Gulfshore Business June 2021

P.16

P.60

P.64

NEW WAY TO WINE

ON-DEMAND OFFICES

GHOST KITCHENS

Sonoma Valley tastings without travel

Work remotely with change of scenery

Virtual restaurants become reality in SW Florida

SOUTHWEST F LO R I DA’ S BEST VIEW OF BUSINESS

THROUGH THE ROOF

Florida homeowners paying cost of insurance lawsuits _____ __P. 46

SHIFTING SANDS

Beach maintenance constant, necessary in SW Florida _____ __P. 34

WORKERS WANTED P_24

H O S P I T A L I T Y S H O R T A G E , E S P E C I A L LY FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S.

$15,605 back from your health plan? *

Now, that’s refreshing.

Money back is possible with All Savers® Alternate Funding, a health plan built to help your Florida small business get back to business faster. All Savers is based on your employees’ medical claims — so if they’re lower than expected, your business may get a surplus refund at year-end.*

Get the details and ask for a quote at uhc.com/allsaversfl

More savings

More flexibility

More stability

Exemption from most Affordable Care Act regulations and state premium taxes

A variety of plan designs, including wellness programs and telemedicine at no additional cost to employees

Fixed monthly plan costs and safeguards to help protect your plan from unexpected high claims

*Yep, that’s a real number. Among the 49% of UnitedHealthcare’s All Savers Florida business customers who received a refund in 2020, the average refund was $15,605. UnitedHealthcare internal reconciliation analysis, Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020. Please consult a tax and/or legal advisor to determine if, by receiving this refund, there are any restrictions or obligations, or whether the surplus refund is taxable. Surplus refund available only where allowed by state law.

Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates, and UnitedHealthcare Service LLC in NY. Stop-loss insurance is underwritten by All Savers Insurance Company (except MA, MN, NJ and NY), UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company in MA and MN, UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company in NJ, and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York in NY. B2B EI21573326.0 3/21 © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 21-569750-B

Looking to provide health care coverage designed for affordability?

There’s a solution available for small business owners in Florida.

By UnitedHealthcare With the health care industry and economy experiencing continued uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, small business owners may be dealing with the financial challenges of offering adequate, affordable coverage to their employees.

Alternate funding plans offer a potential way to help control costs Also called level-funded plans, alternate funding plans may help small businesses reduce their overall health care costs and help employees get more out of their benefits. These plans include 3 components: 1. The employer’s self-funded medical plan. This pays medical expenses for covered employees and their dependents.

2. A third-party claims administration agreement. The employer enters into an agreement with the administrator, who provides claims processing, billing, customer support and other services.

3. A stop loss insurance policy. This provides coverage for large, catastrophic claims by a single covered individual and provides overall coverage in the event all medical claims go beyond a certain dollar limit.

Traditional insurance vs. alternate funding plans

Claims Fixed Premium

Variable

Claims

Stop loss insurance Fixed Administrative, commissions, taxes, etc.

Administrative, commissions, taxes, etc.

Traditional Plans

Alternate Funding Plans

Traditional: With traditional insurance plans, the employer pays a fixed premium to the insurance company. The insurance company assumes all of the risk, paying the health care claims, administrative costs, sales commissions and taxes.

At the end of the plan year, if the actual health care claims are higher than expected, the insurance company covers them. But if they’re lower, the insurance company keeps the difference.

Alternate funding: With an alternate funding plan such as All Savers® Alternate Funding from UnitedHealthcare, the employer sets up a medical plan that pays for employees’ medical benefits directly. Part of the risk is taken on by the medical plan, with the rest covered by stop loss insurance. The plan’s level-funding structure means the administration fees, stop loss premium and monthly maximum claim liability are included in one fixed monthly invoice throughout the plan year.

At the end of the plan year, if the total health care claims are lower than expected, the employer may receive money back (where allowed by state law).1 And if they’re higher? The stop loss insurance policy covers them.

A great way to experience financial flexibility and freedom All Savers is easy to understand and was specifically designed for small businesses. It may help the employer: • Pay lower premium taxes throughout the year (stop loss coverage is still subject to premium tax) • Be exempt from most Affordable Care Act regulations and state insurance mandates • Get protection from unexpected high claims with stop loss insurance • Receive money back at the end of the plan year if medical claims are lower than expected (where allowed by state law)1 Meet the challenge of health care costs head-on Consider an alternate funding plan such as All Savers from UnitedHealthcare. All Savers offers a variety of plan designs, innovative wellness programs, robust member tools and access to the vast UnitedHealthcare provider and OptumRx® pharmacy networks. It’s a great way for small businesses to provide coverage designed for affordability and help their employees get the most out of their benefits.

For more information, contact your broker or visit uhc.com/allsaversfl Please consult a tax and/or legal advisor to determine if, by receiving this surplus refund, there are any restrictions or obligations, or whether the surplus refund is taxable.

Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates, and UnitedHealthcare Service LLC in NY. Stop-loss insurance is underwritten by All Savers Insurance Company (except MA, MN, NJ and NY), UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company in MA and MA, UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company in NJ, and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York in NY. B2B EI21573327.0 3/21 © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 21-569750-C

1

Contents.

F E AT U R E S

P.24

P.34

P.46

IN SEARCH OF

BEACH

INSURANCE

STAFF

RENOURISHMENT

LITIGATION COSTS

Hospitality industry experiencing worker shortage

Maintenance is a constant necessity in SWFL

Lawsuits pile up over new roofs after hurricanes

2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

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From vacation to forever home, Pavese is here for you.

Our experience is your advantage.

Make your transition to Florida a smooth one. Let the attorneys at Pavese Law put their experience to work for you to ensure your personal or business related matters are taking full advantage of the extraordinary rights, protections and benefits available under Florida law.

PaveseLaw.com MAIN OFFICE Fort Myers - 239.334.2195 BRANCH OFFICES Cape Coral - 239. 542. 3148 West Palm Beach - 561. 471. 1366 agricultural • banking & finance • business & corporate • civil litigation

condominium & homeowners’ associations • construction • employment • environmental & water estate planning, probate & trusts • land use & local government • marital & family • real estate

Contents.

D E PA R T M E N T S

TakeNote Spaces P. 10 Makers P. 12 Creatives P. 16 Bookmark P. 18 Trendline P. 20 Economic Commentary P. 22

P.60

B2B P 58

MARKETING Naples Pride’s new Business Alliance markets LGBTQ-friendly companies P 60

WORKPLACE Well-equipped remote offices in the Naples area P 64

HOSPITALITY Ghost kitchens becoming more visible in Southwest Florida P 68

HEALTH CARE Hospitals go high-tech in war on germs P 70

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Twenty-year-old Sapphire Gibson says to launch before you’re ready

P.58

P.68

4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

gulfshorebusiness.com

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AFTER HOURS

P 74

HORSEPOWER Luxury exemplified in the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost P 76

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A wooden amp for phone enhancement P 77

WEEKEND GETAWAY Islamorada is a paradise for those who love the water P 80

UNWIND Helping employees’ stress levels, in or out of the office

Y

N

&

W

NEW

O R T

H

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O T E

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GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2021 5

READER SERVICES

EDI T OR IN CHIEF

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M A N AGING EDI T OR T im At en

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Volume 26/Number 6, June, Gulfshore Business (ISSN 1935-8199), is published 12 times a year by Gulfshore Life Media, 26101 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.

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6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

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that relied heavily on overseas workers to supplement the shortage of stateside

from the editor.

employees are having an even tougher time than before. One local attorney

JUNE 2021

predicts employers will find foreign workers much more difficult to hire in 2021, due to the inability to secure H-1B or H-2B visa holders. A bill introduced in

Seasonal Challenges THE ROOFS OVER OUR HEADS, THE SAND BENEATH OUR FEET AND MORE

December, the Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act of 2020, would change the H-2B visa game (pg. 24), but until Congress agrees to increase how many workers HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF

it allows in the country, employers in hospitality, agriculture, landscaping and other such jobs will have to share the annual nationwide pool of 66,000 visas.

One challenge we’re not having to face

Home prices are through the roof in South-

this summer is that of beach renourish-

west Florida, but that’s not all. We’re seeing

ment, which has been well underway

spikes in construction costs, automobile prices,

(pg.34)—and that’s great news, since a

food, gasoline … just about everything seems to

wider beach can reduce hurricane dam-

be costing more these days, and property insur-

age by 50%, as well as encourage the up-

ance is no exception. This, insurance companies

tick of tourists to the pristine beaches of

argue, is part of an aggressive effort by a growing

Southwest Florida. At the end of 2020,

industry of roofing contractors and lawyers who

Collier County completed a $2 million

are pulling in billions of dollars from claims and

beach renourishment project at Naples

lawsuits. In 2019, insurance litigation costs con-

Beach from Doctors Pass to just north of

sumed 17% of all Florida property premiums,

Lowdermilk Park, adding about 63,000

nearly three times the U.S. average of 6%.

tons of sand. In 2022, Lee County will

Florida homeowners saw their first glimpse

be working on renourishment projects

of the fallout this year when insurance pre-

at Bonita Beach, with an estimated price

miums jumped by as much as 30%. Industry

tag of $2.5 million, and Lovers Key, com-

experts say those increases are expected to

ing in at $11.3 million.

continue (pg. 46).

Other home-grown challenges include those being experienced in the hospitality industry.

Many businesses—from restaurants and hotels to country clubs and resorts—are struggling to find workers, and fear that this situation might escalate in the coming months. Due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, many businesses

p.34 SHIFTING SANDS Beach maintenance is constant and necessary in Southwest Florida.

More beautiful, amply nourished beaches are good news for us all, from securing tourist dollars to providing pleasure for local residents. You probably don’t need any extra encouragement to get out and hit the beach this month, but just in case: Don’t forget the sunscreen, and enjoy!

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 7

p_12 Naples Finest Honey, a beekeeper’s love

TakeNote SPACES | MAKERS | CREATIVES | BOOKMARK TRENDLINE | ECONOMIC COMMENTARY

Fresh look for Fifth Avenue dining spot Samantha Bloom, Getty

PAZZO! CELEBRATES 25 YEARS p_10

By Melanie Pagan

TakeNote

JUNE 2021

S PA C E S

By Melanie Pagan

Pazzo Power A FRESH LOOK FOR THE RESTAURANT’S SILVER ANNIVERSARY

In continued celebration of its 25th anniversary, Paz-

brighter colors and textures of wood, crystal, copper,

zo! on Fifth Avenue South in Naples recently under-

crushed velvet and chenille. The walls are finished with

went extensive renovations. Skip Quillen, founder

thin layers of textured plaster by faux and abstract art-

and owner of Culinary Concepts—a restaurant group

ist Shiree Nichole, who enriched the decorative surface

that includes Pazzo! and Yabba Island Grill in Na-

treatments with coats of metallic gold paint and a dash

ples, Chops City Grill in Naples and Bonita Springs,

of green that reflects nicely off six large wall mirrors.

and The Saloon in Estero—says creating “an atmo-

Nichole also treated 15 vintage Italian posters, some by

sphere that is playful, exciting and fun” is the goal.

illustrator Leonetto Cappiello, directly onto the walls to

“We have been around for 25 years, and we wanted a

blend with the plaster.

new lease on life,” he says. “I wanted the ambience to match the quality of the food.”

As far as ambience, the restaurant’s six original antique glass sconces remain on the walls and are enhanced

Though pazzo means crazy in Italian, the re-

by three new chandeliers draped in glass crystals, sculp-

imagined décor is anything but. Rather, it features

tural chandeliers adorned with delicate glass grapes and

a blend of silvers, golds and lavender, with pops of

peaches and four pink crystal mini chandeliers.



ANNIVERSARY MAKEOVER Pazzo! owner Skip Quillen wanted to redo his 25-year-old restaurant with an ambience that is playful, exciting and fun to match the quality of Courtesy Prutos PR

the food.

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“I wanted it to be playful, and at the same time be unique and of quality,” says Quillen. “All of the finishes fit: We have different colored chair coverings, really fun plates with faces on them, the barstools are different colors and the chandeliers have some bling.” In addition to bringing in Nichole for the project, Quillen collaborated with interior designer Theresa Gillan. To complete the renovations, Quillen shut Pazzo!’s doors for five months, from May through October 2020; the price tag came in at “around $750,000.”

