A massive development project known as "Kingston" is raising concerns among conservationists as it threatens the habitat of the endangered Florida panther.
Thousands of acres in Lee County along the Collier County line are being eyed for this major development, sparking a heated battle between developers and conservation groups.
The proposed Kingston Development would sit between Corkscrew Road and State Road 82, featuring 10,000 homes, a 240-room hotel, a K-8 school, and 700,000 square feet of shops and offices.
“Not only is that in primary and secondary panther habitat, but the 95,000 daily generated trips are already deadly roadways for the panther,” said Julianne Thomas, senior environmental planning specialist for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
The Conservancy argues that this development could kill between 3 and 23 panthers every year due to the increased traffic.
“We’re looking at a situation where the Florida panther is not going to be able to recover or even survive,” Thomas said.
Developer Tony Cameratta disagrees, saying the estimated number of panther deaths is too high.
“This Kingston project has been spun in such a negative spotlight. There are so many positive benefits that are being severely overlooked,” Cameratta said.
Cameratta also argues that the development would benefit residents looking to move inland from the coast, especially after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. He adds that Kingston has plans to preserve and revitalize over 3,000 acres of the project’s land.
To move forward, the Kingston project needs a 404 Clean Water Act permit. In February, a judge stopped Florida from issuing these permits, transferring the decision-making to the Army Corps of Engineers.
Sunday is the last day the public can submit comments on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's website before the Army Corps of Engineers makes its decision.