A recent topic in the local news is a planned development coming near Gateway that would include a Casino Gaming Resort that includes 1500 Hotel Rooms and convention center space.  The movement is being spearheaded by a development group led by Miami Heat President Pat Riley.  The area of the Forum would be a mixed use development of residential and commercial space.  It would be located between Colonial Boulevard and State Road 82 just east of Interstate 75.  The plan projects to bring more than 10,000 jobs over three years would be created to build the resort.

The issue still needs to be addressed by the Florida Legislature and possibly putting a referendum on the 2012 ballot amending Lee County’s charter to allow a casino if the state of Florida grants the permit.  This is still in the early stages and development of the resort would take several years.

There are images of the proposed location and an artist rendering of the building.