California investment company Sugar Beach Estates owns 4 neglected homes on Estero Boulevard that have not been touched since Hurricane Ian came through in September of 2022. It’s now up to the town to clean up and secure the properties.
On Thursday, Fort Myers Beach Special Magistrate Monica Schmucker held a status update on 5276, 5280, 5268, and 5300 Estero Boulevard. All rental properties owned by Sugar Beach Estates. They were ordered to secure the structures and get them into compliance by April 2nd at a previous hearing.
Town staff told Schmucker they heard from the property owner on February 25th and they informed the town the leaves had been cut. They did not show up to the hearing Thursday. Schmucker ruled in favor of the town which sets in motion $250 per day fines on each property retroactive to April 3rd, the day after the previous hearing. As of today those fines sit at $16,000 per day plus court costs of $250 per house. Another $1,000 per calendar day will be added until the property owner comes into compliance…