Port LaBelle Inn Closed - Large Residential Treatment Center Proposed?

PORT LABELLE, FL. -- The Port LaBelle Inn, owned by SMH Properties (Saint Mathews House) in Naples has closed the facility, saying it's going to be remodeled this summer. It was announced that "The Port LaBelle Inn is currently closed for renovations and not accepting new reservations." The desk clerk said they are going to take it down to "bare walls" for a complete remodel this summer. This appears to be not quite true.

The facility has been used as a combination motel and drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for a number of years. All the drug and alcohol treatment clients have now been moved out of the 3rd floor, and the 2nd floor rooms are no longer being offered as motel rooms to the public. 

According to the Hendry County building department, a rezoning was applied for on September 20, 2024 for a "PUD to allow for residential care facility." Additionally a Hendry County Comprehensive Plan Amendment was applied for to change the facility to a large "multi-use development."

Glades County's Community Development Director Susan BuChans confirmed an application was made in Glades as well, but has failed to respond to a request for more information.

Past records indicate on October 21, 2013 previous owners made an application for a special exception for institutional use, and denied on February 7, 2014.

Before that a Comprehensive Plan Amendment was applied for on March 29, 2007 and later withdrawn on October 10, 2008. 

UPDATE July 15, 2025: Both Hendry County and Glades County have received applications for Comp Plan Amendments, but neither county's officials have responded to a request for further information about what is being requested by SMH Properties

Photo credit: Don Browne