Mayor gives update on Seafarer’s Mall area
There has been a significant amount of attention to Fort Myers Beach, concerning strategic commercial property that has recently gone into foreclosure. County and Municipal officials have met to discuss the situation under the direction of the Board of County Commissioners and the Town of Fort Myers Beach Town Council.
The preliminary meeting with Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah, myself and the respective staffs of both Town and County outlined the variables that need to be discussed and developed to establish the most effective way to proceed.
The initial concern was to investigate and establish the correct disposition of the properties involved, including ownership and who were the correct points for contact. Secondly, Lee County agreed to pay for a commercial property appraisel, which is a requirement in order for any type of transaction. There is an expected 60 day estimate to receive that information. The BOCC and FMB Town Council will have an opportunity to investigate all options, potentially including public/private partnerships, which would be in the public interest.
The situation, although unfortunate, may very well present an opportunity that does not come along very often -if ever again. The work effort represents a unified approach where the County and the Town work together for the benefit of the community.