Captiva residents fear island's character at risk after resort deal

CAPTIVA, Fla. (WINK)—South Seas is buying 22 acres of beach-to-bay property once owned by artist Robert Rauschenberg, raising concerns among locals about the future of the island.

The land was once part of Rauschenberg's vision, which many residents say was rooted in preservation, not development. On Captiva, life moves a little slower, and for locals like Rita Yule, that's the point.

"It's paradise here. It's very quaint, and it's a fabulous community," Yule said.

It's that easy, small-town lifestyle that drew her to the island. She's afraid it could change because South Seas bought the property once owned by Rauschenberg.

"He is literally rolling over in his grave. He put so much of his money and his intent into preserving as much of Captiva as he could for Captivians," Yule said.

Yule worries development could bring more traffic, more people and more pressure on an island with just one way in and out.

"There's going to be so many more people here," Yule said. "Is the infrastructure strong enough to support all of this?"

The president of the Captiva Civic Association, Lisa Reardon, says this is part of a larger battle.

"That has resulted in numerous lawsuits being filed since 2023," Reardon said.

One lawsuit included the building height and density of South Seas. WINK News reached out to South Seas for an interview.

They declined but sent a press release saying this project is about enhancing, not erasing, the island. President Greg Spencer says the acquisition is a rare opportunity to integrate the property into the resort, expand amenities and honor Rauschenberg's legacy through future art programming.

Other locals, like Martin Franchi, say they're hopeful balance is possible.

"We appreciate the investment from South Seas, but we don't want to lose the character of the island," Franchi said.

And that character, he says, is simple.

"This is not Miami. This is the Gulf Coast. This is chill. We are slow. We are in bed by 11," Franchi said.

South Seas says no final plans have been released yet. Many residents say they'll be watching closely.