Fort Pierce, FL – Plans for a surf community west of Fort Pierce have been abandoned as the property owner pursues a data center and commercial development.
A rezoning application submitted June 17th proposes changing the 200-acre Koa Bay site northwest of Interstate 95 and Midway Road.
Under the proposal, 174 acres would be designated for light industrial use to accommodate a data center.
The remaining 26 acres would receive commercial zoning for a hotel, gas station, restaurants and businesses.
The rezoning would not authorize immediate construction.
If approved, the applicant plans to select a partner to develop the data center. That company would submit a site plan and obtain city approval.
Willow Lakes LLC owns the property. Chad LaBonte, Koa Bay project owner and principal of Devcon Enterprises, said developers could not raise enough capital to build the Wavegarden surf park.
The planned community previously included a surfing lagoon, nearly 1,000 residences, retail and office space, two hotels and surfside bungalows.
Construction never began, and the site remains largely unchanged except for a man-made lake created by mining operations.
LaBonte and attorney Lee Dobbins said financing problems and electrical transmission lines complicated the residential design.
Two sets of power lines cross the property through easements.
Developers now consider that electrical infrastructure an advantage for a data center, which would require substantial power capacity.
Payments for surf memberships and future sessions are being refunded.
No development partner, construction schedule or opening date has been announced.
If rezoning is denied, the property could still be developed without the surf park.
LaBonte said developers are searching for another St. Lucie County location for the surfing project.