While the restaurant was closed, in addition to all of the color and wall treatments, the white ceiling was replaced with exposed wood beams and a copper ceiling was installed above the bar.

The 20-foot-long wooden bar also was revamped, with new wood trims and appliqués. “The handcarved scroll appliqués instantly add elegance,” explains Gillan.

Entering the space, one of the restaurant’s focal points announces itself in a pop of pink. “I actually saw a similar chair in Paris a few years ago and I always liked it, the uniqueness of it,” says Quillen. The four oversized fuchsia chairs were custom-made and created from his memory of that Parisian chair.

Next up for Quillen? Chops City Grill in Bonita Springs will reopen this fall after a $1 million makeover this summer.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2021 1 1

TakeNote

JUNE 2021

MAKERS

By Justin Paprocki

Sweet Emotions THE LUSCIOUS LEGACY OF NAPLES FINEST HONEY GOLDEN GOODNESS The 120 beehives for Naples Finest Hon-

The buzz of a beehive has been ringing in Tom May’s ears for most of his life. The proprietor of Naples Finest Honey is a third-generation beekeeper; his grandfather

ey generates about 10,000 pounds of honey per year.

and father tended bees in Illinois, and the tradition has lived on with May in Southwest Florida. He also serves as a cellist in the Naples Philharmonic, and if the pandemic has brought any silver lining to his businesses, it’s that the cutback in concerts has meant he can spend more time with his hives. “It’s kept me busy—especially these days,” he says with a laugh.

Honey is a year-round endeavor in Florida. May has 120 hives spread out on different plots across Southwest Florida that will generate about 10,000 pounds of honey per year. Unlike the mass-market honey found on store shelves, local honey comes with a lot more nuance in its flavor—the taste varies depending on 1 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

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“I T ’S B EEN A PASSI O N EV E R SI NC E I CAN R EM EM BER .”

Getty

—Tom May

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 1 3

TakeNote MAKERS

JUNE 2021

By Justin Paprocki

what’s in bloom, as the bees return to the hive with pollen from nearby flowers. For May, prime season starts in March when orange blossoms are in season, then continues into the summer when saw palmettos are blooming. Fall and early winter bring wildflowers, then there’s a short lull in late winter before spring is once again in full swing.

May mainly sells at farmers markets. In season, he’ll go to about four a week with help from his wife. Several retail outlets including Wynn’s Market and Nature’s Garden carry his honey, too. Online ordering is minimal; he’s preferred to keep the operation simple. The family legacy has been a hobby that’s evolved into nearly full-time work. “There’s a lot of planning, a lot of organization. But I like that,” he says. “It’s been a passion ever since I can remember.”

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

NATURAL BUZZ Tom May is a third-generation beekeeper who sells the honey from his hives at farmers markets and retail

Getty, Kevin Bires

outlets in SWFL.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 1 5

TakeNote

JUNE 2021

C R E AT I V E S

By Melanie Pagan

A New Way to Wine Southwest Floridians needn’t go far for a rich wine-tast-

“There’s nothing like this here,” says Patti Genko, mar-

ing experience comparable to those in California’s Sono-

keting director of Cassata Sonoma Vineyards and CRU

ma Valley, one of the world’s top winemaking regions.

Wine Club. “There are folks who have wine shops and

Ask Tom Cassata, who runs Cassata Sonoma family vine-

wine events, but there’s not one where you can go and

yard in Sonoma Valley with his daughter. Cassata opened

meet the vintner and have a more private experience.”

CRU Wine Club in March, offering fine wines and olive

Events in the Wine Club room are by reservation only.

oils with catered light bites, complimentary charcuterie

Guests will sip on 10 Cassata Sonoma Utopium varietals

boards and learning opportunities between each sip. It’s

and two Talisman pinot noirs, and taste four Cassata

a unique opportunity for Southwest Floridians.

Sonoma olive oils. Cassata is bringing in several Sonoma

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Courtesy CRU Wine Club

CRU WINE CLUB OFFERS THE FLAVOR OF A CALIFORNIA VINEYARD WITHOUT THE CROSS-COUNTRY TREK

vineyards wines to showcase in the room, in addition to

“It’s a whole experience. It’s not just drinking a glass

his own. The space can accommodate eight guests in-

of wine and going to a wine tasting,” Genko says, “it’s an

doors or outdoors with socially distanced tables.

educational experience that takes them to the vineyard.

Visitors get to learn about the wine-making process

We hope to transport them in some way to the vineyard.

and vineyard in a short video presentation, and have a

Memories of food and wine are strong, and we hope that

chance to meet Cassata—who has a home in Naples—

when they enjoy the wine in their own homes, it will bring

and ask him questions about his farming practices at the

back great memories of visiting our wine room.”

vineyard and his winemaking philosophies.

Cassata Sonoma uses a bio-sustainable farming technique, “where plants and animals work together with the vineyard to create a very pure product,” Genko says.

“That’s what we love about having this room here,” she adds. “They’ll learn all about the process—not just the bouquet of the wine and subtleties of the wine, or if it tastes like blackberries or cherries, but the whole process of growing it, harvesting it, bottling it and opening it up to enjoy it, right from the vineyard owner.”

The intimate, 650-square-foot tasting room features aspects of the boutique, family-run vineyard and its offerings. Cushy club chairs bear an olive leaf pattern as a nod to its olive oils, and actual grapevine limbs make up the coffee table situated between them. A live wall emphasizes the winery’s true-to-the-earth practices, and a mural depicts the largest bay tree in Sonoma County, which grows right on the Cassata Sonoma property. The art bears the name “CRU,” which refers to the wine club name and highest-quality grapes from the vineyard that are bottled into the wines guests sample. 

LEARNING EXPERIENCE CRU Wine Club in Bonita Springs has a tasting room, top, to allow guests to enjoy Cassata Sonoma wines from its California vineyards, bottom.

GULFSHORE BUSINESSJUNE 2021 17

TakeNote

JUNE 2021

BOOKMARK

RALPH READS

Big Bets TWO TALES OF GAMBLES THAT PAID OFF …

AT LEAST TEMPORARILY

people they are playing against. There is a science of mathematics to playing poker. Knowing the odds in every situation, when to bet and how much is important—but it isn’t enough. Great players win because bluffing is a big part of the world-class game, where the only betting limit is the amount of chips you have in front of you.

So, were the two players mentioned

an avid reader and former CEO of Johnsonville

above bluffing you, or were they trying You are seated at a poker table and two players

to get you to call, or were they setting

check to you. You open, then the first person who

you up for a future hand? Welcome to

checked raises your opening bet. The next play-

the world of professional poker.

Sausage, leads a

er who checked raises the initial raise. The bet

Konnikova had never played poker

book club in Naples

comes to you. What should you do? According to

in her life, but she decided it would

with about a dozen

Maria Konnikova, unless you are a profession-

give her great insight into game theo-

other high-power

al who plays poker for a living, grab what is left

ry, and set a goal to learn the game well

friends. The group

of your chips and run for the door. Konnikova’s

enough to play in the World Series of

only reads non-fic-

book, The Biggest Bluff, is an amazing insight

Poker in Las Vegas within one year.

tion as a way to

into the world of professional poker. Konnikova

She asked one of the greatest poker

has her doctorate in psychology, and her field of

players in history to mentor her, and

study involved chance and its role in our lives.

learned as much about herself as she

How much of life can be controlled, and how

did about the game and other play-

much is just luck—good or bad?

ers over the course of that year. Her

keep learning and sharpening the mind. Every month, Stayer shares the latest page-turners earning a permanent spot on his ever-expanding bookshelves.

This book is a fascinating study about pok-

experiences engendered a dramatic

er and how it is played at the highest levels by

change in how she views life and her

the best players in the world. These individuals

behaviors in stressful situations. She

have their own unique theories about how to

is an excellent writer, and the bet is

win against other experts, but they all have one

that you will really enjoy this book;

thing in common: their ability to understand the

call it, and see for yourself.

1 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

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Penguin Publishing Group

RALPH STAYER,

There are many stories about people who go from being flat broke to being fabulously wealthy in this country, but despite the term, it usually takes years to become an overnight success. Ross Ulbricht became a billionaire in record time. He did it in three years by creating the Silk Road, a site on the dark web for buyers and sellers of drugs. Ross was a libertarian who believed that government should not be able to control what a person puts into his or her own body, and that his website would force governments to legalize the sale of drugs.

American Kingpin by Nick Bilton is the story of how Ulbricht did it, and the efforts of four government agencies to identify the criminal mastermind behind the Silk Road and take him and his website down. This is a non-fiction book that reads like a detective novel. Ulbricht starts out like a protagonist; an idealist who wants to take the crime and danger out of purchasing drugs. Three years later, he has become totally corrupted. He authorizes the sale of guns on his website; then he allows the sale of human organs without concerning himself with their origin, and contracts for the killing of six people who are threats to his activities.

The real protagonists in this story are Jared DerYeghiayan from the DHS, Carl Force from the DEA, Chris Tarbell from the FBI and Gary Alford from the IRS. Detective novels are replete with stories of agency infighting, power struggles, political hacks and a few intrepid souls several levels down in the organization working together to catch the perpetrator. That is exactly what happens in this case. Ross Ulbricht would never have been brought to justice without the heroic, relentless pursuit of three of these four agents—unfortunately, the fourth was corrupted. This book is also a primer on how the dark web works and the pernicious effect Bitcoin has on enabling criminal activities by eliminating the need of transporting and handling cash. Five stars for this book.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2021 19

TakeNote TRENDLINE

JUNE 2021 B y J u s t i n P a p ro c k i

Bouncing Back REGIONAL SALES ON THE REBOUND

Southwest Florida’s taxable sales took quite a hit during the early months of the pandemic, but have come back strong since, according to data from the Florida Department of Revenue.

Taxable sales in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties tumbled about 19% in April 2020 compared to the previous year. But by the summer, sales started to exceed what they were in 2019. The main driver of the bounce-back has been “big ticket items,” such as building materials, appliances and automobiles, as noted in a recent report

by FGCU’s Regional Economic Research Institute. While the pandemic has largely stopped people from doing things such as eating out or going to movies, it’s meant that Getty

people have saved and used stimulus cash on home renovations, a new car or other major purchases.

