Beach Must Encourage and Embrace Redevelopment.

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(Guest Commentary by John and Leslie Munger) Thank you Beach Talk Radio News for the opportunity to share our opinion that Fort Myers Beach must encourage and embrace responsible redevelopment, such as Seagate’s proposal for the Red Coconut property, if we are to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ian within the next few years rather than in twenty years, or maybe not at all.

As background on our family, we have owned our single family home on Fort Myers Beach since 2013. Like most everyone else, our home was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian. After much thought, and because we love Fort Myers Beach, we have decided to rebuild. In our Yachtsman’s Cove neighborhood south of Publix, John has served as President of our Subdivision Association since March 2021 and has served on the Association Board since 2018.

We are sharing our opinion in our individual capacities. However, we want readers to know that we have both longevity on the Island and a record of commitment to our Fort Myers Beach community and neighbors. We believe that our Town Council made the right decision by approving Seagate’s proposal for the Red Coconut property and we urge the Town Council to give its final approval at the November 18 hearing. The time to act is now.

Seagate’s proposal provides many important public benefits for all Fort Myers Beach stakeholders supporting final approval of the project. These include: (1) Seagate’s visionary plan for the Red Coconut property which will provide a beautiful planned development with architecturally significant buildings, open spaces, and amenities such as beach access and a new restaurant; (2) Massive wealth creation and economic growth for Fort Myers Beach including the build itself, infrastructure improvements, creation of local jobs and customers for our businesses, increases in property values, and expansion of the local tax base; and (3) The tremendous vote of confidence in Fort Myers Beach that Seagate’s project  represents.

That vote of confidence might just be the most important public benefit because confidence benefits each and every Fort Myers Beach stakeholder. A development of this scope tells the world that Fort Myers Beach is a great place to live and to invest. It informs other developers that responsible development is encouraged. It tells restauranteurs and merchants that Fort Myers Beach is on the move and is a place where they should create new entertainment venues, restaurants, and shops. In addition, the potential for economic growth with all the resulting amenities will signal to property buyers that they should invest here which is important because Fort Myers Beach had an estimated 20-month supply of homes and vacant lots for sale as of September 2024. Seagate’s proposal means excitement, and that excitement will “super charge” every corner of Fort Myers Beach with confidence to grow back better than before Hurricane Ian. Broad-based investment in Fort Myers Beach is what is needed if we are to rebuild our Island and confidence spurs investment.

Building height based on the pre-Ian Comprehensive Plan is the reason most frequently cited by Beach Talk Radio News commentators as the reason to deny projects as proposed by Seagate and other developers. Treating building height as outcome determinative no longer makes sense because we have learned from Hurricanes Ian, Debby, Helene, and Milton that all new construction must be elevated and it must be hurricane strong, which makes building here more expensive. This is 2024 reality.

In our view, building height should be just one of many factors considered when evaluating the public benefit of any project. In fact, height can actually be a public benefit because it provides storm resistance and economic return which encourages development. Height can also be a public benefit because it offers the opportunity for narrower buildings with expansive view corridors of the Gulf as compared with lower and wider buildings which completely obstruct all views of the Gulf at street level.

Seagate thoughtfully took all of this into consideration in its plans for the Red Coconut property by pulling its buildings back from the Gulf, by narrowing and arranging the buildings to provide view corridors, and by providing different building heights to lessen impact on the skyline. From what we understand, the Estero Island Beach Club has taken a similar approach by proposing a narrower building with enhanced view corridors of the Gulf. Our LPA and Town Council can evaluate each proposal that comes before them to find a fair balance between moving our Island forward while providing public benefit, but height should not be a disqualifying consideration.

In conclusion, our view is that the proposed development by Seagate at the Red Coconut and proposals by other developers represent “win-win” opportunities for all of Fort Myers Beach because of the significant public benefit they will provide. We think that we can have it all, the fun beach vibe that attracted us to Fort Myers Beach and nice developments with the many entertainment venues, shops, and other amenities that they will provide. We foresee that an offshoot of Seagate’s proposal for the Red Coconut and the other developments will be creation of many more beach restaurants and bars up and down the Island to serve our current residents and new neighbors and from which to watch sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico. That is a good thing.

