately 8,000 years, with evidence of early inhabitants including the Calusa Indians.[9] In the 1870s, the US Army Corps of Engineers surveyed the area, establishing a camp along what is now the Imperial River. This site became known as Survey, and the river was called Surveyor's Creek.[10] [11]

In the 1880s, Braxton Comer bought 6,000 acres around Survey and brought indentured families to work on his plantation.[12] By the early 20th century, developers decided to rename the area Bonita Springs to make it more appealing to settlers and investors.[9] By 1912, streets and avenues were laid out, and the names Survey and Surveyor's Creek were changed to Bonita Springs and the Imperial River, respectively.[13]

The completion of a road to Fort Myers in 1917 and the extension of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad's Fort Myers Southern Branch through Bonita Springs to Marco Island in the 1920s spurred significant growth.[14] [15] The Tamiami Trail, completed in 1928, further contributed to this development.[16] During this time, Bonita Springs experienced a land boom, leading to the establishment of citrus groves and various tourist attractions, including the Everglades Wonder Gardens and the Shell Factory.[17] [18] [9]

The advent of air conditioning, the construction of Interstate 75, and the opening of Southwest Florida International Airport in the late 20th century brought more tourists and retirees to Bonita Springs. Today, it is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury golf courses, and a thriving community, attracting both residents and businesses.[19] [9]

Geography

Bonita Springs's approximate coordinates are 26.3497°N -81.7908°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 41sqmi, of which 35.3sqmi is land and 5.7sqmi (13.95%) is water.

The city is on both Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The area called Bonita Beach is on Little Hickory Island, a road-accessible barrier island that lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay. The Imperial River flows through the city's downtown district and empties into Estero Bay.

Climate

The city lies in the tropical climate zone, more specifically a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification: Am), having a mean January temperature of 65°F.

Hurricane Charley made landfall north of Bonita Springs on August 13, 2004. Hurricane Wilma made landfall south of Bonita Springs on October 24, 2005. On September 9–10, 2017, Hurricane Irma, at the time a slow-moving Category 3 storm, passed over Florida's southwest coast. The eyewall/eye passed overhead in Bonita Springs. Many structures were damaged or destroyed and the city experienced significant flooding.

Demographics

2010 and 2020 census

Bonita Springs racial composition
(Hispanics excluded from racial categories)
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
!Race!Pop 2010[20] !Pop 2020[21] !% 2010!% 2020
White (NH)32,98039,70375.10%74.01%
Black or African American (NH)2894700.66%0.88%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)58530.13%0.09%
Asian (NH)4337540.99%1.41%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH)14300.03%0.06%
Some other race (NH)361990.08%0.37%
Two or more races/Multiracial (NH)2271,0630.52%1.98%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)9,87711,37222.49%21.20%
Total43,91453,644100.00%100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 53,644 people, 24,377 households, and 16,267 families residing in the city.[22]

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 43,914 people, 19,137 households, and 12,917 families residing in the city.[23]

2000 census

The 2009 estimated median income for a household in the city was $53,452, and the median income for a family was $53,436. Males had a median income of $31,227 versus $25,358 for females. The per capita income for the city was $37,958. About 6.2% of families and 10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.2% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those aged 65 or over.

In 2009, 16.7% of households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.2% were married couples living together, 4.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.55.

As of 2000, the population density was 929.4 inhabitants per square mile (358.8/km). There were 31,716 housing units at an average density of 661.1sp=usNaNsp=us.

In 2000, the city the population was spread out, with 13.9% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 31.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 103.9 males.

Arts and Culture

Bonita Springs boasts a rich cultural scene with institutions like the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, which offers art classes, exhibitions, and performances. The city hosts several annual events, including the Celebrate Bonita festival and various arts and craft fairs.[24]

The Bonita Springs Historical Society offers walking tours that highlight the city’s historical sites, such as the Liles Hotel and the Bonita Springs Elementary School. These tours provide insights into the area's past and its development over the years.[25] [26]

Public art is an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape, with numerous sculptures and murals adorning public spaces. The Everglades Wonder Gardens, a historic attraction, continues to draw visitors with its botanical garden and wildlife exhibits.[27] [28]

Education

Bonita Springs is served by the Lee County School District.

Elementary schools

Middle school

High school

Charter schools

Private schools

Higher learning

Transportation

Airports

Major highways

Mass transportation

Fixed-route bus and trolley service is provided by the Lee County Transit Department, operated as LeeTran.

Rail

Seminole Gulf Railway owns and operates a line that passes through the city. The company offers freight service and local, daytime excursions.

