Despite significantly more public opposition than last month, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council voted 3-1 to move the Seagate redevelopment of the 10-acre Red Coconut property to a final public hearing on December 16th.
On Monday about 25 people spoke out against the project with less than five speaking in favor, including a London Bay representative. At the first public hearing the public feedback was closer to 50-50, with less public turnout. The biggest concern from the community is the height of the two tallest buildings in the Seagate proposal.
The Seagate plan includes two condo towers that could be as high as 17 stories. They are asking for buildings that are over 200 feet higher (235 feet total) than what’s allowed by right. They are set back off Estero Boulevard. The plan includes 137 condo units, 4 single family homes, a restaurant open to the public, a 240 foot view corridor on the beach side of the property, a private pedestrian walkover and a private beach club with availability of local paid memberships.
Local resident Kevin Sullivan said that two 17-story buildings exceed the intent of the comp plan. “There’s a lack of any real public benefit to grant this height.”
If the buildings are eventually constructed they would be the tallest buildings built on Fort Myers Beach since before the town incorporated back in 1995. Tall buildings being built with the approval of Lee County was the main reason the town moved to incorporate back then.
Shell Mound resident Cathy Turner told the Town Council, “You have the opportunity here to destroy our residential neighborhood.”
Greg Scasny, who ran for Town Council this year on a platform of fighting big development, said “It’s just too tall and not consistent with our Comprehensive Plan. If you don’t like our Comprehensive Plan, change it.”
Seagate CEO Matt Price responded to Scasny by saying he did not win the election. “He came out 100 percent against the project and lost the election. I took the election as support.” Scasny lost by about 120 votes. Mayor Dan Allers, Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt and Councilman Scott Safford received more votes than Scasny in the recent election.
At times during the Monday meeting Mayor Allers had to ask the crowd to be respectful to the Seagate team when they were at the podium speaking. There was a bit of heckling coming from the back of the room which caused Price to call the meeting a “shit show” at the microphone.
Despite the overwhelming public comment against, it appears the project is still on track for approval at the final December 16th public hearing. Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt was in favor of the redevelopment plan after the first hearing and said to Price, “I’m disappointed you called this a shit show. This is democracy, part of the process, and I respect the people that took the time to be here today and voice their concerns. I may not share their opinion post-Ian, I think the circumstances have changed dramatically. I hope you’ll regret saying that.”
Councilman John King was in the hospital after having to call 911 over the weekend after believing he might be having a heart attack. He was not but he did have to stay overnight for additional tests. King called in for the marathon meeting yesterday but was not available for the vote. The council by a vote of 3-1 did move the item to a final public hearing on December 16th where, if approved, the project can begin.
Price said if Seagate does receive approval the final design phase will take up to a year. He said the Beach Club on the Gulf side would be built first and act as a sales center for the condo units. He said with 2 towers being built it enables Seagate to move forward without as many pre-sales of the condo units if there was only one tower.
Watch our interview from Saturday, November 30th with Seagate CEO Matt Price HERE.
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And while I’m at it… 20% residents membership to an exclusive “beach club” isn’t a public benefit. It is a benefit for the wealthy, likely those that own beach front property already.
I’m not an attorney but it may even be illegal for the construction of this magnitude. There is something called “SPOT ZONING” which basically disallows the construction of something that is way out of character of the surrounding area. IE: long time single family homes and then constructing up to 9 15+story buildings and other businesses not originally in the same area.
My home isn’t in the affected area and I leave it up to those who are for further investigation. It might come down to those affected hiring an expert attorney. You will have to fight for your rights. I would also encourage everyone to search the 2024 Florida statutes:
Title XI Chapter 163 – the process for adoption of comprehensive plan or plan amendment.
