P.72
P.76
P.82
REGIONAL OFFICE MARKET
MEDICAL MILESTONE
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR
Outlook improving for commercial real estate
Proton therapy center planned in SW Florida
ScotLynn founder values hard work, good team
SOUTHWEST F LO R I DA’ S BEST VIEW OF BUSINESS
BIDDING ON FUTURE
Lee, Collier economic development incentives _____ __ P.
30
DIFFERENT AV E N U E S
Bonita Beach Road poised for future growth _____ __ P.
BEST OF BUSINESS 2021 ANNUAL LOCAL WINNERS, FINALISTS RECOGNIZED P_ 54
42
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K
Contents. F E AT U R E S
P. 30
P.42
P. 54
BIDDING ON
DIFFERENT
BEST OF
THE FUTURE
AVENUES
BUSINESS
Lee, Collier counties refocus economic development efforts amid changes
Development along Bonita Beach Road spurs continued growth
Ninth annual recognition of the best in Southwest Florida
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Contents. D E PA R T M E N T S
TakeNote Spaces P. 12 Makers P. 14 Creatives P. 20 Bookmark P. 22 Trendline P. 24 Economic Commentary P. 26
P. 12
B2B P 70
EDUCATION Offering students a way to get ahead in the workplace P 72
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Things are looking up in the local office market— especially in the longstruggling Naples area P 76
HEALTH CARE Advocate Radiation Oncology establishes SWFL’s first proton therapy center P 78
HUMAN RESOURCES The American Rescue Plan Act: What You Need
P.14
to Know P 82
ENTREPRENEURSHIP Scotlynn’s Ryan Carter values hard work and a good team
P.20
4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
AFTER HOURS
P 88
HORSEPOWER The luxurious 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB P 90
FITNESS Kayaking for health and pleasure P 96
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G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 5
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Volume 26/Number 8, August, Gulfshore Business (ISSN 1935-8199), is published 12 times a year by Gulfshore Life Media, 26101 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.
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pressive surge of projects underway and still to come. Bonita Springs isn’t the only part of the
from the editor.
area undergoing expansion, either—Lee
AUGUST 2021
and Collier counties each have experienced major gains in recent years with announcements of large investments by companies expanding in the area. Such companies include NeoGenomics and its plans to build a $60 million international headquarters, resulting in another 295 employees; Scotlynn USA Division Inc.,
Spotlight on SWFL Success
spending $20 million on expansion and a corporate headquarters, hiring 140 employees; Arthrex spending more than $60 million to expand its North Naples headquarters, adding more than 750 workers;
VICTORIOUS BUSINESSES AND VISIONS OF FUTURE GROWTH This issue celebrates Gulfshore Business’ ninth annual Best of Business recipients, as readers
and packaging supply company Uline with its plans to build a $70 million disHEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF
tribution center near Interstate 75 that will bring more than 200 jobs. While all of these investments in our backyards will
cast votes for their favorite representatives of 35
generate substantial revenue for city and
categories across six industries. The winners and
county coffers, there remain questions
finalists, representing a total of 105 businesses rec-
surrounding the incentives local govern-
ognized, are listed beginning on page 54. The Best
ments are offering for such grand moves,
of Business issue is one we look forward to each
and how best to organize and present
year with much anticipation, as it gives thousands
them—or whether they’re a good idea at
of participants a chance to share deserved recogni-
all. Brett Blackledge digs into the details
tion for local businesses. We congratulate all of the
behind incentivizing businesses to relo-
recipients for their hard work, talent and dedica-
cate or expand here on page 30.
tion to serving Southwest Florida.
We’re all witnessing continued growth
This month, we also take a look into the expan-
and development in Southwest Flori-
sive development seen along Bonita Beach Road in
da, and some are no doubt more excited
the “Different Avenues” feature on page 42. The road that once started at Old 41 and only extended west to the beach has seen much development moving east—where city officials and developers hope to create a “majestic parkway,” a destination and multimodal connector for the city’s main east-
p.54 SIMPLY THE BEST We congratulate the ninth annual Best of Business recipients.
about it than others. Regardless, the region is changing, the sands are shifting and the towns as many once knew them are evolving. We don’t know exactly what the business landscape will look like 10 years from now, or even next year … but
west route that stretches more than 10 miles. Tim
we look forward to continuing to honor
Aten explores the massive growth this corridor has
the local businesses that will be thriving
seen over relatively recent years and notes the im-
in our community.
8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Why… T H A N K F U L T O You!
INSPIRED BY
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Community IS OUR COMMITMENT
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Action Annual Charity Golf Tournament Our Annual Charity Golf Tournament raises over $100,000 each year for locallybased organizations focused on children’s education, health and wellbeing. Since its inception in 2009, our Tournament has raised over $900,000 to benefit local children in need.
Dedication As community bankers, we are steadfast in our commitment to support local businesses and organizations that assist and enrich the areas we serve. Our team worked diligently around the clock to secure over $265 million in funding for over 2750 small businesses and organizations through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, which impacted over 32,000 jobs in our communities.
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p_14 Superfoods grown by Florida MicroGreens
TakeNote SPACES | MAKERS | CREATIVES | BOOKMARK TRENDLINE | ECONOMIC COMMENTARY
Artists Unite SHELL POINT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY’S NEW MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR ARTS CENTER Brian Tietz
p_12 By Melanie Pagan
TakeNote
AUGUST 2021
S PA C E S
By Melanie Pagan
Artists Unite INSIDE SHELL POINT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY’S NEW MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR ARTS CENTER The new creative hub at Shell Point Retirement
around the building,” Lee says. “It creates nice visual images of
Community gives residents plenty of space to let
balance and composition the more you engage around the site.”
their inner artists play. “The purpose of the new
The contemporary-style building sets the tone for an industri-
Tribby Arts Center is to nurture the creative spirit
al interior designed by Wegman Design Group, with white and
and engage the mind,” says Martin Schappell, Shell
black accents warmed by oak. Amber Caton, senior designer at
Point president and CEO. “We saw the increasing
Wegman Design Group, explains, “We really wanted to create
value these programs brought to resident life and
this clean and modern environment to act as a backdrop for all
wanted to provide a center that would allow all of
of the artists working in this space, but we also wanted to have
the groups to come together in one dedicated space
features that would really inspire them.”
that would encourage and enhance their creative experiences.”
Designers opted for a custom terrazzo pattern to match two kinetic sculptures from Washington artist Andrew Carson in the
The $25 million property opened in February as
atrium, and an awning with clean black lines to play up the slight
a dedicated space for creative activities Shell Point
French feel of the first floor Tribby Café. With input from the
residents have enjoyed over the years. It boasts
residents, the facility is just as functional as it is fancy. “We real-
nine visual, performing and literary arts studios,
ly wanted to make sure they felt heard, and we provided a space
plus rotating art galleries, a shop and a café. The
that worked really well for them,” Caton says.
two-story, 44,000-square-foot facility flaunts an
Creating the large-scale venue called for a lot of communi-
asymmetrical design by Chris Lee, principal ar-
cation; Lee called it a collaborative integrated team design ap-
chitect and president of Southwest Florida-based
proach that really carried through both inside and out, as exem-
Christopher J. Lee Architects Inc. “The asymme-
plified in the 400-seat theater called Connie Brown Hall. Lee
try presents different perspectives as you move
worked with two sets of specialists—theater design consultants TSG Design Solutions and architectural acoustical design consultants Siebein Associates Inc.—for the right sound setup in the multipurpose room.
Weiss, fine and performing arts manager. The public is invited to check the theater out for themselves when Shell Point hosts its annual concert series in November. 1 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy Tribby Arts Center
“[It] has fantastic acoustics, great sightlines and the capability to offer major musical and theatrical productions,” says Michael
Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point Retirement Community 15101 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers Shell Point is the largest single-site continuing care retirement community in Florida, and the second largest in the country, with 2,500 residents and more than 1,100 employees, according to the company. Project Partners Architect: Christopher J. Lee Architects Inc., Fort Myers General Contractor: Gates Construction, Bonita Springs Structural Engineers: Liebl & Barrow, Fort Myers Mechanical/ Electrical Engineers: Energy Concepts of Southwest Florida, Fort Myers Interior Designers: Wegman Design Group, Naples Theater Design Consultants: TSG Design Solutions, West Palm Beach Architectural Acoustical Design Consultants: Siebein Associates Inc., Gainesville Landscape Architects: Stantec, Naples Site/Civil Engineer: Hole Montes, Fort Myers
A GRAND PRODUCTION The public will have access to the theater, art galleries, shops and café, but the artist studios will remain private sanctuaries for Shell Point residents to create.
