Port Royal Club in Naples to operate out of tents and trailers as it recovers from Ian

Naples City Council has granted an exception to allow the exclusive Port Royal Club to operate out of tents and trailers this season − and maybe for much longer.

The club, sitting directly on the Gulf of Mexico, got pummeled by Hurricane Ian and it is unusable.

So, its leadership asked the city to ease limitations on temporary structures for commercial enterprises, such as the club.

That way the club could serve its members, at least through the busy season. Especially its elderly members, who'd rather not fight downtown traffic.

Council agreed to the request, adopting a resolution to grant the exception on Wednesday.

The action appeared on the Council's consent agenda, so the vote came without discussion.

The exception comes with rules, including no live entertainment or other amplified sound.

In the city, temporary structures are usually limited to 10 days, or two weeks, at a time, depending on their purpose.

Previously, Council approved exceptions for residents wanting to put trailers or tents in their driveways while they repair or rebuild their homes damaged by Ian.

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More:Damages to buildings, homes and businesses estimated at more than $1.5 billion in Naples

Port Royal Club members left with no place to go

Council discussed the Port Royal Club's quandary at its meeting Dec. 7, expressing the desire to help it get back on its feet, as quickly as possible, as well as any other businesses in a similar plight.

At the time, member John Remington said: "We're in December and we don't have a place to go."

The club plans to use the tents and trailers for cooking, dining, serving and cleanup, as well as setting up restrooms on site.

It's looking to serve up to 150 people in two seatings a night, in its parking lot.

Last week, board member Carol Gaunt told Council that it's unlikely any real progress will be made on repairing or rebuilding the club in six months. She shared the full membership may be asked to vote on what path to take, with opinions split on what to do.

"If I had my way, we would have started rebuilding a while ago," she said. "But there is division here."

Allowing the temporary tents and trailers, she said, would be a blessing, as members pay "significant dues," and the board has been forced to find activities and venues offsite to serve them, with so much damage to the club's beachfront property from Ian.

She added that the exception would be a "wonderful Christmas present."

The Port Royal Club was established in 1959 to not only offer a place for residents to socialize, but to create a strong sense of community in what's considered one of the most prestigious, exclusive communities in the country.

Over the years, the members-only club has seen many additions and alterations. It operates as a non-profit organization.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Exclusive Port Royal Club will operate out of tents and trailers in Ian's wake