About us
Friends of Cape Haze (FOCH) was founded in 2003 in response a proposed high rise, high density hotel/condo development along Placida Road. A group of concerned citizens representing citizens and homeowner’s associations in the area came together after seeing what was planned to request that the county carefully study the proposal and it’s implications.
Our mission
The mission of the Friends of Cape Haze is to protect our area from destructive development in violation of current zoning or land use regulations.
In collaboration with our community partners we will communicate, educate and advocate for sound development in our area along with appropriate land use regulations and zoning.
Our footprints
At Friends of Cape Haze, we are committed to fostering sustainable development while protecting the integrity of our community. Our accomplishments reflect our dedication to preserving the unique character of our community while allowing for responsible development that benefits all residents. We continue to advocate for balanced growth and the protection of our environment.
Our commitment
During the 18 years of its existence, FOCH has not objected to a landowner doing what the laws and regulations say they are allowed to do. FOCH has devoted its efforts to ensuring compliance with existing laws and protections. It will continue to be alert to issues involving ANY destructive development of the Cape Haze Peninsula that threatens the safety of its residents or endangers it very special environment.
Latest news and updates
- Cape Haze Wetlands
Cape Haze Wetlands is a conservation-focused natural area in Southwest Florida that protects coastal habitats and wildlife. Located near the Cape Haze peninsula, it features restored wetlands, native vegetation, and diverse ecosystems that support birdlife, fish, and other species, offering opportunities for nature viewing and environmental education.
- The Rural Settlement Area Overlay District
The Rural Settlement Area Overlay District (RSAOD) was introduced into the Smart Charlotte 2050 Comprehensive Plan as a specialized framework intended to manage growth in the county’s rural hinterlands. While framed by officials as a tool for “responsible development” and the preservation of open space through clustering, the overlay remains a point of significant local contention. Critics and long-time residents often point to the RSAOD’s origins—a planning study largely funded and shaped by a small group of influential property investors, consultants, and attorneys—as evidence that the policy was designed to serve private interests over the public good. Consequently, the RSAOD is viewed by many not as a preservation win, but as a strategic “up-zoning” mechanism that prioritizes developer profit and increased density at the expense of the authentic rural character and infrastructure of Charlotte County.
Our partners
Through such dedicated partnerships with local organizations, our community gains invaluable resources while protecting our local environment. These collaborations allow us to sustain the best quality of life we can offer one another. By working together, we can address challenges, promote sustainability, and enhance community well-being. Below are just a few of the initiatives and partnerships that exemplify this commitment:
Protecting our small community and our environment
