LPA approves Beach Theater special exceptions and grants parking variance with conditions

The Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency on June 10 approved four special exceptions and a related variance for a proposed restaurant, bar and entertainment reuse of the former Beach Theater at 6425 Estero Boulevard. The approved special exceptions allow on‑site alcohol consumption, limited outdoor entertainment, indoor live entertainment and outdoor seating after sunset, subject to conditions intended to protect adjacent residential areas. The LPA also granted a variance reducing the site’s required parking from 115 spaces to 33 spaces subject to a recorded shared-parking agreement and operational conditions.

Judith Franco of Community Development reviewed staff findings: the site’s future land‑use category is mixed residential (staff noted a clerical correction in the draft resolution), and the application proposes a ground‑level casual restaurant/bar, a second‑level steakhouse, and interior reuse and storage on the upper level. The applicant will enclose the rear bays along the property with a concrete block wall to buffer sound and will provide a 15‑foot enhanced Type C buffer with a 6‑foot opaque fence along the single‑family property line. The…