News

FloridaCommerce Announces Fort Myers Area Sees Fastest Over-the-Year Job Growth Rate Among All Metro Areas in Professional and Business Services for the Fourth Month in a Row

12/22/2023

Naples, Fla. — Today, FloridaCommerce announced that for the fourth month in a row the Fort Myers area had the fastest over-the-year job growth rate compared to all metro areas in the state in professional and business services at 9.6 percent. The Fort Myers area labor force grew by 12,595 over the year in November 2023,…

Three Sanibel representatives appear before state hurricane resiliency committee

12/21/2023

On Dec. 11, three members of the Sanibel Island community appeared before the Florida House of Representatives Select Committee on Hurricane Resiliency and Recovery in Tallahassee to present updates and need assessments to the 15-person committee. Representing Sanibel Island were councilman and former mayor Holly Smith, SanCap Chamber president and CEO John Lai, and restaurateur…

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach now open to guests

12/19/2023

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.— Today, Margaritaville Beach Resort officially opens on Fort Myers Beach. After the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian, the opening marks an important moment for the community. Following an exclusive locals-only weekend, in celebration of resilience, and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by dignitaries, community partners and area residents, the resort is open for…

Horizon Foundation , Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office set to host 2024 Annual Meeting on Feb. 1

12/18/2023

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Following another year of business growth and opportunities in Lee County, the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office will host the 2024 Annual Meeting on Feb. 1. The 2024 Annual Meeting will feature a State of the Economy, recapping the tremendous growth Lee County has seen, such…

South Seas unveils redevelopment plans for island resort

12/18/2023

South Seas has unveiled a redevelopment plan that maintains the historic character and coastal charm that defines Captiva Island while modernizing the property to enhance the guest experience. Most notably, South Seas’ zoning application – a requirement as the resort rebuilds following destruction caused by Hurricane Ian – notes structures would be rebuilt up to…

ECHO welcomes new COO to help lead organization on new five – year strategic plan

12/15/2023

FORT MYERS, Fla. – ECHO, a leading player in sustainable agriculture and global food security, is pleased to announce Charles Mathews as its new Chief Operating Officer. Mathews comes to the non-profit organization with extensive experience managing global, multi-site international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). Before arriving at ECHO, he spent 12 years at Samaritan’s Purse serving…

New requirements go into effect Jan. 1 for recording property deeds

12/13/2023

FORT MYERS, Fla.  – Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, there will be new requirements when recording property deeds. This statewide change is a result of HB 1419, which Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes and state lawmakers initiated to make it harder to file fraudulent deeds. Currently, deeds require two witness signatures to be recorded, with the name of…

Second Round of Applications for SWFL Equitable Jobs Pipeline Open January 15, 2024

12/13/2023

FORT MYERS, Fla. –   FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory will begin accepting applications for their second round of applications RFP on January 15, 2024. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2024 with awards going out in April, July and December. The total funding amount available for this RFP is $3,800,000.00 to develop new programs, update existing programs, or…

Naples Area Board of REALTORS® Awarded Platinum Global Achievement Program Award by National Association of REALTORS

12/12/2023

Naples, Fla. – The Global Business Council of Naples Area Board of REALTORS® has been awarded the Platinum Global Achievement Program Award from the National Association of REALTORS®. This places Naples Area Board of REALTORS® in the top 10% of Global Councils nationwide. Naples Area Board of REALTORS® has shown the highest level of service to its…

Elite Jets leader shares aviation safety expertise at national industry event

12/11/2023

Elite Jets leader shares aviation safety expertise at national industry event National Business Aviation Association taps EVP Stephen Myers for case study of fatal 2021 crash NAPLES, Fla. – A Southwest Florida business leader’s expertise in air safety recently landed him a spot on the dais at the National Business Aviation Association’s annual meeting in…