Bonita Springs City Council recently gave final approval on the redevelopment plans for the Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track.

Built in 1972 by the Havenick family, the original building and grandstands will be replaced with a contemporary new card room and restaurant. The new building will be situated right on the corner of Bonita Beach and Racetrack Roads, much more visible than it currently is. The new card room and restaurant will be slightly smaller, only utilizing 10 of the 100 acre property. Nothing is currently expected to be built on the remaining land.

The original building will remain in operation until the new building is finished. At that point, the old building will be demolished. The original sign will stay and the text will be changed from “Naples Fort Myers” to “Bonita Springs.”

As most of us know, Florida recently voted to ban dog racing.

With the last race ever on May 3rd, 2020, the Havenick family is expecting construction to be completed before then. Permits will have to be finalized by mid-September, 2019 to meet this deadline.