Jupiter Council Advances Suni Sands Luxury Project
The Town Council gave preliminary approval to a luxury development on a former mobile home park along the Loxahatchee River.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in National Parks
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Jupiter Town Council voted 4-1 on October 29 to approve first readings of four zoning and land-use ordinances for a proposed luxury development at the 10.5-acre Suni Sands site. The project, led by Hobe Sound developer Charles Modica, would include 44 condos, a hotel with restaurant and spa, retail space and a 17-boat slip marina.
Why it matters
The vote advances a long-contested waterfront project in a location with archaeological significance. Settlement terms reached in January could transfer key portions of the property to town ownership if the developer proceeds.
The council vote was 4-1, with Council member Ron Delaney dissenting, on a 10.5-acre site. Indigenous artifacts on the property date back as long as 5,000 years, but the environmental and seagrass effects of the marina have not been independently assessed in the reporting.
The players
Jupiter Town Council
The municipal governing body of Jupiter, Florida, which grants zoning and land-use approvals for local development projects.
Charles Modica
A Hobe Sound developer who bought the Suni Sands site in 2013 and is pursuing the proposed luxury project.
Ron Delaney
A Jupiter Town Council member who was the sole dissenting vote on the development ordinances, raising environmental concerns.
The details
Council member Ron Delaney cast the lone dissenting votes, citing concern over the project's effect on the waterfront's marine ecosystem and seagrass. Under the settlement, the developer would deed the earth-mound midden and right of way to the town if permitted to build, and the town holds an option to buy the 1.4-acre view corridor overlooking the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse for $10.5 million. Dozens of residents and environmental activists spoke largely in opposition at the October 29 meeting.
Timeline
January: Modica and the town reached a settlement agreement.
October 29: Town Council approved first readings of four ordinances, 4-1.
Travel Outlook
Waterfront Florida destinations along the Loxahatchee and Intracoastal corridors have seen growing pressure for marina and hospitality projects near protected estuaries. The Suni Sands dispute reflects that tension between tourism-oriented development and preservation of shoreline ecosystems and archaeological sites.
Visitors to Jupiter's Loxahatchee River and lighthouse area may see changes to access and views if the project proceeds. Travelers planning waterfront trips should check local council schedules and site status before booking stays near the Jupiter Inlet.
The takeaway
Waterfront development in Jupiter now hinges on the second council readings and the settlement terms that could place the midden and lighthouse view corridor in public hands. Residents and visitors can track how those terms are finalized.
What happens next
The Town Council must hold second readings on the four ordinances before final approval, though no date has been set.
Further reading
Explore more on National Parks to see how waterfront and protected-land tradeoffs play out elsewhere.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Palm Beach Post.
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