Thank you Beach Talk Radio News for providing the best source of news and information on Fort Myers Beach. You are playing an important role in the restoration of our Island. Thank you for the opportunity to share our point of view and thank you readers for your consideration.

John and Leslie Munger
jmunger@janlaw.com

64 COMMENTS

  2. Okay, so lets not limit density and permit development for the sake of public benefit. Is the impact of staffing a 17 story development considered in this equation? Seems the focus is how many families can fit into a 4,000 sq ft condo/hotel but not the density created by service workers traveling to the beach and using public utilities. Will the developers build affordable housing units on their property to limit congestion on FMB? Whatever happened to the affordable housing Mantra? We are now talking rapid high cost development/commercialization of FMB. Guess approval of commercial development is matter to timing. Too bad for the Baptist Church property. They might have a chance in the current environment!

  3. The Town Council has a unique opportunity to create something truly special. By developing a mix of individual homes, small condo buildings, and inviting spaces such as shops and restaurants, we can build a community where people will want to visit and create lasting memories with their families. Our goal should be to foster a vibrant, welcoming environment—not a crowded, concrete jungle plagued by heavy traffic and overcrowding. There are already plenty of large condo buildings in the area; we don’t need more of this kind of development.

    I understand that Fort Myers Beach (FMB) will never be the same, but responsible planning can ensure that it doesn’t become a congested, unattractive place where no one wants to visit. Please resist the temptation to prioritize short-term profits over long-term community well-being. Let’s focus on creating a wonderful, sustainable environment that enhances FMB’s charm and appeal for years to come.

  4. Delusional…As an escapee from Clearwater Beach the thought that “Red Coconut and the other developments will be creation of many more beach restaurants and bars up and down the Island to serve our current residents and new neighbors”, can only come from residents that did not move to FMB from other Florida locations. The outcome of massive development is the cost of “public benefits” to the residents becomes exorbitant. Quite simply, the access to residents is controlled by the charge of drinks, food, and, limited time requirements to camp out at a bar to “watch the sunsets”. Costs are escalated to the point that only tourists can afford. If you do not have the “yatch club” or gated community look your table will be quickly turned over and security at developments will escort you off the property. Beach access to residents is limited as developers place chairs, umbrellas, cabanas right at the edge of mean high water line. No dragging your personal coolers, beach accessories, boom boxes and placing them at the edge of Seagate property much less anchoring a boat in front of the development for a day of beach fun. My experience at Clearwater Beach is that residents moved to less developed areas such as Indian Rocks and Dunedin to avoid $24 parking charges and cost of restaurants/bars. As it is, the Pink Shell and Margaritaville charge $65-75 daily to use the pool. Commercial development is not a charity organization to provide benefits to residents. So, lets get real about the developers mock up photos showing well dressed, exclusive (non-diverse) populations biking, walking, roller skating on the sidewalks in front of the Seagate, Neptune or whatever planned high-rise!

  5. I will agree with Hatlen and add if the council approves what the town and citizens ask for- the commercial developers will run with less and less may be best for most – just not the developer. Zoning intensity determines land values- but only for the developer asking for the moon and stars.

  6. Developers chose to pay the exorbitantly inflated prices on their properties—and that mistake is on them. If they didn’t over pay for the property to begin with there wouldn’t be the need to add the additional height and density in order to be profitable. It’s all about PROFITS.

  7. I don’t know these folks, no doubt they have put a lot of thought into their posts. HERE WE GO AGAIN. This is FMB , not Miami, or east coast living. We loved the sandy, beach tables, sun umbrellas, cheaper entertainment, relaxing groups of friends. Just to sit back and enjoy the views. We used to get together with groups 25 to 30 people for 50 to 99 cent beers. Fun times, great food, views to die for. Reasonable costs everyone could afford and enjoy. This original post is definitely a SEAGATE backer. This is becoming a dead horse that is being ridden to death. Let FMB be a beach community again. There are already enough large resorts, Enjoy those and bring back the beach bars. If other developers can agree on laws and restrictions Seagate should be able to do this too. If you don’t feel FMB is classy enough and needs a huge building to make it better, check out other locations, north, south or east of us. This is. SWF.
    This is totally my opinion, and maybe I am the only one who thinks this way. Do I think FMB will ever be back to what it was, NO. But does it need to be a major resort area, NO. It is a small, community, not a city. Let it stay rustic and enjoyable.
    As far as the empty lots, most of them have only recently become available, and not all of us are millionaires. Middle class love FMB too.
    Everyone of us has an opinion on this issue. I am just one of those outspoken type people. Bottom line, beaches are sand, surf, beach, shells, sunsets, kids and family members enjoying each other and relaxing. ENJOY AND GOD BLESS EVERYONE. Enjoy what beaches we have left right now.