Media

Newspapers

Bonita Springs is served by local editions of the Fort Myers News-Press and Naples Daily News.

Radio

The metropolitan area is home to 36 radio stations. With an Arbitron-assigned 879,600 listening area population, the metropolitan area of which Bonita Springs is one part ranks 61/274 for the fall of 2013. Arbitron Standard Radio Market: Ft. Myers-Naples-Marco Island.[29]

Television

Nielsen Media Research designated market area: Ft. Myers-Naples.[30]

2013 - 2014 estimate U.S. rank: 62/210 (517,920 TV Homes)

Points of interest

Sister cities

Notable people

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lighthouse Project - History: Bonita Springs began as town of Survey, evolved into city it is today. naplesnews.com.
  2. Web site: A Tale of Three Cities: Bonita Springs: Second Time's the Charm. www.yourobserver.com.
  3. Web site: FLORIDA CITIES BY INCORPORATION YEAR WITH INCORPORATION & DISSOLUTION INFO. www.flcities.com.
  4. Web site: 2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. October 31, 2021.
  5. Web site: 2020 Census Qualifying Urban Areas and Final Criteria Clarifications. United States Census Bureau. Federal Register. December 29, 2022.
  6. Web site: U.S. Census website . United States Census Bureau . January 31, 2008 .
  7. Web site: US Board on Geographic Names. January 31, 2008. United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007.
  8. Web site: Explore Census Data . 2022-09-29 . data.census.gov.
  9. Web site: The History Of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . Bonita National Golf And Country Club.
  10. Web site: History - City of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . City of Bonita Springs.
  11. Web site: History of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . Bonita Springs Historical Society.
  12. Web site: History of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . Bonita Springs Historical Society.
  13. Web site: History - City of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . City of Bonita Springs.
  14. Web site: History of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . Bonita Springs Historical Society.
  15. Web site: History of Bonita Springs, Florida . 15 May 2024 . Best Bonita Springs Vacation Rental.
  16. Web site: Bonita Springs, Florida . 15 May 2024 . Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
  17. Web site: History - City of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . City of Bonita Springs.
  18. Web site: History of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . Bonita Springs Historical Society.
  19. Web site: Bonita Springs, Florida . 15 May 2024 . Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
  20. Web site: P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Bonita Springs city, Florida. United States Census Bureau.
  21. Web site: P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Bonita Springs city, Florida. United States Census Bureau.
  22. Web site: S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2020: Bonita Springs city, Florida. United States Census Bureau.
  23. Web site: S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2010: Bonita Springs city, Florida. United States Census Bureau.
  24. Web site: Bonita Springs, Florida . 15 May 2024 . Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
  25. Web site: History of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . Bonita Springs Historical Society.
  26. Web site: History of Bonita Springs, Florida . 15 May 2024 . Best Bonita Springs Vacation Rental.
  27. Web site: History - City of Bonita Springs . 15 May 2024 . City of Bonita Springs.
  28. Web site: History of Bonita Springs, Florida . 15 May 2024 . Best Bonita Springs Vacation Rental.
  29. Web site: Market Survey Schedule & Population Rankings . Wargod.arbitron.com . November 3, 2015.
  30. Web site: Local Television Market Universe Estimates : Comparisons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 Market Ranks . Nielsen.com . November 3, 2015.
  31. Web site: Bonita Springs TV 98 Government Access Channel . BTV98 . City of Bonita Springs . January 3, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160316105444/http://www.bonitatv.org/aboutus.html . March 16, 2016 . dead .
  32. Web site: Bender . Andrew . America's Top 10 Beaches of 2013 . Forbes . May 24, 2013 .
  33. Web site: DEP confirmation that Lover's Key lies in city limits. Dep. state.fl.us. November 3, 2015.
  34. Web site: Everglades Wonder Gardens . 15 May 2024 . Everglades Wonder Gardens.
  35. Web site: City Council Mieeting Agenda. https://web.archive.org/web/20181228035513/http://www.cityofbonitasprings.org/documents-archive/minutes%5C2000%5Ccity-council/07-05-00%20City%20Council%20Minutes.pdf. dead. December 28, 2018. July 5, 2000. www.cityofbonitasprings.org. 2018-12-27.
  36. Web site: Bonita Springs to become sister city with Isla Mujeres, Mexico. March 15, 2018. bonitasprings.floridaweekly.com. 2018-12-27.
  37. News: May 11, 2010 . Glenn Steil obituary . Grand Rapids Press . live . https://archive.today/20200801140411/https://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?n=glenn-steil&pid=142676682&fhid=10097 . August 1, 2020.