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…