The 2003 Development Order for Verandah, issued by Lee County, establishes the framework for what can and cannot be developed within the River Village area. While the Development Order allows for improvements and redevelopment opportunities, it also places important limitations on the overall scale and placement of future construction within the original 35,000 Square Foot order.
Any future improvements must comply with a variety of county regulations, including required building setbacks, impervious surface limitations, parking requirements, and stormwater management criteria. In addition, much of the property is affected by environmental and floodplain constraints that significantly influence where development can occur. Portions of the site fall within protected floodplain areas, which restrict grading, fill, and structural expansion opportunities.
Environmental oversight also plays a major role in determining future development potential. Improvements require review and approval from agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers due to wetlands, water management considerations, and proximity to environmentally sensitive areas. These factors collectively limit the amount of land that can realistically be developed, even if theoretical square footage remains available under the Development Order.
As a result, future projects within River Village must be carefully planned to balance member amenities, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability of the property.
Over the past several years, the Verandah Club has made significant investments in amenities and infrastructure that were designed to enhance the member experience while modernizing many of the community’s most popular gathering spaces. These improvements reflect an ongoing commitment to maintaining the Club as a vibrant and active destination for recreation, dining, and social engagement.
Among the most notable additions have been the new pickleball courts, which have quickly become one of the community’s most heavily utilized recreational amenities. Rounding out our Court sports offerings are bocce courts, with shaded bocce gathering structures, creating additional opportunities for outdoor social activities and organized play.
The renovation of the Old Orange golf course is the first step in a multi-year Capital Investment plan that is beginning in 2026. The course is getting full re-grass, an enhanced practice area, new irrigation system, completely rebuilt greens and 3800 linear feet of new cart path.
In 2027, the Club will begin the expansion of the Fitness Center, providing upgraded equipment and additional workout space to better serve the growing wellness interests of members. In addition, there will be new cabanas, upgraded amenities within the Fitness Center as well as the addition of a Pool/Tiki Bar.
As Verandah continues to evolve, leadership is actively evaluating several potential projects that may further enhance the community experience over the coming years. While all future improvements remain subject to budgeting, permitting, regulatory approvals, and long-term planning priorities, these concepts represent part of the broader vision for continued investment by the Club.
Another project under consideration is the renovation of Whispering Oak golf course. Early planning discussions have focused on opportunities to enhance the playability and design of the course. As with any long-range planning effort, future projects will need to be evaluated alongside the physical constraints of the property, including floodplain and environmental limitations. Nevertheless, these discussions demonstrate an ongoing commitment to thoughtfully reinvesting in the Verandah Club and positioning the community for continued success in the years ahead.