    • I so agree, but apparently not many other’s do. We are not going to be able to afford the exuberant prices these restaurants will want for a drink and a burger, let alone a swim in their pools or the use of their parking spaces. Gone are the days of our quaint coastal town. I guess it was nice while it lasted. There will be nothing that a middle class family can afford. Including a place to live. These people just write what they think we want to hear. They don’t get that we are onto them and greed. Honestly they probably don’t even care. It’s the state of things today. So many untruths have enveloped this country that everyone turns a blind’s eye, because they have the validation to do the same thing. Lie!

  10. The Mungers are some of the nicest folks i think I’ve ever met. They may not remember me but my interactions with them Pre Ian left me with a very positive impression of them. So on that I have a modest positive bias.

    They’re also obviously very smart folks.

    I agree with them supporting good well crafted development is essential to the future of the island.

    I also fully support BTR. 100%

  11. Thanks BTR for giving these folks a forum to express their opinions. Wouldn’t it be nice if all news outlets would adhere to our 1st amendment!

  12. The project can significantly lower property values with the neighborhood a mere 200 feet from a 17 story structure…and that includes setbacks. That’s not just wrong, its obnoxious. The neighborhood and most of the voting residents on the island have been extremely vocal as to the apparent and complete disregard by Council regarding height issues. And what is Seagate’s plans for the adjacent 5 acres they’ve yet to close on where Gulf View Colony was? Another 17 story building ? This area is historically known as “The Heart of the Island”… Don’t break it!

  14. Well this article seems to say something about BTR ..did you sell out too? I am disappointed..always viewed you differently.
    Don’t ask me to advertise or support you any more..as I said disappointed

    • They are letting someone speak something that you disagree with so you’re disappointed in them and won’t support them anymore? Thats what’s disappointing.

    • Why Judy is it that if someone disagrees with you then they aren’t right? I this the liberal mindset coming out? If you don’t agree with Judy you are now the enemy. Friends of Judy beware, you are on the waiting list.

  15. It’s to bad people talk about wealth creation with allowing development that is not why we have been on FMB since 2014 it is not FMB problem what the developer paid for the the property thinking they need more units to make it work. Developers take risk may this on e does not pay off welcome to investments.

  16. Sounds like a release straight from Seagate’s public relations flacks.
    And there’s that silliest of all red herrings again, the one the developers peddle – because of hurricanes towers are neccessary.
    Towers have nothing to do with hurricanes. Never did.
    But the real question in these kind of endorsements is this – how do they know this development is such a “public benefit” to all when the town has not done an environmental impact study to to determine any negative impacts to the bay, neighborhood, roads or wildlife. Why wasn’t that done, why is it only about how much money can be made and how many wealthy people can be moved onto the island?
    Why must this island’s long popular ambiance be sacrificed because developers say so?

  17. It’s sooo blatantly CLEAR –
    Responsible residents DO NOT want this, yet, how many times do we need to speak up ?
    Rules are their for a reason – yet, it’s being totally ignored. Why – GREED !
    THEY – the Town Council —
    DO NOT CARE — everyone got re-electrd – why ? – Because Residents are struggling, overwhelmed with their problems – Insurance, permits, rebuilding etc., Helene and Milton made things even worse for many.
    Instead of helping Residents, they’re busy cozying up with developers.
    Everyone is well aware this Island will never be the same – but 17 story buildings – when there is more than enough land to “spread out” development is just plain GREED, total disrespect for majority of residents, and as many have stated (myself included … many many times) NO one sites the magnitude this will have on our infrastructure – Traffic – interesting how NO ONE brings this up, why ???
    Emergency personnel, getting on/9ff.
    The mess being made at the Matanzas Bridge, a total mess, nothing will change – bandages on gaping wounds do not work. Everyone (Town Council) appears blinded to these screaming problems not even being considered. These people making these decisions are delusional and only looking at their pockets.
    The vultures have swept in –
    This Island will pay a heavy price !!!