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 1 3
TakeNote
AUGUST 2021
MAKERS
B y J u s t i n P a p ro c k i
Micro Might LOCAL FLAVOR GROWING AT FLORIDA MICROGREENS
You likely don’t think much about
Florida MicroGreens is unique for
microgreens in your meal. Maybe
the area: It’s an urban vertical hy-
they’ve been a garnish on your plate,
droponic farm based in Cape Coral.
or perhaps you’ve had a salad filled
That means all the growing happens
with shoots of arugula or Swiss
indoors, with trays of microgreens
chard. It’s just one part of a meal—
grown on shelves then distributed to
but for Florida MicroGreens and
restaurants and caterers throughout
owners Rob Epple and Rachel She-
Southwest Florida.
menski, it’s become a big part of a
tion company, Epple had spent years
Robb Epple
thriving business.
Also the owner of a video produc-
1 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
SUPER PLANTS Rachel Shemenski, left, plants wasabi seeds on hemp mats. Florida MicroGreens’ ‘Super Food’ plants, above, is a mix of broccoli, kale, radish and buckwheat lettuce; tray of brown speckled peas, top right.
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 1 5
TakeNote MAKERS
SHADES OF FLAVOR Red mammoth cabbage and speckled peas add a splash of nutritious color.
playing around with hydroponics, or growing plants in nutrient-rich water rather than soil. The farm-to-table movement was catching on, and people were looking for locally sourced food. Typically, restaurants get microgreens shipped in from California, and they only last a couple days after opening their plastic clamshell. But growing locally means they can be delivered quicker and stay fresh for days longer, he said. By 2016, Epple and Shemenski saw the business opportunity, and soon were delivering to dozens of restaurants in Southwest Florida. Like anyone in the food and beverage business, Florida MicroGreens had to take a step back during the pandemic Robb Epple
as restaurants shuttered and cut costs. They’ve shifted into teaching; hosting 1 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
BESTLIFE! HELP I N G BR A NDS LIVE T H EIR
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TakeNote MAKERS
“ WE WAN TED TO D O S OME T HING MORE T HAN JUST G ROW— W E WAN TED TO EDUCAT E PEOPLE IN S OME T HING THAT ’S EN VI RON MEN TA LLY F R I END LY.” — Rob Epple
GREEN GOODNESS Rob Epple and Rachel Shemenski grow microgreens at their hydroponic farm based in Cape Coral.
classes at their hydroponic farm and even organizing a kids’ summer camp that emphasizes the science behind growing plants. They also have plans to expand outside of the area, with a 5,000-square-foot facility in Tennessee where they can farm and host additional classes and camps. They found that their real joy in their work comes from teaching. “We wanted to do something more than just grow— we wanted to educate people in something that’s environmentally friendly,”
Robb Epple
Epple says. “It’s our way of giving back.”
1 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
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TakeNote
AUGUST 2021
C R E AT I V E S
By Melanie Pagan
No Place for Waste SUSTAINABILITY, COMMUNITY FUEL SHEPARDSON’S BUSINESS ENDEAVORS The zero-waste industry is expanding as consumers
Locally, Cathy Shepardson wants to help eco-conscious
and corporations become more aware of the envi-
entrepreneurs jump on board by sharing secrets she
ronment and human health. So much so, big busi-
learned while opening her own store, Conscious Space. Lo-
nesses such as General Motors, Microsoft, Sierra
cated at 16387 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit G, in Fort Myers, it’s
Nevada and more have committed to zero-waste
billed as the area’s only zero-waste store and apothecary,
initiatives.
sourcing two-thirds of its products directly from local makers. “I wanted to provide sustainable options all around, while mostly empowering the local economy and makers,” Shepardson says. Conscious Space, which offers environmentally friendly alternatives to everyday items from kitchenware to body care, was a somewhat serendipitous venture for Shepardson. She fell into the zero-waste lifestyle while studying business at Florida Gulf Coast University and began selling handmade products out of her car through her first business, Mango Earth. Met with high demand, she opened Conscious Space in fall 2019 to provide more items made by like-minded community members, many of whom she met at college. “There wasn’t resistance,” Shepardson says. “It was a blessing because I know of so many people trying to start businesses, and they don’t have an audience already. They have to build those pieces, whereas they just kind of appeared to me, and I had to work around it.” make it easier for tomorrow’s small business owners to set up shop. Ideally, she said, she and a panel of entrepreneurs
2 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Brian Tietz
Shepardson is planning a sustainable business class to
“I WAN T ED T O P ROV I D E SU STAI NAB L E O P T I ONS ALL AROUN D, WH I LE M O STLY EM P OWER ING T H E LO CAL EC ONO M Y A N D M AK ER S.” — Cathy Shepardson
ZERO WASTE Cathy Shepardson plans a sustainable business class to help eco-conscious entrepreneurs launch their own small businesses.
of Conscious Space. Nearly 20 vendors provided shoppable goods, from fresh farmed produce to handmade jewelry. She’s now hosting them on the first Sunday of each month. And with help from her regenerative gardening group, Gaia’s Gardeners, Shepardson aims to build a community
would discuss what they’ve learned about the zero-waste
garden from plastic bottles filled with waste (known as bot-
market. “There are so many barriers of entry in this kind of
tle bricking). Recently, Shepardson collected more than
field because it’s just not common,” she says.
700 trash-filled bottles people donated from near and far
Shepardson broke down the wall of the unit she pur-
in response to an awareness campaign she posted on social
chased next door to make space for events. However, as of
media. The zero-waste concept may still be catching on,
May, workshop plans were still paused due to the pandemic.
but Shepardson’s creative initiatives are planting the seeds
“I’m holding off to gather until the public seems ready,” she
in Southwest Florida.
says. In the meantime, she’s found other ways to rally the
“Community growing is kind of my thing,” Shepardson
community and educate the public on zero-waste options.
says. “People are so willing. They’re just looking for some-
She hosted her first farmers market May 2 in the parking lot
one to guide them.” G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 2 1
TakeNote
AUGUST 2021
BOOKMARK
RALPH READS
Persistence and Prejudice EXAMINATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC TRIUMPHS AND SOCIAL TRAPS Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier were in a race. They didn’t know each other and lived on separate continents, but each of them
an avid reader
had chosen to explore the unknown field of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) because the broader scientific community considered it a dead end and had fo-
by the need to keep the funding and
cused on DNA instead. Doudna and Charpentier
grants for research coming in. What
Sausage, leads a
decided to risk their careers by pursuing this new
was once considered the backwater
book club in Naples
field. As the old adage says, the greater the risk, the
of microbiology rapidly became its
with about a dozen
greater the glory. This is the stuff that Nobel prizes
Amazon. Walter Isaacson master-
other high-power
are made of. Each started making interesting dis-
fully tells this story in his new book,
friends. The group
coveries and published papers.
The Code Breakers. Doudna and
and former CEO of Johnsonville
only reads non-fiction as a way to keep learning and sharpening the mind. Every month, Stayer shares the latest page-turners earning a permanent spot on his ever-expanding bookshelves.