2 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

gulfshorebusiness.com

CO U NT Y

Y EAR

JAN

F EB

MAR

A PR

Col l i e r

2019

$965,4 7 9,905

$910,53 8 ,098

$929,927,553

$1,03 4,73 9,542

Le e

2019

$1,4 7 9,4 63 ,673

$1,3 45,006,964 $1,3 8 6,3 46,28 8 $1,619,470,557

Ch a r l otte

2019

$287, 859,293

$267,93 8 ,019

$260,8 01,53 1

$3 02,974,602

CO U NT Y

Y EAR

JAN

F EB

MAR

A PR

Col l i e r

2020

$1, 04 1, 101,3 57

$1,002,93 4,092 $994,3 24,029

Le e

2020

$1, 563, 6 22,576

$1,458 ,169,43 9 $1,477,693 ,928 $1,3 20,147,8 42

Ch a r l otte

2020

$315, 595,961

$28 5,292,277

$28 5,161,028

$261,48 2,73 1

CO U NT Y

Y EAR

M AY

JUN

JUL

AUG

Col l i e r

2019

$858, 328 ,561

$742,416,018

$661,545,429

$672,428 ,452

Le e

2019

$1, 37 3,443 ,658

$1,23 3 ,607,3 04 $1,196,501,13 3 $1,196,268 ,950

Ch a r l otte

2019

$259, 061,3 3 7

$243 ,941,911

$23 4,8 11,491

$245,28 9,617

CO U N T Y

Y EAR

M AY

JUN

JUL

AUG

Co l l i e r

2020

$505, 012 ,695

$63 7,652,565

$717,502,453

$653 ,410,774

Le e

2020

$87 6, 582 ,054

$1,120,797,097 $1,279,423 ,971 $1,204,63 9,93 6

Ch a r l o tte

2020

$190, 684,28 3

$23 6,190,747

$256,3 45,58 4

$23 7,604,174

CO U N T Y

Y EAR

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Co l l i e r

2019

$64 3,7 07,295

$650,78 1,3 05

$78 4,649,007

$8 90,248 ,975

Le e

2019

$1, 105, 910,513

$1,109,8 90,779 $1,214,662,043 $1,3 3 0,754,111

Ch a r l o tte

2019

$219, 666 ,8 97

$222,517,976

$241,500,790

$262,48 4,8 56

CO U NT Y

Y EAR

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Col l i e r

2020

$64 0, 158 ,8 17

$727,917,8 69

$8 24,179,560

$8 73 ,596,201

Le e

2020

$1, 131, 6 43 ,8 98

$1,214,117,776

$1,28 6,628 ,73 5 $1,3 47,404,18 7

Ch a r l otte

2020

$220, 365,759

$244,015,78 3

$264,479,090

$8 08 ,158 ,947

$271,016,28 9

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2021

21

TakeNote

JUNE 2021

E C O N O M I C C O M M E N TA R Y

By Shelton Weeks

Economic Ripple Effects What should we expect with a $15 per hour mini-

These business owners will likely have to raise

mum wage? Clearly, the idea of increasing the min-

their rates in order to remain in business. While

imum wage has widespread support—in Florida, we

some of their customers will be able to absorb this

saw strong evidence of this support in the passage of

cost increase, others will not. In fact, some of their

Amendment 2 in November 2020. An array of pol-

former customers may be forced to withdraw from

iticians, including President Biden, also support an

the labor market in order to provide child care. This

increase in the minimum wage on the national level.

could be particularly troubling for businesses that

As we prepare for this change, there is value in

struggle to attract and retain employees. Luckily,

giving some thought to the impact it will have on the

the lessons learned during the pandemic may pro-

economy. Let’s look past the inflationary impact of

vide a pathway for firms to follow, such as employing

increasing the minimum wage and focus instead on

technology to facilitate flexible scheduling or work-

two largely ignored, but highly probable, labor mar-

from-home alternatives, allowing individuals to

ket outcomes.

continue participating in the labor market.

Increasing the labor market participation rate

Many economists anticipate that raising the min-

is one way to grow an economy. During the record

imum wage will damage the employment prospects

expansion of the U.S. economy prior to the pandem-

of individuals at the lower end of the skill spec-

ic-induced recession, the labor market participation

trum. However, the reduced ability of low-skilled

rate essentially stalled out around 63%. The market

workers to secure employment only considers the

for child care services provides a lens through which

initial impact of this change. As a result of there be-

we can see how this key statistic may take a hit as the

ing fewer opportunities for entry to the job market

minimum wage increases: Child care is a labor-in-

by low-skilled workers, there will be fewer of these

tensive business, and firms in this space will be

workers developing the skills needed to advance in

among the first service providers to be significantly

their field. As time passes, we will start to see the

affected by the change in labor cost.

second-stage impact in the labor market as employ-

2 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

gulfshorebusiness.com

Getty, Courtesy Florida Gulf Coast University.

LOOKING AHEAD TO A $15 MINIMUM WAGE

ers are forced to compete for a reduced pool of moderately skilled labor.

Looking beyond the wage impact of this situation, the most worrisome aspect of this situation is a widening of the skills gap. Prior to the pandemic, business owners frequently cited lack of qualified applicants as one of their primary challenges. and the situation outlined above promises to make this a prominent concern as the economy moves toward recovery. On the other hand, this challenging situation presents an opportunity for educational institutions such as FGCU. Specifically, the lack of opportunities for new entrants in the labor market to develop their skills on the job will increase the value of experiential learning opportunities that provide students with skills that add value immediately in the workplace.

The potential negative impact on the labor market participation rate and widening of the skills gap will compound the challenge of the wage increase for many employers. Thankfully, the markets that make up our economy are filled with creative entrepreneurial individuals who will not only devise responses to allow their firms to adapt, but in some cases find new opportunities in their pathways forward.

WAGE WAVES Raising the minimum pay to $15 per hour will have an impact on the local labor market.

Shelton Weeks is the chair of the Department of Economics and Finance in the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2021 2 3

IN SEARCH OF HOSPITALITY STAFF 2 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

– A SHO RTAG E O F HA N DS, ESPECI A LLY F R O M O U TSIDE THE U . S.

BY JO HN GUER R A –

ILLUSTRATION BY

S I N E L AB G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 25

Vanessa Rogers

IN SEARCH OF HOSPITALITY STAFF

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS The Gasparilla Inn & Club on Boca Grande is always searching to fill a variety of seasonal and year-round jobs.

2 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

THE ANNUAL STRUGGLE TO FIND GOOD HOSPITALITY WORKERS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BEGINS SOON FOR THE FALL SEASON.

Regional hiring woes have been a per-

an overseas worker; the worker applies for his U.S. work

petual problem in the last few years, es-

visa while in his home country.

pecially compounded by the pandemic.

Jillian Yanes, a Naples attorney who represents H-2B

Finding overseas workers to supplement

visa holders in SWFL’s hotels, restaurants and other va-

the shortage of stateside hospitality

cation venues, said the region’s employers will find for-

workers has always been difficult, but the

eign workers much tougher to hire in 2021. “Employers

task has been made much harder in 2021

must sign paperwork confirming that they have a need

by COVID-19 travel restrictions and the

for that particular employee,” Yanes says. “If they like the

usual lack of available work visas.

guest worker, they keep you and help you keep coming

Hotels, restaurants and resorts typically start advertising for workers in

back. But with the travel restrictions, I foresee problems if employees try to re-enter.”

late summer and fall, and begin staffing

Though President Joe Biden quickly halted his prede-

and training in time for winter season,

cessor’s so-called Muslim travel ban, the new president

which peaks in January, February and

limited travel to the U.S. from nations where stronger

March. Hotels start hiring overseas

variants of the coronavirus have emerged. That includes

workers as soon as they determine their

Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the Euro-

shortfalls in qualified U.S. workers.

pean Union—countries that provide a large number of

The fun begins when hospitality managers apply to the U.S. Labor Depart-

hospitality workers in Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Marco Island and elsewhere in Southwest Florida.

ment and the U.S. Citizenship and Im-

“Through his travel restrictions, Biden is severely

migration Service for permission to hire

limiting the types of people and what countries they are G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 27

IT IS NO SECRET THAT SWFL’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY HAD TROUBLE FINDING QUALITY EMPLOYEES IN THE YEARS BEFORE COVID-19 HIT.

coming from,” Yanes says. “Foreign workers from European nations provide services to our permanent and seasonal residents, as well as vacationers who rent hotel rooms or dine in our restaurants. If they can’t come here, a labor shortage means there are fewer people to keep the hospitality industry running at its best. It will have a detrimental impact.”

UP AGAINST A TICKING CLOCK It is no secret that Southwest Florida’s hospitality industry had trouble finding quality employees in the years before COVID-19 hit.

Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), says, “I don’t think there’s any doubt that there are certain jobs and positions that are difficult to fill. Our members always have a

"Florida workers

hard time finding housekeepers."

from European

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says 1.6 million restaurant employees nationwide are immigrants and other foreign-born individuals. Unfortunately, their visas don’t last long enough to keep hotels staffed.

“The rules are they can work for a few months, then have to be back to their country of origin,” Dover says. “That means hotels put half their visa employees on a flight and still

nations provide services to our permanent and seasonal residents."

—Jillian Yanes, The Law Office of Jillian Yanes, P.A.

have to make it through season. It’s not a long time to train; by the time you train them, you’re putting them on the plane back home.”

2 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

IN SEARCH OF HOSPITALITY STAFF SAILS STAFF

The pandemic has made it difficult for Sails

restaurant, deeply dedicated to top-rated customer service, to hire international workers. The Naples business also needs to staff two more restaurants it plans to open this fall.

Jay Johnson, president of the Lee County chapter of the FRLA, said fewer tourists translates into lower demand for visa workers. “Due to current business levels, not one hotel I spoke with is planning on using H-2B hospitality workers this season,” says Johnson, who owns Bubba's Roadhouse & Saloon in Cape Coral. “Many have used them in the past with great success, and all are looking forward to business getting back to levels where we can use H-2B hospitality workers once again.”

The demand for workers has exceeded the supply for workers in Naples, Marco Island and other parts of Southwest Florida during the first half of 2021, said Michael D. Collins, associate professor, School of Resort and Hospitality Management at Florida Gulf Coast University. Collins, who was a hotel manager on Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach and other resorts for 25 years, is familiar with the visa process for guest workers.

“At least three dozen hospitality employers in

Vanessa Rogers, Courtesy The Law Office Of Jillian Yanesw

Collier County alone filed H-2B visa applications requesting more than 400 temporary employWORKER CRISIS DULLED BY FEWER TOURISTS

ees in the late summer/fall of 2020, primarily for

“In 2020, we were the largest employer of people

food service positions that typically pay between

in the state of Florida, with 1.5 million hospitality

$12 and $20 per hour,” Collins says. “This demon-

jobs,” Dover says. “Then, in March 2020, 900,000 of

strates that a shortage of front-line domestic hos-

them were furloughed overnight. We went from 131

pitality workers still exists in our area.”

million tourists in Florida to 86.7 million. That’s a lot of heads in beds and restaurants missing.”

Jennifer Castellani is the director of internal operations at Culinary Concepts, which owns and G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 29

operates Chops City Grills, Yabba Is-

University of Florida’s expert on SWFL’s farm-

land Grill, The Saloon and Pazzo! in

ing economy. “Under the terms of these visas,

Naples, Estero and Bonita, and she

workers cannot switch back and forth.”

knows what it takes to find good employees.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the FRLA and other hospitality industry groups have for

Castellani said competition for

years lobbied Congress for a more responsive

workers was tough among the 700

guest worker program. “What they need to do

restaurants and hotels in Collier

is let workers extend their visa on this side; fly-

County. “A couple of country clubs

ing back and forth in the middle of the season

weren’t getting their overseas em-

doesn’t work,” Dover says. “Our FRLA mem-

ployees, so they tapped into our

bers have told us they need more visas, too. We

pool,” she says. “That reduced our

want to work in unity to fix this broken immi-

ability to hire people. I can only

gration system.”

"It's tough to find workers right now.

We do what we can to help match staff

imagine what they’re having to go

One bill introduced in December by U.S. Rep.

through trying to obtain return H-1B

Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) seeks to improve the

with hospitality

or H-2B visa holders.”

lives of H-2B visa holders and help U.S. employ-

managers."

ers find workers stateside. Though it does not NEVER ENOUGH VISAS

necessarily include lengthier stays in the United

The large vegetable farms and cit-

States or more H-2B visas, the Seasonal Worker

rus groves in Lee and Collier coun-

Solidarity Act of 2020 would change the H-2B

ties also reduce the pool of available

visa game for good. Such visas now tie workers

workers. “There is definitely compe-

to a single employer who controls their fate, but

tition between the two industries for

Castro’s bill, which has support of the AFL-CIO

domestic labor,” says Gene McAvoy,

and other labor and hospitality groups, would

3 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

—Lois Croft, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association

IN ADDITION TO PUTTING WORKERS IN CONTROL OF THEIR WORK VISAS, THE PROPOSED SEASONAL WORKER SOLIDARITY ACT ALSO WOULD:

KITCHEN CONUNDRUM Prepping meals at Grappino, Jason Goddard is corporate chef for Aielli

Allow guest workers up to 60 days of unemployment stateside to search for a new position;

Group, which has struggled to find enough employees for its four Naples restaurants: Barbatella, Dorona, Grappino and Sea Salt.

Issue visas quarterly, favoring employers with high labor standards who hire returning workers; Allocate visas to employers who pay the highest wages and treat their workers well;

put workers in control of their work visas.

In addition to protecting foreign workers, Castro’s bill would also

Cap at 100 the number of H-2B visas a single employer can hold;

Tina Sargeant, Courtesy Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association

Offer workers and their families a path to citizenship after 18 months of H-2B employment;

help hotels and restaurants hire U.S. residents by creating an online jobs database and enhanced nationwide recruitment of U.S.-based workers.