Indeed a “shit show” on the part of the City Council not the constituents. Mr. Safford is not an incumbent. He was never previously elected, only appointed by the Town Council. Now he seems to have convinced/enlisted the lame council members to jump on the unrestricted development train…
How is it possible that the Town Council has made a 180 on FMB development in just a few weeks? We have transitioned from 2-4 stories deviation from comp plan to 17 stories. Town council has only rarely deviated from LPA recommendations. Possibly, we have elected a majority of council members that own small businesses on the island and are intimately connected to the Chamber of Commerce?? Conflict of interest? News flash, large conglomerate resorts will swallow your small business as per other Florida locations that have taken to large scale development. Hollandale Beach went from large public beach to two Trump Towers in a few years and their beaches are private, your lucky if you can just walk the beach mean in front of the high-rise developments. We are talking 13-15 stories higher than Margaritaville.
The town may not be in compliance with state laws regarding the adoption of plan amendments. Read 2024 Florida Statutes Title XI Chapter 163
Leg.state.fl.us/Statutes
Election mandate? Okay, Mr. Stafford won by “100” votes. Does this declaration that the election supported development take into consideration that a great number of property owners on FMB cannot vote. “Snowbirds” are typically registered to vote in their home state and therefore cannot vote in Florida election. If they give it up, their home state exemption in will be lost in their northern state of residence. By the way what is the denominator and numerator for this overwhelming election support for development? What does 100 votes represent? 3%, 2%, 25%, 60% of those who voted?
I would like to see an “Investigative Reporter” dig into this story. lot’s of angles here. It would be interesting to see what really motivated the Yes votes. Could be a great episode for the TV show “American Greed”.
Seagate is our new Ian. They blew in with their demands and town council did not build our “seawall” to protect us.
We the residents are left holding the bag and dealing with the aftermath.
Matt Price and his group will make their millions and “blow out” laughing all the way to the bank.
I don’t live adjacent to their property and I feel for the neighborhood being bullied. Our town council is supposed to be “big brother” to help protect us. 4 of them cower in the corner and hide, failing to do what is right and stand up to bullies.
That’s why people moved down here for the redneck vibe, not for frothy $14 coffee drinks.
Scott, What an insightful comment about the election timing.
Can y’all just do a sanibel thing? Leave the high rises to the south end? Understand this property is a bit north..maybe too north. Unfortunately the island developed backwards. High rises should have been north by Times Square leaving the south end for homes & FL vibe. it is what it is…y’all need to figure out where your north boundary (for high rises is). Obviously not for the pink shell! 🤷♀️
Coorection: Dave what an insightful comment…
I am in total agreement if the town continues forward with the approval of this plan it will open the door for many others to follow suit. We the residents have two options: REMOVE the individuals who wish not to follow our wishes or DISBAND the town’s corporate entity. Why foolishly pay the taxes and infrastructure improvements needed to sustain these future developments. Now for the comment: SHIT SHOW, This is what out elected leaders think about the residents. This was a sad day for FMB.
Let me paste what someone down there said because you have it all backwards and this sums it up:
It is really hard to oust an incumbent. Most people default to the incumbent (1) even if they don’t agree with all the issues (2) when they don’t know or don’t care about all, most, some, or any of the issues (3) when they’re buddies with the incumbent or want something (4) because of name recognition (5) for any number of reasons. Let’s not forget also that Scott has more friends and more campaign money, both extremely important to winning an election. Plus he is married to the chamber president. And many votes were cast during early voting, before anyone knew the council’s position on this. The fact Greg got 100 votes shy of ousting an incumbent (meaning if only 50 or so people who voted Scott would have voted Greg instead, Greg would’ve won), and the fact that Dan (who always opposed this) got the most votes of all, suggests the opposite conclusion of what you’re suggesting.
All of you are nuts.
This comment has nothing to do with the proposed development. Let me be clear.
Nuts
He didn’t run on no development as you stated, he ran on controlled development and that is a no brainer.
Anyone want to start a Petition? This would at least get rid of Woodson and King. See full statute for procedure.