Science has evolved over the last century. It is
Charpentier won the Nobel Prize for
no longer the realm of the lone genius laboring
their work in October 2020, narrow-
at his/her workbench; it is now the province of
ly winning their race over many oth-
well-funded laboratories, typically attached to
er people who made significant con-
universities, with one or two head scientists lead-
tributions to the development of the
ing a team endeavoring to peel back the curtain
use of RNA for gene splicing.
of nature. It is collaborative and competitive at
Have you received your vaccine
the same time. Once their papers were published,
shots yet? The fact that by the end of
other people got interested and used the findings
May more than half of the people in
in those papers to launch their own inquiries into
the U.S. have had their shots is one of
RNA—and the race was on. The need to win the
the most remarkable achievements
discovery and publishing race is driven by ego, and
in medical history. Only 6 weeks af-
2 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy Simon & Schuster, W.W. Norton & Co
RALPH STAYER,
ter COVID-19’s DNA was deciphered in March 2020, the first successful vaccine was formulated. It took until early November for the testing, manufacturing and emergency approval by the FDA to make it ready for use. All this was made possible by the pioneering work of these two women. This new science has also led to future possibilities that our world must now grapple with. A scientist recently said that the first person to live 1,000 years has already been born. We are facing a world in which all genetically caused diseases will be eradicated. We are also facing the possibility of designer babies—taller, stronger, smarter. As the world’s economy becomes more science-based, the gap in income disparity is likely to increase exponentially. There are many ethical complexities that our world will have
as men on the same test when told
to work through. Isaacson’s compelling book is a must-read harbinger of
the test is designed to remove gender
things to come.
differences. Identity threat is another issue. One white person in a class
Reading The Code Breakers reminded me of Whistling Vivaldi, by
with 25 black people studying black
Claude Steele, which our book club read several years ago. Steele is a so-
history will not perform to that per-
cial psychologist who has spent his life studying how stereotypes affect the
son’s capability. The reverse is also
performance of people. Both Doudna and Charpentier were discouraged
true in similar situations. The easi-
by counselors and teachers from pursuing math and science—as “girls
est way to understand this is to look
don’t have the head for these fields.” They refused to be deterred from
back on your own past and think of
their passion, which is fortunate for the rest of us; there would have been
a time when you thought that you
no Covid vaccine if they had listened to the doubters. Think of what this
were in over your head. How well did
world has lost over many millennia by wasting people’s talents due to ste-
you do?
reotypes.
This book will illuminate some of
Steele and others have done countless studies proving that people of
the issues our country is currently
any race or gender perform equally based on their intellectual capabili-
experiencing. With understanding
ties, but stereotypes can diminish performance. This is especially true
comes recognition. Steele opens our
for high-performing individuals. Studies show that women taking a hard
eyes to the situation, and then offers
math test will do poorer than men when told that the test has not been
practical suggestions to alleviate the
equalized for gender. Those same women will perform at the same level
problem. G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 2 3
TakeNote TRENDLINE
AUGUST 2021 B y J u s t i n P a p ro c k i
Loss of Labor GOOD NEWS AND BAD FOR EMPLOYMENT
Southwest Florida is slowly getting back to work. But there’s a catch: Although unemployment rates have steadily declined since March 2020, the labor force also has shrunk. Southwest Florida has close to 15,000 fewer people participating in the labor force (meaning either currently working or seeking work) in February 2021 compared to a year earlier. The same trend is reflected across the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 4 million people dropped out of the workforce from February 2020 to February 2021. The labor force participation rate dropped from about 63.3% of the population (age 16 and older) to 61.3% over that time period, representing the largest yearly decline since the Great Depression.
2 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Napl e s
Fo r t Mye rs C a pe Co ra l
P un t a Go rda
Ye ar
Mo n t h
To t al
Empl oye d
Une mpl oye d
Une mpl oy me nt ra te %
2 0 20
Fe b
188, 8 63
18 3,209
5,654
3
2 0 20
Mar
189, 8 17
18 0,58 5
9,232
4.9
2 0 20
Ap r
16 7,457
143,548
23,909
14.3
2 0 20
May
174, 253
151,48 9
22,764
13.1
2 0 20
Ju n
17 2, 6 60
154,217
18 ,443
10.7
2 0 20
Ju l
17 3 , 6 82
155,501
18 ,18 1
10.5
2 0 20
Au g
17 1, 3 73
158 ,976
12,397
7.2
2 0 20
Sep
17 1, 5 58
161,466
10,092
5.9
2 0 20
Oct
17 5 , 044
167,322
7,722
4.4
2 0 20
Nov
17 7, 151
170,602
6,549
3 .7
2 0 20
Dec
17 9, 5 68
174,332
5,236
2.9
2 0 21
Jan
185 , 3 31
178 ,440
6,8 91
3 .7
2 0 21
Fe b
186 ,411
18 0,147
6,264
3.4
Year
Mo n t h
To t al
Empl oye d
Une mpl oye d
Une mpl oy m e nt ra te %
2 0 20
Fe b
3 6 0,135
348 ,716
11,419
3.2
2 0 20
Mar
3 6 4, 016
345,18 6
18 ,8 30
5.2
2 0 20
Ap r
3 3 1, 925
28 2,047
49,8 78
15
2 0 20
M ay
3 42, 953
295,307
47,646
13.9
2 0 20
Ju n
3 40,256
302,78 7
37,469
11
2 0 20
Ju l
3 43 , 658
306,695
36,963
10.8
2 0 20
Au g
3 3 7, 518
312,569
24,949
7.4
2 0 20
Sep
3 40,022
319,239
20,78 3
6.1
2 0 20
Oct
3 44,738
328 ,105
16,633
4.8
2 0 20
Nov
3 42,425
328 ,08 1
14,344
4.2
2 0 20
Dec
3 3 9, 999
328 ,48 7
11,512
3.4
2 0 21
Jan
3 46 , 109
330,8 97
15,212
4.4
2 0 21
Fe b
3 49, 112
334,798
14,314
4.1
Year
Mo n t h
To t al
Empl oye d
Une mpl oye d
Une mpl oy m e nt ra te %
2 0 20
Fe b
7 3 , 9 43
71,179
2,764
3 .7
2 0 20
Mar
74, 827
70,503
4,324
5.8
2 0 20
Ap r
6 8, 093
57,714
10,379
15.2
2 0 20
May
7 0, 292
60,943
9,349
13.3
2 0 20
Ju n
6 9, 9 55
62,616
7,339
10.5
2 0 20
Ju l
7 0,435
63,178
7,257
10.3
2 0 20
Au g
7 0, 040
65,057
4,98 3
7.1
2 0 20
Sep
7 0,748
66,479
4,269
6
2 0 20
Oct
7 0,7 27
67,296
3,431
4.9
2 0 20
Nov
7 0,7 96
67,8 18
2,978
4.2
2 0 20
Dec
7 0, 9 40
68 ,465
2,475
3.5
2 0 21
Jan
7 1, 6 03
68 ,48 9
3,114
4.3
2 0 21
Fe b
7 2,460
69,513
2,947
4.1
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 2 5
TakeNote
AUGUST 2021
E C O N O M I C C O M M E N TA R Y
B y To m S m y t h e
Economics and the Environment SHOULD CENTRAL BANKS DIRECTLY ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE?
Recently, central banks have announced they will begin evaluating whether banks are adequately managing their risk exposure to firms that could be
CLIMATE CONTROL
vulnerable to threats from climate change. Some see
Central banks must be independent
this as prudent and welcome. However, there has
of the political process, says Tom
been additional discussion of whether central banks
Smythe, an FGCU finance professor.
should actively engage in speeding the process of using their monetary firepower to subsidize the cost
the responsibility of financial stability. None of these roles in-
of capital of firms pursuing green enterprise and in-
cludes providing benefits to any firm that could impede competi-
novation.
tion with other firms.
Let’s be clear; humans continue to have a signifi-
Second, the Fed, in response to the 2008 financial crisis, cut
cant negative impact on the environment. However,
target money rates close to zero, where they have remained since.
to suggest central banks further distort capital mar-
The average effective federal funds rate dating back to 1954 is
kets to address the issue is foolhardy and ignores the
5.02%. Since 1990, the average is 3.17%, but since 2008, that aver-
unintended consequences of such actions. I see four
age is 0.36%. In addition to keeping short-term rates at unrealis-
problems with such an approach.
tically low levels, central banks have engaged in “evolved” policies
First, while central banks must evolve to changes
such as quantitative easing and—with the onset of the pandem-
in the economic landscape, they must do so within
ic—direct purchases of corporate and municipal debt in an effort
the boundaries of legislated mandates. For the Fed,
to stabilize markets. However, the distortions caused by these
those mandates are to be the lender of last resort,
activities have serious consequences. Prior to the pandemic, U.S.
promote price stability and promote full employ-
stock repurchase activity outstripped investments in R&D and
ment. More recently, central banks have taken on
capital investment, often funded with cheap debt. Additionally,
2 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy FGCU, Getty.
moving firms to a more climate-friendly state, by
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TakeNote
TakeNote
E C O N O M I C C O M M E N TA R Y
E C O N O M I C C O M M E N TA R Y
the number of BBB-rated firms was at an all time high, and
Instead of asking central banks to undertake
these firms have since borrowed more, creating the new
such a task, let’s tackle the problem in a rea-
class of firms known as “zombies.” In short, the capital al-
soned manner. The cost of capital for firms will
location process is broken, due in large part to existing cen-
fall as investment dollars flow to these firms.
tral bank distortions.
