Fort Myers locked in battle with rehab center

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- Taxpayers are footing the bill while the City of Fort Myers is locked in a lawsuit with the Sovereign Health drug rehab center.

Over a year ago, city code enforcement officials told the company it wasn’t allowed to operate in the neighborhood on East Riverside Drive and fined Sovereign Health every day it remained open.

Sovereign Health turned around and sued the city for discriminating against their clients. With the ongoing legal proceedings, the city attorney estimates the resources they need to fight Sovereign Health is costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars and it could continue increasing if the disagreement goes to trial.

“It was something that these people did that the taxpayers are having to pay for,” said Tom Young.

Residents in the area say they were initially worried the facility would bring crime and drug use to their community.

“They’re not supposed to be here and it’s certainly not going to help the neighborhood resale value,” said Bob Nuth.

But residents are getting used to their new neighbor.

“They seem to be controlling it better down there now. We don’t see people in the street anymore and they seem to respectful to the neighborhood now,” Nuth added.

“If they continue operating the way they do, you know, I can live with that,” Young said.

The city says it could go to trial against Sovereign Health next year.

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