On Thursday, Fort Myers Beach Special Magistrate Monica Schmucker gave the owner of 4 dilapidated properties on Estero Boulevard two weeks to secure those properties or apply for a demo permit. If they do not comply, $250 per day fines will start to accrue. The clock starts ticking to the total une of $1,000 per day on April 2nd.
The owner of 5268, 5276, 5280 and 5300 Estero Boulevard (see pictures below the story) is Sugar Beach Estates. The company is located in Canada. They purchased the homes before Hurricane Ian and they were vacational rentals. The 4 homes are clustered together between Avenida Pescadora and Dakota on the beach side of Estero Boulevard.
The town has been cracking down on property owners who have neglected their properties since Hurricane Ian came through town 3½ years ago. Residents who have gone through the process and spent the money to rebuild are also getting frustrated with property owners who have done nothing. The Town Council and Town Manager believe they’ve given everybody more than enough time to get their properties cleaned up or an easy path to rebuild. Leaving properties untouched like these four is not only an eyesore to the residents, it’s a safety hazard. Town representatives understand there may be insurance issues or FEMA issues but properties can and must be in a safe condition by now…