Announcements by BlackRock, UBS and oth-
Third, if central banks engage in selectively influencing
ers that climate change is now a primary stra-
the cost of capital for firms, it would constitute “winner
tegic characteristic to be used when investing
picking,” something in which central banks should not
is evidence the market is working. Second, let’s
engage. History is replete with examples of “government”
develop and agree on independent metrics that
failing miserably at direct engagement with private busi-
we can apply to all firms when evaluating these
ness. In the U.S., examples include the Solyndra debacle
characteristics, and require them to be reported
and the moral hazard created with Fannie Mae and Fred-
for publicly traded firms. Finally, if governments
die Mac. Direct government involvement with industry has
feel compelled to support social issues not being
proven repeatedly to be fraught with problems that do not
addressed by markets to their satisfaction, do so
lead to the best outcomes.
through legislative bodies, where voters can have
Finally, directing central banks to engage in social policy,
their voices heard.
even well-intentioned, will irreparably breach central bank independence. Social policy should be left to legislative
Tom Smythe, Ph.D., is a professor of finance in
bodies, where voters can make their voices heard. Asking
the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf
central banks to choose who to subsidize politicizes one of
Coast University.
the last institutions operating with some semblance of in-
2 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
Getty
dependence from the political process. gulfshorebusiness.com
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B I D D I N G
O N
T H E
F U T U R E
3 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Lee, Collier counties refocus economic development efforts amid changes BY BRETT J. BLACKLEDGE
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 3 1
B I D D I N G O N
T H E
F U T U R E
There was no confusing Odilon Almeida’s explanation about the decision last year to move ACI Worldwide’s headquarters out of Collier County to Miami. As head of one of the largest global digital payment firms, Almeida had just hired two key executives for a company always on the lookout for top talent.
“I can tell you that it was much easier to convince them to work in Miami than to be in Naples, and that is going to be very important for us going forward, because we will continue to need talent in this company,” Almeida, ACI’s president and CEO, told analysts last year during a conference call to discuss the company’s future. ACI’s departure offers insight into economic development struggles facing Southwest Florida, which historically has relied on tourism, construction and hospitality to fuel its economy. Some well-known challenges, including affordable housing and a skilled talent pool, continue to affect the region’s ability to attract and retain business. But new challenges, such as fewer state incentives and the loss of a regional program, have forced the counties to rely on their own economic development efforts. Florida’s business incentive programs once offered counties tens of millions of Courtesy Seagate Development Group, Arthex
dollars each year in state rebates or grants designed to help attract companies with high wages. Those state incentives helped counties diversify their economies by focusing on landing the big fish: companies in technology, financial services and other diverse industries that offer hundreds of high-paying jobs. They are the businesses that can really move the needle in a local economy with their corporate headquarters or an expansion. It’s an important part of economic development for Florida 3 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
B I D D I N G O N
T H E
F U T U R E
FOCUSED ON HEALTH Two medical-centric companies are headquartered in Southwest Florida. Arthrex, above, is based in North Naples, while NeoGenomics, right, is building its new headquarters in Fort Myers.
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 3 3
counties, separate from the work of supporting local small businesses or making deals with developers to provide commercial space that will accommodate growth. Collier and Lee counties each have scored big wins in recent years with the announcement of major investments by companies locating or expanding in the area.
CORPORATE GROWTH
Lee County celebrated decisions by cancer diagnostic
Major companies receiving economic incentives for
company NeoGenomics to build its $60 million interna-
locations in Southwest Florida include Hertz, which has
tional headquarters and hire another 295 employees; and
its world headquarters in Estero, and Uline, which plans
shipping logistics business Scotlynn USA Division Inc. to
a large distribution center in Collier County.
spend $20 million on expansion and a corporate headquarters, and hiring 140 workers. Collier County praised moves by medical device manufacturer Arthrex to spend
that rewarded creation of high-wage jobs, was one of
more than $60 million to expand its North Naples head-
the tools that Collier and Lee officials used to encour-
quarters and add more than 750 to its workforce, and by
age the investments by NeoGenomics, Scotlynn and
national packaging supply company Uline to build a $70
Arthrex. Counties put up 20% of the incentives, and
million distribution center near Interstate 75 that will
the state provided 80%. That’s one of the programs Collier County lead-
But most of those wins came with the help of state and
ers used to attract ACI in 2016. After accepting more
local economic development programs that no longer
than $400,000 in various incentives for bringing
exist. Florida officials decided against renewing the Qual-
its high-paying jobs to Collier, ACI snatched up Mi-
ified Targeted Industries Tax Refund program last year,
ami-Dade County’s offer last year for nearly $175,000
the latest in a series of state cutbacks in economic devel-
in rebates to relocate there and to bring 182 full-time
opment incentives by elected leaders who criticized the
jobs with an average salary of $182,000. That Mi-
programs as corporate welfare.
ami-Dade incentive came on top of another $189,000
The state program, a tax refund initiative known as QTI
in tax rebates provided by the state and the county.
3 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy WINK NEWS, Collier County
include more than 200 jobs.
B I D D I N G O N
T H E
F U T U R E
“I think the differences between Lee and Collier, and what they attract, is night and day.” —Penny Taylor, Collier County Commissioner
While Collier and Lee don’t have Miami’s incentive money to offer, the Southwest Florida communities are focused on attracting businesses in other ways. Collier provides local, targeted incentives for businesses to invest in areas that need commercial development, such as the $1.4 million in tax rebates offered to Uline to build its distribution center in a special Innovation Zone located in central Collier County. Lee County also targets local incentives for businesses in special development areas, including special incentives for commercial development in Fort Myers. Collier and Lee counties are adjusting to other changes, as well, including the loss of one of the region’s economic development groups. The Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance, a regional collaboration of local government and business leaders, shuttered in 2019. The group disbanded after leaders across the area concluded they have more differences than similarities in their economic development interests. G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 3 5
“If a company is chasing incentives, when those expire, chances are they
“If we have the funds, we’d rather put it into improving our regulatory systems,” says John Talmage, Lee County’s economic development director. For now, Collier and Lee county officials are paving their
will chase them
own paths of economic development without the alliance’s
elsewhere.”
in incentives once available from the state to attract compa-
—John Talmage, Lee County Economic Development Director
formalized regional partnership, and without the millions nies with high wages. Each county is projecting more than $1 billion in new commercial development over the next few years, along with 2,000 additional jobs. But one unknown is whether they can continue to attract high-wage businesses such as NeoGenomics and ACI without incentives, funded either by local taxpayers or the state. The short answer is, it’s not clear how much the counties will, or even can, do on their own.
who served on the alliance’s board. “I think the dif-
In the case of NeoGenomics, the state provided most
ferences between Lee and Collier, and what they
of the $600,000 in tax rebates offered in recent years and
attract, is night and day.”
more than $1.7 million in other incentives. Talmage said
Instead, the counties are each turning to ways to make it easier to do business here, including fast-track permitting and the targeted tax rebates. That’s a better taxpayer investment, they argue.
NeoGenomics was committed to Lee County, but those incentives may have played a role. “Whether we could have gotten the same footprint, I don’t know,” Talmage says.
3 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy Lee County, Getty
“It died a slow and natural death,” says Collier County Commission Chairwoman Penny Taylor,
B I D D I N G O N
T H E
F U T U R E
LEVERS FOR GROWTH Lee County has
found guilty in 2019
distributing more
a corridor around
a long history
of defrauding the
than $20 million in
Alico Road that
of offering local
county out of $4.7
incentives to such
has become home
business incentives,
million in incentives.
companies as Gart-
to a huge surge
including some
Executives misrepre-
ner Inc., Algenol Bio-
in commercial
disappointments
sented their business
fuels and Chico's.
development. The
along the way.
interests and failed
The county set
An audit completed
major projects there
to deliver the botan-
last year by the
include NeoGenomics
aside $25 million
ical pharmaceutical
county inspector
and Scotlynn. But
in taxpayer money
manufacturing plant
general praised the
Talmage said much
in 2008 for the
that VR Labs prom-
revamped Economic
of the rest of the
Financial Assistance
ised.