    • Wait didn’t 90% of the island residents vote. Yet the candidate the vocally was against any and everything somehow wasn’t voted in. Which means the 10-15 people who don’t want this wasn’t enough to make. A change. This means the majority are looking for progress to be made. Albeit maybe not what the totally agree with but the machine has to be put in motion. Two years and hardly a brick laid. The town spoke on Election Day. The few naysayers were shown that their negativity is not needed.

  18. Yes, the newer codes require buildings be elevated for good reason. But that doesnt mean we have to allow a 295′ building in a neighborhood of one and two story houses, just so we can use a toilet, water fountain and grab a drink there. From a long time resident(35 years) of the Shell Mound Neighborhood

  19. I don’t understand this article by residents who will NOT be directly affected. Put it next to where you live. Shell Mound Park residents are very concerned with the proposed development which will adversely affect Shell Mound Park. And they spoke at public comment! There are other options. Nothing that is touted as public benefits justifies FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY THREE per cent (433%) more stories that what they can build by right. Get rid of 1/2 of the height. The private crossover is not a public benefit as it is easy to cross Estero there (do it all the time). Town of FMB – by driving the plans for entrances off of Estero Blvd, it will drive traffic THROUGH Shell Mound Park. What about the intensity on our infrastructure?

  21. Responsible Development.
    Allowing developers to build 13 stories over code.
    Pick one.

    Public benefit.
    Revenue stream producing restaurant for the landowner.
    Pick one.

  22. No developer has your or Fort Myers beach best interest at heart. They see money. And they see ways to work around the system to make more money. Follow established guidelines, don’t say it won’t work, it works in Sanibel. Concrete jungles are a dime a dozen- and not needed or wanted in Fort Myers…. Plenty of development will happen, follow the rules!

  23. Putting a 600 bedroom commerical project in 1950 residential neighborhood is not responsible planning.
    The neighborhood is mostly single 1 story house and putting 8 buildings that are
    255 ft high is a wealth generator for the developers.
    The price tag at 4 million dollar for a 4 bedroom condo is not for the working class people.
    So I don’t understand if you actually see the entire development.
    This is phase 1 of Seagate, there is another 5 acres property which subutts this the north of this land , the other 5 acres has potential of another 60 4 bedroom condo,
    They own or put their beautiful sign a house lot across the street from 7/11and rumored to have bought the junkanoo fresh catch property.
    That could give them a massive Beach front development.
    Who knows what could be build there.
    Is going to be a massive development
    The Seagate development will destroy a entire residential neighborhood, this is not a public benefit

  24. Traffic is so bad now and adding these buildings will just make it worse It’s all about money. They don’t give a shit about the people at all.

  25. There is one critical element missing from this editorial argument…INFRASTRUCTURE. This is a tiny island that is often landlocked from January to April because it cannot handle the traffic that existed PRE-Ian. Now you want to add thousands of new residents without addressing the infrastructure? We know the ONE road in and out can’t handle them, not to mention the water and sewer.

    Does anyone recall the lack of available workers and lack of affordable housing for workers–PRE-Ian? And now you want to add more high-rises, and more traffic to make it more difficult for workers to access the island? Where are your housekeepers/bartenders/waitstaff and shopkeepers going to live, and how many hours per day do you suggest they plan for their commute?

    I think many residents of FMB support growth and development, but we also recognize this is a tiny barrier island that can only sustainably support reasonable development that matches the available infrastructure. AThe Seagate development does not.

    • They should do like Shellpoint and have vans pick them up and take them home.
      That still won’t improve the traffic issues. I’ve said that the first year of actual season traffic will cure any new people from wanting to have a place on FMB.

      I don’t think you can avoid higher buildings, though. If it’s zoned Commercial/Residential, they have the right to put up a hotel.

    • Affordable workplace housing is a fancy name for section8 slums. I’m sure you’d love that next door. Did your workplace offer workforce housing? What a joke. It’s called welfare housing. Slap the real label on it.

