COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET
A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
CHANGEMAKERS
SWFL Resiliency
In this issue, we discuss hurricanes and other kinds of potential disasters business owners may face.
Commercial
Real Estate
A specially focused monthly feature exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.
Naples market enjoys fastest manufacturing job growth in state
FloridaCommerce announced the Naples-Marco Island metro area had the fastest over-the-year job growth rate in manufacturing among all metro areas in April.
The Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area education and health services sector added 1,700 jobs over the year in April. The Naples-Marco Island metro area gained jobs in several sectors over
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
SWFL Inc. celebrates 2025 INCredible Awards honorees
A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest
SWFL Inc. hosted the 2025 INCredible Awards at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, bringing together business leaders, community partners and local changemakers for an evening of celebration and recognition. The sold-out event honored outstanding businesses and individuals who have made a significant impact on the Southwest Florida region.
This year’s honorees included:
• Small Business of the Year: Joe The Home Pro
• Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Elite Adventure Rentals
• Innovation Award: Miniopolis
• Nonprofit of the Year: Cancer Alliance Network
• INCredible Award: Megan Kohan
• SWFL Citizen of the Year: Joseph Buhain
These award recipients represent
SWFL RESILIENCY
the excellence, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that drive the region forward.
“We are thrilled to celebrate these exceptional award winners,” said Tiffany Esposito, president and CEO of SWFL Inc. “The INCredible Awards are about recognizing the people and organizations that continue to shape the future of our community, and this year’s honorees truly raise the bar.”
Resiliency & sustainability inspire Babcock
Submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher Special to SWFBT
Syd Kitson, former NFL player and more recently a real estate developer, purchased Babcock Ranch and developed it into the first solar-powered town in the United States. Among the many accolades he has received, Kitson was named TIME magazine’s 2023 “Dreamer of the Year” and recognized as a Lifetime Achievement Honoree by the Edison Awards, which recognizes innovators worldwide. Recently, he shared his story at the Edison Awards, held in Fort Myers.
IN THE NEWS
the year in April, including: construction, adding 200 jobs; manufacturing, adding 200 jobs; trade, transportation and utilities, adding 200 jobs; and education and health services, adding 200 jobs.
The Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area private sector employment was down 0.5% (-1,400 jobs) and the Naples-Marco Island metro area private sector employment was down 1.3% (-2,200 jobs) in April.
Ranch design
Lee Commissioners approve agreement related to EPA grant
Lee Commissioners voted to approve an agreement with Collaboratory to allow the county to address a series of objectives included in the $19.3 million Community Change Grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to tackle environmental challenges related to disaster preparedness.
nounced in December that the EPA Community Change Grant had been received to address a series of initiatives in the ResilientLee Recovery and Resiliency Plan. Lee County has a series of objectives included, primarily within Emergency Management, including:
• Building out specifications for Resilience Hubs across the community.
• Coordinating with non-profit or governmental partners. JOBS See page 3
Lee County and Collaboratory an-
SWFL Inc. awarded its Small Business of the Year award to Joe The Home Pro. The recognition came at the 2025 INCredible Awards, a sold-out event held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point.
Syd Kitson (left), accepting the 2024 Governor’s Business Leader Award from the Florida Council of 100.
KITSON See page 11
SWFL RESILIENCY
Think your roof was fine after Milton? Think again
Hurricane Milton was a close call for Southwest Florida. Although there were widespread power outages and downed tree limbs, the strongest winds stayed just offshore. Coastal areas experienced storm surge flooding, but Milton didn’t dump the foot of rainfall that some weather forecasters were predicting.
Many Southwest Floridians breathed a sigh of relief after Milton. Unfortunately, just because property owners didn’t notice any structural damage doesn’t mean businesses and homes emerged unscathed.
Milton was unique in that rainfall stopped abruptly halfway through the storm, and the hurricane was effectively the end of rainy season. That’s why so many plants died and trees lost their leaves – Milton churned up and spit out saltwater across Southwest Florida, and there was no rainfall to wash it away.
That sudden start to dry season also meant the most obvious sign of roof damage – leaks – didn’t present themselves. In the months ahead, rain show-
JOBS PAGE 1
The Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area labor force was down 1,313 (-0.3%) over the year. The Naples-Marco Island metro area labor force was down 2,636 (-1.4%) over the year. The Naples-Marco Island area’s unemployment rate was 3.5% in April, a 0.8 percentage point increase from the April 2024 rate of 2.7%. The Cape Coral-Fort
BY RAST BRYANT Guest Columnist
ers were few and far between. That extended dry period gave any areas that experienced water intrusion an opportunity to dry out. Rain showers during dry season are brief, so if roof decking, rafters or insulation got wet, it could dry out before building occupants no-
tice a wet spot on the ceiling, which is usually the first visible indication of a roof leak. It takes time for water intrusion to rot wood and roofing materials, penetrate insulation and, finally, the ceiling. At that point, what could have been a small repair turns into a costly project.
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends a roof inspection twice a year for commercial and residential buildings. In Southwest Florida, property managers and property
Myers area’s unemployment rate was 3.7% in April, a 0.7 percentage point increase from the April 2024 rate of 3%.
FloridaCommerce announced Florida’s total private sector employment increased by 21,800 (+0.2%) jobs from the previous month.
Florida now has a $1.7 trillion economy, reinforcing Florida’s position as an economic powerhouse.
Florida has added 3.6 million new business formations since 2019, and
owners should schedule a roof inspection at specific times of the year: before rainy season begins: ideally in April or May, or after rainy season ends: ideally in November or December.
The first inspection ensures a roof is ready for what’s to come – intense UV rays, scorching heat, torrential downpours and, if there is a tropical storm or hurricane, high winds and flying debris. The second roof inspection is equivalent to a wellness check that evaluates how a roof fared during the summer.