(See sidebar, Where to find hospitality workers in SWFL).

But until Congress agrees to increase how many workers it allows in, employers in hospitality, agriculture,

Give Lawful Permanent Resident status immediately to workers after three years of H-2B work.

landscaping and other low-skill jobs will have to fight over the annual nationwide pool of 66,000 visas.

“In normal times, we use every single H-2B, H-1B and J-1 visa we can get our hands on,” Dover says.

“There’s never enough; we always G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 31

STAFF SHORTAGE The Continental on Third Street South in downtown Naples is one of three local restaurants D'Amico and Partners has had difficulty lately finding enough workers to staff.

“This demonstrates that a shortage of front-line domestic hospitality workers still exists in our area.”

—Michael D. Collins, Florida Gulf Coast University

3 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

IN SEARCH OF HOSPITALITY STAFF RECRUIT FROM

Courtesy Florida Gulf Coast University, Zach Stovall

WHERE TO FIND HOSPITALITY WORKERS IN SWFL Hotels, restaurants, country clubs and other hospitality venues advertise for workers on Indeed, Ziprecruiter.com and a hundred other online databases, as well as on their company homepages, but there are other places to recruit workers in Southwest Florida.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA.org) is a good place to network for top chefs and other valuable hospitality workers, says FRLA press secretary Ashley Chambers. “The hospitality industry is a wonderful network, and many local chapters do a good job of promoting vacancies or connecting people to opportunities,” Chambers says.

In Southwest Florida, the Gulf Island Coast chapter includes hospitality members from Charlotte and Glades counties. Lee County has its own chapter, as does Collier County. All

are under regional director Lois Croft. “It’s tough to find workers right now,” Croft says. “We do what we can to help match staff with hospitality managers.”

One source is the ProStart program in local high schools, which teaches culinary and hospitality management skills to students.

The nationwide program is available throughout Florida’s public schools.

“We work with all the high schools to generate future staff members for our hotels and other hospitality venues,” she says.

Croft also advises contacting any SWFL Chamber of Commerce and suggests the following Facebook groups to find hospitality workers: • 239 hospitality ninjas • CapeCoral/LeeCountyJobs • SWFL Job Openings • Fort Myers Jobs • SWFL Restaurant Jobs • Naples Job List • SWFL Help Wanted

OTHER RESORT TOWNS Florida Gulf Coast University, which offers a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, is good recruiting ground. “We are always getting requests for our resort and hospitality management students to work in local restaurants and other venues,” says Michael D. Collins, associate professor at FGCU’s School of Resort and Hospitality Management. The school also has a job fair in the spring and fall semesters when resorts and clubs are staffing up for their respective seasons.

Collins also suggests advertising in northern U.S. resort areas where hospitality employees might be interested in working in Naples, Fort Myers and other warmer climates in the winter.

“It’s good to recruit outside the area, such as Asheville, North Carolina, the location of the Biltmore Estate, or the Outer Banks, where hotels and resorts are numerous.

The Biltmore recruited at our job fair every year. Also, other Florida locations like Orlando are good places to recruit.”

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 33

SHIFTING

Getty

Beach maintenance is a constant, and necessary, task in Southwest Florida

3 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

By Beth Luberecki

SANDS G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 35

PAGE

Access to beautiful beaches is a major reason why many people move to or vacation in Florida.

So keeping those beaches looking good and functioning well is a necessity in these parts.

“We recognize beaches to be key to

That project involved adding to

our brand and a reason why peo-

the beach about 63,000 tons of sand

ple come here,” says Steve Boutelle,

that came from Stewart Materials in

manager of public works operations

Immokalee, a supplier of processed

for Lee County’s Natural Resourc-

aggregate materials. Miller says the

es division. “The tourism aspect is

two main ways Collier County under-

hugely important. Beaches [also] do

takes beach nourishment projects is

a great job as a first line of defense

either hauling sand in by the truck-

against storm impacts, so every proj-

load or dredging it from offshore. For

ect that we do has a combination of

this smaller-scale project, trucking it

benefits to it.”

in was the way to go.

Lee and Collier counties constant-

Not only was it a cost-effective ap-

ly monitor their miles of beaches to

proach, it also guaranteed the coun-

assess where maintenance and nour-

ty received the preferred kind of

ishment are needed due to natural

sand needed for replenishing Naples

erosion or particularly strong storms.

Beach. Unlike with dredging, where

At the end of 2020, Collier County

there’s always a level of uncertain-

completed a $2 million beach re-

ty as to the size, color and quality of

nourishment project at Naples Beach

sand you’re going to get, Stewart Ma-

from Doctors Pass to just north of

terials can sort the sand by grain size

Lowdermilk Park. “It was routine

and color. “We specify that we want

maintenance,

sand

this grain size and this color, or we

washes away to a certain extent ev-

because

the

don’t accept it,” says Miller. “So we

ery year,” says Andy Miller, principal

get really nice sand out of there. The

project manager for Collier County

one we like is nice and fluffy and is

Coastal Zone Management.

also going to have a consistent color.

3 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

37 “WE R EC O G NI Z E B EAC H ES T O B E K EY T O OUR B R AND AND A R EAS ON WH Y P EOP LE C O M E H ER E.”

Getty, Courtesy Collier County Government,Lee County Government

—Steve Boutelle, manager of public works operations for Lee County’s Natural Resources division

BEACH BOOST Beaches on Marco Island, top left, and in Naples and North Naples, above, benefit from renourishment projects.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 37

PAGE

… Our nice, wide beaches draw a lot of tourists, especially when we put this nice, white Immokalee sand down there.

It definitely pays for itself.”

A 2015 report published by the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research—what Lee County’s Boutelle calls “the benchmark study” to measure return on investment—proves that point.

It found that for every dollar spent by the State of Florida for beach restoration between fiscal year 2010-2011 and fiscal year 2012-2013, $5.40 of additional tax revenue was generated. “The economic justification is there,” says Boutelle. “The quality of life is there. The environmental benefits are there. It’s one of those things that’s a pretty easy sell.”

In 2022, Lee County will be working on beach nourishment projects at Bonita Beach (estimated cost: $2.5 million) and Lovers Key (estimated cost: $11.3 million). Pairing the two sites that are close to each other offers some financial efficiencies. “It takes a lot of money to move the kind of equipment necessary to build these beach projects into place,” says Boutelle. “By pairing them up, we can save some on that mobilization expense.”

3 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

Courtesy Collier County Government

39

NOT-SO-QUICK SAND Collier County beach projects in 2019 widened the shoreline at Clam Pass Park at the end of Seagate Drive.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 39

PAGE

Courtesy Collier County Government, Lee County Government

1992

BEFORE AND AFTER The above paired photos from two decades apart show Bonita Beach before and after renourishment. Beach project underway at north Park Shore in Naples, bottom left; truck route for hauling sand from Stewart Mine in Immokalee to Lowdermilk Park in Naples, upper right.

4 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

41 Lee County is still finalizing all the details for these projects, but Boutelle expects the county will bring in offshore sand by way of dredging. “Cost is a factor, but you also have to make sure to get the right sand,” he says. “Because from a regulatory perspective, an aesthetic perspective and an environmental perspective, if you don’t get the sand right, you’re going to have a problem.”

The wrong sand can not only affect the way a beach looks but can also negatively influence the sea turtles that nest on the

2014

beach or the birds that find food there.

For these upcoming projects, Boutelle expects to get sand from as far as 30 miles offshore, load it onto a ship and then bring that ship in closer to shore to pump the sand out onto the beach.

There’s no doubt that work will be appreciated. According to the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s 2019 Visitor Tracking, Occupancy & Economic Impact Study, the beach ranked as travelers’ top reason for visiting Lee County and the top visitor activity. A portion of the county’s bed tax is used to fund its G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 41

PAGE

beach and shoreline program, with $10 million going toward countywide beach nourishment, facility maintenance and other projects and improvements in 2019. Tourist development tax funds are also used to pay for beach maintenance projects in Collier County, and both counties also tap into available state funding for projects.

Beach maintenance is just a fact of life in these parts, and dredging or hauling in sand is the best way to do it, said county officials. Some beaches on the east coast use sand fences to help trap sand, but Miller said they require a lot of upkeep and would limit the amount of recreational access on Collier County’s beaches.

Building artificial reefs to help keep the sand on the beach also wouldn’t be the best approach in this area. Boutelle said the sand that’s at your favorite beach 4 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

43 “ T H E [SAND] WE LI K E I S NI C E AND F LUF F Y AND I S ALS O G OI NG T O H AV E A C ONSI ST EN T C OLO R . ”

Courtesy Collier County Government

—Andy Miller, principal project manager for Collier County Coastal Zone Management

NATURAL ADVANTAGE Hurricane damage can be reduced by 50% by a wider beach, which sustains wildlife and contributes to the quality of life in the region.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 43

PAGE

4 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

45 IMPROVING PARADISE Beach renourishment in 2019 at the northern Park Shore area in Naples; Clam Pass Park, bottom left; beaches attract both snowbirds and shorebirds, right.

BEACH BENEFITS More than 419 miles of Florida’s 825 miles of shoreline have been designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as

on any given day isn’t supposed to stay

“critically eroded.” That means the level of

there forever. “In reality, the way the

erosion threatens development, recreational,

coastal system works is that sand is al-

cultural and/or environmental interests.

ways in motion, generally moving along the shoreline,” he says. “So the beach you see here today is supposed to go some-

reduce hurricane damage by 50%. Healthy

where else tomorrow. Could you build

beaches also attract and sustain wildlife and

something that would stop that process

contribute to the quality of life in the region.

and hold that sand in place? Yes, you

And there’s no denying the impact the qual-

probably could. But that means the place

ity of our beaches has on tourism in the area,

that was supposed to get that sand now isn’t going to, and now you’ve just creat-

a major component of our local economy. In

ed a new environmental problem some-

both counties, the beaches are consistently

where else.”

the top draw and top activity for visitors, who

It also wouldn’t make as much sense fi-

open their wallets when they’re here to the

nancially as bringing in sand. “Knowing

benefit of local businesses. Visitor spend-

that we have 11 miles of beaches to protect, it wouldn’t be economically feasible Courtesy Collier County Government, Getty

According to Lee County, a wide beach can

ing in Lee County in 2019 generated a total

to build a reef for 11 miles,” says Miller.

economic impact of more than $5 billion; in

“Renourishment is just something we

Collier County that total economic impact was

accept. And it also enables us to improve

more than $2 billion in the same year.

our beaches to the point where they are higher and wider, and allow for a lot more tourist use and enjoyment.”

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 45

Getty

THROUGH

GULFSHORE BUSINESS BY JUNE 2021

BRETT BLACKLEDGE

P A G E 47

THE

A major problem for the insurance industry—and for homeowners

ROOF

JUNE 2021

P A G E 48

Now that Sandra Clemento looks back on it, she realizes she’s part of the Florida property insurance industry’s $1 billion problem.

She knew the 19-year-old tile roof on her Pelican Preserve home in Fort Myers needed repairs. So when the 72-yearold single woman got the knock on her door from a roofing

PITCHED ROOF

contractor asking if she’d like a free inspection, she wasn’t

In Florida, hundreds

shocked when he came back with photos of broken roof

of thousands of

tiles. But she was shocked by how much the work ultimate-

roofs have been re-

ly cost—slightly more than $91,000 for a new roof.

When the roofing contractor told her he could make sure her property insurance paid to replace the roof, Clemento responded the way nearly every Florida property owner answers when presented the same offer: She

placed since Hurricane Irma, whether they needed to be or not, insurance industry leaders claim.

thanked the contractor and told his crew to get to work replacing her roof.

Irma damaged her roof enough to justify forcing the

thought that the whole process was slimy,” she says, look-

insurance company to replace it. She understands she

ing back on the experience.

bears responsibility for maintaining the house built in

In Florida, hundreds of thousands of roofs have been

2001 that made it through several hurricanes and near-

replaced since Irma, whether they needed to be or not, in-

ly two decades of Florida wear and tear. “My internal

surance industry leaders claim. The hurricane, Florida’s

voice would tell you I didn’t think it was right,” Clemen-

biggest catastrophe since state leaders changed the rules

to says. “I would say, yes, as a homeowner I should have

governing property insurance in 2011, triggered more than

had more responsibility.”