  26. Sanibel is Sanibel. FMB is a different animal it’s a beach and family area for fun in the sun. Sanibel is a wealth island few have access to. Everyone knows that!

  28. So why has Sanibel stayed the way Sanibel stayed? I don’t see any standstill and economic growth stagnation on Sanibel Island and it’s been just fine. Yes we need new construction buildings are gonna be higher but 17 stories.?!?

  29. Money. Money Money. It’s all about big developers that will never live here, overdeveloping the island so they can make MONEY. The idea that 17 story buildings will be good, in any way, for our community is just ludicrous. If you had been here since 1995, when the town of FMB was founded, you would understand that the desire of the founding residents was to keep this exact sort of thing from happening. Alas, now it’s just about the money.

  31. Seagate is not the best interest of FMB.
    Look at Mastique on John Morris and Summerlin roads. They have 2 17 story towers spread over 50 acres with a 70 acre preserve around it. If Seagate was on 50 acres perhaps it would fit. However 6 towers ranging from 12 to 17 stories on 10 acres is overkill in my opinion.. the give of water fountains and Port a potties is not near enough of a public benefit to be given for such a huge deviation from code.
    It is a private community that will NOT benefit the town. They will have a private restaurant, not public. I do not believe that people who pay millions for a residents will be frequenting the small mom and pop restaurants and giving the island cash flow on a daily basis.
    I too have lived on FMB since 2011 and do not want this massive structure on the island. One of the reasons we moved here was because it was not ” a cement city”
    This development will just bring more developers to build massive structures and kill the “vibe” because they can, not because it is in our best interest but to line their pockets.

    • The vibe is a dead beach with massive amounts of sand piles and debris everywhere. Wake up from your day dream. The beach needs redevelopment.

      • It will be 5-10 years by the time all these huge developments are opened, full and producing any type of monetary benefit. In the meantime, all the condos that are still renovating from Ian will already be done and full and traffic and water infrastructure will be worse than it was pre-Ian. Wake up from your day dream and realize the concrete mess these developers will cause isn’t going to benefit anyone but the developer. Sanibel doesn’t have huge concrete jungles and they survived fine. It’s called fiduciary responsibility.

      • Hahaha. You’re funny Tommy. Do you have any idea how valuable beach property is? The nice thing about being an island is EVERYONE wants a piece of it and always will. The sand piles and debris are just about gone, it’s very short term. And that’s how many like you think, short term. The town has all the power. They can negotiate with the developers. I guarantee you developers are chomping at the bit to build here. Either residential or commercial, there is no limit to buyers and developers. This town has the unique opportunity to become whatever it wants. And we can have profitable development and still keep the architectural beach vibe that compiles with all fema regulations. We don’t have to allow a 17 ft story building and if we don’t, I guarantee you something smaller will get built by the same developer. And if commercial properties like condos or hotels can’t work it out, there’s plenty of developers who would love to purchase that land a land build residential. Big beautiful multi million $ residential homes. Then the town would be more of a neighborhood beach town. This would benefit the town in so many ways. Either way, this town is changing what it will look like 3-5-10-15 years from now is based on the decisions our leaders make today. We shall see.

  32. If everyone who proposed a building kept to and respected the guidelines of what we want as FMB (ref building height) our island who be much further along. There are good reasons we don’t want a wall concrete ruining our ascetically, beautiful skinny little island.

    The ending result of traffic and stealing the natural beauty of the island by insisting for tall buildings shading wildlife are just a couple reasons not to allow it.

    Margaritaville respected our wishes and it’s a enhancement to our island.

  33. As a mayor and committee chair that crafted a shoreland ordinance in Wisconsin I disagree with this line of thinking. You have building codes for a good reason and throwing them out because of a hurricane is exactly what developers want. Believe me future and current residence will be thankful you stayed the course.

      • Just wondering how the Council was reelected, after reading all these comments. I have a feeling the people that have moved here since Ian are here because they have something to do with these resorts, etc. They all voted against anyone that disagrees with them. I think there was one and he was the only one I voted for.

        • There’s ten to 15 of you making negative comments. And you same ten to 15 only make negative comments. I’ve read most every post ever posted on here. Same people complaining about any and everything. Your life must be miserable

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