ELECTIONS
Chapter 100
GENERAL, PRIMARY, SPECIAL, BOND, AND REFERENDUM ELECTIONS
View Entire Chapter
100.361 Municipal recall.—
(1) APPLICATION; DEFINITION.—Any member of the governing body of a municipality or charter county, hereinafter referred to in this section as “municipality,” may be removed from office by the electors of the municipality. When the official represents a district and is elected only by electors residing in that district, only electors from that district are eligible to sign the petition to recall that official and are entitled to vote in the recall election. When the official represents a district and is elected at-large by the electors of the municipality, all electors of the municipality are eligible to sign the petition to recall that official and are entitled to vote in the recall election. Where used in this section, the term “district” shall be construed to mean the area or region of a municipality from which a member of the governing body is elected by the electors from such area or region. Members may be removed from office pursuant to the procedures provided in this section. This method of removing members of the governing body of a municipality is in addition to any other method provided by state law.
Yes. Karen and John are the most clueless council members I’ve ever seen. They NEVER ask questions, NEVER negotiate, NEVER add an ounce of value and frankly they are hard to watch during meetings. John looks like he’s sleeping half the time and Karen is constantly on her phone. They will DEFINITELY NOT get re-elected. Complete waste of 2 council seats.
Where will the public hearing be held? and at what time?
Dec 16, 9:00am town hall trailers
Goodbye forever to the Fort Myers Beach of years passed and hello to new Miami Beach. At least I was able to enjoy it for 40 years. This project will forever change the dynamic of the neighborhood and the beach community. What is the point of having height restrictions that were put in place to maintain the community if you are just going to disregard them. Sounds like greed on the part of the folks that are allowing this to be voted in.
As Kim mentioned, it’s important to note that most of the election votes were cast before the Town Council went against the LPA’s recommendation and approved the Seagate proposal. As a long time resident, I felt blindsided. The Council had just rejected the EIBC proposal even though the LPA approved it, so I assumed the Council would at least try to negotiate with Seagate. They did not. Pretty sure this would have changed 59 votes and put Greg Scasny on the Council. I don’t necessarily want FMB to become Sanibel, but I sure don’t want it to become Miami Beach.
What mandate?
Really upset that Matt Price decided to deliver a “death blow” after all of the opponents had spoken by bringing up the mistaken notion that the election was a mandate for his project. He knew that the Aye votes on council somehow all erroneously believe that as well. The reality is that Scott Safford just lucked out due to timing of the first council vote. At that time more than half of resident votes had already been cast. Voters at that time only knew that Seagate failed 2 – 4 at the LPA and council had not voted yet. Now what would the vote have been if Council had voted two weeks earlier? IMO, without question Greg Scasny would have been voted in over Scott. Likewise, if Greg’s opponents would have been Karen, John and Jim he likely would have gotten the second most votes. Watch again the public comment at yesterday’s meeting and tell me that Scott (or even Jim) would have more votes than Greg if voters had known those two had voted for Seagate. In addition, if you take a deep dive into the vote breakdown, this statement could be true: “ Greg Scasny was named on MORE THAN HALF of the ballots” (This absolutely could have happened if each voter named the full three candidates on their ballot). So PLEASE stop with this wrong statement that somehow Seagate got a mandate from the last election.
Scott, What an insightful comment about the election timing.
Matt Price! What a change from Saturday’s Beach Talk Radio performance!!…..Complete with a “shit eating grin” and display of confidence that he received a 4-1 vote Town Council support of Seagate project. Apparently, Mr. Price assumed the checkered flag was in sight when his Saturday Beach Talk Radio audience was in full support with only one raise of hands opposing the project. Well, seems like the “shit eating grin” of Saturday, quickly disappeared by the end of the “Shit Show” (Monday TC meeting). The endless crap from Mr. Price makes him the star of Monday’s show and Town Council a supporting cast. The absolute flip-flop of the Town council on development is curious indeed…
How extremely arrogant of him to say that the election was decided based solely on his project. Is he serious? As if that was the sole issue anyone had in mind when voting? Get a grip!
Let me also say that the one who has consistently opposed this project (and any other large projects) got the MOST votes of all. So, if we want to go there, let’s talk about that fact.
Do you really think the Mayor voting no wasn’t a strategic move on his part? He knew damn well the other 4 would vote yes.
He has always been vocal about opposing this. No idea what “strategic move” you’re talking about or what benefit he would get from that.