1 million property claims totaling more than $17 billion in

Like many Florida roof replacement claims closed last

insured losses, including more than 909,000 residential

year by insurance companies, Clemento’s claim blamed

property claims for the storm that touched nearly every

Hurricane Irma three years earlier for the damage. Clem-

part of the state.

ento said she never had any leaks, never experienced any

While the property damage claims from Irma and other

problems after the September 2017 storm. But she took

hurricanes since have mounted, a bigger trend is proving

the salesman up on the offer to have her roof replaced. “I

more costly for Florida insurance companies. Nothing has

4 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

Getty

But if she’s being totally honest, she doubts Hurricane

THROUGH THE ROOF

GULFSHORE BUSINESS P A G E 49

'FREE ROOF' FREE FALL It’s all part of an

claims and litigation

for Florida property

a growing industry of

costs led to more than

owners who can’t find

roofing contractors

$1 billion in underwrit-

coverage, is experienc-

and lawyers who are

ing losses last year for

ing a surge of new cus-

pulling in billions of

the dozens of insurers

tomers as a result, said

dollars from claims

who issue policies in

president and executive

and lawsuits, insurance

Florida, marking the

director Barry Gilway.

companies argue. Some

fifth straight year in

Citizens is projected to

roofing contractors and

losses for an industry

insure 630,257 Florida

lawyers work togeth-

that makes up about 3%

property owners this

er, sending solicitors

of the state’s economy.

year, a 43% increase

door-to-door through

Florida’s property

over the 440,406 cus-

neighborhoods offering

insurance market “is in

tomers it served when

property owners a “free

a free-fall collapse, as

Irma struck in 2017.

roof” and the legal mus-

in not viable,” says Guy

Florida property

cle to force insurance

Fraker, the analyst who

owners got their first

companies to pay for it.

identified the litigation

glimpse of the fallout

“I can’t tell you how

trends and other prob-

this year when their

many times the sales-

lems facing the industry

insurance premiums

man told me they have

in an analysis commis-

jumped by as much as

more lawyers than

sioned by advocates

30%, or up to $1,300

roofing contractors to

for property insurance

for a premium that last

get people new roofs,”

reform. Continued

year cost $1,000. And

Clemento says.

underwriting losses

those increases are

will mean insurers will

expected to continue,

collected the lion’s

leave the state, reduc-

perhaps to the point

share of awards paid by

ing coverage options

where an annual pre-

insurance companies for

for property owners and

mium of thousands of

lawsuits filed on behalf

putting more pressure

dollars will make home

of Florida policyholders.

on the state-run Citi-

ownership unaffordable

While property owners

zens Property Insurance

for many. “We’re going

received slightly more

Company to cover prop-

to reach a point where

than $1 billion of the

erties in hurricane-vul-

our consumers cannot

Since 2013, lawyers

hit the industry harder than the spike in roofing replacement claims and lawsuits filed to collect from insurers. Over the past two years, the cost of claims with litigation were nearly double those without

the insurer of last resort

The property damage

aggressive effort by

$15 billion paid out,

nerable Florida, Fraker

afford their premiums,”

litigation, and lawsuits have

their lawyers filing the

argued. Some insurers

said Sen. Doug Broxson

continued to pile up, said Flor-

cases collected more

already have pulled out

of Pensacola, who backs

ida Insurance Commissioner

than $10.8 billion, or

of the Miami area and

changes in state law

David Altmaier. “These don’t

nearly three-fourths of

some counties around

to help the insurance

appear to be normal roofing

all payments made by

Orlando. “This is a real

industry.

claims,” Altmaier told Florida

insurers, according to

meltdown,” he says.

lawmakers earlier this year.

one analysis.

Citizens, considered

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 49

THROUGH THE ROOF GULFSHORE BUSINESS P A G E 50

The increase in lawsuits is following an increase in roofing contractors going door to door to solicit business, said Tasha Carter, Florida’s insurance consumer advocate. She said her office in the Division of Financial Services has received numerous complaints about door-to-door solicitors swarming neighborhoods. The salespeople represent roofing contractors, working with lawyers

The biggest driver of insurance company pay-

and public adjusters, who offer property owners gift cards if they

outs in recent years is from an increase in Florida

allow a roof inspection and the promise of a new roof paid for by

lawsuits, up more than 210% last year to 85,007

their insurance company once damage is found, Carter said.

from the 27,416 filed in 2013. In Southwest Flor-

Fort Lauderdale lawyer Scott Strems is facing a lawsuit from

ida’s Lee and Collier counties, that increase is

Citizens Insurance Property Company accusing him of participat-

even more dramatic, up more than 1,258% from

ing in a scheme, which included a public adjuster and a contractor,

469 in 2013 to 6,370 in 2019, the most recent year

to submit millions in fraudulent insurance claims. The lawsuit

available.

claims the scheme included improper collaboration among the

More than any other disaster-prone state, Florida property owners are paying the cost of

parties to solicit business from homeowners, submission of fraudulent claims and filing harassing lawsuits to pressure payment.

insurance lawsuits. Fraker estimates that about

A separate Lee County investigation is focusing on a door-to-

$866 of a Florida property owner’s insurance

door push last year made in one neighborhood of seniors just

premium this year will go toward paying litiga-

before the three-year deadline passed in September to file initial

tion costs, up 78% from $487 in 2019. “The number one thing we have to do is bring down the number of lawsuits,” says Sen. Kathleen Passidomo of Naples.

The spike in litigation that began in 2016 comes as a result of Florida laws that give prop-

CANVASSING NEIGHBORHOODS Door-to-door soliciting used by a few roofers in some local communities, such as Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers, has given the roofing industry a bad reputation.

erty owners more time and more coverage for storm damage than other states, and court rulings that opened the door to more damage claims, Fraker said. Damage done after Florida landfalls

by Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, Michael and Sally certainly contributed to the payouts by insurance companies during the period. But Fraker said those storms don’t explain why insurance litigation costs in Florida are significantly higher than any other state vulnerable to catastrophe, such as Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.

In 2019, insurance litigation costs consumed 17% of all Florida property premiums, nearly three times the U.S. average of 6%, and more than three times the costs in Texas, the next highest state, according to Fraker’s analysis.

5 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

A G G R E S S I V E S A L E S T A C T I CS Walking down Gulf Shore

repairs. There are a lot of

Boulevard in Naples while

contractors that didn’t

broadcasting on Face-

address the hurricane

book Live, Lee Haight

damage to the tile cor-

tells his followers, “You

rectly. Have you had your

have to get your pitch

roof checked?”

game up.”

The roofing contractor

"T H E N UMBER ON E THING WE H AVE TO D O IS BRING D OWN THE NUMBER OF LAW S UITS."

“Yes, we’re all set.” Haight

works a side business out

presses on. “You’re all

of Naples, Sky Diamond

set? Is it a concrete tile?”

University, that teaches

The driver brushes him

other contractors how to

off and drives away.

promote their services

“That’s what we call

online, on social media

a Ferrari pump fake,”

and through door-to-door

Haight tells his followers

marketing. With beach-

as the potential client

front mansions in the

drives away. He notes

background, Haight used

this is an example of

Facebook Live to promote

the boldness needed

a Miami marketing semi-

to earn more business

nar he hosted for roofing

as a contractor, that

claims for Irma damage, Carter said. Property

contractors and others.

ability to knock on any

owners received gift cards if they allowed a roof

In the video on his

door, approach anyone,

—Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples

inspection, and one public adjuster, one contrac-

Facebook page, he shows

no matter how rich they

tor and one lawyer were all tied to the claims filed

his followers how he

are or where they live,

in the neighborhood with 15 different insurance

fearlessly chases every

to persuade them that

potential lead, even in the

they should hire you to

wealthy Port Royal neigh-

replace their roof or for

borhood where, he noted,

any project.

companies. “This was a way for the community, the homeowners, to receive new roofs,” she says, declining to offer more details about the ongoing investigation.

That’s what Clemento said happened in her Pelican Preserve neighborhood in Fort Myers.

A number of neighbors got the same pitch she

Courtesy WINK News, Florida Senate

The driver responds,

average home values ex-

It’s exactly the kind

ceed $8 million. He stops

of solicitation that

a man in a red Ferrari to

some state and industry

make his point.

leaders argue has cost

“Nice car, brother,”

insurance companies

did from roofing contractors and a new roof,

Haight says as he

courtesy of their insurance companies. She said

leans into the Ferrari’s

“Is this the only way we

the cost of her roof job ballooned from nearly

open window, and then

can sell roofs?” asks Mike

$60,000 estimated on the initial permit for the

launches into a pitch for

Silvers, a roofing contrac-

job to $91,041.63, which included repairs needed

roofing business. “We’re

tor in St. Petersburg for

after a worker left a hole in her ceiling.

replacing a roof in the

nearly four decades who

neighborhood and we

argues against aggres-

wanted to make sure

sive soliciting tactics. “I

that you’re not somebody

think not. I know not.”

“I used to sort of look at my insurance company as the enemy,” Clemento says. “But I eventually looked at them as an idiot. Why would you keep paying for this?”

billions.

who completed illegal

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 51

THROUGH THE ROOF GULFSHORE BUSINESS P A G E 52

BY THE NUMBERS February 2019 case Amount awarded by Florida court in lawyers fees: $712,677 Amount awarded by Florida court to policyholders: $35,000

they don’t like paying legitimate property claims for damaged roofs. Haight said his business identified numerous Southwest Florida homes last year with real storm damage that proper-

“ [ AWARDING G IFT CAR D S ] WAS A WAY F OR THE COMMUNITY, THE H OME OWN ERS, T O R E CEIVE NEW RO OFS.” — Tasha Carter Florida's insurance consumer advocate

ty owners didn’t even realize was covered by their insurance.

“These roofs were compromised. They were damaged,” he says.

Haight doesn’t buy the claim that roofing contractors are out there promising consumers “free roofs” or charging insurance companies to replace roofs that don’t need it. “No big roofing company makes that promise,” he says. “The insurance company spends so much money brainwashing people that they’re a good neighbor, and they’re not.”

The solicitation, knocking on doors in a neighborhood, is the common thread in a number of cases insurance companies argue provide proof that some contractors, adjusters and lawyers are breaking the law in Florida. A “runner” knocks on a door with a gift card for the property owner and identifies roof

In an interview, Lee Haight defends his ag-

asks the property owner to sign documents on an iPad or elec-

gressive approach to earning roofing business

tronically, agreeing to hire a contractor, retain a lawyer and to

and his work teaching other contractors how to

transfer insurance benefits to them.

promote their services. “We’re in America, sir.

As the billions in covered losses after Irma became apparent,

I’ll fight for my American dream,” he says. His

that solicitation practice became more common, and could

Facebook page includes a video of a homeowner

have violated numerous Florida laws governing public adjust-

punching him as he tries to pitch his “no roof left

ers, soliciting legal business and handling insurance claims.

behind campaign” in one neighborhood.

“You have no idea how much money is involved,” says Locke

Haight said insurance companies—“the rul-

Burt, a former Florida senator who helped rewrite state insur-

ing 1%”—are trying to make him and other blue-

ance laws after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and now runs Secu-

collar business owners out to be villains because

rity First Insurance.

5 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate

damage in an inspection requiring a new roof. The salesperson

Until recently, the rules in Florida for property in-

to replace their roofs with little or no cost

surance gave policyholders up to three years to file

to them. “I think there’s a lot of anecdot-

a storm damage claim, and require full replacement

al evidence that would seem to support

of a roof if 25% of it needs repair. The rules also fa-

that that type of behavior is happening,”

vor lawyers, who can make insurance companies

he says.

pay their legal bills in settlements for policyholders,

The jump in lawsuits is not the result of

and in some cases double their fees if they can show

insurance companies scheming to cheat

it’s a complex case. In February 2019, a Florida court

consumers, said Altmaier, whose office

awarded lawyers $712,677 in legal fees … while their

investigates complaints against insur-

client, the policyholder, received $35,000.

ers. “So far, our findings do not indicate

Florida’s property insurance rules have meant

that we have any systemic, market-wide

homeowners don’t have to pay to replace a roof if

approach by insurance carriers that they

they can claim storm damage or for any lawsuit chal-

are lowballing claims or things of that na-

lenging an insurance company’s decision on a claim.

ture,” he says.

