CAPTIVA, Fla. — Lee County Commissioners have proposed to increase building height restrictions on barrier islands, including Captiva.

Buildings could be allowed to go up to 35 feet, seven feet higher than the current 28-foot restrictions. This is in response to Hurricane Ian’s flooding and could allow homes to be built higher than the previous flood zone.

However, where residents of Captiva are concerned is the exemption of South Seas Resort from these restrictions.

“They would be able to request buildings up to 45 feet with exemptions to go 75 feet,” said Lisa Riordan, the chair of the Captiva Land Use Committee.

Residents aren’t happy with this proposal. They fear an increase in the size of buildings would mean an influx of people, something the island’s infrastructure isn’t prepared for.

“We have one small fire department. We have one road in and out…each way, all the way across to the mainland, said Riordan. “It was difficult for people to evacuate prior to the storm; it would only be made worse if there were more people here.”

The Captiva Civic Association encourages those passionate about this topic to attend the Lee County Commissioners’ meeting on June 20, 2023.