News
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently approved six Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grants for the MLK redevelopment area. The first grant was in the not-to exceed amount of $83,967.50 for Community Cooperative Inc., located at 3429 Dr. MLK Blvd. The funds will be used for landscaping, parking lot improvements, a new awning/canopy, door…
The Town of Fort Myers Beach is reminding all residents who are using trailers for a means of living or to operate a business that all Temporary Use Permits expire on September 23, 2025. This expiration date applies to all individuals currently conducting commercial activity from a trailer or using a trailer as a residence within…
Nominations open August 1 The buzz is already building! Nominations for the 2026 Edison Awards open August 1 — mark your calendars and start preparing your submissions now. For more information on nominations, click here. Welcome to Our New Steering Committee Members! Carly Chase – Vice President of the Career Business Franchise at U.S. News and…
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce brought the Southwest Florida business community together to honor local businesses and leaders at its annual Chamber Awards, held July 17 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. Recognizing members for their outstanding contributions to the greater Fort Myers community, the program featured an award…
Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida celebrates the first graduating class from its Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Recognizing the demand for “middle-skill” employees, the non-profit organization created this program to help participants fast-track a career in multiple trade industries by outlining their goals for the future and coordinating the steps necessary to achieve those goals. With 50% of American…
Following the Town of Fort Myers Beach’s recent release from probation, it was informed of a Community Assistance Visit (CAV) from FEMA, scheduled for July 15-17. This visit was a standard part of the process as it works toward full reinstatement in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Since receiving this notice, its team has…
According to a new report from ConsumerAffairs, two of the five coolest housing markets are in Florida. Naples has the coolest housing market in the country, with 88.7% of homes selling below their listing price over a three-month period. The median time for homes to spend on the market is 67 days, and only 3.3% of homes sold above list…
Lee County residents that experienced home damage from Hurricanes Helene or Milton can complete a pre-application to be screened for initial eligibility for the LeeCares Program. This program may assist eligible homeowners to make necessary repairs, replace, or reconstruct damaged housing. Applications are being accepted until Dec. 31. Funded by Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery…
Key Messages As of July 14, more than 700 FEMA staff are on the ground in Florida to help survivors recover from Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. FEMA continues to process applications, receive and manage appeals, conduct inspections and assist applicants and local officials with questions and information about recovery programs. FEMA may call Floridians…
Bank of America has named Julie Schmelzle, senior relationship manager, Global Commercial Banking, president of Bank of America Southwest Florida. She succeeds Gerri Moll, who successfully led the market since 1997 and is retiring at the end of July after 41 years with Bank of America. As president and head of the market, Schmelzle will…