Monday, July 28, 2025

Port LaBelle Inn Land Rezoning Meeting July 30 - Questions Remain

LABELLE, FL. -- SMH Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc., has submitted petitions for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and rezoning for it's hotel and 46 acres on Oxbow Drive in Port LaBelle. The proposal is for a large treatment center expanding to more new buildings.

A meeting will be held by Johnson Engineering and representatives on Wednesday, July 30 at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of LaBelle at 330 N. Main St., LaBelle and also online via Microsoft Teams webinar. (Click the link for the Wednesday, July 30 at 6 pm online meeting)

SMH is the St. Mathews House company that has run the Port LaBelle Inn for several years with a few guests on the second floor, while housing drug and alcohol rehab clients on the entire third floor. The hotel is now closed.

The large scale proposal includes building 28 multi-family units, 14 future guest/visitor rooms, 10 guest cottages, 14 single-family homes, 40,000 square feet of commercial use and 120,000 square feet of self-storage units.

Aerial Photo by Don Browne - Port LaBelle Inn property

The changes would have to be approved by both Hendry and Glades county, and the state as the requests involve changing the zoning, and changing the Comprehensive Land Plan for both Hendry and Glades county, the Comp Plan which has to be approved also by the State.

A meeting will be held by Johnson Engineering and representatives on Wednesday, July 30 at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of LaBelle at 330 N. Main St., LaBelle.

Some of the questions that have been raised and submitted to Johnson Engineering but not yet answered by Johnson Engineering  include:

Is it true that there is someone who will partner with SMH in the development of the property pending the approvals?

Is it true that SMH has had discussions with a party who is interested in purchasing the property subject to the approvals?

How does the proposed change affect the Comprehensive Land Plan for Hendry and Glades County, including the requirement for Recreation Use?

Has a soil test been performed for dangerous chemicals (arsenic) which was used on the former golf course land? And environmental study all other issues?

Which county departments have given their approval so far in the Comp Plan and Zoning request process?

Who has been sent notice of the July 30 meeting?

Questions and comments can be sent to Johnson Engineering, LLC's city planner, Amanda Martin, AICP at amartin@johnsoneng.com or (239) 461-2487. If you want to participate in the meeting remotely contact them.

Previous stories on rezoning of Port LaBelle Inn land:

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