Fort Myers Beach is now a community divided. On one side is a group who fought for incorporation. A fight instigated by tall buildings being dropped on the island by Lee County. On the other side, the beach’s elected officials who believe Hurricane Ian changed the playing field.
By a final vote of 3-2 on Monday the Fort Myers Beach Town Council approved Seagate’s new 137 condo unit redevelopment project for 10 acres the company purchased in 2023 for $52 million. The redevelopment of that 10-acre parcel could include up to 5 buildings, each and every one would be taller than the tallest building now standing on Fort Myers Beach. Mayor Dan Allers and Councilman Scott Safford voted to deny the project. Safford appeared to be a yes vote on the project until the e-mails and public comment in opposition seemed to change his mind. On Monday, he said, “We’re not building back together.”
The last time the community was this at odds was when Margaritaville proposed its first rebuild of the run-down properties at the base of The Matanzas Pass bridge. However, that was followed by years of meetings, push-back from the LPA and Town Council, and community outreach that resulted in a much smaller resort, one that is now held up as the example of what residents expect to see from their elected leaders and developers who want to build on the beach.
The two public hearings for the Seagate project were both standing room only, despite the fact that many locals are still working to get back in their homes 2 years after a devastating hurricane displaced them. 27 people spoke in opposition to the project Monday and there were no members of the public that spoke in favor. It was the second public hearing this month that resulted in the majority of public speakers opposing. After the public spoke Mayor Dan Allers asked Seagate CEO Matt Price if he wanted to voluntarily table his proposal. Price declined to pull the project and said he deserved to get a vote.
Allers made a motion to deny the project which was seconded by Councilman Safford. Safford said even though Seagate was not asking for more density it was clear to him from the public outcry against the project that, “We’re not together on this.” The motion to deny the project was defeated 3-2.
Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt supported the project because, he says, “the proposal is for ⅓ less density than the property had before Hurricane Ian.” Atterholt said he’s comfortable with that. Atterholt has said he would never have voted for this (and other tall) developments pre-Ian. Council member Karen Woodson made a motion to approve the project which Atterholt seconded and with John King also voting yes, the project was approved 3-2 with Allers and Safford opposing.
Some elected officials – and other community members – have bought into the idea that if these developments are not approved investors will walk away from Fort Myers Beach. In fact, Seagate CEO Matt Price said Monday, other developers are waiting to see what happens with his project, and he wanted to go first. Residents who opposed the project do not buy into that theory that the beach will fizzle out without these taller buildings.
Fort Myers Beach resident Greg Scasny, who spoke at public comment and recently lost his bid to win a Town Council seat commented that, “It’s a sad day when Jim Atterholt , John King and Karen Woodson decide that their constituents don’t matter, that our community doesn’t matter. When there is no real community left in FMB, they can look straight in the mirror and say “I did that”. When they close the beach school because there are no families here to support it because they put the most massive structures EVER on the island, smack dab in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood and this monstrosity overshadows the school, again they can look in the mirror and say “I did that”.
Former Mayors Anita Cereceda and Ray Murphy spoke in opposition. Cereceda, who was Mayor in the mid-90’s during the incorporation period said she didn’t think a single council member ever electeed would have voted for the Seagate project. Murphy said it would be this Council’s Waterloo.
There have been whispers of recall elections and lawsuits from community members. Only John King and Karen Woodson are eligible to be recalled at this point in time. If there is any lawsuit filed, those opposed say it would be filed against the town for not following their Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.
The Seagate plan includes two condo towers that could be as high as 17 stories. There are 3 other buildings (all on the Bay side) that would be less than 17 stories. The 2 17-story buildings will be over 200 feet higher (235 feet total) than what’s allowed by right. 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.
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.
Seagate CEO Matt Price has said 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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Our elected officials don’t care what the residents of this Island want. They have an agenda and will continue to do as they wish. The only option we have at this time to stop all this insane large developments from this point forward. Is get together, start a recall of individuals and pursue legal action against the city if possible. It’s not going to be easy which I feel they are counting on. Wouldn’t this be a great 60 Minute segment.
Chris Patton sued the town (unsuccessfully) three times trying to stop Margaritaville. Massive legal bills for the town and TPI; it was widely believed the Lani Kai owner financed Patton’s attorney fees. But sure, file a lawsuit if you like.
