News

FutureMakers Coalition chosen for national effort to rethink and revitalize economies in rural communities

08/23/2024

FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory has been selected by CivicLab to participate in a three-year incubator to rethink and revitalize their communities by strengthening rural higher education and employment systems. FutureMakers Coalition joins other communities participating in this cohort from states across the country, including Arkansas, California, Indiana, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina. Supported…

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank purchases Fort Myers Beach property to open the only on-island bank

08/22/2024

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank announced the purchase of gulf-side land located on Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach for the development of its newest branch. This purchase marks a significant milestone in the bank’s growth plan and strategically positions the bank to meet the growing need for banking services on Fort Myers Beach. Sanibel Captiva…

FloridaCommerce announces funding for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby

08/20/2024

FloridaCommerce has approved more than $1.5 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. To date, 42 businesses have been approved to receive these funds to bridge the gap while they wait on other funding, such as insurance, with more applications being approved every…

Fort Myers Beach officials met with FDOT to discuss bridge project

08/20/2024

Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers, Town Manager Andy Hyatt, and Operations and Compliance Director Frankie Kropacek, met with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) staff to discuss the current traffic concerns with the Roadway and Bridge Improvement Project. The project includes making improvements along San Carlos Blvd, from North of Crescent St. to…

LG Commercial acquires Retail Solutions Advisors

08/20/2024

LQ Commercial Real Estate and LQ Commercial Property Management jointly announce their acquisition of Retail Solutions Advisors, a Lakeland-based firm known for its retail-centric reach. The portfolio includes community shopping centers with national anchors, outparcels in high-growth corridors, mixed-use developments, redevelopment sites, investment assets, and distinguished property management assignments. Charlie Boscarino, who joins as principal…

New Community Resource Center to open in West Cape Coral

08/16/2024

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is opening a new Community Resource Center located inside Goodwill’s newest retail store opening on Monday, Aug. 26.  The CRC will provide free digital skills training, resume building workshops, English as a Second Language, financial literacy, My ACCESS support and more. The CRC will open its doors August 26 directly…

Southeast Tourism Society selects airshow as award winner

08/14/2024

Southeast Tourism Society has named the Florida International Airshow one of the Signature Events of the Southeast for 2024. This year’s Florida International AirShow is November 2-3. 2024 held in Punta Gorda. Signature Events of the Southeast, formerly known as “Top 20 Festival and Event Awards”, was launched as part of the 40th anniversary celebration…

Business expo to be held on Sept. 28

08/14/2024

Mark your calendars for a community event at Babcock Ranch. The Biz @ BR Business Expo, a free-to-attend gathering of local businesses and entrepreneurs, will be held on Sept. 28 at the Babcock Ranch Field House. The event will run from 4 pm to 7 pm and promises an evening filled with vibrant energy, local…

City of Fort Myers awarded $1,072,824 in CDBG-DR funding

08/14/2024

The City of Fort Myers has been awarded $1,072,824 from the Lee Board of County Commissioners for Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding as part of ongoing Hurricane Ian recovery and resiliency projects. The Lee Board of County Commissioners approved the execution of the written agreement with the City of Fort Myers at its…

The Henning Group acquires RMS

08/14/2024

The Henning Group, known for its expertise in luxury remodeling and general construction, has announced the acquisition of the Estero-based remodeling company, Residential Maintenance Solutions. Through this merger, The Henning Group plans to expand its footprint in the remodeling market. The new company, Henning RMS, provides design-build services to clients in the Bonita Springs and Estero…