Ain’t Life Grand?

For decades the residents of Grand Harbor enjoyed their lush 940-acre community, which curves around the western banks and marshes of the Indian River Lagoon, along with the many prized amenities of the Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club.

According to current residents, the early development phase went well. However, over the last several years things began to change. By 2019, developer Icahn Enterprises, owned by Carl Icahn, was managing Grand Harbor and still collecting dues from club members, but failing to satisfactorily maintain the facilities and live up to its contractual obligations.

Then came COVID and the developer shut down the club, including its two 18-hole golf courses, and kept everything closed far longer than any other private club in Indian River County. This proved the breaking point; many members resigned and joined other clubs. Remaining members experienced apprehension about the future of Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club, in which they had already invested not only their capital but also their passion.

The turnover of the club to the members was always in the future. Through a committee of members called the Grand Harbor Master Association, the developer appointed a five-person interim board of governors. This move helped accelerate the handover of the club from developer to members. 

The process was stormy but, in the end, successful. Today Grand Harbor members are looking at clear skies and a grand lifestyle ahead, thanks to the new management team and the board members, who have made tough but smart decisions.