Nearly $1B Captiva resort gets Lee County zoning approval

The Lee County Commission voted Wednesday to approve the zoning for the South Seas resort on Captiva Island.

The vote was 3-1 with Chairman Kevin Ruane, who represents District 1, opposed and Commissioner David Mulicka, who represents District 3, absent, says a resort spokesperson.

The zoning moves 120.5-acres of the property from residential multifamily, marine commercial and two-family conservation to mixed use planned development, according to an agenda for the public hearing.

“This milestone marks a critical step in South Seas’ long-term recovery and revitalization efforts,” Greg Spencer, president of South Seas Ownership Group and CEO of Timbers Co., says in a statement.

“The approved zoning changes will enable thoughtful redevelopment that preserves the unique character of Captiva Island while enhancing the guest experience, improving the resort’s resilience and supporting the community.”

The ownership group is building 435 hotel rooms across two hotels on the property. The north hotel, which is replacing the former Harborside Hotel, will have 225 rooms. The south hotel will have 210 rooms and replace the former conference center. Plans also call for 193 multifamily residential units.

WS SSIR Holdings, a joint ownership group which includes Timbers Co, Wheelock Street Capital and The Ronto Group, bought the 330-acre South Seas Island Resort (as it was then known) in 2021 for $50.38 million.

Hurricane Ian hit 364 days after the sale closed.