Fort Myers Beach planning body continues London Bay’s Outrigger hearings after hours of public comment

The Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency on May 8 opened a continued hearing on London Bay’s proposed Outrigger resort redevelopment but voted to continue every related agenda item to a date‑certain of May 12 after more than two hours of public comment and board discussion.

The project seeks a comprehensive plan text amendment, a future land‑use map change, a commercial planned development (CPD) rezoning, multiple variances and special exceptions — including construction seaward of the town’s environmentally critical zone and permission for expanded alcohol service on the beach. LPA members and staff repeatedly told the audience that testimony given on May 8 and in prior meetings will be incorporated into the consolidated record for decision‑making at the continued hearing.

Why it matters: The amendments would change how the Outrigger site at 6200 Estero Boulevard could be developed, including taller, denser buildings, expanded commercial space and beach‑front amenities. Neighbors said those changes risked increased traffic, noise and flood impacts on a constrained barrier island; supporters said the project could accelerate economic recovery on the island’s south end.

Local residents and property owners packed the hearing. “We need progress. We need something moving forward,” said David Nusbomb, a full‑time resident who urged the LPA to expedite redevelopment. Opponents voiced detailed concerns about height, density, infrastructure and wildlife. “We will no longer be able to sit on our balconies and watch the sunset in peace and quiet,” said Marcia O’Brien, a Gulfside 12 resident, describing how the proposed location of an outdoor bar and restaurants would affect nearby condo owners.

Several commenters specifically opposed requests to authorize construction in the environmentally critical (EC) zone and to allow alcohol service on the beach. Speakers cited eroding dunes, low elevations in parts of the south end, and potential harm to nesting birds. “The environmentally critical zone is exactly that… you cannot allow development into that area,” said resident Steve Johnson.

The applicant’s representatives told the LPA they had submitted revised materials and asked for time to present a consolidated set of changes and a “buy‑right” alternative that would show what could be built without plan amendments. Don (LPA member) suggested the team provide comparative options — all‑condo, all‑hotel, or lower heights over parking — so the public and board could weigh tradeoffs.

Motions and next steps: The LPA heard the public record and then voted, in multiple roll‑call motions, to continue the comprehensive plan amendment, the map amendment, the CPD rezoning, each special exception, and a setback variance to a date‑certain hearing on May 12 at 9:00 a.m. The continuance keeps all testimony and submitted emails in the official record. The applicant said it will present revised materials on May 12, including the alternatives LPA members requested.

What was not decided: No substantive approvals, denials or conditions were adopted on May 8. The board did not vote on project merits; it only continued each item to allow more complete review and full consideration when more members or further staff analysis are available.

The LPA recessed at 11:31 a.m.; the continued hearings are scheduled for May 12 at 9:00 a.m. All public comments and written submissions accepted through the town clerks’ office will be part of the consolidated record for those hearings.