With its over 400 miles of canals and hundreds of waterfront properties, the sun-soaked, tranquil city of Cape Coral, Florida, was created to be an ideal retirement destination.

Many, through the years, have bought into this dream. But some have paid a much higher price than others for it, ending up spending all their life savings and postponing retirement to see their forever homes in this “waterfront wonderland” complete.

All because of one man: Paul Beattie, a local developer who took millions from dozens of homeowners to build their dream retirement homes—but failed, in many cases, to deliver a finished product.

Among the homeowners left on the hook by Beattie’s company, Beattie Development, are John and Mary Ann Fitzgerald.

The married couple, who are ranchers from Northern Califo

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