Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Host Roundtable with Southwest Florida Businesses to Discuss Next Steps for Hurricane Ian Recovery

10/13/2022

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) hosted a roundtable with more than a dozen Southwest Florida businesses. The roundtable discussion included representatives across industry sectors who shared their unique perspectives, needs, and obstacles for regaining economic self-sufficiency. This discussion will inform the state’s immediate and long-term business and workforce recovery efforts in the region.

“Many small businesses in Southwest Florida are facing a long road to recovery, and to meet their needs, I have challenged every state agency to identify and remove obstacles standing in their way,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Fully recovering from Hurricane Ian requires a long-term commitment, and we will continue to provide resources and make strategic investments to help these communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

“As a Lee County native, I know that small business owners are truly the backbone of the Southwest Florida community. Their insight is invaluable as we work to ensure a speedy economic recovery,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO will continue working hand-in-hand with the business community in Southwest Florida and beyond to expedite their recovery and enhance their economic resiliency.”

Participants from the Southwest Florida business community included:

  • Steve Rye, CEO of Mercola Health Resources and Mercola Market in Cape Coral
  • Marty Harrity, Owner of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille in Sanibel
  • Jay Johnson, Owner of Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon in Cape Coral
  • Greg Spencer, CEO of Timbers Resorts
  • Matt Sinclair, President of Sinclair Custom Homes, Inc. in Matlacha
  • Robbie Roepstorff, President of Edison National Bank and Bank of the Islands in Matlacha
  • Matt Simmons, Managing Partner of Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons, LLC in Fort Myers
  • Tommy Kolar, Vice President of Yucatan Waterfront, Inc. in Matlacha
  • Cathy Eagle, Charter Boat Captain and Owner of Captain Cathy Eagle Boat Tours in Matlacha
  • Bob Rosier, President of Rosier Insurance in Sanibel
  • Jeff Miloff, Partner and Broker at Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group Cape Coral
  • Jerron Hull, President and CEO of AIM Engineering & Surveying, Inc. in Fort Myers
  • Jason Moon, President of Elite DNA Therapy in Naples
  • Nomiki Neskes, Co-owner of Plaka Restaurant Fort Myers Beach
  • Leoma Lovegrove, Owner, Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens in Matlacha
  • Bernard Johnson, Owner, Bert’s Bar and Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery
  • Mark Marinello, Owner, HM Restaurant Group, LLC