Recalls are rarely successful, but you can find the process in FSA 100.361. First you need to establish the Recall Committee and appoint a chairperson; see FSA 100.361(2)(c). Go for it.
Judging by your comments, you are a know it all hater that supports the development. Yes, a lawsuit may fail, but then again it might succeed.
LOL
Where did I say I supported this project?
Sorry you’re ignorant of the island’s history. Will you be filing a lawsuit? Of course not. You’re a pointless-insult person, not an action person.
The comp plan is dead..dissolve the town charter…save $$ by economies of scale by joining Lee county. 17 stories is why we incorporated.
I would love to have Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt explain to me how he approves this property, to allow a whole subdivision not to see sunsets, but then when the single family home comes up on the agenda and it will only block a few condos view of sunsets he does not approve that proposal.
I would seem to think that he is much more concerned based upon financial and not the good of the town. Can hardly wait for the London Bay project, I am sure that will go through with flying colors as well. Why not just allow all of this density, then when we no longer are able to travel on the island, can no longer use our water, or sewer. I hope everyone is happy.
Personally I think we should step back and allow the residents to decide if they want to change the comp plan. Let’s have a vote, and then if the change is agreed upon then have a committee to decide, what should come before the voters 6 stories, 10 stories, 50 stories. The town would have a plan based upon what the voters want, not based upon financial decisions.
Also, I love it when Matt says here is my phone number, call me anytime. It seems like the town doesn’t need to make the call, seems like they told you Mr. Price they do not want buildings that tall. Why have everyone spend useless time when you are not changing their mind and they are not changing your mind.
What they need now is a mid island toll plaza. That way it will stop all the traffics cutting thru from bonita to sanibel
I am personally happy it was approved. The island still looks like a war zone. People want to live in RVs, uninsured and unrepaired single level homes, food trailers, beer wagons…. All equals redneck tourist trap.
print your name bet you dont vote here
I would live in this redneck tourist trap with the down to earth people that live and work in those RVs, single level homes, food trailers and beer wagons any day of the week over Marco Island, Miami Beach or Clearwater. That’s what we came here for.
Amen.
I would venture to say
Margaritaville and the new Neptune are getting their lawsuits in motion…
Nah, more than likely they’re hiring architects for their expansions.
In the unlikely event that the town council votes them down, then the sharks will start circling.
I didn’t see a divided community at the meeting Monday
Rather a divide between 3 council members and the residents
Ahhhh hhhha hhhha hhhha haaaaaa. You got punked! Wait til they install a toll plaza mid island. Ahhh hhhaaa haa . All together now , everyone say “BAAAAAAAA”
A divided community needs a TC that promotes compromise. Our TC failed and sold us out to a big developer that when asked to pull the project and look for a compromise, told us to kiss his a$$. A true community partner? NOT!!
One thing everyone should keep in mind, Seagate purchased the land and knew damn well of the building restrictions and had every intention to convince the Town to change the codes to suit them. When you’re a developer as big as them, you have very deep pockets. Same goes for London Bay.
you are so right, and they don’t care how much they have to pay when they will be selling these condos for millions and millions of dollars. They will just add that to the cost of the condos, knowing they will recoup their outlays.
Compromise, compromise, compromise! The island will NEVER again be the sweet little ramshackle place that it was pre IAN. But we have to move forward with eyes open. Get a plan for less than 17 stories. But get it started. Bring investment into the community. It’ll take another 3-5 years to build. During that time, there will probabilistically be another hurricane to wipe it out and re-start the build. Insurance rates will be ever higher than can be imagined. The gulf is getting hotter. Fish will be dying and coming on shore at the beach. Just follow the building guidelines. And try to get some income into the island.
If it were up to me, I’d deny ALL new building and let the island go back to a natural barrier island state. Make it a park essentially.
The town already gets 5 times the tax income from the empty red coconut lot than it did before Ian when it was a trailer park. They have plenty of money.