Whatever happened to compromise? I am a resident and want to see the island rebuilt to reasonable specifications; amend the comp plan once and for all and be done with it. If Seagate wants 17 stories 60′ back from Estero Blvd. have them come back with a proposal that revises the plan to move the highrise building back another 40′ and cap the height at 12 stories. Fact is and remains this barrier island will never be the way that it was 20 or 30 years ago.
I agree with you Joe. We need to move forward with compromise and start getting projects approved. It will be years before they are finished. People are complaining about high rises when there is maybe only 9 or so plots of land big enough to support large buildings, so it will not be Miami Beach or all that those are complaining about. What about all the new houses being built on the beach side of Estero. It will soon look like hickory island with solid houses that you can’t see thru that are 4 stories high that are right out close to the road. I guess that’s ok but not a proposal that seagate or London bay has proposed with view corridors and public access etc. I support and welcome the new projects. I have owned on the beach for 25 years and I am a voting resident. I personally am glad to see new the projects. If we don’t get things built back on the island for tax revenue and bed tax, guess who is going to have to pick up the loss. Actually I am more disgusted with the loss of the fema flood discount. We should be fixing that issue rather than fighting about new projects.
They could buy up every house on my street alone for $57mil and place 15+ towers on it. Don’t say it’s only 9 or so.
Would you like this development butting right up to your home or neighborhood? I love it when everyone wants something UNTIL it’s built in their neighborhood or blocking their sunlight. Give me a break.
I live in waterside in an eleven story building on the top floor and yes I had a building built right in front of my view (Grandview). All things change. You can either choose to accept it and deal with it or move on.
You chose to live in a high rise condo with the available knowledge to know one was going to be built in front of you. The residents surrounding the red coconut land are not already surrounded by tall structures. When you look out your lani to the bay, you aren’t even seeing the new building you claim is blocking your view.
There were exactly two who spoke against. One from London Bay and a recent arrival who wants the Beach to be like Virginia Beach.
Will the person who understands Jim Atterholt’s excuse for voting for 17 story towers and doubling the density at Neptune because of something he and the developers call a “post Ian environment” lease stand up.
How do hurricanes translate to the need for 17 story towers and greater density on an island that for 25 years has steasfastly rejected towers and more density?
The fact is your “post Ian environment” does no such thing.
Fess up Jim, tell your constituents the truth. It was all those private meetings and phone calls with those developers peddling that garbage over the last year that pulled you in.
You’re in questionable company there Jim. The Seagate CEO last Saturday smeared your constituents opossed to his plan by
telling them to “grow up.”
On Monday he stood before you and very publicly issued a threat. He said if he doesn’t get his way with his towers he would simply go for greater density because, he said, “it’s easier.”
It’s not the opponents who need growing up Jim, it’s the arrogance of the crowd you’re hanging out with and endorsing.
Jim has become shady. I don’t trust that dude. And he talks in circles and half the time he makes no sense.
What an embarrassment for the Town Council to support Seagate who called their constituents a shit show. Gulf Colony better hire a lawyer because it looks like Seagate wants to take over their beach access. How can a plan be approved that includes property they do not own? After this, it is no wonder voters think London Bay just got a wink and a nod.
Thank God Greg Scasny wasn’t elected.
I am excited for the new development on the old red coconut property. It’s an eye sore now. This island needs progress
I can’t wait for more big projects approved. The island is depressing. Post Ian rebuilding has been a joke. At this point it will take 10-15 years before this island is where it needs to be. Everyone whining about the reconstruction will be dead.
I’m not sure about other residents, but I’m for development, but following the Comp Plan development. Seagate does not need 17 stories. They can fit their units, within the 4 floors, spread evenly across their 10 acres. There are smart architects that can figure it out to code. These developments don’t have to be sky high. That’s all we want, is that really too much to ask for?
Would you like this development butting right up to your home or neighborhood? I love it when everyone wants something UNTIL it’s built in their neighborhood or blocking their sunlight. Give me a break. And you’re the one whining. I bet you’re not even a voter or homeowner in the island are ya?
Oh here’s crazy again.
