Despite residents' concerns, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council approved a plan Monday to expand the Pink Shell Resort with a new 40-room boutique hotel.
"We need some development on the island. You go down, there's not much happening, and we need new development happening on this island," said the Pink Shell's manager.
The plan involves constructing a six-story hotel on a narrow strip of land across from the existing resort on Estero Boulevard.
The Pink Shell's manager, Bill Waichullis, argued that more hotels are necessary to boost the beach economy post-Hurricane Ian.
Residents of the island express concerns about increased congestion.
"We're going to see more traffic, we're going to see more noise, we're going to see more problems with the park because there will be people trying to get into the park," said Robert Burns, a Fort Myers Beach resident.
Despite these concerns, the council voted 4-0 in favor of the project.
Residents voiced their worries that Fort Myers Beach could become more like Miami Beach.
The council's decision goes against staff recommendations and the town's three-story height limit.