I honestly believe if they bought 12 acres, not 10 acres, that skyscraper would be 22 stories, not 17; why put all the density in one building, so the four homes in the back bay can have estate state-size parcels? It’s a joke on the residents
So Woodson votes against moss marina project (that will cause impact to her home because of additional business traffic and hotel) and kills EIBC BUT approves this project which sea gate basically used the towns development plan and LPA charter to wipe its a$$. Then councilor Woodson is worried about leaks within the town after she ran on a platform of transparency (in comparison to former town manager and mayor who she thought were corrupt and made it her mission to get rid of that town manager and town attorney once in office) in a state that has sunshine laws.
In my personal opinion something does not smell right.
Does anyone have any trust in City Council’s disclosures of who they have spoken with before voting on items? Hard to believe that this vote against residents, LPA, Comp Plan came out of the blue.
Agree 1000%. Woodson should move back to Minnesota, as she, King and the vice mayor are the three most hated people on the beach. Hope Tom Torgeson comes back to the town to add 4 more stories on Margaritaville.
Still awaiting an explanation on how change requires 17 story towers and doubling the density on rebuilt motels.
FEMA doesn’t require it.
The plan doesn’t require it.
Only four people on the council and a loose cannon compliance officer seem to believe it’s required, lighting a firestorm of resentment in the community.
Their reason? Only a few seconds of muddled, mumbled praise for the developer’s CEO and a desire to expand the tax base. That’s it, that’s all that was offered. Not a word of empathy for the the homeowners, the victims who must live in the shadow of these monstrosities that will overwhelm their historic neighborhood of small homes.
That’s not reasoned leadership. That’s dumb politics. And incredibly poor planning.
Baffling.
Just asking the question… were there a number of people who spoke out against the project outside of the immediate neighborhoods, or just basically the disgruntled neighbors?
My husband and I are full-time residents on the south end of the island. We spoke because we will soon have London Bay across from our neighborhood. I don’t consider anyone “disgruntled” by trying to keep the Town as it was created to be. A majority of the people, including us, that spoke on Monday support development, we don’t support 17 stories. Keeping to the Comp Plan is not being “disgruntled”.
GA
Disgruntled neighbors? How about victims of a monstrosity that’s about to overwhelm their single family neighborhood. Who has more right to dissent?
What is point of the question. “Disgruntled neighbors” or “immediate neighborhood residents”? Most of those speaking on December 16 clearly stated their names and addresses so should be no mystery if the are neighbors (how many blocks do you consider neighbors”) or just simply residents that live 1-5 miles away. Point is that we are Ft Myers Beach residents taking time out of the day to demand accountability from our City government for violating the Comp Plan, dismissing LPA, and discounting concerns of many island residents. Keep in mind that many FMB owners cannot vote in Florida or they are up north/out of country and unavailable to attend meetings.
As opposed to posters here who hide behind initials
You mean like Woodson who opposed Moss Marina because it was in her neighborhood???
I will fully support a recall petition for Trustee Woodson and King. These two and Atterholt have forgot or worse do not give a darn about the residents. Seems like they only care about the Big Money developers. If they want to live in High Rise Hell, there are plenty of places in Florida they can move to. FMB was not intended to be the new capital of High-Rise buildings.
AMEN TO THAT!!!!
Let’s start identifying the options:
What can be done and in what order? Who or what organization can spearhead the community to stop Seagate? Clearly, what can non beach residents assist with and what has to be voter accomplished? All talk and no action, will not help. Might make everyone feel better, but in the end, Seagate will build, the council will continue to not listen…..
Agreed. But these comments are full of anonymous or “fake” names. Many fear retribution on building permits, inspection, ect. if opposition is voiced. So we remain in the shadows with no real action.
At least you can get a sense of who’s obviously not a resident or well-informed, like those who think FMB is FM, or that we have a “city council,” or the guy who called town council a “board” with “trustees.” LOL
I did find it curious that a speaker at Monday’s meeting wanted council members to identify themselves, saying he knew who only one person was. How can you go to speak on an issue at a TC meeting and not know who sits on TC? Maybe a brand new resident? 🤷♀️
Progress-it’s about time!! The island can finally move forward and others will now want to invest on the beach.
Several residents that spoke at the public comment meeting on Monday, including me, said: We are not against development. Everyone is against the excessive height. Development is coming, just keep it to the Town’s original mission, the Comp Plan. You don’t have to sell out to have progress.
