Reporter: Bella Line, Photographer: Sam Poulin
•6/26/2026
FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Plans to develop one island in the Caloosahatchee River are facing delays.
Lofton Island, located in the middle of the Caloosahatchee River, has plans for a resort featuring pools, a restaurant and 74 boat slips. Partner Richard Arenas said the project is ready to move forward, but an easement allowing the developers to connect utilities through city-owned land has not been recorded.
"We're ready to go. We're ready to develop," Arenas said.
Arenas believes the development would benefit the area. "Downtown is going through a little phase right now, and it could use a little boost, and I believe this would be a huge boost," he said.
WINK News spoke with residents about the proposed development. Some expressed concerns about changing the character of downtown Fort Myers.
"I think that's terrible, terrible idea. I think it's going to take the homey casual feeling completely away," resident Meagan Leal said.
Others welcomed the project. "I think it'll be really awesome that they're bringing that into the city, and I really think it'll be a great attraction," resident Julian Coates said.
The project has faced setbacks, including Hurricane Ian. "We were ready to go, city was ready, everybody was ready right prior to Ian," Arenas said.
The developers attorney says they cannot begin construction until the City of Fort Myers records an easement. Their attorney said they plan to file a lawsuit as a call to action for the city.
"We haven't been waiting. It's just an oversight from the city," Arenas said. "They've known about it for quite some time, but just like us, the city was in a stage of rebuilding, as well."
Arenas clarified the lawsuit is simply another step in moving the project forward. The City of Fort Myers said the mayor was unavailable for comment and the city cannot comment on potential litigation.
When it comes to Legacy Island project, the City of Fort Myers tells WINK News it is expected to be mostly complete in December of 2026.