Development Office
industrial and
for making “great
commercial activity
for Recruiting
The FIRST program
Strategic Targets
scored successes,
strides in developing
came without the
initiative. The cash
including luring the
new policies and
need for incentives.
incentive fund known
corporate headquar-
procedures to
as the FIRST program
ters of national rent-
mitigate risks.”
was created to
al car company Hertz
“We believe that
attract businesses
and the 700 jobs that
the added conditions
nomic development
to the Fort Myers
came with it. But the
for the payment of
emphasis now is less
area. At the time, it
VR Labs debacle led
incentives and the
on handing out cash
was promoted as a
to a revamping of
updated policies
incentives and more
bold local initiative
Lee County’s eco-
and procedures have
about supporting
designed to entice
nomic development
enhanced the EDO,”
business develop-
companies to expand
program, including
the audit found.
ment in other ways.
and relocate.
changes in staff and
Lee County has
protocols used to en-
forged ahead with
are available for
program is perhaps
sure that businesses
its efforts to attract
business investment
best known for the
receiving taxpayer
business, focusing
in distressed areas—
scandal that resulted
support kept their
on key geographic
North Fort Myers,
in federal convic-
promises. The county
areas that were
Cape Coral, the State
tions for executives
later shut down the
ripe for commercial
Road 82 corridor, etc.
at VR Labs, who were
FIRST program after
growth. That includes
Community Redevel-
But the FIRST
“We have the levers for growth,” he says. The county’s eco-
Targeted incentives
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 3 7
opment Agencies in
and Lee County
Cape Coral and Fort
doesn’t need to
Myers also offer tax
throw money at
rebates and other in-
companies to locate
centives for business
here, Talmage
development there.
argued.
The pitch to do
“That offsets the
business in Lee
need for incentives,”
County includes
he says.
promoting the quality
While Lee County
of the workforce
officials have joined
available in the
other economic
growing area; access
development leaders
to Southwest Florida
around the state
International Airport,
who are seeking
now in the early
reinstatement of
stages of a $360
lost Florida business
million expansion
incentives, including
that includes a new
the $35 million a year
traffic control tower
QTI rebate program,
and terminal; and
Talmage says “we
the benefits that
don’t feel it’s going
come with four-
to hold us back”
year institution
without them.
Florida Gulf Coast
“If a company is
University, such as
chasing incentives,
training and research
when those expire,
partnerships.
chances are they
Add all of that to the natural advantages Florida offers business, including low taxes and less regulation,
will chase them elsewhere,” he says.
B I D D I N G O N
T H E
F U T U R E
The Sunshine State provides some natural advantages for businesses such as lower taxes and less regulation. When ACI announced it was leaving Collier for Miami, Almeida also highlighted his company’s need for better access to an international airport. “We have business in more than 80 countries, and we are very far from an international airport in Naples,” he told analysts last year. “And that was difficult to get to an airport there.” Courtesy Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Collier County, Great Wolf Lodge Co.
Taylor, the Collier commissioner, said she was disappointed to lose ACI’s high-paying jobs after only a few years here. But she said there was no stopping Almeida’s desire to move the company closer to his Miami home. “How could you fight it? The president made that decision,” she says. But Almeida’s parting comments about Collier underscored a long-standing issue the area has faced. “They ended up leaving because they couldn’t find the workforce,” says Melanie Schmees, director of business and economic research for the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. INVESTING IN FAMILIES
In 2014, the chamber worked with county leaders
Chicago-based Great Wolf Resorts received a $15
to craft a shared economic development vision, iden-
million incentive from Collier County to build its Great
tifying strengths and weaknesses that affect business
Wolf Lodge hotel and water park project, left, next to
development. The Opportunity Naples report iden-
the new Paradise Coast Sports Complex, top.
tified Collier County’s challenges, including a limitG U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 3 9
B I D D I N G O N
T H E
F U T U R E
“They (ACI) ended up leaving because they couldn’t find the workforce.” ed workforce, housing affordability and scarce supply of land for commercial development. The report also summarized the conflict in Collier between those who want to limit business development, to
— Melanie Schmees, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce
preserve the retirement lifestyle they prefer, and those who want to attract new businesses to the area to expand the county’s economic base with industries less “Efforts to preserve the quality-of-life elements that have, and continue to, define the attractiveness of the area as a seasonal, retirement and tourism destination have resulted in other trends that negatively impact the
That continued clash of philosophy may explain why Collier County really isn’t considered a big player in the economic incentives competition. “It’s not as active in incentives as other jurisdictions are,” Schmees says.
community’s ability to diversify its economy, sustain a
The county has handed over more than $2 million in
competitive workforce, seed and grow an entrepreneur-
incentives in recent years to Arthrex, its largest private
ial ecosystem and foster a business climate conducive
employer. But other projects drawing taxpayer-funded
to targeted growth and investment,” the Opportunity
incentives from the county focus more on the area’s life-
Naples report noted. “If Greater Naples is to continue
style and tourism draw.
to evolve as both a lifestyle destination and a thriving,
County commissioners agreed to provide up to $5
diverse economic region, a balance must be struck be-
million in tax rebates for a $250 million residential and
tween the desire to preserve the qualities that draw resi-
commercial complex in East Naples as part of an effort
dents and visitors and the strategies and tactics that will
to revitalize the distressed area. Commissioners recent-
enhance the ability of local economic developers and
ly agreed to $15 million in incentives for the Great Wolf
other professionals to retain, expand, attract and grow
Lodge family resort planned near the county’s $100 mil-
quality jobs in Collier County.”
lion Paradise Coast Sports Complex, a huge investment
4 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Seagate
vulnerable to national and global downturns.
ECONOMIC STIMULATION The new corporate headquarters for Scotlynn USA Division, a transportation and logistics provider, was recently built off Interstate 75 in Lee County.
in the area’s sports tourism. “We are diversifying,” Taylor says, also pointing to
“Government can have a role in investing in these projects,” he says.
the Uline project. She noted the Arthrex expansion
McDaniel and others are supporting several proposed village
is evidence that “we must be doing something right.”
developments in east Collier that would open some of the en-
Taylor argues the Naples area, founded by some
vironmentally sensitive acreage in the Rural Land Stewardship
of the nation’s wealthiest tycoons as a retirement
Areas to residential and commercial growth. That would ad-
and vacation destination, doesn’t have to be where
dress one of the challenges identified in the 2014 Opportunity
corporate executives build their headquarters, but
Naples report—the need for more developable land for com-
where they want to live and play.
mercial use.
“We need to be who we are, instead of trying to be who we will never be,” she says.
But commercial growth can’t come at the expense of the main draw of Collier’s natural assets, the environment and habitat,
But other commissioners have advocated a stron-
Taylor said. The county must protect its reputation as a para-
ger county incentive program to attract new compa-
dise destination and build on its recent economic development
nies. Commissioner William McDaniel has argued
successes.
that without such a program, the county risks jeopardizing future economic growth and stability.
“It’s never going to be perfect, but it’s better than it was three years ago.” G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 4 1
BY TIM ATEN
PAGE
0 4 3
DIFFERENT AVENUES: BONITA BEACH ROAD NEW
DEVELOPMENT
FOR
CITY’S
OLD
PLANNED ROUTE
While Bonita Springs might once have been considered the middle of nowhere, it’s now the center of everything in Southwest Florida. Its prime location between the Road, Exit 116 off Interstate 75, a magnet for residential Getty
Gutter Credit
Naples and Fort Myers markets has made Bonita Beach and commercial growth.
