What’s Current Around the Bay | JANUARY 2026
Posted: December 30, 2025 • Category: Community
BBCA Wishes You a Wonderful New Year!
As we welcome the New Year, we extend our sincere appreciation to our residents for the many ways you make this community exceptional through your kindness, generosity, and environmental stewardship.
BBCA wishes you a healthy, fulfilling, and peaceful New Year, and we look forward to another year of meaningful accomplishments together!
Office Closure Notice
The BBCA Administration offices and Activities Center will be closed for New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1. Regular operating hours will resume the following business day. For non-emergency, community-related matters, please contact the Call Center at 239-947-2476 or callc@bbcahome.com.
Private Beach Hours
The Private Beach will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Shuttle service will begin with the first pick-up at 9:00 a.m. and will end with the last pick-up at 1:00 p.m. in the community and 2:30 p.m. at the beach facility.
For beach-related questions, please contact the Private Beach at 239-498-3168 or Beachfrontdesk@bbcahome.com.
2026 BBCA Annual Assessment Is Due Tomorrow
This is a friendly reminder that payment for the 2026 BBCA Annual Assessment is due tomorrow, December 31, 2025. Please note that interest charges will apply to payments received after the due date.
To make a payment online, log in to the BBCA website or mobile app, click “View/Pay My Statement”, and follow the prompts to submit your payment. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at Accounting@bbcahome.com.
Elections Underway for Two Seats on the BBCA Board of Directors
The Bonita Bay Community Association is conducting an election to fill two seats on the Association’s Board of Directors in 2026.
The Board would benefit from experience or expertise in the areas of environmental management (including lakes and wetlands), finance, or strategic planning. Candidates are strongly encouraged to have served as a BBCA committee member for at least one year to best understand BBCA operations and contribute to its continuous improvement.
The election results will be announced at the Annual Meeting on March 19, 2026. Click here to read more and learn how to apply.
Lakes & Wetlands Committee Seeking Volunteers
The Community Association is seeking candidates for an opening on the Lakes and Wetlands Committee.
This committee advises and makes recommendations to the Board on priorities for the restoration and maintenance of lakes, wetlands, natural areas, swales, and sloughs that comprise the community’s storm water system. The deadline for applications is tomorrow, December 31.
2026 BBCA Annual Assessment Is Due Tomorrow
This is a friendly reminder that payment for the 2026 BBCA Annual Assessment is due tomorrow, December 31, 2025. Please note that interest charges will apply to payments received after the due date.
To make a payment online, log in to the BBCA website or mobile app, click “View/Pay My Statement”, and follow the prompts to submit your payment.If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at Accounting@bbcahome.com.
Elections Underway for Two Seats on the BBCA Board of Directors
The Bonita Bay Community Association is conducting an election to fill two seats on the Association’s Board of Directors in 2026.
The Board would benefit from experience or expertise in the areas of environmental management (including lakes and wetlands), finance, or strategic planning. Candidates are strongly encouraged to have served as a BBCA committee member for at least one year to best understand BBCA operations and contribute to its continuous improvement.
The election results will be announced at the Annual Meeting on March 19, 2026. Click here to read more and learn how to apply.
Lakes & Wetlands Committee Seeking Volunteers
The Community Association is seeking candidates for an opening on the Lakes and Wetlands Committee. This committee advises and makes recommendations to the Board on priorities for the restoration and maintenance of lakes, wetlands, natural areas, swales, and sloughs that comprise the community’s storm water system. The deadline for applications is tomorrow, December 31. Click here to volunteer.
Understanding the Wetland Restoration Process
The Natural Area 18 (NA-18) wetland, located between the commercial gate and Bonita Bay Club’s new housing building, is currently undergoing a restoration process. Although the area may appear disturbed, this is a normal and necessary phase of removing the nuisance Carolina Willow, which had overtaken the wetland and crowded out native plants. This species absorbs water and releases it into the air through evapotranspiration, preventing water from replenishing underground aquifers that supply drinking water. As restoration continues, native vegetation will reemerge, and additional native species will be introduced to support a healthier, more functional ecosystem. With the return of the rainy season, the wetland is expected to refill naturally, creating conditions that once again attract wildlife—similar to other successfully restored areas throughout Bonita Bay.
Understanding the Wetland Restoration Process
The Natural Area 18 (NA-18) wetland, located between the commercial gate and Bonita Bay Club’s new housing building, is currently undergoing a restoration process.
Although the area may appear disturbed, this is a normal and necessary phase of removing the nuisance Carolina Willow, which had overtaken the wetland and crowded out native plants. This species absorbs water and releases it into the air through evapotranspiration, preventing water from replenishing underground aquifers that supply drinking water.
As restoration continues, native vegetation will reemerge, and additional native species will be introduced to support a healthier, more functional ecosystem.
With the return of the rainy season, the wetland is expected to refill naturally, creating conditions that once again attract wildlife similar to other successfully restored areas throughout Bonita Bay.
Horseshoe Wetland near Wedgwood.
Natural Area 70 Wetland, between Egrets Landing and the Bayview Condos.
Cane Toad Gala 2025
To read a message from the BBCA Lakes & Wetlands Committee about the 2025 Cane Toad Gala, click here.
Last Chance to Attend Hotwire Town Halls and Education Classes
Hotwire is hosting its final informational Town Halls and Education Classes in January. The Town Halls will introduce the new Fision TV+ platform, featuring an overview of its capabilities, a live demonstration of the equipment, and a Q&A session. The Education Classes will provide more in-depth, hands-on training for residents who prefer a personalized learning experience with Fision TV+.
- Click here to register for a Town Hall.
