Backyard Social special-exception hearing continued after resident noise and safety concerns

An application for a Backyard Social restaurant and entertainment venue in the Lakewood Ranch corporate park was continued by the Sarasota County Commission on Jan. 15 after residents raised concerns about late‑night noise, public safety and precedent for a growing late‑night entertainment district.

The applicant, represented by Ria Hunter and Wolverine Management, initially sought special‑exception approvals for outdoor entertainment and extended hours for outdoor dining with bar service, plus indoor entertainment after 10 p.m. During the hearing the applicant withdrew the request for outdoor entertainment after 10 p.m. and presented a professional noise study and mitigation measures including speaker orientation, a solid back wall for an outdoor performance stage and a proposed noise ‘stoplight’ monitoring device.

Nearby residents described the Fort Myers Backyard Social’s calls for service and recounted incidents they say demonstrate public-safety and nuisance risks. At least one neighborhood advocate provided compiled Lee County Sheriff’s Office call-for-service reports alleging assaults and noise complaints at the Fort Myers location. Unity Church and Shoreview neighbors also said openings in the building and speaker placement could allow indoor music to escape the structure late at night.

After extended public testimony and commissioner discussion, the Board voted 5–0 to continue the application at the applicant’s request to allow additional design revisions and neighbor outreach. Commissioners said they welcomed the concept but asked the applicant to return with clearer mitigations and documented neighbor engagement.

Next steps: The applicant will revise plans and carry out follow-up outreach; staff will re‑notice the hearing when the applicant is ready to return to the Board for a decision.