Fort Myers Beach board recommends denial of redevelopment proposal for former Outrigger property

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

A controversial redevelopment proposal for the former Outrigger property on Fort Myers Beach hit a major roadblock Tuesday after the town’s Local Planning Agency voted 5-2 to recommend denying a key comprehensive plan amendment tied to London Bay’s project.

The proposal from London Bay Development Group would bring a multi-tower hotel and condo development to the beachfront property across from Town Hall, including 150 hotel rooms and 46 residential units. Developers recently reduced the height of the project from 15 stories to 14, but board members and many residents said they still believed the project was too large for the island.

During the meeting, neighbors voiced concerns about the project’s height, density, traffic impacts and whether it fits the character of Fort Myers Beach.

“People just don't want this place to turn into a little Miami or something like that,” resident Donna Vieceli said. "It doesn't belong in our community."

Other residents say they are not against rebuilding the island after Hurricane Ian, but want future development to better match the scale of the beach community.

"The amenities that will be provided in this new development by London Bay don't address the needs of residents,” said Janet Gottlieb, who lives near the former Outrigger property. "They're designed for tourists, wealthy visitors who might own a condo and perhaps use it a few weeks or months of the year. It needs to help us rebuild community."

Still, despite Tuesday’s vote, the project is far from dead.

The recommendation from the Local Planning Agency is not final, and London Bay is still expected to seek approval from Fort Myers Beach Town Council.

In 2024, the Local Planning Agency also recommended denying Seagate Development Group’s controversial Red Coconut redevelopment proposal. Town council later approved that project in a split vote, sparking significant political backlash and fueling the island’s recall movement.

During Tuesday’s meeting, developers also read emails from supporters who argued the project would help continue Fort Myers Beach’s recovery and bring new investment to the island.

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