Isles of Capri Residents Hold Golf Cart Protest and All-Island Picnic

They came in golf carts, nearly a hundred strong, with signs and determination. Whether they’re long-time residents or relatively recent Isles of Capri residents, the shock and bewilderment has been the same. The community feels under siege by FCC developers, aka Fiddler’s Creek, who have been slowly and quietly purchasing additional parcels in the only green space on the Isles of Capri.

Fiddler’s Creek, a massive development about three miles north from the Isles of Capri family community on Collier Boulevard/Highway 951, has had an interest in developing the Isles of Capri community to suit their needs. In recent years they’ve constructed a mega boat storage building and marina on Tarpon Bay with a large parking lot across the road for their private use. To be fair, this arrangement hasn’t caused obstructions on Capri Boulevard, besides causing occasional traffic delays. This building already towers over all other buildings on the Isles. 

However, the plans for further development proposed on Isles of Capri are comprehensive and fully in the sole interest of Fiddler’s Creek. The intent, according to the meeting that most of the Isles of Capri residents attended at the South Collier Regional Library, is to build three condominium buildings, each reaching 168 feet tall with parking in the lower levels of those buildings, effectively blocking the expansive view of Johnson Bay.

 The Isles of Capri, a quiet, friendly neighborhood is zoned C-3, which means low density, i.e., homes, small businesses like real estate offices and restaurants. F.C.C. plans a zoning change designation to PUD, via petitioning the Planning Commission and County Commissioners, to change and enable additional density to the “Planned Unit Development,” which is not permitted under the C-3 designation. Included in this proposed “change” in zoning is a private 200-seat restaurant, for Fiddler’s Creek residents/guests only, with additional dockage and expanded marina adjacent to the restaurant, shopping, a pool and other amenities.

At the original meeting at the South Regional Library, the architects likened the final project to Tin City or Venetian Village, both of which include clothing stores and many other touristy shops.

When residents are asked if they want a commercial project in the center of the island, they are emphatically opposed. Residents lined the roads with signs and support. They oppose the increased traffic, the lack of parking for the popular four restaurants on Capri, which will be further decreased, and the difficulty getting on and off the Isles during commuting hours. There is only one lane in each direction the entire length of Capri Boulevard, so imagine adding more density to an already existing traffic issue.

The golf-cart protest ended at the Capri Community Center with music by Jason Beal and scrumptious food compliments of the Capri Community Inc.

All of these FCC proposed plans are consolidated in the central green space of the island, the only cherished, large green space left on the Isles of Capri, which if developed, will effectively cut off all the community events and extra activities that have been held in this green space for years. The neighborly feel of this close-knit community is one of the major reasons buyers decide to purchase property and move to the Isles and it’s now in jeopardy, leaving residents with no alternatives to continue the events that have been uniting neighbors and friends for years, including the All-Island Picnic, which was just held April 9th to the delight of all. With music from Hat Trick, great food and comradery, fun-raising and fund-raising, information sharing about the planned desecration of the green space and renewed energy to keep Capri the wonderful place it is.

Jory Westberry is an active educator and advocate for quality education. She presently serves on the Marco Island Historical Society Museum Board and the Collier County School Board.