PAGE
Bonita Springs government looks beyond today’s traffic capacity for Bonita Beach Road, hoping to focus on creating a “majestic parkway”—a destination and a multimodal connector for the city’s main eastwest route that stretches more than 10 miles from Bonita Beach Park to Bonita National Golf & Country Club. Although it’s the driveway to more than 10 gated communities or country clubs, the road is not a posh boulevard by any stretch. Of course, the local route had even humbler beginnings, recalls Ben Nelson, a third-generation Floridian who was mayor of Bonita Springs from 2008 to 2016 and served on the Bonita City Council from 2000 to 2008. “Bonita Beach Road was kind of barely a road. It started at Old 41, didn’t really go east at all, and so it just went out toward the beach and stopped when it hit the beach," Nelson says. “From that evolution, people just started carving up development and going where they wanted to. It’s just this motion east, this development toward the east, that’s pretty recent. It wasn’t that long ago if you went east of I-75 on Bonita Beach Road there was relatively nothing.” The road remains utilitarian; a metaphorical collection of nuts and bolts that comes in handy when one needs a dentist or a barber
HISTORICAL CHANGES Demolition began this summer on Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track, which hosted live dog racing from the late 1950s to May 2020 just off Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs.
or food and drink. The section west of U.S. 41, part of it in Collier County, feels more trapped in time and is home to a disjointed 4 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
"IT STARTED AT OLD 41, DIDN’T REALLY GO EAST AT ALL, AND SO IT JUST WENT OUT TOWARD THE BEACH AND STOPPED WHEN IT HIT THE BEACH" 0 4 5
— BEN NELSON, FORMER MAYOR OF BONITA SPRINGS
row of notable dining spots. As its name im-
Tim Aten (demolition photo); Courtesy Havenick family for historical images
plies, Bonita Beach Road—often called just Beach Road—leads to the beach, but this historical local road is seeing new development, which often follows the path of least resistance, Nelson reminds us. Sandwiched between the faster-growing North Naples and Estero, Bonita has become a hot market. The perceptibly new businesses, such as Curaleaf and Trulieve marijuana dispensaries and the Bonita Breeze luxury auto condominiums, take their place among quirkier longtime establishments: Dolly’s Produce Patch & Eatery, Golf Safari, Flamingo Island Flea Market and Master Bait & Tackle. The Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track links the history to the future. Demolition began this summer on the dog track’s massive grandstand, which packed in spectators for live racing that began in the late 1950s and ended in May 2020. Anticipation has been building for what lies ahead at that site. An indoor-outdoor adventure park recently was proposed to replace the entertainment venture next to the new Bonita Springs Poker Room that opened last year. Officially, the Havenick G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 4 5
PAGE
family, who own the nearly 100 acres on the southeast corner of Bonita Beach Road and Old 41 Road, are saying only that they are seeking something tourism-related that will benefit the community, especially children and young families. “We want to plan right. For us, the core business obviously is the poker room. We want to make sure what we do is complementary to that,” says Isadore “Izzy” Havenick. Adrenalin World, proposed by former professional tennis stars David Lloyd and Johan Kriek, would feature about 20 indoor and outdoor sports and activities. Potential features may include climbing walls, gokarts, miniature golf, trampolines, virtual reality rooms and zip lines. “We look forward to engage with our team from all over the world to bring this concept to Bonita Springs and create something very special not only for the Bonita Springs resident, but to do great things for schools, kids and companies in team-building events in the SW Florida region, but most of all create jobs. This is a very robust $30 million project on 21.89 acres, and we look forward to working with the different departments in Bonita Springs," Kriek wrote in a June letter to the mayor and city council members. Destinations for young families are sorely needed in the area, Councilman Jesse Pur-
REDEVELOPING ATTRACTIONS
don said. He feels that Adrenalin World,
Adrenalin World, an indoor-outdoor adventure park (above), re-
proposed less than 2 miles from City Hall,
cently was proposed to replace the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound
would put Bonita Springs on the map for families in Southwest Florida. “This one is for the families. I think it’s
Track. After the track permanently closed last year, the new Bonita Springs Poker Room (right) launched on Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs.
going to be a winner,” he says. “I think it’s 4 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
0 4
"WE WANT TO PLAN RIGHT. FOR US,
7 THE CORE BUSINESS OBVIOUSLY
Courtsey Adrenalin World, PBS Contractors, Pamediastrategies.com
IS THE POKER ROOM. WE WANT
TO MAKE SURE WHAT WE DO IS
COMPLEMENTARY TO THAT."
—IZZY HAVENICK
going to create way more jobs than the dog track ever did.” Across the street on the northeast corner of Old 41 and Bonita Beach Road, Entrada commercial center nears completion after an extensive redevelopment project of the former First National Bank of Bonita Springs office, built in the 1960s and added onto in the ’70s and ’80s, said Steve Hovland of Naples-based Hovland Real Estate. “I’m so proud of that one,” Hovland says. “When you see the inside and see the tenants we are attracting in this modern world, you’ll be saying, ‘Are you kidding me?’ It’s a totally different building than I ever dreamed of. Out of 73 buildings, Entrada is my favorite I’ve ever done.” G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 4 7
PAGE
"AND SO, IT’S REALLY BEEN
LIKE A KEVIN COSTNER
FIELD OF DREAMS KIND OF 0
CIRCUMSTANCE. YOU KNOW,
4 8
‘IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL
COME.’ THERE’S JUST BEEN AN
INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF DEMAND
A minimalist retail-office center, Entrada is designed for the workforce, the post-Boom-
FOR THAT KIND OF PRODUCT
er generations that often are ignored in the Southwest Florida market, Hovland said. Tenants include a first responder school, a
TYPE IN THAT AREA." — ADAM PALMER,
holistic medicine business, Napoli on the Bay Pizzeria and The Bohemian, a new local restaurant concept from the owners of nearby Downtown Coffee & Wine Co.
STATEWIDE MANAGING PRINCIPAL FOR LANDQWEST
On Bonita Beach Road west of U.S. 41, the former Rodes Restaurant & Fish Market was razed at the end of January to make way for new dining options and much more. The adjacent Bonita Village resort-style
Village and the future Cabana Resort. “I’m really trying to
condominium will be rebranded as Cabana
create experiential retail, a place where people can have a re-
Resort and expanded eastward, creating a
ally good time and feel relaxed," Dror says.
25-acre destination with a new 110-unit luxEAST OF INTERSTATE 75
a winding lazy river, surf machines and oth-
The proximity to the interstate interchange, the tremen-
er water features. A hotel and a promenade
dous number of residential units being developed to the
with shops and an air-conditioned grand
east and the new Logan Boulevard extension connecting
food hall are planned fronting Bonita Beach
Bonita and North Naples all help make the location attrac-
Road, said Omer Dror, the owner of Bonita
tive to developers.
4 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy Cabana Resort
ury condominium and 7 acres of pools, plus
REIMAGINED RESORT Bonita Village resort-style condominium will be rebranded as Cabana Resort and expanded to create a 25-acre destination with new luxury condominiums, water attractions, a public promenade, retail shops and restaurants along the north side of Bonita Beach Road west of U.S. 41.
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 4 9
PAGE
“The high-end country clubs and everything on the south side of Bonita Beach is wonderful, as well,” says Ryan Zuckerman, president of Zuckerman Homes, still finalizing a site plan for its Midtown at Bonita 67acre development on the northwest corner of Bonita Grande Drive and Bonita Beach Road. The city has approved the proposed project for up to 482 multi-family dwelling units, 315,000 square feet of commercial and retail space up to five stories and a maximum six-story, 165-room hotel. “It will definitely be a mixed-use project with residential and commercial components, and potentially a hotel component,” Zuckerman says. “We’re still working it through. There’s a lot of due diligence and data and research that goes into that, because you don’t want to design something that’s not going to work.” The end of the corridor features residential projects well represented by many national homebuilders, including Lennar, Pulte, D.R. Horton and GL Homes. These thousands of rooftops have lacked essential amenities nearby. “That’s what really atthat they can get that are close to them,”
COMMUNITY PROPOSAL
Zuckerman says.
Zuckerman Homes is finalizing plans for Midtown at Bonita, a
Until recently, residents in the many communities east of Interstate 75 on Bonita Beach Road had to drive for just about everything outside of Publix supermarket in Bonita Grande Crossing.
67-acre development proposed with waterways on the northwest corner of Bonita Grande Drive and Bonita Beach Road. The city has approved the project for up to 482 multi-family residential units, 315,000 square feet of commercial space and a six-story, 165-room hotel.