Progress is in the eye of beholder, toward a goal. Yours is investment. Progress for many of the us residents is maintaining quality of life and not be quarantined to my house because of traffic and devolve into Clearwater or Miami Beach. More investment will neither lower my taxes, increase the value of my house, nor bring services to island that I can afford! Progress for me is quality of life not always $$$$$$.
AMEN TO THAT!!!!
Never has incompetence among the City Council been so evident. If you look at their online resumes, nothing indicates any expertise in large scale development, hence a 3-2 vote supporting Seagate. Being a member of women’s garden club hardly counts. A consultant is needed to support the city council in understanding the real rather than perceived financial benefits and the “public benefits”. Like how many feet of real estate is Seagate dedicating to “parks”. Now if they are committing to donating $$$$ to Bay Oaks and repairing the pool, perhaps these are tangible benefits. Public restrooms, small parks and a public expensive restaurant are hardly advantages for most island restaurants considering the forfeiture of quality of life caused by overdevelopment. Let’s get some folks on the council that not only listen to residents but also are qualified to make decisions on what these developers are really offering. Seriously, restaurants, limited/high membership to Beach Club, public restrooms, mini parks that are a square block, and another non affordable public restaurants are worth the forfeiting quality of life on this island? Mr. Atterholt is more concerned about support for the Art Club, Mr. King goes with the flow and is essentially mute, and Ms. Woodson is one of the kids in back of the class that spews endless non-informed impressions, personal antidotes, and generally does no additional research into outcomes much less listen to the residents. Where do we sign the recall petition? Can any of our politicians assists in this criminal overthrow of the Comp Plan?
It is Town Council. I am a member and President of the Estero Island Garden CLub. Hardly counts??? We provide expertise based upon decades of hands on experience. Some members are Master Gardeners. We provide consultation to developers on their landscape plans. We follow UF/IFAS, (University of Florida, Institue for Food and Agriculture Science for all of the latest information and recommendations and in turn share the information broadly through social media. We are very familiar with the landscape requirement in FMB. The Development agreement has missed used labels – like linear park which is not just plantings along a sidewalk. This development will require 75 % native vegetation and 25% Florida Friendly and not Florida Friendly Plants that do not require irrigation. Every plants needs water to get established.
We are not developers but we are knowledgeable and share our expertise freely.
Any town staff or Town Councilor can contact the Garden Club and we’re happy to assist.
This Agreement is just conceptual. Seagate stated numerous times that the details are not done until the design phase is completed.
Someone needs to post what we all need to due to recall one or more council persons. I’m sure we have a legal viewer somewhere on our island to help us get started.
I also should mention that the towers at the south end of the island are just partial occupied many are still not allowed to come back till February. My brother occupies one of the units. He and his friends are against everything that has transpired but without being on island have had little way to voice the complaint.
Nothing too good about this approval- no community support- no real basis in the comp plan except dubious public benefit- partisan staff involving themselves in policy- bad precedent and unnecessary. Greg has some positive suggestions- limiting council power on large scale approvals /variances makes sense (super majority required. Referendums on major projects asking for major deviations would be nice – clarity on what the buildback will look like would be a good goal- this message is terribly conflicted and clearly the community does not want the intensity or impacts as we move forward
Lots of comments about a recall of council members. Is this just talk or are we actually going to do this in addition to legal representation? Since the Seagate project is adjacent to Matanzas Preserve, where is the Audubon Society when you need them? This is a much bigger assault on the environment on bird habitat than the board walk on the south end!!!
We need one person to organize it. I say we get Veach to organize it and then once the other 3 are recalled Veach can run again and he can easily win his seat back.
Watching what is playing out on our island is heart wrenching. Whether or not you’re a proponent of Seagate, WE residents elected our officials to Town Council and put our trust in them. That’s how the process works. I can’t imagine any of them WANT to be publicly shamed or threatened because of their decisions. I can only believe they make decisions on what they truly believe is best for this island.
I understand that this was a big decision with many implications but also strongly believe that we have to start moving forward. Drive down Estero Blvd and it’s frankly depressing. Much of the south end is still uninhabitable.
I remember the same heated arguments when Margaritaville was trying to move forward and now, so many of us residents are beyond thankful that TPI stayed the course and built an amazing resort.
