A major waterfront project in Cape Coral, Florida, has run into an expensive problem after mangroves were cleared without the required permit.
The Seven Islands developers received a fine over $34,000 and must restore the damaged vegetation and shoreline, according to the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News.
Here’s what to know
The fines stem from work on a 47-acre tract where crews reportedly removed more than 7,000 square feet of mangroves before obtaining a permit. The developer said the clearing was accidental and told the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News the work was intended to remove only invasive plants.
Cape Coral transferred the property to Gulf Gateway Resort & Marina LLC for $20 million in January, with the site slated for a buildout that could bring nearly 1,000 homes, a 10-story hotel, 45,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 39-slip marina, according to the local newspaper…