On Tuesday council members voted unanimously to move forward with plans to build a luxury resort on the north side of Fort Myers Beach. The council’s decision came after two days of discussion and sparked conversation from both sides of the debate. Council members said the decision will shape the future of Fort Myers Beach.

Council member Anita Cereceda said, “Everybody will be able to either get over being mad, or celebrate their happiness, but at least we move on, hopefully, 20 years from now people will be glad with the decision we made today.”

“This was a huge first step and now we’re excited to get on to the planning and building,” TPI consultant John Gucciardo said.

The TPI Development plan will add more than 250 hotel rooms, restaurants, shops and a water park near Crescent Street and Fifth Street.

The second and final public hearing on the project is set for May 21, 2018. Construction is scheduled to start in 2019.