Alfie Oakes has turned his entrepreneurial eye toward Bonita Springs.
The prominent and politically controversial agricultural and grocery magnate behind Oakes Farms in Naples has proposed a new entertainment venue on a swath of vacant land near the intersection of Bonita Beach and Old 41 roads.
Oakes Farms has applied for an amendment to an existing Commercial Planned Development to allow for a new indoor-outdoor entertainment venue on about 12 acres. The venue is dubbed Oakes Landing.
The application was scheduled to be considered by the city’s Planning & Zoning Board on May 19. However, a few days before the hearing, a representative for Oakes Farms submitted a formal request for a 60-to-90-day continuance.
The written request – which was granted – did not include a reason for the continuance. Oakes could not be reached for comment.
More about the proposed entertainment venue
According to the narrative for the proposed development, the “heart of the venue” would be a multi-use event space, with a large, tented area, a raised deck with lounge seating and a central stage for live performances and community events.
Surrounding the event space, there would be bars and other food and beverage outlets to foster “a lively and interactive atmosphere.”
The venue would have family-friendly features, such as a playground, game zone, pools, changing and rental lockers, picnic seating and food concessions, including a dessert stand. Along with several pools, there would be private cabanas.
A separate game area, including darts and axe throwing, and fire pit are included in the design to “enhance the social setting” for adults and families.
A main building, located at the south end of the property, would support the operations and include a kitchen, offices and restrooms, with designated areas for refrigeration and storage. A parking lot for the venue would sit near the building, with room for up to 416 vehicles.
The developed area would span more than 33,500 square feet.
In its application, Oakes Farms contends the proposed venue will “foster a vibrant atmosphere, serving as a dynamic entertainment destination for the surrounding residential neighborhoods, while also contributing to the economic growth of the City of Bonita Springs by generating new employment opportunities and attracting tourism.”
It’s meant to complement existing uses nearby, such as the nearby Poker Room and the Sports Challenge America complex, which has mini-golf, bowling and other entertainment.
To the north of the proposed site for the development is Entrada Plaza, with a variety of tenants, including restaurants and boutiques. To the west is a RaceTrac gas station, to the south is Mediterra, an expensive master-planned luxury residential community, and to the east is the very popular Trackside Donuts & Cafe.
The closest single-family home in Meditterra is about 1,694 feet to the south of the property line for what’s known as Phase 2 of the existing Commercial Planned Development.
In its application to the city, Oakes Farms contends the proposed development will be compatible with surrounding neighborhoods with a design approach that “prioritizes environmental stewardship and urban compatibility, ensuring that the project integrates seamlessly into the existing fabric of the city, while addressing future growth responsibly.”
City staff has recommended approval of the amendment to allow for the requested uses, with conditions.
Oakes Landing would be another innovative addition to the Oakes’ portfolio.
Founded and owned by Alfie Oakes, Oakes Farms is a diversified agricultural company. Operations include farming, packing and distributing fresh produce and seafood, and running organic restaurants and cafes, and farmer’s market-style grocery stores.
The flagship Seed to Table grocery store in North Naples is a popular draw for local residents and visitors alike, with multiple eateries and bars and regular entertainment indoors. The expansive store, a pro-MAGA hub, is notoriously packed, with a jammed parking lot.
Entertainment venue faces neighborhood opposition
The mayor, along with other city leaders and staff, have received letters in opposition to the proposed entertainment venue from nearby residents, including one written by Joanne Massaro, who lives in Mediterra.
In her letter, Massaro said: “Living off Old 41, Mediterra residents daily have to deal with horrible and dangerous traffic to get in or out of our development. The Oakes proposal will only exacerbate this condition.”
Furthermore, she said, Mediterra residents can hear the live music coming from Sugarshack, off Old 41 Road, farther to the north, every day.
“The Oakes proposal will be far worse with its extended hours and closer vicinity to Mediterra,” Massaro said. “The stages are outdoor and we will hear loud music constantly.”
Other Mediterra residents have expressed strong opposition to the development, citing concerns about noise, traffic, safety, property values, and their overall quality of life, and arguing that it won’t be compatible with their neighborhood or the surrounding areas.
Nearby residents are particularly concerned about the potential for live concerts to be held at the venue several nights a week into the wee hours of the morning.
“Adding insult to injury, it is proposed that the raucous concerts on Friday and Saturday night be permitted until 2 a.m. in the morning. If it wasn’t so bizarre a request, it would almost be laughable,” said Richard Toder, a Mediterra resident, in his letter to the city.
He continued: “Put mildly, it is shameful and clearly demonstrates that such request is not being made in good faith.”
In her letter of opposition, Mediterra resident Mary Ann Kline said that if the city approves the new entertainment venue, it would be a step in the wrong direction.
“Bonita Springs and the surrounding area has developed into a very attractive and very pleasant community,” she said. “The Oakes Landing proposed use would be a significant setback to the progress which has already been made.”
Laura Layden is a senior business and government reporter. Reach her by email at [email protected].
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