The rules also provide an incentive for some lawyers

The growing number of lawsuits is not

to take on property owner cases against insurance

good for Florida property owners, Car-

companies that have their own army of lawyers.

ter said. “It’s not what’s in the best inter-

Altmaier said he believes some roofing contrac-

est of the homeowner. It’s what’s in the

tors have teamed up with lawyers and adjusters to

best interest of the adjuster, contractor

generate business from homeowners they persuade

and lawyer.”

D E F E N S E A N D C O S T C O N TA I N M E N T ( D C C ) A S P E R C E N TA G E O F P R E M I U M S EARNED FOR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE 25% 19%

20%

17% 15%

13% 11%

10%

5%

4%

3% 3%

2016 FLOR I DA

6%

6% 6%

5% 5% 5%

3% 3%

2017 GEOR GI A

LO UI S I AN A

4%

3% 3%

4%

4%

2018 MI S S I S S I PPI

TE XAS

5% 3%

6%

2%

2019 U.S . AVG.

Source: National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners' Statistical compilation of Annual Statement Information for Property/Casualty Insurance companies 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 53

THROUGH THE ROOF GULFSHORE BUSINESS P A G E 54

An advertisement by a Bonita Springs roofing contractor served as an exhibit used by Altmaier earlier this year in his case to lawmakers that something needs to be done about the rising number of questionable roof Kelly Roofing included a post on its website advising “when repairs will entitle you to a new roof.” The headline, “1 broken shingle or tile = a new roof,” is what caught Altmaier’s attention.

“There’s no such thing as a free roof. Somebody’s paying for it,” says Lisa Pate, executive director of the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.

As a trade group representing about 800 Florida roofing contractors, it may seem odd that Pate and others in the industry are aligning with insurers to fight the door-to-door soliciting used by some roofers trained by lawyers on how to pitch property owners. But Pate said the practice

Getty, Courtesy Security First Florida Corporation

replacement claims.

“ YOU H AV E NO I D EA H OW M UC H M O NEY IS I N VOLV ED.” — Locke Burt, Security First Florida CEO

HIT THE ROOF More than any other disaster-prone state, Florida property owners are paying the cost of insurance lawsuits.

has given her industry a bad reputation. “There’s been some consumer harm done,” she says.

stay in control of their claim,” she says.

Even with the property insurance re-

A series of changes adopted by the Legislature are designed to help

forms adopted this year, Altmaier said he

insurance companies by restricting legal fees, limiting when someone

expects more insurance companies to ask

other than a property owner can pursue a damage claim and shorten-

his office for additional increases in annu-

ing the time property owners have to file a storm damage claim. But

al premiums. Last year, his office approved

some proposals insurance companies pushed didn’t pass, including

55 of the 105 requests made for increases of

forcing homeowners to pay more to replace older roofs.

10% or more.

“The system needs to be practical, responsible and it should work,” says Passidomo, a Senate leader and chair of the Rules Committee.

“This is what consumers are going to be facing if these conditions continue going

Carter said she supports other changes in Florida’s property insur-

forward,” Altmaier says. “We’ll ultimately

ance law that will be more helpful to property owners, including mak-

get to a point where insurance rates, not a

ing them the first point of contact for damage claims, allowing them to

lot of people can afford it, or we’re going to

receive all claim payments and to arrange for incremental payment as

see a lot of carriers just say, ‘Florida is not

contractors satisfactorily complete work. “It allows the policyholder to

the place for us to do business.’”

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 55

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Vanessa Roders, Courtesy VentureX

On-Demand Office Accommodations

JUNE 2021

CHANGE OF SCENERY FOR WORKING REMOTELY p_60

By Susan B. Barnes

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 57

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2021

MARKETING

By Melanie Pagan

Bridging the Gap NAPLES PRIDE’S NEW BUSINESS ALLIANCE MARKETS LGBTQ-FRIENDLY COMPANIES

There’s a profitable demographic businesses may be missing in their marketing. LGBTQ consumers hold some $917 billion in buying power in the U.S., according to a 2015 study from Witeck Communications. Survey results from Ipsos and Google in 2019 show that they are also 71% more likely to trust brands with advertising that authentically represents various sexual orientations. Plus, the percentage of people rejecting binary identities grows with every generation, as 90% of surveyed centennials identify as sexually fluid, compared to 84% of millennials and 71% of Generation Xers, according to a 2017 report

“I T ’S NOT J UST G O OD F O R T H E LG BT Q C O M M U NI T Y, BUT R EALLY OUR EN T I R E C O M M U NI T Y.”

from Kantar Consulting.

The numbers don’t lie: Society is shifting, and businesses can benefit from getting behind the cultural change.

Naples Pride’s new Business Alliance makes it easier for Southwest Florida companies to appeal to the LGBTQ community. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit introduced the part-

—Callhan Soldavini

nership in October 2020, the same month it opened the Naples Pride Center, 2248 Airport-Pulling Road South. since 2017, the 2,400-square-foot recreation center is a

Businesses can choose from three annual membership

hub for entertainment, events, support and resources—in-

categories—$125 nonprofit member, $200 business stan-

cluding LGBTQ-friendly companies.

dard member and $350 business sponsor member—and

“We get requests for every business you can think of,”

benefit from multiple marketing avenues.

says Naples Pride Board Member Callhan Soldavini.

“We’re able to promote these businesses on our website,

“So, the more diverse we can get in the business com-

social media accounts and in the center,” Soldavini says.

munity, the more resources we will be able to provide

Members are included in a business directory, free net-

anyone asking.”

working mixers, a monthly newsletter and more.

5 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

gulfshorebusiness.com

Courtesy Florida Community Development Legal Project, Getty

Funded predominantly by Naples Pride festivals’ success

Prejudice Prevention The frustrating truth is that discriminatory business practices are very real in the community. “Unfortunately, it does happen,” Soldavini says. “Things like that can really affect your heart and home, and the simplest thing we can do is recommend businesses where they don’t occur.” In fact, 36% percent of LGBTQ community members who have experienced harassment say it has occurred in the workplace, according to a 2020 Center for American

INSIDE THE NAPLES PRIDE CENTER The Naples Pride

space for entertain-

Center opened in Oc-

ment and organized

tober 2020 after an

gatherings such as

overwhelming survey

book clubs and sup-

response to the or-

port groups, as well

ganization requesting

as educational and

a gathering center.

networking events.

Progress study. Businesses connected to the Naples Pride

The rainbow flag

It’s also a place to

Center can look forward to progressive education in the

waves prominently

give back; early in

future, Soldavini said.

in front of the leased

the pandemic, the

2,400-square-

Naples Pride Center

foot, single-fami-

partnered with Collier

ly-home-style build-

County Emergen-

ing, located across

cy Services to feed

from the Collier

hundreds of families

County courthouse in

in need.

“We would like to expand health resources and offer business training on any LGBTQ issues,” she says. “We want to be a space to be able to ask questions and get honest answers.” Soldavini also said that the more businesses that commit to LGBTQ inclusivity, the better it is for the economy as a whole.

“It’s not just good for the LGBTQ community, but really our entire community,” she says. “It’s great for the county and for our small businesses to say, ‘Hey, this is a welcoming community, and when you shop on Fifth Avenue, when you go to the mall, when you go to our restaurants, you’re going to be welcome. Come spend your money with us.”

East Naples.

“The point of our

The center opens

center and nonprofit

to a reception area

is just being present

stocked with help-

and a positive impact

ful resources and

on the community,”

a communal space

Soldavini says. “LGBT

bordered by cozy

people and allies

seating. It’s easy to

are here to help the

grab a book from the

community, just like

large library or pop

any other nonprofit

on the TV and stay

organization.”

awhile. The big patio out back is used for

Naples Pride Center

BBQs, games and

2248 Airport-Pull-

other gatherings.

ing Road S., Naples

“It’s so much cuter

239.304.9407 NaplesPride.org

than we could have imagined,” Soldavini says. “It really has a homey feel.”

The Naples Pride Center provides a

GGUUL LF FSSHHOORRE EBBUUSSI NI NE ESSSSJ JUNE U N E 2021 2021 5 9

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2021

WORKPLACE

By Susan B. Barnes

On-Demand Office Accommodations WELL-EQUIPPED WORKPLACES IN AND AROUND NAPLES

With a 98% occupancy rate across its three executive office

space has an additional 14 offices and a conference room.

spaces along Naples’ prestigious Fifth Avenue South, it was

“We added our fourth address and have already rented

time for Hoffman Executive Suites to grow again. When we

out half of the space,” Columbus said about a month prior

spoke with Hoffman’s president, Madelene Columbus, she

to opening. “In this business, there’s a flow of people com-

was putting the finishing touches on the company’s fourth

ing and going. Some people have decided to maintain their

space that opened in April above Sails Restaurant. The new

[Hoffman] office spaces year-round so they don’t lose them.”

6 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

gulfshorebusiness.com



MOVING UP In April, Venture X moved from its Mercato location in North Naples to a new 18,000-square-foot space at 4850 Tamiami Trial N. in Naples.

Hoffman Executive Suites offers virtual office plans, as well, so that businesses have a physical address—and the team handles incoming mail and offers administrative support. Depending upon the tier selected, additional services include a number of days’ use of a private office. Columbus said that Hoffman has more than 100 virtual office clients.

“Our services are very specialized,” she says. “Clients will ask for something, and if there’s a way to make it happen, we’ll make it happen. We have the opportunity to specialize our services, and that’s what really sets us apart.”

Columbus strives to make the office work environment professional and engaging in regard to the aesthetic, which is bright and modern with interesting artwork. “It’s a fun place to come and work,” she says.

Away From Home “You could have the most beautiful home office in the world, but it’s unfair to your work/life balance, there are so many distractions,” says Columbus. “People enjoy the camaraderie, even if at a distance, in an environment with other like-minded individuals. They may even end up doing

from a virtual office that includes a mailing address and

business together down the road.”

one monthly day pass to access co-working space, to social

Collier Capital Club clients are seeking a sense of ca-

memberships that allow for up to eight days in a designat-

maraderie and a change of scenery. People who had been

ed co-working space, to private offices with 24/7 access

working from home are seeking a lifestyle change to sep-

and corporate membership that can be a blend of virtual,

arate home and work after the initial enjoyment wore off.

co-working and private office space to fit a company’s need,

Courtesy VentureX

Collier Capital Club opened in December 2020 and of-

accessible by a number of people within the same company.

fers seven private offices, two of which are corner offices,

In April, Venture X moved from its Mercato location to

two conference rooms and a co-working space with 22 ded-

its new 18,000-square-foot space at 4850 Tamiami Trial

icated desks and five hot desks. A third suite has a lounge

North. In addition to co-working space, private offices

area and is available for member events and presentations.

and meeting rooms, the new space also features a lounge

A variety of plans are available at Collier Capital Club,

and cafe, a wellness room and a podcast room.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 6 1

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2021

WORKPLACE

CO-WORKING OPTIONS In addition to co-working space, Venture X provides private offices and meeting rooms.

Its new space also features a lounge, cafe, wellness room and podcast room.

Additional executive office spaces with flexible options and full-service amenities include Synergy Suites with two locations: Eleven Ten is at 1110 Pine Ridge Road, 10 minutes north of downtown Naples; and Fifty Fifty One at 5051 Castello Road in central Naples.

In addition to virtual offices, Premier Executive Center has two brick-and-mortar locations, one in Naples and the other in Fort Myers. Business and concierge services are the same at both properties, including secretarial services, ordering office supplies and even assistance furnishing private office spaces.

Another option for executive office space in Southwest Florida, and even around the U.S. and abroad, is LiquidSpace, an online and app-based platform that provides space on-demand by the hour, day, month or year. With 212 spaces in Florida, LiquidSpace partners with four companies in Fort Myers (Aditi Maheshwari’s, Treeline Realty, Premier Executive Center and Agent Plus Realty) and four in Naples (Premier Executive Center-Naples, Naples Court Reporting & Legal Services, Windsor “Naples’ Premier Meetings Venue” and Venture X | Naples) to make available otherwise unused space.

