Sanibel’s Planning Committee approves new Doc Ford’s location

SANIBEL, Fla.- Over one hundred people packed a meeting on Sanibel, many are angry over a proposed restaurant.

Doc Ford’s wants to build at Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle Way, but some neighbors say that will ruin Sanibel’s charm.

The planning committee approved two permits to move this project forward.

Doc Ford’s on Sanibel is going to leave the Rabbit Road location, once the lease is up, so now, the owners want to open up a new Doc Ford’s at a new location.

“I hope they stay where they have a restaurant now on the island. It’s away from all the hustle and bustle of Periwinkle and Tarpon Bay road,” said Bob Adams.

Residents are concerned about things like traffic, noise and the environmental impact to the Sanibel Garden Preserve.

“I think the biggest issue is that corner starting to look like a suburban strip mall,” said Adams.

“I just think it’s going to be trashy. It’s getting too much. It’s not the laid back area it used to be,” said Lesley Heffron.

The City Staff says there will not be a significant traffic increase after 6 p.m., and there will not be an environmental threat to wildlife.

Staff says the over 9,000 square foot restaurant would be built on the last piece of undeveloped commercial property on the island.

“There is going to be winners and losers in the program.”

The city planning committee will meet again on May 12 to finalize the conditions of the permit. There is no date as to when Doc Ford’s would open.