Even though rainy season officially began May 15, it’s not too late to schedule that first inspection.
A good roof protects whatever is inside – inventory, computer equipment, electronics, furniture and, the most important asset of all, people.
Rast Bryant is general manager for Lloyd Roofing’s Southwest Florida division, which provides roof installations, repairs and replacements for residential and commercial customers. Contact him at (239) 284-6748.
Florida’s labor force has surpassed 11.2 million, reflecting continued commitment to growth, opportunity and strategic investments. Florida also leads the nation in tourism, welcoming 33.1 million visitors, marking the highest number ever recorded for a Q4 period.
As of April, Florida employers have added jobs in 57 of the last 60 months since May 2020. Florida’s total private employment increased by 125,700 (+1.4%) over the year in April 2025.
SBA extended a critical 60-day grace period for Hurricane Helene and Milton survivors to apply for disaster recovery assistance. That moves the application deadline to July 5.
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and many are still rebuilding.
The numbers tell the story – as of April, SBA has approved over $695 million in recovery funds for Florida businesses and homeowners affected by these hurricanes.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
Florida’s statewide unemployment has been lower than the national rate for 54 consecutive months since November 2020.
Florida’s private sector job growth rate has exceeded the national rate for 47 of the last 49 months since April 2021. The industry that gained the most jobs in April 2025 was the education and health services sector, adding 8,000 jobs; followed by professional and business services, adding 7,400 jobs.
Businesses should prioritize property restoration after natural disaster
After the storm
What should you do right after a home and/or a building is damaged to stop mold and water damage? Call a professional property restoration company to get water out fast.
If there is no power, open windows. Take video and pictures of all affected areas and damage, then call an insurance company and FEMA, then the clean up begins.
Strong suggestion: make sure the property restoration company you choose is fully licensed and insured and can support you from start to finish, working with you and your insurance company. That will give you an immediate peace of mind while going through the first stages of this experience.
Water Damage from Nature
Especially in Florida, lightning strikes, flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, and hurricanes are weather-related realities we must all acknowledge. Thankfully, extremely debilitating natural disasters are few and far between, but water events such as thunderstorms and flash flooding are common.
Storm and Disaster Protection
Powerful storms and freak accidents can leave your home or business damaged and vulnerable to additional weather issues or even looting. Confirm the property restoration company offers emergency roof tarps and structural board-ups to protect your property from wind, rain, and intruders.
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BY TIMOTHY MITCHELL Guest Columnist
Water Extraction and Structural
Drying
Structural water damage can begin within moments of water exposure caused by flooding, leaks, burst pipes, etc. You must seek professional help within 24-48 hours to minimize damage as much as possible.
All water must be extracted quickly and correctly, followed by decontamination and drying. If you don’t take those steps quickly, your structure will be at risk of long-term damage resulting in many health and safety issues. How soon after a storm and/or water intrusion? being in Southwest Florida, time is of the essence for the dryout due to potential mold growth.
What is Mold?
Mold is an often-toxic live organism that thrives and multiplies in environments of decay or dampness. When you detect mold in your environment, do not attempt to remove it yourself.
Contact a mold removal and remediation expert to identify the type and extent of the mold damage, and then to safely remove all the mold thoroughly and dry out all damp areas.
The property restoration company will check for visible growth and, if necessary, be able to call in an
GRANT PAGE 1
• Providing disaster-related programming and education to the community at these facilities.
The proposed subgrant agreement for these objectives is for $260,500. The initiative will increase community resilience, reduce pollution and build community capacity.
The project will invest in four organizations to create the foundation of a network of community resilience hubs to support residents during emergencies, such as hurricanes.
Resilience Hubs are locations that provide supplies or social services residents need every day. These spaces can transition in a disaster to provide critical information, emergency support and health supplies to the surrounding communities.
These four hubs are planned to be used as the blueprint for the countywide network of hubs:
• Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers
industrial hygienist to test and in turn receives the results and if mold is present will provide a protocol of what needs to be done to safely remove to bring your property back to safe air quality standards.
What is Mold Remediation?
The removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter that was not purposely grown.
How Does Mold Impact Health?
Exposure to a large number of mold spores may cause allergic symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, and fatigue. In addition, repeated exposure to mold can increase a person’s sensitivity, causing more severe allergic reactions.
Property Restoration
Property restoration and remodeling will be needed to rebuild accordingly to restore your property completely.
Timothy Mitchell is the owner of TOPCAT Property Restoration. He has over 35 years of experience in building, property restoration and remodeling, working on homes and commercial and residential properties. In 2006, he relocated to Southwest Florida. Contact (239) 297-8063 or (239) 443-8188.
• Franklin Park Elementary School, 2323 Ford St., Fort Myers
• IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers
• Pine Manor Community Center, 5547 Tenth Ave., Fort Myers
Along with community partners, the project will build the capacity of local organizations providing resilience services; help communities develop emergency plans; and equip the hubs with adequate supplies. It is intended to expand and improve the county’s emergency response planning and implementation network to support an all-ofcommunity response during and after a severe event.
Stormwater and infrastructure improvements along Ten Mile Canal are also part of the project as are workforce development programs focused on the construction sector to support the construction of energy-efficient and resilient homes in the region.
The grant period is three years. The project is aligned to 12 initiatives identified in the ResilientLee effort coordinated by Collaboratory and Lee County.
Lee Commissioners approve agreement for an expanded paramedicine program
Lee County Commissioners voted to approve an agreement with Lee Health for an expanded Community Paramedicine Program, which provides in-home care to individuals to reduce ambulance trips to emergency departments at hospitals for illnesses or injuries that are less likely to progress or develop complications.
By reducing these types of visits for what is known as low acuity medical needs, the program is intended to reduce unnecessary emergency medical services transport, emergency department overutilization, hospital readmission, assist with access to care and improve community relations by building and expanding post-acute services as individuals recover from a serious injury or illness.