I’m anticipating hateful backlash for my comments but stand by our entire Town Council. Thank you Dan, Jim, John, Karen, and Scott for doing your best to do what is best for FMB. Your efforts are not going unnoticed by this resident.
Several residents that spoke at the public comment meeting on Monday, including me, said: We are not against development. Everyone is against the excessive height. Development is coming, just keep it to the Town’s original mission, the Comp Plan.
Also, my husband and I are residents of the south end. I’ve emailed TC several times since Hurricane Ian to help all the HOA’s get back opened. The sooner they’re opened, the sooner we get more tax income.
You don’t have to sell out to have progress.
This will crash the house market on the island , There are over 1000 empty house lots , the small investor will no longer trust that after you invest 2 million into a property , the town could just approves a project that will crush your investment.
The Shell Mound Historical neighborhood the home values will crash and drive away all current family homes owners .
Who wants to invest in a neighborhood that is next to the island 6 highest building s.
Donora Blvd will be a serives road to feed the Seagate , trash pick up , loading dock for restaurant , dumpsters , 3 parking garages .
A building shadow so large it will cast a shadow over a 1 mile long all the way past Publix supermarket .
This will crush the house buyer market in the Shell Mound area.
But don’t worry this will coming next to the Outriggers property those surrounding property owners should sell now.
I now those are extremely nervous this is coming to them now.
Sell, Run before it’s too late
And it will continue everywhere in the island.
Go bye School there will be no family neighborhoods left on the island.
Since Ian there has been nothing done to help the values of our homes increase to where they were before the storms. Ironically, if anyone does a simple search, they will find that homes in Florida increase after hurricanes. Every area hit by a hurricane had increased in prices, post storm. FMB, the opposite is true. Nothing has been done to help us gain our pre-Ian prices back. I would love someone to ask Allers what he has done to help increase our prices back to pre-Ian numbers. My house is down at least 600K and that doesn’t include the money out of pocket I have had to pay for damages. The Mayor and TC have done nothing to help us and the island still looks like Baghdad.
Not surprised but disappointed as we continue to battle for our EIBC timeshare that had one flipping 10 story tower. Don’t even tell me there isn’t something behind all this, shame on you!!!
What on earth are “Andy and Frankie” doing making recommendation on critical policy decisions? Their roles are operational rather than the strategic decisions that are the purview of Town Council! Seems Mr. Hyatt’s voiced support (December 16th) of Seagate is out of his job description that says nothing of participation in strategic decisions. Either stick with your town manager responsibilities where you are outstanding or skittle daddle back to Surfside, Fl where high rise condos and lack of a beach view corridor are the norm! This type of involvement in support of Seagate, especially at a public town council meeting is not reflected in the Town Manager responsibilities as stated on FMB website:
1. Carrying out and enforcing the policies and ordinances created by the Town Council
2. Representing the community: Developing a government that serves the community’s needs and provides quality services
3. Recruiting and selecting staff: Hiring and selecting town employees
4. Developing personnel policies: Creating policies for the town’s employees
5. Managing compensation: Developing the town’s compensation plan
6. Serving as a liaison: Providing a way for individuals and groups to contact the Town Council
100% agree! Andy and Frankie should not be talking for or against any proposals. Frankie did the same at the LPA hearing on The Pink Shell. The town pays big dollars to qualified planners. They should be the ones recommending approval or denial based solely on how the proposal aligns with ordinances that are in place. TC NEEDS TO REIGN THESE TWO IN ASAP!
“27 people spoke in opposition to the project Monday and there were no members of the public that spoke in favor. It was the second public hearing this month that resulted in the majority of public speakers opposing.” And the LPA previously voted against this project. How is it remotely possible that 3 council members voted for it? Something very wrong is going on. Disgraceful!
It’s a great day for FMB and mid island and the south end of the island are dead zones where for years no one wanted to invest in that area, where no one ever went to, where there many condo buildings over 6 stories.
Progress. It’s about time. Keep moving forward. Approve more.
Where on mid island do you live? I have lived here for years and not in a “dead” zone” but a residential community adjacent to Junk-a-Noo, Fresh Catch, Seven Eleven, Sea Grape Plaza. So the notion that investors have avoided this area is misinformed. Please let us know how Seagate will bring progress to these “dead zones”. The mantra of “Progress” and “investment” is getting old. These are almost like political slogans with no substance. Appreciate you providing details instead of political mantras about progress.