5 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy Zuckerman Homes
tracted us. They have no goods and services
"IT WILL DEFINITELY BE A MIXED-
USE PROJECT WITH RESIDENTIAL
AND COMMERCIAL COMPONENTS, AND
POTENTIALLY A HOTEL COMPONENT." 0 5
— RYAN ZUCKERMAN,
1 PRESIDENT OF ZUCKERMAN HOMES
“It’s just kind of been a shame that all those rooftops in east Bonita have kind of gone without some of those services for as long as they have,” says Adam Palmer, statewide managing principal for LandQwest. That commercial real estate firm handles
Courtesy Trinity Commercial Group
the leasing and property management for SouthLinks Commons, a 10-building commerce park with flex space nearing completion on the south side of Bonita Beach Road just east of I-75. The interstate proximity, quickly connecting Lee and Collier counties, is the key to the Bonita Beach Road development, Palmer said; “Bonita is the north North Naples.” McGarvey Development Co., based in SouthLinks, is completing the ninth and 10th buildings of the project. It’s a spot where many folks remember seeing a couple of cows grazing not long ago. “Among those two buildings, more than half is already reserved. Buildings 1 through 8 are already at full occupancy,” Palmer says. “And so, it’s really been like a Kevin Costner Field of G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 5 1
PAGE
"WHEN YOU SEE THE INSIDE AND SEE THE TENANTS WE ARE ATTRACTING IN THIS MODERN WORLD, YOU’LL BE SAYING, ‘ARE YOU KIDDING ME?'" — STEVE HOVLAND, HOVLAND REAL ESTATE
Dreams kind of circumstance. You know, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ There’s just been an incredible amount of demand for that kind of product type in that area.” A significant reason for that demand stems from the limited amount of industrial inventory that exists in nearby Collier
RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES
County. “At the same time, Naples has been
Nearing completion on the northeast corner of Old 41 Road and
experiencing a lot of growth, in general.
Bonita Beach Road, a new retail-office center named Entrada is
When you have that kind of growth going on
under construction. The extensive redevelopment of what began as
in Naples, then you have industrial service needs to service that area," Palmer says. “So,
the former First National Bank of Bonita Springs branch has offices, retail shops and restaurants with outdoor dining.
as these industrial companies were growing in Naples and needing more space, they kind
kered by LSI Companies for what is expected to be a gated residential
of had two options: They could move out to
community. Naples-based Barron Collier Companies and Fort My-
951 and 75 where, for the most part, your
ers-based Seagate Development Group have teamed up, planning to
entire eastern hemisphere of your demo-
develop the 175-acre property on the north side of Bonita Beach Road
graphics is an alligator. Or, you could move
just west of the Logan roundabout and adjacent to preserved lands of
up to Bonita Beach and 75 where you can ca-
CREW, the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. The proposal is
ter to multiple markets and at a lesser cost
still in the early planning stages, so neither Seagate nor Barron Collier
than Naples. So, I think that’s kind of been
Cos. are ready to reveal specific plans there. The aforementioned developments merely scratch the surface, of
One of the largest pieces of undeveloped
course. Despite its long and colorful history, one can’t help feeling that
land in Bonita Springs was purchased for
Bonita Beach Road still hasn’t realized its full potential … that the best
$6 million earlier this year, in a deal bro-
may be yet to come.
5 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy Entradaw
the secret sauce to that project’s success.”
Proposed developments for Bonita Beach Road
CABANA RESORT: A 25-acre destination with a combination of public and private amenities is proposed for the north side of Bonita Beach Road west of U.S. 41. Bonita Village gated condominium community will be rebranded as Cabana Resort and expanded across adjacent land. The redevelopment plans show a seven-story luxury condominium complex with 110 units, a promenade, performance lawn, neighborhood park and 7 acres of pools and water features, including a lazy river. A hotel and a space for restaurants and retail shops also are planned along Bonita Beach Road.
0 5 3
ENTERTAINMENT MECCA: Adrenalin World, an indoor-outdoor adventure park with multiple activities for children and young adults, has been imagined on more than 21 acres that was the site of Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track for nearly five decades. The Miami-based Havenick family, which has owned the nearly 100 acres on that southeast corner of Old 41 and Bonita Beach Road since the 1960s, hopes to eventually create an entertainment mecca to complement its new Bonita Springs Poker Room there. ENTRADA: On the northeast corner of Old 41 and Bonita Beach Road, Entrada nears completion after an extensive redevelopment project by Hovland Real Estate. The bright white buildings will be home to new offices, retail shops and restaurants with outdoor dining. The Bohemian, a new eatery from the owners of nearby Downtown Coffee & Wine Co., and Napoli on the Bay Pizza both have spaces there, as will other retailers. HORIZON PARK: Hotels, retail space and medical offices are proposed at Horizon Park on the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and Bonita Beach Road. An 80-room Staybridge Suites and a 70-room Avid Hotel are proposed to be built behind a 50,000-square-foot NCH medical campus and two small retail centers on that 18-acre property just west of SouthLinks Commons and north of Hunters Ridge Golf & Country Club. MIDTOWN AT BONITA: A 67-acre mixed-use development named Midtown at Bonita is planned on the northwest corner of Bonita Grande Drive and Bonita Beach Road. Zuckerman Group plans a tree-lined community with residential units and commercial components, as well as a possible hotel. Nearly half of the acreage will be dedicated to open spaces, lakes and preserves. NEW NEIGHBORHOOD: Barron Collier Cos. and Seagate Development Group have teamed up to build a proposed gated residential community on one of the largest pieces of undeveloped land in Bonita Springs. The 175-acre property at 14780 Bonita Beach Road SE, just west of the Logan Boulevard roundabout and across from Palmira Golf & Country Club, will offer lake and preserve views, as well as passive recreation for its future residents. The unnamed community is still in the planning stages. SOUTHLINKS COMMONS: The 26-acre SouthLinks Commons mixed-use commercial park nears completion just east of Interstate 75 on the south side of Bonita Beach Road, stretching from Hunters Ridge Boulevard to Publix-anchored Bonita Grande Crossing. The eight-building business park includes about 260,000 square feet of office-industrial flex units and spaces for warehouses, retail, medical offices and general office space. It is being built by McGarvey Development Co., which also owns the complex and is headquartered there.
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 5 3
T HE BEST OF BU SI NESS 2021 W I NNER S This year marks the ninth annual
Gulfshore Business Best of Business readers’ poll. Of the thousands of votes received, one winner and two finalists in each of the 35 categories were selected through online polling with SurveyMonkey.com, which required each participant to provide their name and email address so each could cast only one ballot. Each category winner is listed, followed by the two finalists for each business type. Thank you, readers, for your participation. And congratulations to the local businesses chosen as this year’s winners and finalists for the Best of Business 2021.
