Marco Island, FL — In a rare show of solidarity between residents and local officials, the Marco Island City Council has officially scrapped the contentious plan to install electronic tolls on the island’s two main bridges.

The proposal, introduced by Councilwoman Tamara Goehler, aimed to raise revenue by tolling the S.S. Jolley Bridge and the Stan Gober Memorial Bridge. However, after weeks of passionate opposition—including heated emails, public outcry, and even late-night threats—the council decided to drop the idea during Monday’s meeting.

“This is a victory for the community,” said longtime resident Michelle Cipollone. “Our voices were heard loud and clear. It’s wrong to nickel-and-dime people just for crossing a bridge to their own homes.”

Goehler, who had originally proposed the tolls as a way to avoid a looming property tax increase, admitted the plan’s complexities were too much to manage. The council struggled to find a workable system to exempt year-round residents, workers, and emergency services without causing massive administrative headaches.

“My goal was to ease the financial burden on our citizens,” Goehler explained. “But after hearing from the community and reviewing the challenges, I decided to withdraw the proposal.”

Her decision was met with relief—and even applause—inside the council chambers.

Local business owners were among the most outspoken critics, warning that tolls would discourage visitors and damage the island’s crucial tourism economy. “This would have been a disaster,” said restaurant owner Carlos Martinez. “Why make it harder for people to come here and spend their money?”

Instead of tolls, the council plans to explore more traditional budget solutions in the coming weeks. For now, island residents are celebrating what they see as a grassroots win—a reminder that when the community speaks, city hall can listen.

“It’s not every day the government backs down,” said resident Sarah Donnelly with a smile. “Today, Marco Island showed what happens when neighbors stand together.”