- Click here to view Hotwire’s guides and resources on the BBCA Website.
- Click here to learn more about Education Classes and to register for a class.
Save the Date: 2040 Vision Survey Town Halls
As we continue shaping our 2040 Vision, community engagement remains essential. We invite residents to participate in our upcoming 2040 Vision Town Halls, where you’ll engage with BBCA leadership and the Strategic Planning Committee. During the Town Halls, you can expect an overview of the 2040 Vision survey results, discussion on why planning for the future is so important, and resident sentiment on what Bonita Bay should look like in 2040. Please note that the Friday, Jan. 20 session is now full. Registration remains open for the Tuesday, Feb. 3 Town Hall. Click here to learn more.
United Way Bonita Bay Campaign 2025–2026
Click here to learn how United Way’s Bonita Bay campaign is progressing.
New Residents Meet & Greet
On Thursday, Jan. 29, you are invited to attend a meet and greet designed for new residents of Bonita Bay, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with fellow new residents and have questions answered directly by our staff. Sessions are limited to 15 spots. The event will be held at the BBCA Administration Office, at 3451 Bonita Bay Blvd. Suite #200 (second floor). To RSVP, please contact Victoria Lopez at VictoriaL@bbcahome.com or 239-495-8111.
December 18 Board of Directors Meeting Highlights
Click here to view the Highlights from the December 18 Board of Directors meeting. Watch the recording here or on the BBCA Website, under Governance / Board Meetings / Board Meeting Recordings. The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, January 15. The official meeting notice and instructions for participation via Zoom will be emailed a week prior.
BBCA Leadership Spotlight
Leslie Velazquez | Director of Administration & HR
With over 20 years of service across two respected country clubs, Leslie Velazquez now holds a rising leadership role within BBCA anchored in professionalism, empathy, and proven results. Her recent promotion to lead the Administration Department was a natural next step in a career spent mastering both people and operations. In this expanded role, she brings knowledge from private club environments, a collaborative leadership style rooted in respect and practical problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence that strengthens both internal operations and resident trust. With her background in HR, hospitality, and long-term organizational leadership, she is exceptionally prepared to guide administrative functions that are central to the association’s daily effectiveness and long-range success.
Marco Lora | Director of Finance & IT
Marco Lora oversees financial operations, budgeting, reporting, and long-range planning for Bonita Bay Community Association. He focuses on strengthening governance, improving financial processes, and supporting leadership with clear and reliable financial insights. Marco’s background includes experience across nonprofit organizations, privately held companies, and publicly traded corporations, giving him a well-rounded perspective on financial management across diverse operating environments. Marco brings leadership experience from regional and corporate finance roles in the golf, equipment rental, and senior living industries. Throughout his career, he has led teams, enhanced financial systems, and supported organizational decision-making through strong analytical and operational skills. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and is a licensed CPA in the State of Florida.
Special Events This Month
For assistance with event registrations, please contact the Activities Department at
239-390-5550.
Private Beach Sunset Dinners: Italian Night
Enjoy a specialty-themed menu, offered by Frisco’s Catering Service, with exclusive oceanfront views at the brand-new Private Beach facility. View the specialty menu and read more details here.
Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Bonita Bay Private Beach: 27250 Hickory Blvd.
Reservations Required | $105 per person
Complimentary shuttle transportation departs at 4:40 p.m. from the Community Activities Center.
For reservations, please call Community Activities at 239-390-5550.
Disclaimer: Sunset dinners are for the enjoyment of Bonita Bay residents only. Reservations for a maximum of four people will be accepted after all attendees have been vetted. To streamline the check-in process, attendees MUST present a dining ticket to the Private Beach staff. Dining tickets will be available for pickup at the Community Activities Center within seven (7) days of the event. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations for specific tables will not be accepted. Due to parking limitations, shuttle bus transportation is highly recommended—no refunds within seven (7) days of the event. Outside beverages are not permitted. Online reservations are not available for Sunset Dinners. These events are offered through Community Activities. Please do not contact the Private Beach for reservations for Sunset Dinner events.
Honoring Memory through Education: The Holocaust
Residents are invited to attend the travelling pop-up museum dedicated to Holocaust education and remembrance, featuring impactful displays and personal survivor testimonies.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Special Preview
Wednesday, Jan. 7 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Exhibit Remains Open
Community Activities Center: 3451 Bonita Bay Blvd. Suite #100
Open House Style | Complimentary
To learn more, click here.
Community Fun Run/Walk
All residents are welcome to enjoy a morning run or walk with neighbors along scenic pathways from the Bonita Bay Marina to Estero Bay Park and back. Pets, bicycles, and strollers are not permitted.
Saturday, Jan. 17 | 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Bonita Bay Marina
Reservations Required | $10 per person
Play Top Golf: VIP Transportation Included
Enjoy an unforgettable outing with VIP round-trip transportation and a premium Top Golf experience featuring golfing, complimentary light bites, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Monday, Jan. 26 | 1:45 p.m. – 6:10 p.m. (depending on traffic)
Community Activities Center: 3451 Bonita Bay Blvd. Suite #100
Reservations Required | $149
Additional Important Resources
Gate Access
- Click here for the updated policy about app-based transportation and delivery services (eg. Uber, Lyft, Uber Eats, Doordash).
- Click here to renew your vehicle barcode.
- Call in guests/vendors at 239-947-2476 or email a list at callc@bbcahome.com.
Private Beach
- For quick access to the latest beach information, please refer to the Private Beach page on the BBCA website/mobile app.
- Click here to experience the Bonita Bay Private Beach.
For questions, please use the Contact BBCA form or call the BBCA Administrative office at 239-495-8111.