If I recall it took one resident and the owner of Lani Kai to force changes to Margaritaville . It was a very disruptive time but as it turns out the results were fabulous. It looks like council is forcing the same method. We need one determined person to take this to court. FMB law has been tossed out the window. Anita and the LPA have been treated like a joke
If this proceeds all buildings can be high. Even margaritaville can add stories and I understand it was built with that possibility in mind .
This is financial and emotional ruin for those of us who own and live in the town. Ian has taken more than just your physical possessions.
Well you are wrong about that. The changes were made before the lawsuit. That was a delay tactic that actually worked to delay the project AFTER the community had buy in and the town approved the project.
You are correct Ed. It was all sorted out and then the law suits.
One of the concerns I have heard from councilors and LPA members is about other investors in the island for what is needed/wanted on the South End (or anywhere else) based on what Seagate is allowed, or more specifically the message it sends… Basically we will not get additional investment in the island if we don’t bend to some developments, Seagate being the first.
Consider this:
Wouldn’t it be better for those investors to have something they could be confident in versus something that is opposed by the community and open to litigation?
What I mean is what do investors want most?
Stability and certainty.
By approving Seagate the way that it is, and the litigation that will most likely follow, wouldn’t that scare off most investors more than if we denied Seagate, modified the Comp Plan with ample public input so there is no option for litigation, and then let them come back to the table? I am not suggesting that we modify the comp plan to allow for 17 stories, but we need to take the ambiguity out of it, and that needs to be done with massive public input.
When there is no question as to what you are allowed to build, even if that means 3 above flood, the market will figure it out and it is one less item of uncertainty to investors.
In my dealings with Venture Capital firms (and the largest VC in the country is an investor in two of my companies.), they all want to minimize risk, and maximize the upside. Island investors are no different.
So if we want to secure investment in the island, the best thing we can do is minimize the risk. Litigation is a huge risk, both from a capital standpoint and a time standpoint (which in the end is money). If Council would bring Seagate up for reconsideration and deny their proposal, and then put clarification of the Comp Plan as #1 priority, investors will know their risk upfront, which will hasten said investment in the island. Seagate could then come back with much less risk to an appropriate proposal. This is literally the best way forward for all, and has exactly 0 risk or downside to the Town.
This scenario is a true win/win… It’s actually a rare occasion where 1 + 1 = 3… Residents will be happy(er), investors will be more confident and the island will progress.
Yes, yes, yes!
The CEO of Seagate basically told FMB town council to kiss his a$$ and they did! Constituents be damned!
Yes we forget so quickly!
Exactly my thoughts!
Greg, can you organize the recall for clean out the people who voted for the sun blocker resort.(I like that name. Let’s call it what it is) I voted for you and we can get this reversed and get the right people on the TC
Who can be contacted to support a recall petition? This is the most detrimental vote that the Council could have done for this Island. As a full time resident, I am disgusted with them. Thank you for the two NO votes.
Check FSA 100.361 to start the recall petition.
You’ll have to choose one of seven available reasons; the signature collection period is up to 730 days; only FMB registered voters can sign; signatures will be verified by LeeCo elections supervisor (30 days allowed); then it goes to the Secretary of State. (I think then there’s a special election/recall vote but I’m not clear on that aspect.) It’s a complex process.
Recalls very rarely succeed.
Bill Veach, past Councilman, says there is still a chance. One of the council who voted yes to approve can change their vote at the next meeting, and said to fill their in-boxes !!!
Maybe Veach can help organize the recall for us and once we boot the 3 that voted for the “Sun Blocker” resort, then Veach and run for his seat and we can have someone with a functioning brain on the council.
I’m still so upset by the vote (off islander). FMB is certainly and forever divided now. Community is no more. I will be spending less time on the beach and will spend my $$ elsewhere, not that anybody cares. I am also telling everyone I know to spend their $$ elsewhere. If LA Ola is made to move off the beach then it will truly be dead. So many people have worked so hard and have just been given a slap down. So sad.
