Ride Nature, a popular community space in Fort Myers, faces potential silence on its skate ramps due to a permit issue.
The skate park, known for teaching tricks, serving coffee, and keeping kids off the streets, is now at the center of a community concern.
"This is, like, a super important space, just for community," said local skater Alex Khoury.
Mia Ausburger, the manager of Ride Nature, revealed that they were unaware of the need for a permit for their skate park.
"So we, for a while, were functioning in this ignorance-is-bliss situation with our backyard," said Ausburger. "Now we're in the process of getting a conditional use permit to do it right with the city, to honor them in this process."
The city confirmed that Ride Nature has submitted an application for an outdoor skate park, which will be reviewed by the Board of Adjustments next Wednesday.
The House of Ride Nature has become a unique fixture in downtown Fort Myers, serving as a skate park, surf shop, and coffeehouse.
The community is concerned, as it's one of the only places to skate in the city.
"Fort Myers doesn't have a skate park, so honestly, you get more skaters like in the streets, which, you know, is fun, but could be a bummer for business," said Khoury.
The owners are encouraging people to attend the meeting next week to get approval to continue being a community hotspot.
The meeting takes place on Wednesday, August 27, at 1:30 pm at the Fort Myers City Hall council chambers. The outcome of the meeting will determine the future of this cherished community space.