Newly submitted plans show Seagate development is asking to violate eight town codes to put up luxury high-rise condos on the historic property that used to be the Red Coconut RV Park.
The developer's renderings show the condo buildings 17 stories high, 15 stories of condo units on top of two-story parking garages.
Villas, a beachfront restaurant, a park, a private beach club and pedestrian walkway are also part of the proposal for the historic 10 acres along Estero Boulevard.
The plans indicate the two 17-story residential buildings would have over 130 condo units with pools and cabanas.
While some are ready for any progress on the vacant property, others are worried the project will spoil Fort Myers Beach's charm.
"We like the old fisherman town, too bad the hurricane happened. Margaritaville is not Fort Myers Beach and high rises will make it even worse," said Jeff Hinsperger, whose been visiting Fort Myers Beach for 20 years. "We're from Michigan, and we've all been looking for different places to go the last couple years. Get it back close to how it used to be and everyone is coming back."
Another long-time visitor, Jeffery Depasquale, is hoping the project will be a big benefit for the community.
"I like the idea of shops and restaurants, bars, that type of thing, but the 17 stories I don't love," Depasquale said. " I think it takes away from the beach a little bit, but also, times change when they have a situation like they have here."
During an exclusive interview with NBC2, Fran Myers, who previously owned the Red Coconut with her husband, Thomas Myers, said the developer is keeping what was promised. She sold Seagate the property for $52 million last year.
"I know nobody likes towers, but I think if the folks on Fort Myers each take a deep breath and really give Seagate a chance," Myers said. "The good thing is the beachfront is going to be mostly open, when the trailers were there at the beachside was always full."
Myers said the developers told her they would keep the tall condos off the beach side, include over three acres of greenspace with walking trails, and keep the memorial bench with her husband's name on it as part of the plans.
The changes must go before the LPA and the town to be approved.
Seagate Development declined to comment but said they are planning a public meeting to share details about the project with the community. They haven't set a date yet, but you can count on NBC2 to follow up with the company to find out when the meeting will be.