Council grants Suntex one-year extension for yacht-basin project after Army Corps delays

The City Council voted to extend by one year the approval period in the ground lease with Fort Myers SMI LLC / Suntex for renovation and redevelopment of the Fort Myers Yacht Club and upland improvements, citing delays with federal permitting.

Suntex representatives told council they are engaged in extensive coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and that the project "is not doing a true like for like replacement of an existing marina," which moves the project into a different, lengthier Corps-permitting category. Suntex and its attorneys described recent steps including congressional outreach and engineering work; they said some permit processes are taking significantly longer than anticipated and requested the extension so they can complete necessary Army Corps and federal reviews.

Council members asked about timing, the company's obligations under the ground lease (including a bond tied to the yacht basin), and whether the company can meet the one-year timeframe. Suntex said the company expects to make progress within the extended period but acknowledged the Corps process remains the controlling schedule. Councilmember Berson pressed Suntex for earlier payment on a city bond obligation tied to the marina; Suntex reiterated contract terms that repayment occurs at commencement/occupancy. The extension passed on a roll-call vote with one 'no.'

Next steps: Suntex will continue permitting work with the Army Corps and city staff; council requested staff coordination and reporting on major permitting milestones.