6 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

gulfshorebusiness.com

Courtesy VentureX

“OUR SERV I C E S AR E V ERY SP EC I ALI Z E D. C LI EN T S WIL L ASK F OR S OM ET H I NG, AND I F T H ER E’S A WAY T O M AK E I T H AP P EN, WE’LL M AK E I T H AP P EN. WE H AV E T H E OP P ORT UNITY T O SP EC I AL IZ E OUR SERV I C E S, AND T H AT ’S WH AT R EAL LY SET S US APART.” —Madelene Columbus, Hoffman Executive Suites

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2021 6 3

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2021

H O S P I TA L I T Y

B y T i m At e n

The Reality of Virtual Restaurants GHOST KITCHENS GAINING MORE VISIBILITY IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Delivering on a spirited delivery-only dining concept, ghost kitchens are growing in Southwest Florida. Rather than apparitions of something dead, ghost kitchens are real phenomena that are very much alive … and becoming livelier by the moment.

Ghost kitchens, sometimes called cloud kitchens or virtual kitchens, are behind restaurant brands that don’t have dining rooms, servers or even brick-and-mortar locations. They operate only virtually, sometimes as a side of established restaurants. Third-party delivery apps such

Naples resident Telni “Tony” Brito, who opened his

as DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats generally make the

sixth location of Napoli on the Bay Pizzeria in January and

concepts click.

plans another this summer in Bonita Springs, started his

While recent efforts have been fueled by social distanc-

first virtual restaurant, Martinelli’s Pasta Bar, after he was

ing, virtual dining concepts were already working behind

approached by Uber Eats three years ago. Now, he has at

the scenes before the pandemic. Restaurateurs enjoy a

least a half dozen other virtual restaurants operating out of

large return on investment because of the low overhead

ghost kitchens at his pizzerias, local brick-and-mortar op-

costs to operate a ghost kitchen.

erations established more than 35 years ago on Naples Bay.

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Vanessa Rogers

hustle or symbiotic relationship in commercial kitchens

GHOST HOST Brio Tuscan Grille at Waterside Shops in Naples serves as a ghost kitchen for four virtual restaurant brands.

To say his business is booming would be an understatement. “It went up at least 50%,” says Brito, noting that success through trial and error didn’t happen overnight. “It took a little bit, probably a year, before it really took off.”

Brito uses his own drivers to deliver his own virtual restaurant brands. Although they all basically deliver the same New York-style pizza and pasta dishes, the names are different: Naples Pizza Co., Paradise Pizza, Pizza 239, Marco Pizza Co., Tony’s Pizza. When hungry tourists use a third-party delivery app to order a pizza, chances are good that Brito’s brands dominate the options. “It’s more chances for people to find me. There are six or seven different names,” he says.

Restaurant chains are jumping into this new name game, too. Tender Shack was hatched at Carrabba’s, It’s Just Wings fly out the door at Chili’s, Neighborhood Wings take flight at Applebee’s and Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings grew out of Chuck E. Cheese.

In April, Bravo Italian Kitchen at Mercato, Brio Tuscan Grille at Waterside Shops and Buca di Beppo in North Naples each were advertising for full-time virtual ghost kitchen cooks because of rapidly expanding business.

In addition to their regular menus, the local G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2021 6 5

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2021

H O S P I TA L I T Y

kitchens for these national restaurant chains churn out orders for four virtual restaurants: Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen, MrBeast Burger, Mariah’s Cookies and Wing Squad.

Brio at Waterside Shops in Naples has found unexpected success with its ghost kitchen brands from Virtual Dining Concepts, which shares ownership with these restaurant chains. “It has done wonders for us,” says Brian Wells, general manager of the No. 1 Brio in the nation. Initially, the restaurant treated its ghost kitchen venture sort of like a menu change, Wells said. “We were all very skeptical about this when it first came,” he says. “I cannot express how much we all were not looking forward to this, and I cannot express how much we are all now thankful for it.”

Because of the pandemic, Brio already had a lot of carryout orders, but Wells soon en crew for Brio were not enough to handle the onslaught of online orders from the ghost kitchen brands, especially Flavortown and

OUT OF BOUNDS The Real Cheezy Burger is one of five sandwiches on the menu for Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen, a nationwide ghost kitchen concept operating out of the Bravo, Brio and Buca di Beppo chains.

MrBeast Burger, a social media icon creation.

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Vanessa Rogers Gutter

found that his regular hostesses and kitch-

“I CANNOT EX P R ESS

H OW M UC H WE ALL WER E NOT LO OK I NG F ORWAR D T O T H I S, AND I CANNOT EX P R ESS H OW M UC H WE AR E ALL NOW T H ANK F UL F OR I T.” — B rian Wells, Brio general manager

Brio phased in the different ghost kitchens over the winter months. Mariah Carey’s cookies started in the first week of December, to take advantage of holiday sales. Two weeks later, they rolled out Wing Squad, followed by MrBeast in the second week of January and Fieri’s Flavortown in early February. “We take care of ordering all the food and everything, but they take care of the promotional materials,” Wells says. “It’s just easy-executed food that doesn’t take a lot of thought process into it. So, it’s just cook it and get it out.”

That being said, operating virtual restaurants has a learning curve, so kitchen crews have been learning as they go. “We had to find a way how to be able to execute Brio and also introduce this other restaurant into our building.

It took about a week of just learning and learning and figuring out,” Wells says. “We arranged our kitchen probably 17 times in the past three months.”

But the initial risk and work and shifting responsibilities has been paying off. “Between all four concepts over the past three months, I keep adding anywhere between $100,000 to $150,000 in sales. That translates into a lot more jobs, or a lot more hours for my employees that I already had.”

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2021 6 7

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2021

H E A LT H C A R E

By Bobby Anderson

Shining the Light HOSPITALS GO HIGH-TECH IN WAR ON GERMS It might sound alarmist, but it’s unfortunately true: What you don’t see can kill you. COVID-19 has captured the headlines for more than a year now, but long before people feared the spiky protein, infectious disease specialists already were focused on what we don’t

EXTRA ASSURANCE

see. Superbugs, difficult-to-treat Methicillin-resistant

Lee Health’s acquired

Staphylococcus aureus and other infections acquired during a hospital stay cost health care providers more than $50 billion annually. That’s why health care facilities in and around the Paradise Coast are, quite literally, shining a new light on germs.

Lee Health has used ultraviolet light technology for more than five years in terminal cleanings of rooms,

infection rate has dropped with UV-C use, says Mary Beth Saunders, an infectious disease specialist with the local hospital system. NCH Healthcare System also uses UV light from germ-zapping robots.

operating suites and other patient areas. “We like this technology, because we feel like it gives us that extra

Since UV-C rays are blocked by the ozone layer,

ability to get into those small areas that could poten-

microorganisms have not developed a natural

tially have been missed or any areas that are not nec-

defense against UV-C energy. When the DNA of

essarily seen by the naked eye,” says Mary Saunders,

a microorganism absorbs UV-C energy, molecu-

an infectious disease specialist with Lee Health, noting

lar instability occurs, resulting in the disruption

that the hospital’s acquired infection rate has dropped

of the DNA sequence. This renders the cell un-

with UV-C use. “It’s an extra assurance that we’re doing

able to grow or reproduce. Without the ability to

the best job we can to keep our patients safe.”

reproduce, the cell cannot infect—and it rapidly

The technology doesn’t initially kill germs, but they’re as good as dead once they see the UV-C light.

dies. That includes COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates

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“I T ’S AN EX T R A ASSU R ANC E T H AT WE’R E D OI NG T H E B E ST J O B WE CAN T O K EEP OU R PAT I EN T S SAF E.” — Mary Saunders,Infectious Disease Specialist with Lee Health

NCH Healthcare System began using similar technology from Xenex, delivered through portable robots. Troy Munn, chief development officer, said the hospital used some of the nearly $1.89 million in community donations to purchase 10 of the robots, as well as other supplies to fight infection. “We are truly grateful for how the community stepped up to support NCH, our frontline health care professionals and our patients,” Munn says. “The COVID-19 pandemic was truly unprecedented, and to have this added level of protection for our community contributed significantly to the exceptional outcomes NCH experienced. The robots became critical frontline team members, which is one of the reasons why hospitals give them actual names.”

Now robots such as Pretty Penny, Donnabot, GIZMO and Good JuJu light up NCH rooms after patients are discharged to clamp down on infection. Each robot comes with a $100,000 price tag. Munn said 29 Advanced Ultra-Violet System UV Boxes were also purchased for portable germ-zapping of staff personal items such as ID badges,

courtesy of Xenex Disinfection Services, Lee Health

pagers and stethoscopes. one in 31 hospital patients has at least one hospital-re-

Georgine Kruedelbach, NCH director of infection pre-

lated infection. Nearly half a million Americans annual-

vention and performance improvement, said NCH is uti-

ly suffer from C. diff colitis—often induced by antibiotic

lizing the devices in its two main hospitals. Units are also

use—during hospitalization, with symptoms ranging from

at NCH Healthcare Northeast and NCH Healthcare Bo-

diarrhea to life-threatening colon inflammation. The CDC

nita freestanding Emergency Department locations, and

estimates 15,000 yearly deaths are directly attributed to

the Landmark Creekside building. Kruedelbach said that

the infection. Studies have shown that hospitals spend

during the early months of the pandemic, when the avail-

nearly $5 billion a year in excess health care costs due to

ability of respirators was in doubt, disinfection teams used

C. diff alone, and MRSA contributes another 1.2 million in-

the Xenex devices to reprocess and disinfect thousands of

fections and $10 billion in cost.

respirators, ensuring an adequate supply for staff.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2021 6 9

Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP

JUNE 2021

By Artis Henderson

In With Both Feet TWENTY-YEAR-OLD ENTREPRENEUR SAPPHIRE GIBSON SAYS TO LAUNCH BEFORE YOU’RE READY

In April 2020, Sapphire Gibson was a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University when she got an assignment for her entrepreneurship class: Create a business website.

It was the early days of the pandemic, when the country was sinking into lockdown, so she didn’t worry too much

A year after launching, Gibson is booking an average of

about it. The website was just practice for a future busi-

five clients a month while still attending school full time

ness, she figured.

and playing for her sister’s business, Jade Strings. “I’ll do makeup and hair, then take a lunch break and be the harpist at the wedding.”

you create a [mock] beauty business for the website?”

Unlike many small companies, Gibson was able to use

Jade suggested. It made sense; Gibson had been working

the pandemic as an opportunity to expand the business.

for an aesthetician doing makeup for photoshoots and

“Most weddings require a lot of people for hair and make-

weddings. She called the website Simply Sapphire. With-

up,” she says. “But we started booking elopements, where

in a week, she had her first client. “We thought we had a

it would be just one person—the bride—and sometimes

bunch of time to make the business plan solid,” Gibson

her mom.” It helped, too, that Gibson was plugged into

says, “but then we got our first booking, and here we are.”

her sister’s wedding music business. When brides asked

7 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 1

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Courtesy Simply Sapphire, Getty

For help, she reached out to her older sister, Jade Gibson, who owns a wedding music business. “How about

“I’D R AT H ER SAY I D I D I T AND I T D I D N’T T U R N OUT T HA N R EG R ET NOT D O I NG I T.” —Sapphire Gibson, Simply Sapphire owner 

SIMPLY SAPPHIRE Wedding makeup entrepreneur Sapphire Gibson committed her local business to serve clients with a range of skin tones and hair textures.

for a hair and makeup recommendation, Jade was

the bullet and do it. “A lot of entrepreneurs think

able to point them to Simply Sapphire.

they have to have everything lined up before

Though Gibson hadn’t planned to launch the business when she did, she was able to recognize

launching a business, but you’re never going to be completely ready.”

the opportunity when she saw it. “I realized this

She also recommended that those with their own

was my chance to start my own company,” she

businesses network outside their specialty. When

says. “I’d rather say I did it and it didn’t turn out

Gibson started, she tried reaching out to other lo-

than regret not doing it.” Her advice for other

cal makeup artists, but what was eventually more

entrepreneurs: Sometimes you just have to bite

successful was networking with photographers G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2021 7 1

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“A LOT O F EN T R EP R ENEUR S T H I NK T H EY H AV E T O H AV E EV ERYT H I NG LI NED U P B EF OR E LAUNC H I NG A BUSI NESS, BUT YOU’R E NEV ER G OI NG T O BE C O M P LET ELY R EADY.”