Last summer, the Board approved an agreement to launch the first phase of this program in coordination with the Florida Department of Children and Families, which has exceeded initial goals.
Launching and expanding a community health program using the community paramedicine framework is part of the Board’s strategic priorities for the current fiscal year.
Lee Health patients will be referred to the program, which will lead to a multidisciplinary team of providers to assist patients with their recovery at home. The goal is to keep patients from needing to return to the hospital for follow-up care, speeding their recovery and improving their overall health. The team includes emergency medical technicians, paramedics, case managers and social workers.
Under terms of the agreement, Lee Health will reimburse Lee County Emergency Medical Services up to $1,316,777 in the programs first year. Lee Health owns and operates five acute care hospitals: Lee Memorial Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Cape Coral Hospital.
National workforce organizations visit Hendry
The National League of Cities and Council for Adult and Experiential Learning arrived in Southwest Florida recently in an effort to link adults in LaBelle to post-secondary education and training to fill in-demand jobs.
This team of FutureMakers Coalition partners are part of a peer-learning group combining its skills to design, develop and create opportunities that will help adults to upskill to earn higher wages.
LaBelle is one of four cities in the country to join the Municipal Action Cohort: Connecting Adults to Postsecondary and Workforce Success. The program will run through 2025. The NLC has contributed $74,000 in technical assistance.
“NLC’s and CAEL’s work in LaBelle is evidence of the city’s commitment to connecting their residents to good quality jobs,” said Tashfia Hasan, Senior NLC Program Specialist for Postsecondary and Workforce Success. “Two out of three jobs in Florida require some form of postsecondary training, and by working together to create pathways to and through education and training, LaBelle and its partners are making a commitment not only to incoming members of their local workforce, but to long-term generational change in this community.”
Their two-day site visit included a tour of Collaboratory and a meeting at Florida Gulf Coast University to learn about its success working with adult learners. They visited LaBelle and surrounding areas to identify specific areas for increased workforce success.
“Workforce development has been our highest priority over the past three years,” said Keitha Daniels, executive director of The Hendry County Economic Development Council. “We have been working to build a foundation that provides pathways for im-
proved economic mobility and a better quality of life for our citizens.”
The groups will work together throughout 2025 to increase opportunities for adults to connect to training programs to develop the skills needed to secure higher paying jobs and launch careers.
FutureMakers Coalition partners leading this initiative include Hendry County School District, Hendry County Economic Development Council, Goodwill SWFL, CareerSource SWFL, City of LaBelle, Heartland Education Consortium, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Southwestern State College and LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation.
“Scaling the impact we deliver, from individual adult learners and workers to systemic improvements, requires mutually beneficial collaboration with diverse stakeholders,” said Darrah Mugrauer, director of Initiatives for CAEL. “Our work with the National League of Cities in LaBelle is a reminder of how much more we can accomplish together to improve and sustain rewarding pathways.”
FutureMakers Coalition is a regional collective impact initiative that has been designated a Talent Hub by Lumina Foundation in partnership with The Kresge Foundation to support local efforts to increase educational attainment. Formed in 2015 around existing regional collaborations, the Coalition is committed to creating a cradle-to-career pathway to ensure success for traditional students and adult learners. FutureMakers Coalition was one of Lumina Foundation’s 75 national Community Partners in Attainment and is a member of the National Talent Network. Collaboratory provides backbone/administrative support to FutureMakers Coalition.
Joshua Tree urges proactive steps to protect properties
As we approach summer’s heat and the early days of storm season, Southwest Florida tree and landscape care company, Joshua Tree is urging homeowners to take proactive steps now to protect their properties.
From pruning hazardous trees to improving drainage and planting with purpose, the time before daily rains and tropical systems arrive is essential for landscape health and storm resilience.
Why it matters now:
“Simple steps taken now can save thousands in damage and emergency repairs later,” says Ryan Ishley, an International Society of Arbiculture-certified Arborist at Joshua Tree. The team emphasizes:
• Healthier establishment of new trees, palms and shrubs
• Time to install or repair irrigation and drainage systems
• Safe removal or pruning of risky limbs and trees
• A stronger, storm-ready landscape ahead of hurricane season
To contact Joshua Tree, call (239) 888-6817.
Goodwill receives United Way grant for Opportunity Accelerator
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida has received a grant of $10,000 from the United Way of Collier and the Keys to support the Opportunity Accelerator program. Opportunity Accelerator addresses skills gaps in the community by providing essential training to individuals who lack access to higher education and paid training opportunities.
Goodwill Community Resource Center coordinators guide job seekers and career advancers through three phases: assess and plan, equip and connect, and launch and evaluate. This process helps uncover barriers and enables Goodwill coordinators to create a plan of action and establish milestones for the participant. Through training and support services, the job seeker gains the skills necessary to overcome the identified barriers and moves them into a better position for gainful employment and independence.
“Goodwill Southwest Florida is grateful for this funding which helps us support our community members in Collier County with work readiness, digital literacy, and connections to wrap-around support services,” stated Angela Hemstreet, director of Employment Services for Goodwill SWFL.
Representatives of the National League of Cities and the Council for Adult and Experienced Learning visited LaBelle, which is in an action cohort connecting adults to workforce programs.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET
Forager launches The Bonita Foundry, a flex-commercial campus
Forager Real Estate Partners, a private equity real estate developer specializing in commercial and industrial assets, announced the launch of The Bonita Foundry, a class ‘A’ flex commercial and recreational development in Bonita Springs.
The Bonita Foundry will span across 10 acres on Old 41 Road and also comprise The Enclave at The Bonita Foundry, a purpose-built luxury warehouse condominium facility, with 40 customizable, storm-rated units available for purchase.
