Lee County official denies South Fort Myers drug rehab center

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FORT MYERS, Fla. – A special Lee County magistrate decided on Thursday that a drug rehabilitation facility in a mansion on Winkler Road near College Parkway should operate elsewhere.

But after months of opposition, residents of South Fort Myers should not be too quick to breathe a sigh of relief. The building applicant, Thomas Mouracade said he is not giving up.

“It’s certainly not what we had hoped for, but I would not say discouraged by any means,” Mouracade said.

There is a huge need in Lee County for the facility, Mouracade said. He is looking for a peaceful resolution to begin operating the rehab center in a way that will not upset concerned residents.

“We are looking at a 40% reduction across the board in our intensity of use,” Mouracade said. “That’s a very substantial change for us.”

Residents said they support the magistrate’s decision.

“After all that I have seen, I do not want a drug rehab across the street from our children, our schools, our playgrounds,” a neighbor said.

He said he has about 40 days to meet wit the county to discuss viable solutions.

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