Sunseeker Resort construction remains on hold in Charlotte Harbor

It’s been over a year since Allegiant Air announced construction of the Sunseeker Resort would be put on pause — a project expected to bring hundreds of jobs and tourists to Charlotte Harbor.

Bob Fowler enjoys his quality time with mother nature in Charlotte Harbor.

“Birds, people, a lot of dog walkers come by here,” Fowler said.

With the halt of the project, only security and maintenance staff remain at the construction site through late 2021.

“They were going at it last year. They had the tent up, and all of the workers were there,” Daryl Matthew said. “Now, we see a half dozen from what’s visible.”

Allegiant’s president said the company won’t put any money into the project for now. The airline is bouncing back after a rough year. All furloughed pilots are now back to work, and Allegiant is planning for a new operations base in Texas, set to open in November.

“This time last year was pretty dead,” Fowler said. “I’ve seen an increase of planes.”

More than 180,000 people traveled on Allegiant flights through the Punta Gorda Airport in March. That’s a nearly 20% increase from the same time last year.

But there are no plans yet to pick up construction at Sunseeker. Allegiant is still looking for an investor. Fowler wants to see movement sooner rather than later.

“It’s there. Somebody has got to finish it,” Fowler said.