So a clear piece of land is an eyesore? Would you like a 17 story building looking over your one story home? Sure you would.
Where do you live?
Ditto to Democracy. As residents, we elected officials who shared our goals and aspirations for the future of Fort Myers Beach post Ian. Meaning the “majority” of us made our voices heard, whether we showed up in person to this hearing or not; our representatives are speaking for most of us in lending support to projects like Seagate.
A majority voted for Dan who opposed the project.
The majority voted for Dan because that is who we all know. He has his own show for God’s sake. To be honest, I don’t really know much about any of the others so it is no wonder people voted for him. Plus since Dan is not a homeowner, after Ian, his landlord would have been dealing with the damage at his house so that gave Dan the time to drive around or sit at Buttonwood taking in donations. The other TC were busy cleaning up their homes and Roger was looking for matches and kindling.
It is really hard to oust an incumbent. Most people default to the incumbent (1) even if they don’t agree with all the issues (2) when they don’t know all, most, some, or any of the issues (3) when they don’t care about all, some, or most of the issues (4) when they’re buddies with the incumbent or want something (5) because of name recognition (6) for any number of reasons. Let’s not forget also that Scott has more friends and more campaign money, both extremely important to winning an election. Plus he is married to the chamber president. And many votes were cast early voting, before anyone knew the council’s position on this. The fact Greg got 100 votes shy of ousting an incumbent, and that Dan took the most votes of all, suggests the opposite conclusion of what you’re suggesting.
I don’t get it. What’s the justification in supporting such an outlandish violation of the height restrictions that are a principal reason FMB has been able to preserve its community. Clearly these officials are not looking after the preservation of what was FMB.
So happy to hear there will be some progress on the Island and something can move forward so we can get back to the Beautiful, lively and attractive community of FMB township. We need more moving forward, we have listened to the no’s and complaints long enough. Let’s heal our island so people can come back and see beauty. Life is always changing even if you don’t want it to, it needs to so we can survive!!!
Since I have been called out, I would like the make a few comments about this meeting. First, let me set the record straight on the election:
– I am not bitter that I lost, it was a fair election and a clean campaign by all.
– The results we NOT a mandate for development. Let’s just be honest here – I have never served on a Town Committee, I have lived here for a little over 6 years and I spent about $4000.00 on my Campaign. Contrast this to Mr. Safford (this is NOT a dig on him, he has been very gracious to me), Who has several Island Businesses, served on the LPA, was appointed to Council (and there for an Incumbent, and you can research how difficult it is to unseat an incumbent in Florida) and spent 8 times what I did on his campaign and his wife is President of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. These are not excuses, just facts.
I lost by 118 votes – by contrast I think I did pretty well, and it should be an eye opener to our Council that a relative nobody with no budget could come that close to unseating a sitting councilperson, and that is squarely because island residents do not want over-development.
Second – Yes I take issue with the “Shit Show” comment and I told Matt this. Things are said in the heat of the moment, and it is hard to sit there and listen to resident after resident denigrate your project. It also does not help our cause when residents do not show decorum and respect during a council meeting, we are better than this. But to be fair, it didn’t help Seagate’s case that their consultant who spoke for them was crass and dismissive – she certainly does not know how to read a room and has a disdain for our residents that chose to speak out.
Lastly – I take extreme issue with “These are trying times” and “The island will stagnate” comments. Yes, these are trying times, but that does not mean we ignore our Comp Plan( which is Law, by the way) and build these tall towers. Trying times take strong leaders.
To say our island will “stagnate” if we don’t allows these tall building is blatantly false. I don’t know how someone can in one meeting say what a great event the Sand Sculpting Contest was and how many people were here and all the money the that was made by island non-profits (which is AWESOME!), then later say the island is going to stagnate. Nothing could be further from the truth and it infuriates and saddens me that our elected leaders have so little faith in our island that they feel building more towers on the island is in our best interest and the only way forward, in clear opposition to our residents and our comprehensive plan. We have a 7 mile island – they aren’t making any more of them, and it will always be a draw. We don’t need to make MASSIVE concessions to get development here, quite the opposite, it’s a shame our elected leaders can’t see this.
