During the meeting, there was debate on the potential expansion of the Commercial Boulevard (CB) zoning district to allow for a wider range of commercial uses, particularly small-scale commercial development along Estero Boulevard. Council members discussed the potential impact of commercial expansion on traffic and the overall feel of the area, seeking to balance commercial growth with neighborhood character preservation. There were also discussions on the differentiation between the Santini Plaza node and Estero Boulevard and the implications for future development. The council deliberated on the specific wording of the future land use designations and the potential impact on the local population and the overall character of the area.

In addition to zoning and future land use designations, the council discussed the Santini Village node, recognized for its unique marine use, and debated guidelines for outdoor dining at restaurants within the nodes. The Time Square mixed-use area was discussed as a tourist destination, with debate about the permitted density for hotel and motel rooms and a proposed shift to a floor area ratio-based approach. The Civic Center Mixed Use District, Center Island Mixed Use area, and Theater and Art Mixed Use area were also topics of debate, focusing on residential and commercial balance, outdoor dining, and development.

The council also engaged in discussions on various elements of the comprehensive plan, including High Hazard areas, Recreation and Open Space, Transportation, historic preservation, Capital Improvement, conservation, intergovernmental coordination, and utilities. The debates centered around updates to these elements, with a focus on emergency plan compliance, conservation of marine habitats, and the potential for creating a master design guideline for pedestrian overpasses.

One notable topic discussed was the Margaritaville pedestrian overpass and its impact on the area’s aesthetics, with the council proposing a master design guideline policy. Other discussions included the use of the gas tax for transportation, including water ferries, and the encouragement of businesses to offer alternative transportation options to guests.

Public comments highlighted concerns about a home not adhering to FEMA flood plain regulations, with allegations that council members ignored findings and prevented staff communication. A resident urged the council to investigate the situation to prevent the town from losing its FEMA discount and raised issues about an unlicensed contractor supervising the non-compliant structure.

The meeting also addressed the second reading and final public hearing of an ordinance on emergency temporary uses, debated the time frame for temporary uses, and discussed the proposed ordinance 24-13 on unsafe structures. The council approved ordinances focused on purchasing policy amendments, reaffirming the qualifying period for council candidates for the November 2024 election, and addressed a lien reduction request for 80 Avenue E.