The project is being meticulously designed to address the region’s growing demand for versatile light industrial, commercial and flex retail accommodation and will provide long-term space solutions to a wide array of businesses. Forager acquired the property for $7.85 million.
With a strategic location between Naples and Fort Myers, the project aims to fill a market gap as Southwest Florida’s commercial vacancy rate remains historically low.
“The Bonita Foundry is our first
ground-up commercial development in Florida, and we’re bringing a fresh approach to the region’s flex-commercial market,” said Conor McBroom, president and founder of Forager Real Estate Partners. “With thoughtful design,
high-quality construction and a focus on end-user needs, we are creating a best-in-class small-bay product that businesses and entrepreneurs have been looking for.”
“We are excited to be a part of the growth and revitalization taking place throughout Bonita Springs,” said Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR, of Investment Properties Corporation of Naples. “The Bonita Foundry will offer a unique mix of retail, flex and private storage space that will provide synergies by bringing together a wide range of professional businesses within the community.”
McManus and Rob Carroll, CCIM, will lead the sales and leasing efforts for the project. Pre-leasing and pre-sale opportunities at The Bonita Foundry are now available.
Industrial team joins CBRE SWFL RESILIENCY
Ribbon-cutting held for public safety center
The public attended an official ribbon cutting on May 29 for the unveiling of a 36,873 squarefoot, $38.5 million two-story addition to the rebranded Lee County Public Safety Center.
The ceremony, at the Ortiz Avenue facility in Fort Myers, featured remarks by Lee County Commissioners and other officials.
During blue-sky normal operations, the expanded building now houses Public Safety Administration, Emergency Medical Services, and an Emergency Communications Center, with space for Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Communications, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Communications and the Lee County Department of Transportation’s Traffic Operations Cen-
ter. Lee County Emergency Management will remain in its existing location.
When activated for an emergency such as a hurricane, the center will be staffed with personnel from first-responder agencies, emergency relief organizations, county departments, municipalities, utility companies and other essential agencies.
To accommodate the personnel during activation, the facility is equipped with technology and equipment, restrooms, showers and sleeping accommodations and a training facility.
This project was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and State Appropriation Funds with support from Lee County’s legislative delegation.
CBRE announced Derek Bornhorst and Adam Bornhorst have joined its Industrial & Logistics group in Fort Myers as senior vice president and vice president, respectively. The market-leading team will focus on the leasing and sale of industrial facilities in Southwest Florida on behalf of occupiers, owners and investors.
The team joins the company from Lee & Associates, where Derek Bornhorst served as president and principal of its Southwest Florida business and Adam Bornhorst served as senior vice president. In the past three years, they have completed approximately 205 lease and sale transactions encompassing 3.5 million square feet and totaling $287.7 million in consideration.
“We’re thrilled to have Derek back at CBRE and welcome Adam to the company,” said Mike DiBlasi, senior managing director and North Florida market leader for CBRE.
“They are major players in Southwest Florida’s industrial market, and their move highlights CBRE’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region. With access to our unmatched platform, they will be able to offer a broader range of services and data-driven insights to clients navigating the region’s rapidly growing industrial market.”
Derek Bornhorst rejoins CBRE with more than 20 years of industry experience. He was a founding member and Principal of Lee & Associates’ industrial division in Fort Myers and Naples, where he served for 11 years. While there, he represented several national occupier expansions in the market and handled investment property sales for institutional investors. Prior to that, he served with Grubb & Ellis and began his career in the industry with CBRE. He holds CCIM and SIOR designations.
Adam Bornhorst joins CBRE with more than 12 years of industry experience. He spent four years with Lee & Associates in Fort Myers, where he focused on industrial real estate leasing and sales. Prior to that, he worked with Lee & Associates, JLL and NAI in Columbus, Ohio.
A row of boutique storefronts at The Bonita Foundry reflects the project’s fresh take on coastal contemporary design.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET
Southwest Florida Housing Foundation breaks ground on Strayhorn Place
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers’s nonprofit development arm, Southwest Florida Affordable Housing Choice Foundation, broke ground on its newest property, Strayhorn Place, which will feature 80 units for low-income seniors ages 62 and up.
The Housing Authority and Foundation team gathered with community leaders, project partners and supporters on May 16 for the groundbreaking. During the ceremony, attendees heard from Marcia Davis, executive director of the Fort Myers Housing Authority, as well as state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers.
Strayhorn Place, on Lafayette Street in Fort Myers, will replace the housing option once available at the former Royal Palm Towers, a 60-year-old, 11-story building in downtown Fort Myers. Strayhorn Place will offer modern amenities to help residents age in place, including an on-site gym, a small health clinic, business center, movie theater and senior cafe. It will also be designed to include safety features such as designated hurricane shelter built to
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers’s nonprofit development arm, Southwest Florida Affordable Housing Choice Foundation, officially broke ground on its newest property, Strayhorn Place.
host residents and an additional 40 senior care adults in future storms.
“We are thrilled to officially break ground on Strayhorn Place and honor our longtime board chairman, and my good friend, Bruce Strayhorn,” Davis said. “Access to affordable, safe and comfortable housing is critical for seniors, one of our most vulnerable communities.”
The Foundation named the property in honor of E. Bruce Strayhorn, a Housing Authority board member and chairman since 1988. Strayhorn is a Fort
LQ appoints Charlie Boscarino as CEO
LQ Commercial Real Estate announced the appointment of Charlie Boscarino as CEO, doubling down on the growth outlook of the Florida brokerage firm. He will steer growth to an ambitious future through strategic client services, industry alliances and corporate acquisitions.
Formed in 2005 as LandQwest Commercial, the now LQ Commercial acquired Retail Solutions Advisors (RSA) in 2024.
Boscarino, an RSA co-founder, former MC Senior vice president, vice president of Real Estate and Store Development of Bealls, and Century Retail president has accomplished organizational success for over 35 years.