You had my vote Greg. The island residents would have been truly blessed.
My vote as well Greg. You deserved to win this election. One person had a HUGE advantage thanks to his constant free exposure and is always in campaign mode. He has a very LARGE megaphone and we all get to hear him over and over and over. I would have loved to have your voice and business experience at the helm.
Great comment Greg. All true.
Which candidate received the most votes? Dan, who has consistently upheld the sprit of the comp plan. Its not all or nothing, denying this overblown project doesnt equate to no development. I guess the silent majority was absent.
Greg, I hope you and Anita run in the next election and oust King and Woodson, neither of whom care one bit about the concerns and feelings of the residents. Unfortunately, by then they (along with the vice mayor) will have caused irreparable harm to the Island.
I agree.
I wish there were term limits. The idea that a few people could literally sit like slugs on the Town Council/Mayor for year after year after year is just insane. The importance of fresh voices is very important to keep an area vibrant and thriving.
A total disgrace – the total disregard for residents and destruction of the neighborhoods and environment is beyond comprehension-
Many ask if the hurricanes would make me sell- i reply the local Government is what will make me sell-
The destruction of FMB by a handful of dishonest council member’s need to be stopped .
Save FMB
Very interesting …
Matt Price showed EXACTLY what he thinks of FMB residents – along with Town Council. Everyone of them obviously have their own agenda.
Majority of residents did not vote, their lives have been turned inside out, have so many other issuses they are dealing with, living elsewhere, still dealing with Insurance etc., Votes they received is not a true reflection of FMB residents. Council is too busy with Developers (FMB will definitely pay the consequences of these decisions – in many ways, going forward …)
instead of making the Towns’ “problems” first and foremost – ex: permitting an easier process, Island losing FEMA flood discount etc., etc.,
These people DO NOT care about FMB clearly !!! Only about themselves !
this town council does not have the town’s best interest in mind. they failed i agree ann,,, the fema fiasco and this decision, which will have a permanent negative impact on the island, displays their incapable of managing our towns reconstruction i believe we should demand their immediate resignation due to being unfit and negligent in performing their duties on behalf of their constituents.
it seems rather odd that they went totally against the comp plan, lpa and the majority of residents… maybe we should contact the states attorney to look into the seagate approval process
Hopefully someone with money (or a coalition of the residents) bring a lawsuit like RC did to stop this monstrosity.
The 255 ft building is only 60 ft off of Estero Blvd .
The building is not in the back like everyone keeps saying .
There is 35 ft tall restaurant 10 ft set back on Estero then the massive building starts right off of Estero and 10ft on the side street of Donora
Just like Margaritaville, which is built to the edge of the sidewalk.
Everything presented was conceptual. Once approved, they can do what they want. Council can’t or won’t even negotiate demanding to see actual renderings. Suckers
1. Does TC represent residents or big business??? They clearly negotiated FOR SEAGATE, not for us. TC had all the power in this negotiation. They blew it and sold us out.
2. What’s the vice mayor’s deal with “POST IAN”? We’re all living this reality! Seems like he’s trying to justify his votes, but forgetting that these decisions will be long lasting and highly impactful to existing neighborhoods.
3. What about the issue with Seagate not owning the 10 feet of the park they are calling a public benefit? Why wasn’t that addressed?
4. Why would they approve these projects now, prior to the community meetings they promised on the comp plan? Just another display that they really don’t care what residents think!
Approve one, and you will have to approve them all, and probably even higher and more dense. London Bay pulled their plan for 17 stories towers. Now that the town has empowered them, don’t be surprised if their new plan calls for 30 story towers, and the Wyndham Garden property will be the next to request outrageous variances, and so on, and so on, and so on.
Yep! London Bay spoke in support exactly for that reason. They are chomping at the bit……
So very sad. We were just seeing residents rebuilding beautiful one story houses above surge level on some of our residential streets like Ohio, Virginia and Pearl street in keeping with the small town vibe that we have tried to maintain . Not huge monstrosities such as Seagate. How did the council come so far away from the community desires??
