A hearing was scheduled for today in front of Circuit Court Judge Keith Kyle in downtown Fort Myers regarding La Ola’s code violation in Times Square. That hearing was canceled as the two sides tried to work out an settlement. An agreement was not reached Monday.
Following a closed-door meeting Monday morning, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council voted 5-0 decided to reject La Ola owner Thomas Houghton’s proposed settlement which would have allowed him to operate in Times Square through May of 2027 as he gets his plans together to rebuild his restaurant. That does not mean La Ola has to close shop today and leave the square.
The next step is for Houghton and the town to set a meeting with a mediator. After the 5-0 vote during the open Town Council meeting, Mayor Dan Allers said he believes there is a path forward toward an agreement. Allers, along with the Town Manager, Town Attorney, and the Town Flood Plain Manager will participate in the mediation session with the La Ola team…