Fence goes up around Islamorada property where a Publix will likely be built

A chain-link fence with a "privacy curtain" went up around the planned site for a Publix store in Islamorada last week.

The fence surrounds property from the now-closed Fish Bowl bowling alley near mile marker 83.3 and runs south to take in the former Coral Grill building and the old offices of Coral Reef Title Co. on the bayside of U.S. 1.

No construction has started and it appears uncertain when that could occur.

Village of Islamorada staff reportedly has not yet issued any permits for demolition of existing buildings. A site plan for new construction has not been approved by Islamorada's land-planning board or the village council.

More details on the current status of the project were not available at press time Tuesday.

An earlier plan suggested a supermarket and additional retail store totaling 34,062 square feet, with 161 parking spaces. A lawsuit filed in early 2014 seeks to block the store and remains unsettled.

Several opposition homeowners, the Bay Hammock Homeowners Association and a group called Keep Islamorada Peaceful Prosperous and Safe contends a new, large store could harm Islamorada's character.

Other residents have welcomed the prospect of a new grocery store.

In Key Largo, a new site plan for the Wendy's restaurant at mile marker 99.7 was passed without opposition by the Monroe County Planning Commission in June.

The franchise restaurant owned by J.J. Corp. of the Florida Keys has been closed since a car crashed through its front wall in mid-February.

Changes to the 1981 building will include larger bathrooms to meet new standards, and changes to the kitchen and a walk-in cooler that allow that. The building will gain about 420 square feet.

The parking area will be redone but no spaces will be lost.

This story was originally published August 12, 2015 at 9:57 AM with the headline "Fence goes up around Islamorada property where a Publix will likely be built."