Let’s try to leave La Ola out of this discussion for now. The town’s decision about them is really important because it directly affects our 25% flood insurance discount – we could lose it permanently if they’re allowed to stay. It’s also worth remembering that they don’t actually own the land their trailer is on, so rebuilding wouldn’t even be an option for them. Basically, they don’t have a lot invested in the long-term future of the area. Let’s focus on what’s best for the rest of us and the town.
Not trying to be abrasive but the 25% flood insurance discount only applies to a small number of residents who either have a mortgage driven mandatory requirement for the insurance or those who elect to pay an exorbitant amount (even with 25% discount). Flood insurance is a personal choice and people depend on their trailers for basic housing needs. The rest of us should not have to pay the price of giving up our trailers or access to food truck to get you discounted insurance.
Are you kidding? So raise a family in a uninsured house or better an RV. So you can have beer wagons and live in an RV? Be ready to move that thing friend
Your RV and food trucks that can be pulled off island by a pickup truck are not in jeopardy. It has been determined by FEMA based on past hurricanes what the risks are. I am sure you would not take kindly to your rehabbed home being damaged by rogue storage containers.
Not islanders but board are in disagreement. That’s what needs to be fixed.
Votes that stand to benefit financially in one way or another.Good bye to FMB of the past.
A lot of info from the TC’s meeting where the Seagate development agreement was approved. The Town drove this development proposal by pushing Seagate to take the housing off the beach. Shame on you Andy and Frankie. You did not really take in consideration the residents and the neighborhood and the Island as a whole. While the 10 acres could have a density of 27/acres they could not possibly build that many units without towering buildings because of the size of the units. And when you increase the intensity of the housing from what ~ 400 sq foot dwellings to 3000 to 4000 square foot units it’s doesn’t fit in the buildable area and within the ldc parameters. So one would think that you’d at least consider fewer units than 137 condos but why bother.
The DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT was intended for smaller business owners that offered an opportunity other than the much more costly PD. This was too big of a project to wade through based only on concepts.
There really was no meaningful discussion on public benefit and did that justified the HIGH proposal. WHY WHY WHY???
The counselors, Atterholt, King and Woodson did not represent the residents and owners. SHAME ON YOU! You were at times arrogant with this as of course this project should be approved not in words but in your eye rolls, your exhales and then your tuning out of the proceeding with your phone. This was NOT strictly a financial decision. Did you listen to Matt Caldwell? And btw the Town will not benefit $ wise for what a decade? 12 – 18 months to complete design, what another 12 – 18 months for permitting, then 3 phases – beach club gulf-side, tower cluster 1 and then tower cluster 2 – you’re talking of 8/9 or more years to complete.
Finanlly, Shame on Frankie and Andy delivering recommendations to approve only based a financial considerations. Without the TC evaluating the mostly pretend public benefits you should not have provided a one-dimension decision. What about the residents?
The development as approved will destroy the surrounding neighborhoods. No biggie – take one for the town – progress, we need this after Ian. NONSENSE.
There is NO Town with the residents and the community. We might as well go back to Lee County. Who wants to live in a neighborhood that is bordered by a concrete wall all along Donora going up as high as 255 feet.
Finally the Gulfview Colony sounds its going to come back in play? This seems like a calculated move. On the design summary what are the rectangles on the Fresh Catch/Junkanoo lot? Looks like single family houses if the Prasad property should close.They’re not part of this development???
We planned during a lifetime to get where we are. Only now it may be destroyed by this project.
Yes Gulfview Colony property will compete a horseshoe design for this property adding a exact 68 more units with the same exact design
The residents voted for the town council, one was just reelected and everyone knew his stance. Forget Miami Beach, FMB will be the new Estero strip. We just need the franchised restaurants to return. Sky is the limit without code enforcement. No pun intended.
I just read that high rises on east coast of Florida are sinking a little. Will that happen to high rises on FMB too? No one wants to move into a building that is sinking.
I read the Manhattan is also sinking.
Ft Myers Beach Strong! Ha! The jokes on every resident in Ft Myers Beach. In Ft Myers Beach it’s only your portfolio that matters. These a$$holes on council give you platitudes like Ft Myers Beach Strong so you shut up, clean up, paint murials and benches while they sell away the idea of Ft Myers Beach.
