Suni Sands Deal in Jeopardy: Environmentalists Push Back on Jupiter Waterfront Development

A mediated settlement that appeared to resolve the long-running dispute over the former Suni Sands mobile home park property is now in doubt, as the developer seeks new conditions and local environmentalists are sounding the alarm over a proposed marina expansion along the Jupiter Inlet.

What's the Property?

The 10-acre parcel sits along A1A near the Jupiter Inlet — one of the most ecologically and historically sensitive stretches of Jupiter's coastline. Developer Charles Modica purchased the land for approximately $16 million in 2016, but plans stalled after archaeologists discovered Native American archaeological sites on the property.

After years of legal back-and-forth, Jupiter and Modica reached a mediated settlement agreement in January 2026. Under that deal, development would proceed on roughly 4.5 acres of the site, while the town would purchase just over one acre of the waterfront for a future public park.

What Changed?

According to Jupiter's town attorney Thomas Baird, the developer is now pushing to restrict what the town can do with that adjoining park land — including limiting the types of activities allowed and capping park hours.

That's raised concerns among town officials and community members who expected the public parcel to be a meaningful open space along the Inlet.

The Marina Question

The bigger flashpoint: the Jupiter Inlet Foundation says the developer's plans include replacing a decaying dock with a significantly larger marina — a proposal they argue runs counter to years of environmental protections in the area.

"The applicant's proposal is completely contrary to all of the steps that have been taken to protect this area," said Cheryl Schneider, Vice President of the Jupiter Inlet Foundation.

Former town council member and Foundation member Cameron May pointed to a specific threat: Johnson seagrass, an endangered species growing in the Inlet near the property.

"It's an important source of food for manatees in the area," May said.

Developer Pushes Back

The developer's attorney disputes the characterization that his client is out of compliance with the settlement terms, calling such suggestions inaccurate. He argued the project — which could ultimately include a hotel, apartments, and retail in addition to the marina — would bring "substantial improvements to the environment" offshore.

The Deadline

The mediated settlement agreement expires at the end of 2026. With the two sides still at odds over key terms, the Jupiter Town Council will face mounting pressure to either renegotiate, extend, or walk away from the deal entirely.

Schneider says the community is watching closely.