Officials press for quick demolition of unsafe Island Shores Club; dispute remains over retroactive fine and escrow

At a Fort Myers Beach code enforcement hearing, property owner representatives agreed to demolish the unsafe building at 131133 Estero Boulevard (Island Shores Club), but disagreed with the town over timing, whether a retroactive fine should be imposed now, and whether an escrow should be required to guarantee demolition.

Noel Davies, attorney for the property owner, told the hearing his client is “committed to demolishing the structure” and has an executed demolition contract. Davies proposed a schedule: apply for a demolition permit within 15 days and complete demolition within 30 days after the town issues the demolition permit. He argued the town should first find a violation, set a compliance date and allow the owner an opportunity to cure; any fines, he said, should accrue…