LQ’s forward-looking leadership structure has Boscarino at Its helm to scale operations, while President Daniel Butts will drive talent development.
LQ co-founders Rokki Rogan, CDPE, and John Mounce will continue to preserve its client-first culture in Central Florida, Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida.
“I came to transform how commercial real estate operates,” Boscarino said, “to apply a disruptive approach and build innovators who reinvent commercial service.”
Myers native and attorney at Strayhorn & Persons-Mulicka. Over the 37 years of his service on the Housing Authority board, he has played a pivotal role in securing funding and supporting initiatives that address housing needs and strengthen neighborhoods.
“It is an incredible honor to have our newest property carry my name. This recognition is the collective efforts of many dedicated individuals and groups who have worked alongside our Board over the years,” Strayhorn said.
“This would not have been possible
without the support of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers. The Board has long been dedicated to providing safe and attainable housing for families and seniors, not only in the City of Fort Myers but throughout Southwest Florida. Seniors are a group we are especially passionate about supporting, and I believe in the importance of providing safe, welcoming homes for these residents. The real reward for all of us is knowing that we are helping to create a brighter and better future for those in need, and a place where they can feel valued, supported and safe.”
The project is made possible through the Southwest Florida Housing Foundation and $17.7 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recover funding by the Lee County Commission and its staff.
Project partners and supporters include Mayor Kevin Anderson and the Fort Myers City Council, Chris-Tel Construction, Community Development Reimagined, Studio+ and Ink Engineering.
Stonemont sells Legacy complex in Fort Myers
Stonemont Financial Group, a private real estate investment firm specializing in industrial development, acquisitions and net lease investments, and its partner, Geis Development, have completed the disposition of Legacy at Oriole Road in Fort Myers. EQT Exeter, a global real estate investment management firm, has purchased the 500,000-square-foot complex.
Completed in Q2 2023, Legacy at Oriole Road includes two 250,000-square-foot warehouses on a 34-acre site less than a mile from Interstate 75, offering direct access to Tampa and Southeast Florida. In a standout deal last year, the park secured one of the largest leases in Southwest Florida history with a full building, 250,000-square-foot lease at Building 2. Only six of similar size have been recorded in the market’s history.
“Legacy at Oriole Road represents our strategy to deliver high-quality, institutional-grade industrial assets in key growth markets, and this sale is evidence of the project’s strong appeal in a flourishing region,” said David Kaplan, vice president of Asset Management at Stonemont.
“Legacy’s success underscores the strength of tenant demand in the region and the value
created through our partnership with Geis Development.”
According to JLL’s latest U.S. market report, the national industrial sector recorded its strongest quarter since Q2 2024, with 123.3 million square feet of leasing activity across the country. Stonemont remains active in Florida, currently owning over 4.4 million square feet of development in markets spanning the state. The firm is nearing completion of 429 Business Center, a 259,000 square-foot industrial development in Ocoee, Florida and TIA Executive Center, a 100,698-square-foot industrial facility in Tampa.
EQT Exeter purchased the 500,000-square-foot
FSW launches AS degree in entrepreneurship
Florida SouthWestern State College will launch an Associate in Science degree (AS) in Entrepreneurship, housed in FSW’s Daveler Institute of Entrepreneurship, this fall. Now open for enrollment, the program is designed for aspiring innovators, small business owners and enterprising professionals. The two-year degree equips students with the critical skills and knowledge needed to create, manage and grow a successful business in today’s dynamic marketplace.
The AS in entrepreneurship program blends hands-on learning with business fundamentals to help students transform ideas into real-world ventures. Courses cover essential topics such as business planning, sales, marketing, financing, innovation, operations development and management—all tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs.
The program is also an excellent foundation for students who wish to continue their studies through bachelor’s degree pathways at FSW or transfer to a university.
“We built this program to support the entrepreneurial spirit that’s alive and well across Southwest Florida,” said Dr. Peter Ocsody, program director at FSW Daveler Institute of Entrepreneurship.
Walk-On’s
“Whether students want to launch a startup, grow a family business or lead innovative projects within an organization, this degree will give them the tools and confidence to thrive.”
Program highlights include:
• Practical coursework focused on starting and running a business
• Opportunities to develop a real business plan and pitch ideas
• Flexible class formats, including online and inperson options
• Access to FSW’s business resources and experienced entrepreneur faculty mentors
• Embedded college credit certificates in Business Development and Business Specialist for quick skill-building and career advancement
Complementing the AS program is the development of the Daveler Innovation Center. Students will have access to cutting-edge resources and collaborative workspaces, providing a conducive environment for experimentation and growth.
Beyond traditional coursework, the Daveler Innovation Center empowers students to acquire valuable digital badges and industry-recognized certifications, validating their skills and enhancing their
Sports Bistreaux opens Cape Coral location
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux announced the official grand opening of its newest location in Cape Coral. The celebration took place April 14 at the Southwest Pine Island Road locations and featured a series of exciting festivities that highlighted WalkOn’s commitment to the community.
“We are ecstatic to bring a restaurant like Walk-On’s to the Cape Coral community, and we can’t wait to carry on the brand culture and cuisine throughout Southwest Florida,” said Len Lemmer, Walk-On’s Franchisee. “We’re ready to serve Cape Coral and the surrounding areas and be THE restaurant to be for sports, family outings, and everything in between.”
The grand opening commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony where Cape Coral Walk-On’s Franchisee Len Lemmer cut the ribbon, officially welcoming guests to the newest dining and sports entertainment destination in the area.
The electric, high-energy celebration gave a taste of what the restaurant will bring to the Cape Coral community each day. Welcoming members from the Hoops on Mission charity, local first responders, local athletes and many community members, the grand opening gave Cape Coral the first taste of the community-driven, family-friendly sports bar with scratch- made food inspired by Cajun flavors.
