Fort Myers Beach advances one hotel, delays another

Fort Myers Beach Town Council reviewed two proposed hotel projects along Estero Boulevard as the town continues to rebuild its stock of vacation rooms wiped out four years ago by Hurricane Ian. 

During its Oct. 5 meeting, Council advanced plans for a 30-unit boutique hotel on the site of the former Hideaway Village Motel at 5601 and 5607 Estero Blvd. 

Council members voted unanimously to approve the first hearing for owner SLASA LLC’s Commercial Planned Development on the Hideaway property. That moves the project to a second and final adoption hearing set for Nov. 2. 

The previous two-story, 23-unit Hideaway Village Motel was destroyed by Ian. The new plan calls for a four-story, 30-unit structure with a maximum zoned height of 47 feet above base flood elevation and a maximum actual height of 63 feet from grade to the highest roof peak. It would have a smaller footprint than the former motel complex. The 0.63-acre property sits on the northeast side of Estero Boulevard at Lazy Way in a commercial resort district, with residential properties behind it on the bay side of the island. 

The Hideaway plan incorporates up to 3,500 square feet of commercial space, including a small retail store with sundries, an upscale restaurant, a bar and a ground-floor cafe. It also includes a swimming pool and a minimum of 36 parking spaces. 

The plan eliminates direct vehicle access along Estero Boulevard. Instead, traffic would enter a first-floor parking area under the building from Lazy Way and exit behind the building onto Lewis Street. The plan also adds a sidewalk along Lazy Way, according to meeting agenda documents. 

During a separate public hearing Oct. 5, Council delayed a proposal to expand DiamondHead Beach Resort. The project would add hotel rooms, commercial space and parking in the commercial district near Times Square. 

Council members voted 2-1, with Councilor John King dissenting, to send the DiamondHead plan back to the Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency for another review at its next scheduled meeting Nov. 10 instead of moving it forward to a final adoption hearing. Mayor Dan Allers and Vice Mayor Scott Safford recused themselves from the vote because of their business relationships with DiamondHead. 

The LPA previously voted 6-0 against recommending an earlier version of the DiamondHead project, which would have added 57 units for a total of 178 rooms on the 3.45-acre property at 1999 and 2000 Estero Blvd. The agency cited concerns about a new tower potentially blocking views for nearby residents and a lack of public benefit from the expansion. The proposal was subsequently revised to call for a 176-unit hotel before reaching Town Council. 

DiamondHead representatives now say they have revised plans that better meet the town’s objectives. After the LPA takes a second look and votes on the revised plan, the project can return to Town Council for hearings, with or without the agency’s recommendation.