Oakes Farms Withdraws Oakes Landing Proposal in Bonita Springs

By Peter Rose | The Rose Team

Peter Rose is a Southwest Florida real estate professional with The Rose Team at Premiere Plus Realty Company. He specializes in luxury, waterfront, golf course, and investment properties throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. Peter provides clients with market insight, local expertise, and in-depth coverage of the developments shaping Southwest Florida's future.

Just days after plans for a new entertainment destination in Bonita Springs became public, Oakes Farms has officially withdrawn its proposal for Oakes Landing, a project that would have redeveloped the former Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track property along Bonita Beach Road.

The proposed development generated significant attention throughout Southwest Florida. Envisioned as a gathering place featuring entertainment, dining, events, and community-focused experiences, Oakes Landing represented one of the most ambitious redevelopment concepts proposed for the site in recent years.

However, according to city officials, Oakes Farms formally requested that the application be withdrawn from review on June 15 before the proposal reached the city's zoning or council review process.

Community Response Emerged Quickly

Reaction to the project was mixed from the start.

Many residents welcomed the idea of breathing new life into a long-vacant property that occupies a highly visible location in Bonita Springs. Supporters viewed the project as an opportunity to create a destination that could attract visitors, provide new amenities, and contribute to the area's continued growth.

Others expressed concerns about the potential impact on nearby neighborhoods, particularly regarding increased traffic, noise, lighting, and event activity.

Bonita Springs Mayor Mike Gibson noted that he received numerous emails from residents of nearby Mediterra voicing opposition to the proposal. At the same time, he emphasized that any future zoning decisions would ultimately be based on expert testimony and evidence presented during public hearings.

What Happens Next?

At this point, Oakes Farms has not publicly stated why the application was withdrawn.

In the development world, withdrawals are not uncommon and do not necessarily indicate that a project has been abandoned. Developers often pull applications to reevaluate plans, conduct additional studies, gather community feedback, or redesign elements before resubmitting.

Whether Oakes Landing returns in a revised form remains to be seen.

Why This Property Matters

The former greyhound track remains one of the most strategically located redevelopment opportunities in Southwest Florida.

Situated near Interstate 75 and Bonita Beach Road, the property occupies a key position between Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero. Its size and visibility make it one of the most significant undeveloped tracts remaining within the Bonita Springs corridor.

As population growth continues throughout Southwest Florida, pressure to redevelop underutilized sites such as this one will likely remain strong.

Potential future uses could include mixed-use development, residential communities, retail, office space, hospitality, entertainment venues, or a combination of several uses.

The Bigger Picture

For local homeowners and real estate investors, the withdrawal of Oakes Landing is less about the fate of a single project and more about the future direction of Bonita Springs.

The city continues to evolve as one of Southwest Florida's most desirable places to live, attracting new residents, businesses, and investment. How major redevelopment sites are ultimately utilized will play a significant role in shaping the community for decades to come.

For now, one of the region's most anticipated redevelopment proposals has been paused before reaching the public hearing stage, leaving many residents wondering what comes next for one of Bonita Springs' most recognizable properties.

About Peter Rose

Peter Rose
The Rose Team | Premiere Plus Realty Company
239-249-0232
[email protected]
The Rose Team

Serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the surrounding Southwest Florida communities.