To ring in the official opening, members from local sports teams burst through a breakaway banner, mimicking the pre-game football tradition.
“Each restaurant opening brings such a powerful energy and experience to the Walk-On’s name,” said Brandon Landry, Walk-On’s founder.
“Getting to watch our brand enter another community is something we’re proud of and can’t wait to bring people together over our incredible menu and culture.”
professional portfolios. The AS curriculum has integrated assignments that students need to complete in the innovation center.
Graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce as business owners, startup founders, operations managers, or pursue further study in business administration, marketing or management.
FSW announced a partnership with Cap Table Nation, an investment infrastructure development and support system for venture capital that helps capital flow and supports the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southwest Florida.
Through this partnership, students in the entrepreneurship program will gain access to dynamic pitch opportunities through Cap Table Nation’s Open Mic Pitch Practice events, connect with seasoned founders and innovation-minded peers and gain exposure to real-world startup development. This collaboration strengthens FSW’s commitment to empowering students with real-world experiences and connections that spark innovation.
“This is a wonderful partnership with FSW, and we are looking forward to seeing the growth of the next generation of founders right here in SWFL,” reads a statement from Cap Table Nation.
SWFL RESILIENCY
Red Cross asks area to prepare for tornadoes
As hurricane season approaches, South Florida residents aren’t just bracing for high winds and flooding, like they do every year — they’re also preparing for something that many folks aren’t familiar with: tornadoes.
Last year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton left a lasting impact, displacing families in several southeast states, catching many residents off guard. Here in South Florida, we unfortunately saw significant tornado damage in our communities. That’s why it’s critical to raise awareness around tornado safety during hurricanes.
We’ve got some actionable safety tips for your audience, including:
• Know the difference! A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in and near your area - be ready to act fast! A tornado warning means take action, a tornado is near — move to safe location right away.
• Find a safe room built to withstand high winds. Ideally, a small room with no windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Mo-
BY DARIANA MOLINA Guest Columnist
bile, manufactured trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not safe in high wind events.
• Practice tornado drills with your entire household where you all practice moving quickly to the safe locations that you identified.
• Gather food, water, medicine, flashlights, a radio, batteries, chargers and important documents. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home-Kit.
• Plan to monitor local weather and news, sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
Dariana Molina is the regional communications manager for the American Red Cross South Florida Region. Contact (561) 907-6668 or dariana.molina@redcross.org.
SWFL RESILIENCY
Questions to ask before disaster strikes
Over the past few years, we’ve seen many property owners having issues with their insurance providers after a disaster hit due to being uninformed. At Day Adjusting & Consulting, we answer questions about insurance coverage daily and wanted to share our suggested “5 top questions” to ask your insurance agent.
BY BLAKE DAY Guest Columnist
Does the policy have a “right of repair” clause? This means anytime there is damage to your property, the insurance company has the right to select their own general contractor to do the work on your home regardless of how many bad reviews the GC has; make sure you have control.
Does the policy have “appraisal” and if so, do both parties have to agree or just one party? When an insurance claim is disputed, there are alternative resolution tools in some policies. This allows you to stay out of litigation and demand the insurance company send a certified appraiser while you select your own certified appraiser to determine the value of your loss rather than two attorneys.
Does the policy have at least 25% ordinance and law (O&L)? Example, if you have older windows and one breaks, your insurance company owes for the same style window. If you have O&L for code upgrades, the insurance company would be responsible for the window to be brought to code. Code versus builder-grade makes a huge difference.
What is your deductible? Typically, you’ll have two deductibles in your policy— one for hurricane/named storm, and one for everything else. Make sure you know your deductible amount, and if you believe it’s too high, speak with your agent about how to change it before a storm happens.
Do you have proper coverage for your pool enclosure and other structures? Other structures are listed as coverage B in your insurance policy. Make sure you have enough coverage for any fencing, gazebo or detached garage on your property. For pool enclosures, most policies, but not all, exclude coverage and need a separate endorsement to have any kind of coverage after a storm. Speak with your agent to confirm you have pool enclosure coverage. We suggest at least $20K in coverage.
Blake Day is president/owner of Day Adjusting & Consulting and is licensed in 15 states. Contact (855) 729-0838 or contact@ dayadjusting.com.
Java The Hutts Robotics Team shines at World Championship
Java The Hutts, a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team based in Fort Myers, represented Southwest Florida at the 2025 FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas, April 15–19. Out of nearly 9,000 teams that began the Into the Deep season in September of 2024, only 256 top international teams earned a spot at this prestigious global event.
Over four days of intense competition, Java The Hutts participated in alliance matches, judging presentations, pit interviews, and networking with teams and guests from around the world. The team earned Second Place for the Design Award, recognizing their robot’s elegant, efficient, and functional design.
Team member Michael Merino was also honored as a Dean’s List Award Winner, one of only ten students selected from a pool of 200 global nominees out of 78,000 FTC participants annually—a remarkable achievement recognizing leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to FIRST values.
Beyond competition, Java The Hutts made significant strides in community outreach this season. The team dedicated over 1,200 hours to STEM education, mentorship and advocacy, impacting more than 100,000 people globally. Highlights include:
• Designing and building accessible, low-cost robotics kits for youth engagement
• Mentoring over 25 FIRST teams, including FTC and FIRST LEGO League
• Starting and supporting two new FTC teams in Fort Myers and in Naples
• Coaching a FIRST Global Challenge team in Botswana virtually
• Running three week-long summer STEM camps, reaching over 100 students
The team’s long-standing community programs include RoboRumble, a 14-week robotics initiative at Sarasota’s Suncoast Science Center, and a monthly STEM Tent at the Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market, in addition to supporting various regional STEM events.
