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Lee County hearing examiner recommends record for Safe Harbor marina rezoning after staff backs approval with conditions
Summary
A Lee County hearing Jan. 8, 2026, reviewed a rezoning request to unify zoning and allow a commercial marina and restaurant on about 7.27 acres in North Fort Myers; staff recommended approval with multiple deviations tied to buffering, setbacks and roadway design, while nearby residents raised questions about buffers, noise and noticing.
Lee County hearing examiner Amanda Rivera heard a rezoning request on Jan. 8, 2026, for about 7.27 acres in North Fort Myers that would allow a commercial marina, related retail and a 10,000‑square‑foot restaurant. The applicant, represented by Matthew Spieth of Spieth Engineering, asked to consolidate zoning to Commercial Plan Development (CPD) for a Safe Harbor marina project that the team said would include 283 boat slips (44 wet, 239 dry) and new commercial square footage.
The hearing mattered because staff recommended approval with conditions and several code deviations that directly affect neighborhood buffering, building height and roadway design. "Staff recommends approval of the request as conditioned," said Nick DiFilippo, senior planner, after reviewing LEAP plan consistency, the water‑dependent overlay and environmental protections including the Manatee Protection Plan and existing FDEP conservation easements.
Spieth told the examiner the applicants have worked with county staff and the community for more than two…
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