South Seas Island Resort

Proponents of Captiva's low density, height limits square off with county in court Tuesday

Eileen Kelley

At issue are changes Lee County's government made to the Land Development Code freeing South Seas from density and height limits.

Demolition has begun on the South Seas Island Resort Hotel on Captiva Island. The new owners presented plans for much higher buildings with more rooms to be built on the land. Local residents, like Ken Suarez, are prepared to fight.

Government & Politics

Spurred by South Seas plans to rebuild a very large resort, Captiva Civic Association takes first step in civil case against county

Eileen Kelley

The Board of Count Commissioners recently released South Seas resort from the shackles that preserve the charm of the barrier island

Ken Suarez owns condos on the South Seas property. Several taller buildings and a water park has been proposed to be built on the land around his building. “All the buildings now are not higher than the trees,” Suarez said. “If what was proposed is built, the buildings will be higher than the trees.” Demolition has begun on the South Seas Island Resort Hotel on Captiva Island. The new owners presented plans for much higher buildings with more rooms to be built on the land. Local residents, like Ken Suarez, are prepared to fight.

Hurricane Recovery

South Seas resort wants to quadruple the number of hotel rooms, build 270 condominiums

Eileen Kelley

For decades, South Seas Island resort has been bound to the same set of strict density and height restrictions as the rest of Captiva Island in unincorporated Lee County. Until recently, when the Lee County Board of County commissioners exempted the resort from such restrictions. Residents now believe their worst fears could come true.

Family owned Captiva Cruises celebrated its return after effects from Hurricane Ian with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and boat tour. The cruise excursion service has operated on Captiva Island since 1986.

Government & Politics

Lack of height language could pave way for much taller buildings on Captiva

Eileen Kelley

Commission vote on removing height language from code has islanders roiled; Litigation and state legislation expected

Government & Politics

Upset islanders expected to fill Lee County chamber Wednesday. Will Lee County leaders listen this time?

Eileen Kelley

Lee County leaders are planning to do away with language that currently restrict heights of homes on Captiva Island to two-stories. Islanders fear the charm will be lost and they will be in harm's way as more people pack onto the island.

Government & Politics

Sanibel council voices opposition to Captiva homes height changes

Eileen Kelley

In the midst of grappling with its own building height limitation and flood zones, members of the Sanibel City Council are sending a strong message of opposition to its counterparts in the county who are considering a plan to allow an additional level of living space for homes on Captiva Island.

Business/Economy

Lee Commission vote paves way for taller buildings and more visitors on Captiva

Eileen Kelley

Commissioner Ruane called for resiliency what he got was more density and intensity

Marsha Ellis, Lee Co. Resident, spoke at the meeting. June 20, 2023, several concerned Lee County residents voiced their opinion at Tuesday’s Lee County Commissioner’s meeting to the proposed change in the Land Development Code (LDC) on Captiva. They say it would jeopardize its historic low-rise, low-density ambiance. The proposal is to significantly increase the height of buildings at South Seas Island Resort. South Seas Island Resort has requested changes to the LDC and the county's comprehensive land use plan to facilitate the redevelopment of buildings damaged by Hurricane Ian.

Government & Politics

Decision that could change a Captiva resort's footprint on the barrier island postponed to Sept.

Eileen Kelley

South Seas Island Resort is stuck in limbo with plans to build back its hotel until the county changes its land use code