“We took Dean Kamen’s call to action seriously—encouraging every FTC team to start a new team—and this year, we proudly launched two brand new FTC teams to
directly engage interested students,” said Delaney Baucom, the team’s Outreach Lead. Dhruva Sharma, outgoing Team Captain and graduating senior, reflected, “FIRST has truly changed my life. Competing alongside some of the best teams in the world and learning from their designs and strategies has been an incredible experience. Even though I’m graduating, I plan to stay involved as an alum and give back to this amazing program.”
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit focused on advancing STEM education through competitive robotics. FTC challenges students ages 12–18 to design, build and program robots that compete in alliance-style matches, with a new game posing new challenges each season.
This year’s Into the Deep season was sponsored by RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies). The FIRST Championship hosted over 1,000 teams from all FIRST programs, including FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition, from 66 countries, with students ranging from age 6 to 18, and attracted over 50,000 attendees at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.
Java The Hutts’ current team members represent seven schools across Lee, Collier, Sarasota and Manatee counties:
• Fort Myers High School: Dhruva Sharma
• Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School: Delaney Baucom, Nash Baucom
• Canterbury School: Dhira Sharma
• The Village School: Jacob Adams
• Mason Classical Academy: Nikolai Pratasenia
• Pine View School: Michael Merino, Natalie Merino
• Lakewood Ranch High School: Ike Lippincott, Owen Lippincott, Kylie Davis
Java The Hutts, founded in 2018, has helped establish and mentor multiple FIRST Tech Challenge teams across the region, furthering its mission to grow STEM participation. The team has qualified to compete at the World Championship three times, winning a different award each time: 2024 Connect Award 2nd Place for connecting with the STEM community, and 2022 Winning Alliance World Champions, emerging victorious in the robot match finals.
Team members pose in front of their pit with their robot, “Han (not so) Solo,” for the Into The Deep season at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston, TX.
Following a national trend, Hotel Perry starts selling day passes for travelers and locals to enjoy amenities without staying overnight.
Hotel Perry starts offering day passes
While a relaxing day by the pool with a drink in hand might feel like a luxury this summer, it’s becoming more accessible than ever. According to a recent Booking.com survey, a majority of U.S. travelers are open to purchasing day passes to enjoy the amenities of five-star hotels, without the overnight stay.
With the rise of the “day guest” in hospitality, Americans are more focused on local trips and experiences closer to home, according to ResortPass CEO Michael Wolf.
In light of these insights, The Perry Hotel Naples, a boutique, 160-room resort featuring world-class amenities, including a ground-level pool, a sophisticated adults-only rooftop pool, a 24/7 fitness center and an upscale fashion boutique, is adapting to this trend.
Day passes to enjoy this exclusive resort experience are now available
through ResortPass, making it easier than ever to indulge in a luxury summer escape with no overnight booking required. For your convenience, Via ResortPass, the hotel offers multiple discounted passes to relax by ground-level and rooftop pool. Passes include Day Pass ($55; adults, $30; kids), Pool Daybed (starting at $205) and a Family Pass (starting at $160).
Guests also enjoy a range of food and beverage venues, including Tigress, the signature Cantonese-fusion rooftop restaurant from Chef Dale Talde, and Easy Tiger, the rooftop bar from mixologist Lynnette Marrero.
The hotel overlooks the Cocohatchee River and has direct channel access to the Gulf and Wiggins State Park. The property also has easy access to the river through its nature conservation area and includes an expansive pier featuring a scenic marina with eight boat slips.
SWFL RESILIENCY
SBA offers disaster relief to businesses, nonprofits affected by April drought
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Florida to offset economic losses caused by caused by drought beginning April 15.
The disaster declaration covers the primary counties of Broward and Collier and the adjacent counties of Hendry, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and nonprofits with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or nonprofits did not suf-
fer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.62% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 22.
Tamiami Angel Funds invests in security software firm
Angel investors from Southwest Florida recently provided additional capital to Circadian Risk, a software firm that helps organizations assess physical security risks.
Members of Tamiami Angel Fund V recently invested $470,000 in Circadian Risk, joining members of Tamiami Angel Fund IV who invested $565,000 one year ago, bringing the total investment by Southwest Florida investors to more than $1 million.
The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based company created software to help companies secure physical assets such as office buildings, schools and stores and to keep people safe. Specifically, Circadian’ s software allows companies to assess and monitor risks ranging from active shooters to arson, espionage, explosives, vandalism and workplace violence. The software uses a logical, score-based approach to generate interactive dashboards and visualizations updated in near-real time so organizations can improve and maintain security for their people and physical assets.
Large enterprises across industries ranging from finance to education, health care and retail are using the firm’s software to manage physical
risks in different locations on a nearreal-time basis, a feature that wasn’t available prior to Circadian’s technology.
“Organizations are demanding more dynamic real time insights into their physical risk postures much like they do with their cyber compliance programs,” said security expert Michael Martin, CEO and founder of Circadian Risk. “More and more, we are seeing Fortune 500 companies moving away from static traditional assessment solutions and into our system which can ingest data from multiple sources and create proactive remediations before issues arise.”
“Michael Martin is an acclaimed leader and innovator in the Security Services & Risk Assessment industry, he is the type of founder that we like to back with our investment dollars,” said Timothy Cartwright, partner of Fifth Avenue Family Office and chairman of Tamiami Angel Funds in Naples.
Naples-based Tamiami Angel Funds are member-managed funds that allow high-net-worth individuals and families to invest in promising early stage and expansion-stage companies located in the U.S., with a preference to those in the state of Florida.
While many children turn to their parents for advice, the students we support often need a mentor outside their immediate family to help shape who they ultimately become, personally and professionally.
English is not the primary language for many of our student’s parents and often, it’s the students who are the first to pursue higher education, go off to college, or seek a career outside traditional agriculture. This makes having a mentor so pivotal in helping our deserving young people achieve their dreams and succeed. Immokalee Foundation mentors often become an extension of a student’s family.
