One Bonita Bay
2024 IMPACT STUDY
Bonita Bay is pleased and excited to introduce the “One Bonita Bay Impact Study”, an initiative that encompasses the Bonita Bay Community Association, the Bonita Bay Club, and the Marina as well as the residents who live here.
The purpose of the study was to capture and communicate the impact Bonita Bay has on the surrounding community through a focus on three broad categories:
Environmental Financial Philanthropic
The findings of the Impact Study proved to be incredibly significant and documents how Bonita Bay functions as a pillar of economic vitality in Southwest Florida both locally and regionally. One of the main attributes of what drives this impact stems directly from the Bonita Bay residents - individuals who care deeply about their community through environmental stewardship and inspiring others to make a difference. By working together, the residents continuously put generosity and compassion into action for the betterment of all.
As the project team progressed through the data gathering stage, it was clear that many of the findings would be understated. For example, many charities shared how Bonita Bay residents are “huge contributors and/or supporters”, but the charities do not document or track the information. Another example is the financial impact data where the sales taxes paid by Bonita Bay for goods and services is not included.
One Bonita Bay 2024 Impact Study Data Summary
Protecting and Preserving Our Natural Environment
Every year, Bonita Bay makes substantial investments in preservation programs. In 2023, over $1 million was allocated to various environmental initiatives. Pathway investments help manage runoff, prevent flooding, and maintain the health of natural habitats.
Over $2.5 Million Dollars Allocated to Environmental Initiatives
The Macias Wildlife Partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University
Spans More Than Two Decades
The Macias Wildlife Society
The Bonita Bay community honors the legacy of resident and wildlife photographer Anne Macias through the non-profit, Macias Wildlife Society (MWS), by carrying on Anne’s mission of wildlife educational outreach and research. Programs on birds, ecosystems, butterflies, and other wildlife are presented by MWS members to Bonita Bay residents.
College of Education
150 FGCU College of Education students visit Bonita Bay’s Estero Bay Park annually.
These programs benefit over 2,000 FGCU future teachers and more than 7,000 elementary students.
College of Biological Sciences
As a research sponsor for undergraduate and graduate students, field research is conducted in Bonita Bay to help preserve and protect our birds and wildlife.
Service-Learning Program
As a registered Service-Learning partner, opportunities are provided to students who need to complete their mandatory 80 hours of volunteer work.
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
Water School
The Bonita Bay Community Association funded a Water Quality Study with the FGCU Water School.
• The study included Bonita Bay's 40 community lakes with a focus on improving water resource management and conservation for Southwest Florida's aquatic ecosystems.
• The study results are being used as a baseline for understanding the changes that might be occurring in our lakes.
Athletics
• We are a yearly participant at the Night at the Nest fundraiser.
• We have hosted the Bonita Bay Classic Collegiate Tennis Tournament since 2018.
• We have provided multiple scholarships.
Research Studies
We invest in collaborative research to determine whether there is a correlation between certain invasive species and the harboring of distinct types of parasitic organisms in their system.
Bonita Bay and Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Several Bonita Bay residents are volunteers at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary as boardwalk naturalists and education teachers for 2nd and 5th grade students.
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Photo Credit: Sydney Walsh/Audubon Source: Tripadvisor
Conservancy of Southwest Florida Bonita Bay
Wildlife Rescue
The Bonita Bay Marina is a proud participant in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Clean Marina Program, addressing critical environmental issues such as:
• Habitat protection
• Waste management and storm water control
• Spill prevention
• Emergency preparedness
Joining forces with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in 2023, a group of Bonita Bay residents created the “Critter Courier” program, a network dedicated to helping injured birds, reptiles, and mammals obtain timely, lifesaving care at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. These injured animals receive the medical attention they need to recover, rehabilitate, and, if possible, return to their natural habitats.
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Success Story
Critter Couriers received notification of a Red Shouldered Hawk caught in an open rat snap trap. Two Bonita Bay Critter Couriers arrived on the scene, boxed up the hawk (and the trap) and transported the hawk to the von Arx Hospital. Thankfully, due to their quick action, the hawk was saved, rehabilitated, and released back into the wild in Bonita Bay.
Photo Credit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Philanthropic
Making Positive Changes
Bonita Bay residents believe that philanthropy is essential for creating positive change. Consistent with this belief, Bonita Bay residents have impacted thousands of lives over four decades.
