July traffic tolls remained respectable, according to the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority.
2012 ranks No. 7 all-time for July traffic with 57,270 tolls - just 5.7 percent and 3,483 paid tolls off the all-time record of 60,753 for 2007.
"Hopefully summer weather for beach users will remain sunny with no major tropical storms and our fishing will remain productive," said Jim Cooper, GIBA executive director. GIBA's toll traffic loss on the storm days was about 2,700 vehicles, he said.
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Jim Cooper
July traffic dropped only 3,420 vehicles compared with June and is up 1,531 vehicles and 2.7 percent from the same month a year ago.
The July decrease was just the seventh in the past nine months but that's not unusual. Boca Grande traffic tends to decline after March and pick up after October.
Cash tolls are down 2 percent, GIBA reported, as pass sales are up 2 percent. Rising gas prices will be a negative factor if they continue to rise, Cooper said.
Fact Box
OFFICIAL BALLOT
GASPARILLA ISLAND BRIDGE AUTHORITY
BRIDGE/ROADWAY REPLACEMENT
LIMITED AD VALOREM TAX AND BOND REFERENDUM
Island residents can approve or reject a .30 millage increase on the Nov. 6 ballot. Funds would help pay for the new bridges.
In addition to toll revenues, shall Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority levy an annual limited ad valorem tax not exceeding 0.30 mills to secure bonds, to be issued in one or more series in a principal amount not exceeding $48 million, bearing interest at not exceeding maximum legal rate, maturing not more than 30 years from issuance to finance/refinance costs of replacing existing fixed and swing bridges and roadway replacement?
Yes - For Bonds
No - Against Bonds
To Go
What: GIBA Board meeting
When: 1:30 p.m. Nov. 2
Where: Boca Grande Community Center Woman's Club Room
Why: Bridge replacement project
Who: Open to the public