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—Sapphire Gibson, Simply Sapphire owner

T H E W E AT H E R A U T H O R I T Y

W

H

E

and wedding planners—other entre-

N

preneurs who could recommend her services to their clients. “That really helped us a ton.”

Ultimately, Gibson said that entrepreneurs need to bring their own unique offerings to their business. In her case, she’s committed to serving clients with a range of skin tones and

T R U S T I S

M

U

A

S

hair textures, which was inspired by her mother, who was born in Nicaragua and struggles to find people who can work with her complexion and hair. “You have to understand

T

your target customer and fix whatever problems they’re having,” she says. “And you have to have your own style.”

7 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 1

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p_76

p_77

Rich sound through an acoustic cone

Islamorada’s paradise for water lovers

AfterHours

Courtesy Uncommongoods.com, Islamorada Beer Company, Rolls-Royce

H O R S E P O W E R | N E W & N O T E W O R T H Y | W E E K E N D G E TAWAY | U N W I N D

Opulent Luxury ROLLS-ROYCE DEFINES ARTWORK ON WHEELS p_74

By James Raia

AfterHours

JUNE 2021

HORSEPOWER

By James Raia

Artwork on Wheels LUXURY EXEMPLIFIED IN THE 2021 ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST to record levels. Global sales of 5,125 in

front of a delicatessen. A teenage boy who wit-

2020 continued the brand’s reputation. It’s

nessed a friend and me exit the opulent luxury

a name everyone knows, a car few see.

sedan approached us and said, “Excuse me, sir.

The Ghost is described as the carmaker’s

What kind of job do I need to get to afford a car

“purest expression.” Who’s to argue? New-

like that?”

ness abounds this year in the long-antici-

A few hours later, while waiting in the Ghost

pated five-passenger sedan’s second gener-

at a stoplight, two men in a dilapidated vehicle

ation. The so-called entry-level Rolls Royce

to my right caught my attention and uncorked a

was the brand’s top seller for the previous

jubilant dance of synchronized hand signs and

decade.

gestures. I didn’t know what the display meant,

The new Ghost features a 6.75-liter,

but I’m certain it was a good thing. The next

twin-turbo, 48-valve V12 producing 563

day, half a dozen scrubs-clad medical workers

horsepower and advancing from zero to 60

outside a local hospital turned their heads in

miles per hour, via its eight-speed automat-

unison to watch the Ghost cruise past.

ic transmission, in 4.6 seconds. Top speed

Rolls-Royce defines artwork on wheels. The

is 155 mph. The drive is powerful, smooth,

entry-level Ghost and siblings Dawn, Phantom

quiet and carried on 21-inch, 10-spoke

and Wraith attract attention like no other car-

wheels. And while the wheels spin, the RR

maker’s offerings. The Cullinan, the company’s

center emblems remain upright.

first SUV, debuted in 2018 and catapulted sales

It’s all impressive for a vehicle that



STATELY OPULENCE The Rolls-Royce

weighs 5,540 pounds and extends slightly

Ghost’s presence

more than 18 feet.

reigns inside and

The Ghost’s presence reigns. The combination of the Tempest Grey exterior paint with Tailored Purple trim is unusual, but it worked. Similar colors adorned the interior,

out. The rolling masterpiece attracts attention at every turn.

complemented with Obsidian Ayous wood trim and white lambswool foot mats.

7 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M A R C H 2 0 2 1

gulfshorebusiness.com

Courtesy Rolls-Royce

The 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost was parked in

Facts & Figures: 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 4.6 seconds

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $332,500

Fuel economy: 12 mpg city, 19 mpg hwy

Manufacturer’s Website: rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Horsepower: 563

Price As Tested: $429,100

Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/ unlimited mileage; Powertrain, 4 years/unlimited miles; Corrosion, 6 years/unlimited mileage; Roadside Assistance, 4 years/unlimited mileage; Maintenance, 4 years/ unlimited mileage

A few Rolls-Royce signature fea-

every new buyer and configured with

available to rear-seat passengers.

tures added ridiculously wonderful

hundreds of hand-placed fiberoptic

They work like airliner dining trays,

and stately opulence.

Airbags: 8

stars. Lean back with your head on

although the comparison is an unin-

An umbrella is secured into the in-

a pillow-plush headrest, ponder Ori-

tentional insult to Rolls-Royce. Seat

terior of both rear doors and releases

on, Sagittarius or whatever, and for-

settings provide a massage for all oc-

with a push of a button. Two cham-

get about the coronavirus for a while.

cupants. The proud Rolls-Royce, with

pagne flutes are ready in the small,

If that doesn’t do it, listen to the

its gleaming large front grille and re-

refrigerated compartment in the

symphony-worthy sound system and

tractable flying lady hood beacon, is

middle of the back seat.

hear new individual instruments

a masterpiece. It’s for select buyers

Headliner constellations are of-

in familiar songs. Use the individ-

who know exactly what they want and

fered, a bespoke feature selected by

ual veneer-adorned “picnic tables”

buy it. Respect follows.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 7 5

AfterHours NEW & NOTEWORTHY

JUNE 2021

By James Raia

$100 uncommongoods.com

Y

&

W

N

O R T

H

NEW O T E

Natural Sound The Timbrefone Acoustic Phone Amp, made from Baltic birch, is a passive speaker. It works as a compact megaphone, corraling the phone’s sound and channeling it in a single forward direction, but looks more like a piece of sculpted artwork.

The compact device looks sharp in any decor. Ideal for home and office, patio and picnic, the speaker supports most iPhones and provides rich sound through its acoustic cone. The natural wood product was conceived by longtime friends Marc Stitzlein and Rich Norton, and made with fellow craftspeople at Uncommon Goods located in High Ridge, Missouri.

It measures 7.5 inches long, 5.5 inches wide and 3 inches tall. The phone slot opening is 3.5 inches long and 1 inch wide. No cords or batteries are required. Clean it easily with a damp cloth.

7 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2 0 2 1

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Courtesy Uncommongoods.com

A WOODEN AMP FOR PHONE ENHANCEMENT

AfterHours W E E K E N D G E TA W AY

Sun, Sea and Splendor ISLAMORADA IS A PARADISE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE WATER

By Artis Henderson

On the drive to Islamorada, you can’t miss the sea. Shading from pale turquoise to deep sapphire, it’s everywhere around this small collection of islands. With a slightly more upscale vibe than its laid-back neighbors, Islamorada has plenty of options for exploring the water.

Throw in fine dining and a local brewery, and it’s the perfect place to escape for the weekend.

H O W T O G E T O U T O N T H E WAT E R Islamorada is a prime destination for fishing, snorkeling and diving. Just up the road in nearby Tavernier, Conch Republic Divers (90800 Overseas Highway, Tavernier; 305.852.1655; conchrepublicdivers.com) bills itself as the “friendliest dive shop in the Keys.” With expert—and affable—staff and divemasters, it’s a Courtsey Caribsea Sport Fishing, Getty

solid operation for both advanced divers and beginners. For fishing excursions, Caribsea Sportfishing (305.522.6101; caribseacharters. com) is a customer favorite. The captain offers a 44-foot sportfishing boat rigged to catch sail-

ANGLING ADVENTURE Islamorada, a village in the Upper Keys, is informally known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World.

fish, cobia, tuna, grouper, snapper and marlin.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2021 7 7

AfterHours W E E K E N D G E TA W AY

ISLAND ESCAPES

W H E R E T O TA K E A B R E A K F R O M T H E S U N Though Islamorada has many outdoor options, it’s nice to spend an afternoon in the air conditioning. The History of Diving Museum (82990 Overseas Highway, Islamora-

Islamorada in the Florida Keys offers tropical destinations for diving and waterside spots for dining and drinks. The History of Diving Museum, bottom, offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater past.

da; 305.664.9737; divingmuseum.org) is the perfect spot.

The multi-room complex offers a thorough exploration of diving from the ancient Egyptians to modern scuba.

With exhibits that are equally interesting for children and adults, plus a top-notch gift shop, the museum is a crowd-pleaser.

barandgrill.com), which sits above Whale Harbor Maand a menu that features locally caught mahi mahi,

Islamorada has no shortage of waterfront dining options.

stone crabs and grouper, it can’t be beat. The bar has

If you like fresh seafood, try Wahoo’s Bar and Grill (83413

tropical favorites such as daiquiris and rum runners,

Overseas Highway, Islamorada; 305.664.9888; wahoos-

and don’t miss the tequila-Midori-lime juice blend fittingly called the Green Iguana.

For dinner options that lean more upscale, Ziggie and Mad Dog’s (83000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada; 305.664.3391; ziggieandmaddogs.com) is an excellent bet. Set inside a building that once stood on a pineapple plantation, the restaurant has been transformed into a fine-dining destination. Though the menu features a variety of options, including seafood and pasta, it’s best known for its steaks. This is white tablecloth service at its finest, so leave the cut-offs and flip-flops at home.

W H E R E T O D R I N K A L O C A L LY B R E W E D B E E R Islamorada Beer Company (82229 Overseas Highway, Islamorada; 305.440.2162; islamoradabeerco.com) opened its doors in 2014, and since then the brewery

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Courtsey Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, Getty

rina. With views that look out over the harbor channel W H E R E T O F I L L Y O U R B E L LY

has been serving up its cult-status ales to locals and visitors. Grab a seat in the brewery’s tasting room for a pint of its famous Islamorada Ale, whose light citrus notes pair well with seafood and spicy dishes. If you like your beer a little hoppier, the Channel Marker IPA hits the spot. And the Coconut Key Lime Ale, with its tropical notes, feels just right for sipping in Islamorada.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2021 7 9

AfterHours

JUNE 2021

UNWIND

An Ounce of Prevention

By Justin Paprocki

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that workplaces can still function remotely. A hybrid model is likely here to stay and could provide a good benefit for employees who may need flexibility with their schedules. Just make sure work-

HELPING EMPLOYEES’ STRESS LEVELS, IN OR OUT OF THE OFFICE

from-home doesn’t lead to more burn-

Workers are stressed. Nearly seven out of 10 employees say the last year

remotely added an extra 48 minutes to

or so has been the most stressful of their careers, according to a survey

the workday.

out. A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that working

from mental health consultant Ginger. If you’re a boss, you can’t eliminate all stressors, but you can help your employees manage them.

Get proactive Sometimes, employees need a little nudge to take better care of themselves.

Respect their time

Aetna has gotten kudos recently for a

The always-on culture will lead to stress, which will lead to burnout.

program that incorporates wellness into

If you haven’t already, start by limiting off-hours communications.

the daily routine. The company found

That means no late-night emails, no post-work calls unless it’s an

that participants in its on-site meditation

emergency. This goes for in the office, too. Respect the lunch hour. Or

classes not only had less stress, but they

practice the 90-10 method—90 minutes of work followed by 10-min-

were also more productive when they re-

ute breaks.

turned to work. Of course, your business many not be able to bring in yoga or meditation teachers, but it can find ways to give your employees a good state of mind in the office. Try walking groups. A big component of Southwest Florida’s Blue Zones Project (southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com) is promoting mental wellness. Many businesses participating in the program organize weekly walking groups as a means to get outside the office and get active. You’ll find your staff will come back refreshed and ready to take on

8 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 1

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the day. gulfshorebusiness.com

T H E W E AT H E R A U T H O R I T Y

Matt Devitt Chief Meteorologist

BECAUSE ACCURACY

MATT ERS.

At the HEART of what matters most.

The Difference Is In our Craft.

At NCH Heart Institute, expert craft is at the heart of what matters most. With over 30 years of experience, our innovative, renowned cardiac team is committed to delivering a positive patient experience, which ranks NCH among the top 5% in the nation for cardiac care.

NCHheart.com