FORT MYERS, Fla. — Drug addiction is a topic that can be hard for many communities to wrap their minds around, but one thing is for sure it is happening here in Southwest Florida, just like so many places across this country.
A local recovery advocate says he's trying to open a treatment center for those in need of it, but has hit a roadblock because of Lee County.
Tom Mouracade of the Kimberly Center says this is a case steeped in stigma.
He's now hoping a federal judge will see his point of view and permit him to open a center in Fort Myers.
Despite getting proper permitting for the property and approval from other county staff, Lee County commissioners have voted unanimously to prevent the land from being rezoned for its intended use.
Now, this issue has moved to federal court.
Mouracade is suing the county for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), because they are blocking people's access to treatment.
Lee county released a statement in the case saying that it did not discriminate or violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and has asked for a judge to dismiss this case altogether.