Will you join our family of mentors?
Downtown Naples gets a major upgrade
Downtown Naples is undergoing a historic transformation—and Metropolitan Naples is at the heart of it. This mixed-use development is redefining urban luxury in Southwest Florida.
Phase 1 is Complete with 270 upscale rental residences—fully leased.
Phase 2, Aura at Metropolitan Naples, is under construction now, offering 56 luxury residences priced from $2M to over $7 million.
Phase 3 is launching in 2026.
As for future growth, the developer is quietly acquiring more parcels, with other landowners are joining in with new proposals.
The Impact will mean surging property values, a walkable, urban lifestyle attracting high-end buyers, growing retail and commercial offerings, and revitalization of the area around Fifth Avenue South and Davis Boulevard.
“Back in 2006, we bought 91,000 acres, 143 square miles, which is five times the size of the island of Manhattan. Then we sold 73,000 acres back to the state of Florida, the largest land purchase in the history of this state. So we ended up with 18,000 acres. That means 90% of the original ranch is in preservation forever. And when people ask me what’s the biggest impact, what am I most proud of regarding the creation of Babcock Ranch, that might be it, because that’s going to be there for my kids, my grandkids, my great-grandkids,” Kitson said.
“We want this new town to work hand-in-hand with the environment, to work with Mother Nature to make all this happen. And by doing that, we said we’re going to be the most sustainable, the most resilient and the most innovative new town that’s ever been developed. We want to be leaders, not followers, and we put together a series of initiatives to really do it right.”
He talked about the community values Babcock Ranch embraces.
“What we’re known best for is storm safety,” he said. “With Hurricane Ian in 2022, it came across Cuba as a Category 1 hurricane. It then hit those Gulf waters, exploding into a strong Category 4. It was supposed to hit the Panhandle, then the Big Bend and then Tampa. But no, it took that right hand turn and went right into Fort Myers Beach. I remember the weather forecaster saying, ‘It’s headed right for Babcock Ranch. You’re going to get the eastern part of the eyewall.’ And oh, by the way, this thing is going about 30 miles an hour. So, this storm came right over the top of us at Babcock.
“We had sustained winds of 100 miles an hour, gusts of 150 miles an hour. I’m sitting in my home, with my 5000 neighbors in Babcock Ranch, whom I’d assured they could shelter-in-place. We spent so much time preparing for this. We spent millions of dollars preparing for this. But I’ve got to tell you, you
never know until you test it.”
The next morning when Kitson went out into the neighborhood, people were walking around just staring: “We had very little damage and never lost electricity through the entire night. What it demonstrated was that you can be both innovative AND do things the right way.”
When asked if it costs more to live in such a hightech city, he responded, no. He then added, “Yes, it costs more money up front, but the return on that investment was tenfold, just with Hurricane Ian alone. So, if anyone tells you it’s too expensive to do it the right way, they’re wrong.”
He was also asked about how Babcock Ranch incorporates innovation.
“We’re building a new city, so we want to make Babcock Ranch a living laboratory, and we want to integrate as much technology as we can,” he said. “We want to be leaders, not followers. And we have this ‘blank sheet of paper’ with Babcock Ranch—we welcome innovation. Because we’re doing it from the beginning and not trying to retrofit, we don’t have legacy issues. We’re actually developing a lot of this new technology because it’s probably a lot easier for us to do it than most older communities.”
Kitson then talked about taking a more pro-active approach to resiliency. “When you watch the news and some kind of disaster happens, whether it’s a shooting or a natural disaster--then you hear about everybody getting together and saying ‘OK, we’re going to make all these changes.’ “
He continued, “It just seems like the call to action is after the event, while it should be before. Go through that modeling in your head as to what would happen ‘if.’ Those are the things we’re trying to do at Babcock. And also, yes, everybody has the right to live in a place that operates like that and we’re trying to do that at Babcock as well: we have workforce housing. People who work there should be able to live there. That is just so important. And you can make that happen—especially if you get it right at the beginning. Babcock Ranch is in a perfect position to accomplish that on so many levels.”
FORT MYERS CRA SELFIE SCAVENGER HUNT
Get ready to explore projects happening right here in your community! This summer, we’re inviting you to embark on a CRA selfie adventure showcasing the positive reinvestments that impact our city, like:
Lee Commissioners approve a proposal to develop Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted to award a proposal to develop a Lee County Community Wildfire Protection Plan to examine the risk of wildfire and build a consistent approach to address wildfire response, mitigation and preparedness.
A $174,334 proposal from SWCA, Inc., an environmental consultant, was selected to create the plan. In 2024, the board awarded a planning grant funded through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery to Lee County Public Safety for the plan.
This project will create the county’s first community wildfire protection plan, which will include the increased risk of wildfire associated with trees downed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The plan will address objectives identified in the ResilientLee Recovery and Resilience Plan. Funding for wildfire response, mitigation and preparedness is available through the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. However, under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, a Community Wildfire Protection Plan is necessary to apply for these funds. The plan is expected to be done in advance of the August 2026 deadline for funding.
Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual event on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar
HOW TO PLAY
As construction continues at Metropolitan Naples, a revitalization effort in downtown unfolds at rapid pace.
Like Thomas Edison, we believe there is always “a better way.” To us, that means being attentive, invested and involved in the efforts of our community’s business owners and residents as we provide them with lending services that empower them to reach their goals.
As a bank with a 5-Star Superior Rating from Bauer Financial, we are standing strong with money to lend. With a history of long-term stability and resilience, we are absolutely committed to remaining well-positioned to honor our promises and protect our banking customers. We Make Banking About You!
Kim Nyberg Vice President, Professional & Executive Banking NMLS #543733
Greg Blurton Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer NMLS #472337