Circuit Court Judge Michael McHugh has given the town of Fort Myers Beach 30 days “to file a response showing cause as to why the requested relief should not be granted.” Once that has been filed, the residents who filed the Writ of Certiorari back in March will have 30 days to respond to the town. This is the first step of many in this process.
Seagate is planning to redevelop the 52-acre former Red Coconut property with 5 buildings, including two 17-story structures. The height of the buildings has divided the community that was incorporated in the mid-90’s to stop tall buildings from being constructed.
Following the Town Council’s vote on the Seagate redevelopment project in late 2024, a community group called Protect FMB was formed to challenge the approval of the project. They hired the law firm of Hahn and Loeser with a goal of raising $100,000 to fight the town (the LPA voted to deny the project 4-2).
Protect FMB is challenging whether or not the Town Council properly followed their own rules and regulations in approving the project. They want the court to side with them and send the project back to the council for another look. Prior to the council voting to approve the project, Town Attorney Nancy Stuparich said the council was on solid legal ground if they decided to vote on the project.
In the meantime, a recall of Council members John King and Karen Woodson (who both voted to approve the project) is gaining steam. The goal of the recall committee is to remove King and Woodson and have them replaced with council members who would vote against the Seagate project as presented now if the court did rule in favor of Protect FMB and kicked the decision back. There is also concern with the size of the London Bay/Outrigger project which is the next big proposal to come before the LPA and council.
The recall committee has 60 days to get 505 signatures to move the recall to an actual election. King and Woodson have both hired attorney’s and plan to challenge the recall in court.
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There is plenty of room on the 9-acre Red Coconut parcel for a low rise/residential home mix that would be beautiful and very desirable for our community.
Second, every developer should be required to contribute financially for the build back of our Beach school. That would be a benefit to the community.
Third, the walkover is obtrusive and blocks the view. It should be eliminated from the plan, and the money put towards benefiting the Beach School and families.