News

Gifford Carr expands to U.S. with acquisition of Omni One Insurance

09/29/2025

Gifford Carr Insurance Group has acquired Omni One Insurance Agency, a Cape Coral, Florida-based brokerage, marking the Canadian firm’s first expansion outside the country. Omni One, founded in Cape Coral, serves individuals and families across Florida. With the acquisition, Omni One formally joins the Team Aubuchon group, a comprehensive services group for luxury living. The…

Shalimar reopens on Sanibel Island

09/29/2025

SanCap Chamber celebrated an island tradition reborn with a Sep. 26 ribbon-cutting at Shalimar Beach Resort, 2823 W. Gulf Drive on Sanibel Island. The 2025 edition of the circa-1959 property, officially opening Sep. 28, represents the first new resort build on the islands since the 1980s. “Beginning with just the original beach cottages and adding…

Horizon Foundation recognizes Industry Appreciation Awards finalists

09/25/2025

The Horizon Foundation recently held its annual President’s Circle event recognizing finalists for the 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards, which celebrate top businesses and business leaders in Southwest Florida. The President’s Circle event, held Sept. 24 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, honored 22 finalists in seven categories for outstanding work in supporting the business community…

Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance accepting applications for affordable housing community

09/25/2025

Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance will open up housing applications on Oct. 1 and is preparing to welcome home 16 qualifying families in Immokalee. Applications will be accepted from Oct. 15 through Nov. 1 for eligible residents looking for a safe, affordable and community-centered place to call home. One of the eight buildings has been completed,…

Lee Commissioners approve agreement to build Lee County Emergency Medical Services station

09/23/2025

The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve an agreement for the construction for a Lee County Emergency Medical Services station at 13561 Goldenwood Drive, located just west of Treeline Avenue and Daniels Parkway. The nearly $5.8 million agreement with Stultz Inc. for construction services is for a 7,794-square-foot EMS station on a…

FSW launches two new academic schools to advance health education

09/23/2025

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has restructured its School of Health Professions into two new academic schools: the School of Nursing and the School of Allied Health. This strategic move strengthens FSW’s health education programs to better serve students and meet workforce needs across Southwest Florida. The School of Nursing (SoN) will focus solely on…

Lee Commissioners vote to request using some BP/Deepwater Horizon recovery funds for pier

09/22/2025

The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted to submit a request to use $7 million awarded following BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010 for the planned restoration and expansion of the Fort Myers Beach Pier. The Fort Myers Beach Pier, an iconic tourist destination and recreational fishing asset, was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.…

CRA announces storm mitigation and resiliency grants

09/19/2025

Applications are now open for the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Storm Mitigation and Resiliency Grants for downtown Fort Myers businesses. The new program is designed to strengthen the economic heartbeat of Downtown Fort Myers by equipping local businesses with tools and strategies to withstand and recover from severe weather events. The grant will…

Fort Myers Beach reminds property owners of deadline for permit extensions

09/19/2025

Temporary Placement Permits (TPPs), originally issued in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, are set to expire on Sept. 23, 2025. Recognizing that recovery timelines differ for each household, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council adopted Resolution 25-251 on Aug. 18, creating a pathway for property owners facing certain hardship situations to apply for a permit…

Naples Players Academy receives $1 million gift from Patty & Jay Baker

09/19/2025

The Naples Players Academy of Dramatic Arts (TNPA) officially welcomed its first class of full-time students on Sept. 2, marking a milestone moment for arts education in Southwest Florida. The innovative full-time performing arts school began its inaugural year with 28 middle and high school students enrolled, blending academic studies with intensive theatre training in…