Does Matt not understand the concept of “You never shit where you eat”? Where is the compromise? Perhaps a six-story building with two levels for parking would be reasonable, but no, these developers want to aim for something much more significant. If the town wants to take a considerable risk at the last moment, that should be on them, not the residents they should serve. The plan should not be changed.
No. Absolutely not! The town council should not assume the risk because it will be too late. The plan must be changed at the will of the residents, not the council.
I guess I was trying to say I believe many residents do not want it changed, and if it does, it is because the town council voted for it, as locals don’t like it. There’s plenty of opportunity for them to succeed, even going smaller
I do not live on the island but very near. I have been visiting FMB since I was a young (Florida native) child. The direction it is headed is very disheartening. The town is going to be destroyed by these elite carpet baggers swooping in to take advantage of a bad situation. It will turn into the East Coast in no time. I will miss FMB.
Anyone that doesn’t live or have property on the island should have no say on the island. Great you visited a couple of times in your life. So many people think there opinions should matter from around the US
Wow, entitled much? I literally live minutes from the island. I purchased decades ago to be near the island but chose not to live directly on it for many reasons. I do not “visit” as I am usually there spending my money. Enjoy your new Miami.
Wonder why we lost our Flood insurance discount. On full display at the town council. They won’t even follow their comp plan so why follow FEMA rules. The residents lost again. We could have gotten the same result if the county was in charge. Why pay taxes to wannabe politicians. Disband the town
TC and staff need remedial negotiation training.
*Case 1 – FEMA. FEMA held all the power, town tried to negotiate dates – RESIDENTS lose!
*Case 2 – Seagate. Town holds all the power and doesn’t push for a compromise – RESIDENTS lose!
SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A PATTERN HERE!!! They clearly don’t understand negotiation!
Ed, I agree 100% I sat looking around the tables at the meeting yesterday and wondered just how much money would the residents save if all those people were not working for us. They seem to forget that we are THEIR bosses. They work for US. And how much is the total sum of all of their salaries? How about then add on the salaries of the 10 teachers to teach 50 kids? How many of those people sitting around that table are actually homeowners on the island??? Their negligence is going to cost owners more for 2 yrs because they didn’t do their job. At this point it would be best to just dissolve the town and let the county take over.
You know the Town does not pay for the Beach School? If the money isn’t spent on the kids in the beach school, it just goes somewhere else – there is no “savings”. The beach sends tens of millions of dollars of tax revenue to the state for education, and the district has a 2 BILLION dollar budget. Our school cost a little over a million to run. The district treats our kids like garbage – so please, with all due respect, layoff the Beach School – our kids have gone through enough.
The shot at Mr. Scasny was uncalled for. The “shitshow” commemt was uncalled for.
Seagate is a bunch of thugs with absolutely no class at all. Why even allow them on the Island.
Calling residents a “shit show” is disrespectful. He showed his true colors and is NOT a friend of the island. Council needs to be careful of whom they chose to get into bed with. The election also was not a show of a resounding yes for Seagate. Had the 1st vote been prior o early voting, I believe the outcome would have been different. Perhaps a vote of NO confidence is in order.
Residents will remember this in 2 years with their vote.
Why wait two years? How about a recall petition?
Florida law stipulates ANY elected representative can be recalled after serving 1/4 of their term. Guess what?… they knew this.
3 have served 1/2 their term.
I’ll sign it.
They simply ignored the petition of 640 signers against Seagate.
More than half were residents.
We have been “sold down the river”
Just another example of government representing the $$$ not the people. So disappointing of our ‘leaders’. SMH
“A shit show”.
This is what Matt Price thinks of the residents. Councilmen…it is becoming clear you respect the residents about as much.
The towns approval of this plan opens the door for many others to follow suit. It also opens the door for disbanding the town’s corporate entity by the residents who emphatically oppose these structures. If residents receive the same care and concern of our voices as the county gives, why foolishly pay the town to do the same. Maybe it’s time for all the town’s employees to seek another line of work.
Don’t know you, but thank you. Your last sentence is spot on.
The check must have cleared the bank