35+ $32.2M 1k+
Charities Supported
More than 35 charities, with major contributions to United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Lee Health, and FGCU.
Monetary Donations
Includes more than $13.5 million in donations within the past three years and over $3.6 million donated in 2023.
Volunteer Hours
Thousands of hours contributed annually.
Bonita Bay’s Partnership with United Way
For the past six consecutive years, residents have donated more than $1 million per year making Bonita Bay the only gated community in the United States to accomplish such a feat and earning a spot in the Million Dollar Circle of Excellence. Bonita Bay is recognized as the top community donor group, alongside Publix, the corporate representative in the Million Dollar Circle of Excellence Club.
Nearly $20 million in donations raised over the last 25 years.
Bonita Bay’s Partnership with Habitat for Humanity
Residents have been involved with Habitat for Humanity for the past 22 years as volunteers, through home sponsorship for 69 homes, and fundraising. Because of these efforts, numerous families have moved into secure and affordable housing, with better stability and hope for the future.
• In 2023, residents contributed more than $700,000.
• As of 2014 when Habitat began tracking statistics, residents provided more than 29,000 volunteer hours to help construct homes.
Bonita Bay’s Partnership with Lee Health FoundationCancer Infusion Suite
Donations from the Kentucky Derby Gala, hosted by Bonita Bay Club, to the Lee Health Foundation have resulted in the Bonita Bay Cancer Infusion Suite and the Bonita Bay Pharmacy at the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cancer Clinic Bonita Health Center.
More than $2 million in total donations within the past three years.
Bonita Bay Veterans Council
Formed in 2015 by Bonita Bay residents, the Bonita Bay Veterans Council has touched the lives of over 3,500 veterans, providing essential support like rent, mortgage payments, and medical bills. With over $2.1 million donated in the past 10 years, more than 98.6% of every dollar received directly benefits veterans in need.
Over 600 Honorary Memberships Given to Veterans who are Bonita Bay Residents
“The reason why we have been able to do what we're doing is because of the club and the community association. The residents that live here are our supporters…If anybody would've said 10 years ago when we helped with five vets in one month... we’d go from $25,000 to half a million dollars a year. That's amazing.”
Nick Romano, President Bonita Bay Veterans Council
One Bonita Bay Hurricane Relief Fund
In 2017, Bonita Bay residents created the Hurricane Relief Fund in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma to assist employees from the Bonita Bay Community Association, Bonita Bay Club, the Marina, Sweetwater Lifestyles, and Backwater Jacks. Through the continued generosity of residents, just under $1 million has been donated to employees affected by hurricanes that have impacted our area.
Charities Supported by Bonita Bay Include:
Investing in our Local Community
The economic impact of Bonita Bay is significant, not only through direct employment and spending, but also through the ripple effects that benefit the broader Southwest Florida region. The substantial payrolls, operating budgets, and real estate tax contributions underscore Bonita Bay’s role as an economic powerhouse in the area.
$185,246,000
$62,335,100 One Bonita Bay Operating Budgets
$5,894,000 Emergency Response
$83,674,900 HOA & Single Family Neighborhood Budgets
$16,442,000 Schools $696,400 Water Management
$2,475,000 Bonita Springs
$39,236,000 Real Estate Taxes (Estimated)
$13,728,600 Lee County
$11.4M General
$1.428M Libraries
$900,600 Invasive Controls
Bonita Bay’s contributions play a crucial role in funding public services and infrastructure within Lee County and the City of Bonita Springs. With an estimated $39 million contributed annually through real estate taxes, Bonita Bay supports essential services such as emergency response, schools, road maintenance, waste management, libraries, and parks, making up a significant portion of local revenue.
Bonita Bay Premier Employer
As a premier employer in the region, Bonita Bay supports a diverse workforce, currently employing 360 full-time, 153 part-time, and 233 seasonal employees across the Bonita Bay Community Association, Bonita Bay Club, and Marina. The combined payroll totals over $30 million annually, providing essential income for local families and contributing to the area’s economic vitality.
Full-Time
Over $30 million payroll annually
Supporting Local Businesses
Bonita Bay’s economic impact extends beyond employment, as the community invests in local goods and services.
Significant revenue also generated into the local economy from Bonita Bay's expenditure on personal and professional services, goods, and sales tax.