I’m still so upset by the vote (off islander). FMB is certainly and forever divided now. Community is no more. I will be spending less time on the beach and will spend my $$ elsewhere, not that anybody cares. I am also telling everyone I know to spend their $$ elsewhere. If LA Ola is made to move off the beach then it will truly be dead. So many people have worked so hard and have just been given a slap down. So sad.
Hmmm. Imagine what the carrying costs are on $52mil. Anyone care to take a guess on how long before the shiny new car might run low on gas?
We may as we’ll turn FMB back to Lee County if the town council is not going to stand by the original comprehensive plan of 30 years ago.
We lost our family home of 40 years to Ian. My mom had the original Comprehensive Plan guide and information (she was involved on the island for years). We just threw it out recently. How prescient.
Kudos to Anita for trying to keep the FMB legacy alive. She’s always had a true heart for the island and its residents.
I had my cottage on the north end for 14 years until IAN and have been in the slow process of getting a rebuilding accomplished. With the direction of council it’s clear the Fort Myers Beach that I knew is not going to be anymore
Hey Karen, What goes around comes around. Moss Marine…full steam ahead.
Threat?
I’ve never heard of what goes around comes around being interpreted as a threat.. is that what you think they’re saying?
This is hardly a “threat”. The writer is not threatening to personally “inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done”. The writer has no control to inflict anything. It is just a reality of Moss Marine being next in the cue and a precedent for approval is set by Seagate. Let’s not turn on each other…If you support Seagate just say so…no need to go full on woke and perceive comments as “threats”
“Sounds like others feel like I do. Thank you Mayor for your Nay and thank you Councilman Safford for changing your vote to Nay after listening to residents. For my own personal reasons I believe Councilwoman Woodson was a worthless piece of flesh prior to the Seagate vote and is now a bigger worthless piece of flesh after the Seagate vote. She did not receive my vote when she ran in 2022 and will definitely not get my vote the next time she runs. I cannot remember if I voted for councilman King however, I will remember not to vote for him next time. Unfortunately, I voted for our Vice Mayor and that vote should have been for Greg, my bad there. The Vice Mayor will not get my vote next time either. This vote was a vote to see who on the council actually listens to their residents and who does not. Obviously three council members do not listen to their residents. Remember this when it is time to vote for them again. I also like the impeachment idea as well to get them out sooner rather than waiting for them to complete their terms.”
To call someone a worthless piece of flesh, only reflects the utterance back upon the guilty.
Sad to say that the Council could care less what anybody thinks.
It is a sad day when the town council members decide not to represent their constituents and vote for a project that could potentially change the overall vibe of the FMB. Why? Why would you vote for possible 2-17 story condo buildings that add nothing to the island but concrete and more traffic.
Our only hope is that Seagate listens to the people in this community and designs something more modest and appealing. They have a opportunity to create something really wonderful on this property besides slapping up two buildings that will ruin the face of the island.
Don’t hold your breath waiting for Seagate to somehow do a 360 and give 2 seconds thought to what the residents of fmb think They have made it clear at the hearings that they couldn’t care less.
I really hope that Moss Marina comes back with 4 17 story towers to be built next to woodson’s house. She and king should be the subjects of a recall petition.
Well I’m sure they’d love it. Makes their property worth way more money. There’s plenty of property for sale in Florida.
Now I understand the objections to Moss Marina development which actually has some support vs the seagate and London bay monstrosities that are opposed by virtually 100% of resident home owners –
Building Condo towers does NOTHING for the people of FMB –
Discussing public benefits is a JOKE –
Let’s talk “cost and disruption “ to the residents , businesses and environment – 100 times greater than any scam public benefits that are peanuts to the overall development.
Class action lawsuits and recall elections are needed immediately-
NO way HR FMB chief Karen would approve this structure behind her home .
Many thanks to those speaking up-
There will be no FMB vibe , or community just a rich globalist sterile corporate vacation destination.
What I loved most about FMB is it’s the people’s beach , very little private neighborhoods – a beautiful Mix of all types of folks and families .
Say goodbye and hello to the Kardashians and the housewives of FMB coming soon.
Put your money where your mouth is: hire an attorney to begin the lengthy process to certify a “class action lawsuit.”
Establish the recall committee (required under FSA 100.361(2)(c)) and chair it, serving as the point of contact with the LeeCo elections supervisor and other involved entities.
Gee, imagine that!