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 55
F I NAN CE & I NS URAN C E BE ST AC C OU N TI N G FI R M MARKHAM NORTON MOSTELLER WRIGHT & COMPANY, P.A. Gail Markham is founding partner of one of the most visible CPA firms in Southwest Florida
FI NA L I STS HBK Hughes Snell
B E ST CO M M E R CIA L BA NK FIRST FLORIDA INTEGRITY BANK
F I N A LI STS
Garrett Richter is president of the Naples-based bank,
FineMark
which has $2.3 billion in total assets
SanCap Community Bank
5 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
B E ST F IN A N CIAL A DVIS O RY F IR M
B EST HEA LTH I NSU R A N CE B R O KER AGE
B EST CO M M ER CIAL I N SU R A NCE B R O KER AGE
ADVANCED WEALTH
BKS PARTNERS
GULFSHORE INSURANCE
ADVISORS Provides financial
Agency works hard
Fosters "we care"
planning, wealth
to develop long-term
motto for client-car-
manag ement
relationships
rier collaboration
F IN A L IST S
F I N A LI STS
F I NA LI STS
Merrill Lynch
Brown & Brown
Brown & Brown
Morgan Stanley
Green Line Benefits
McGriff
services
B E ST L IF E IN S U R A NCE AGEN T JAVED KAPADIA STATE FARM
F I NA LI STS
One of most successful State Farm agencies
Case Life Solutions
in the nation
Benson Blackburn
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 57
B E ST T R U ST CO M PA N Y FINEMARK Offers array of banking, trust and investment services
F I N A LI STS Northern Trust Naples Trust
BE ST PAY ROL L COM PAN Y ADP Software, services for unique HR and payroll needs
FI NA L I ST S Integrity Employee Leasing Paychex
5 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
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LE GA L
B E ST C O R P O R AT E & B U S IN E S S L AW F IR M
B EST I NTELLECTUA L PR O PERTY LAW FIRM
B EST LI TI GATI O N LAW FIRM
PAVESE LAW FIRM
HENDERSON
HENDERSON
FRANKLIN
FRANKLIN
Offers 70 years of
One of South
Experienced firm
full service in South-
Florida’s largest,
with local roots
west Florida
full-service firms
founded in 1924
F IN A L IST S
F I NA LI STS
F I NA LI STS
Aloia Roland
Whitelaw Legal Group
Boy Agnew Potanovic
Henderson Franklin
Hahn Loeser
Cheffy Passidomo
B E ST R E A L E STATE, LA N D U SE A N D Z O N I NG LAW F I R M WOODWARD, PIRES & LOMBARDO
F I NA LI STS
Decades of knowledge and service in Southwest
Pavese Law Firm
Florida
Henderson Franklin
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 59
L A B O R & E M P LOY M E N T LAW F I R M BOY AGNEW POTANOVIC
F I NA LI STS
John Potanovic, Suzanne Boy, John Agnew, John Miller.
Henderson Franklin
Local, collaborative, service-oriented law firm
Pavese Law Firm
BE ST TAX L AW FI R M
B E ST T R U ST & E STAT E L AW F IR M
HENDERSON
BARBARA PIZZOLATO
FRANKLIN More than 50
Provides business
attorneys who live in
law, trust admin-
Southwest Florida
istration, estate planning
FI NA L I ST S
F IN A L IST S
Pavese Law Firm
Pavese Law Firm
Bond, Schoeneck & King
Bond, Schoeneck & King
6 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
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MA R KETI NG
B EST PU B LI C R ELATI O N S F I R M
B EST A DV ERT ISING AGEN CY
PRIORITY MARKETING
DRAGON HORSE
Region’s largest
Next-generation cre-
full-service advertis-
ative syndicate, mar-
ing, marketing, PR
keting and business
agency
strategy agenc y
F I N A LI STS
F I NA LI STS
Pushing the Envelope
Priority Marketing
CONRIC pr + marketing
Trish Leonard
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 61
CO M M E RCI A L BU I L D I NG & REAL ESTATE
BE ST COM MERC I AL A R CHI TEC TU RE A ND I N T ERI OR DE SIG N F I RM
B E ST E N G IN E E R IN G F IR M
B EST CO M M ER CI A L LA N DSCA PI NG FIRM
B EST CO M M ER CI A L R EA L ESTATE AGENCY ( LEASI NG)
ADG ARCHITECTURE
HOLE MONTES
GREENSCAPES
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD
Assists in projects
Firm has 50-plus
Owned, operated by
SW Florida team has
from pre-planning
years of full service
local family for more
100 years of combined
through construction
in Southwest Florida
than 50 years
experience
FINA L I ST S
F IN A L IST S
F I N A LI STS
F I N A LI STS
Studio+
Davidson Engineering
Juniper
LandQwest
Schenkel Shultz
Morris-Depew Associates
Property Care Landscapes
CRE Consultants
6 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
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B EST C OMMER C IA L CO N ST R U CT IO N PBS
F I NA LI STS DeAngelis Diamond Gates
Concierg e builder with 35 years of commitment to the Naples community
B EST CO M M ER CI A L REAL ESTATE AGENCY ( PU R CHASE) CRE CONSULTANTS
Delivers full spectrum of customized property solutions
F I N A LI STS LSI Companies Fischler Property Co.
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 63
BU SI NESS SERVI CES
BE ST COMMERC I AL E L E C T RI C AL CONT RAC T OR
B E ST CO M M E R CIA L H VAC CO N T R AC T O R
B&I CONTRACTORS
B&I CONTRACTORS
Employee-owned
Tackles jobs for
local company for
commercial and in-
60-plus years
dustrial buildings
FI NA L I STS
F IN A L IST S
ACRA Electric
Conditioned Air
Schultz Low Voltage
Kobie Kooling
Systems
B E ST IT S E RVICE S CO N TR ACTO R ENTECH
F I NA LI STS
Provides customized IT services and support in
CRS Technolgy Consultants
Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay
Stickboy
6 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
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BEST B U S I N ES S H O T E L A N D CO N F E R E N C E/ M EETI NG CENTER HILTON NAPLES Luxury hotel provides memorable experi-
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Luminary / Caloosa Sound Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
B EST F LEET V EHI CLE DEA LER
B EST F LEET M A I N TENA N CE CO M PA N Y
GALLOWAY FORD
TERRY WYNTER AUTO
Connection between
SERVICE CENTER
Ford and Galloway
Provides advanced car
family since 1927
care with old-fashioned service
F I N A LI STS
F I N A LI STS
Tamiami Ford
Pro Fleet Care
Nextran Truck Centers
Tamiami Ford
B E ST STA F F IN G AGEN CY MONZINGO LEGAL SEARCH
F I NA LI STS
Law firm recruiting agency has offered hands-on
Robert Half
manag ement in legal industry for 25-plus years
Spherion
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 65
B E ST VE N D IN G / CO F F EE CO M PA N Y STAN'S COFFEE & FOOD SERVICE Serving companies, restaurants and clubs on Florida's Gulf Coast for more than 60 years
F IN A L IST S Aroma Coffee Service Bad Ass Coffee
BUS IN ES S DINING & DRINKS
BE ST B U S I N ES S LUNC H
B E ST P R IVAT E D IN IN G R O O M
B EST N ETWO R KI NG R ESTAU R A N T / BA R
SHULA'S
THE VERANDA
MILLENNIAL BREWING CO.
Local steakhouse
Unique dining expe-
Family- and pet-
showcases classic
rience with Southern
friendly brewery
American fine dining
regional cuisine
tasting room
FI NA L I STS
F IN A L IST S
F I NA LI STS
Farmers Market Restaurant
Shula's
Fort Myers Brewing Co.
DeRomo's
Angelina's
The Bevy
6 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
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B EST CATER ER
CRAVE CULINAIRE
Chef Brian Roland and team create exclusive culinary experiences
F I N A LI STS Artichoke & Co. Two Guys Catering
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 67
Quarles & Brady provides best in class service to our clients during all points of interaction with our diverse, dedicated, and experienced team. Nominated by our peers, industry groups, and clients, our efforts are routinely recognized with honors and awards from myriad publications and organizations.
SUPER LAWYERS RISING STARS
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SUPER LAWYERS®
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To learn more about what the law firm of Quarles & Brady can do for you, contact Naples Office Managing Partner Kelly Lyon Davis at 239.659.5066 | kelly.davis@quarles.com.
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p_82 Entrepreneur Ryan Carter’s Scotlynn launch
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B. BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS
E D U CAT I O N COMMERCIAL R E A L E STAT E HUMAN RESOURCES ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Advanced Treatment
H E A LT H C A R E
ADVOCATE RADIATION ONCOLOGY ESTABLISHES SWFL’S FIRST PROTON THERAPY CENTER p_76 By Bill Wasinger
AUGUST
Courtesy Priority Marketing, Scotlynn
2021
G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S AUGUST 2021 69
Business 2 Business E D U C AT I O N
AUGUST 2021 B y B i l l Wa s i n g e r
It’s in the Badge OFFERING STUDENTS A WAY TO GET AHEAD IN THE WORKPLACE AN EDUCATIONAL EDGE Aysegul Timur says FGCU’s badge
As a senior majoring in neuroscience at Flor-
program is being designed in concert
ida Gulf Coast University, Ashley Greulich is
with local employers to better pre-
looking at earning her Ph.D. But, thanks to
pare students to enter the workforce.
the digital badge she earned as part of a new program designed to give FGCU students more practical skills, potential employers are CU’s digital badges, or microcredentials, are earned by students who
“Times have changed and, especially with
complete an additional assessment that demonstrates their mastery
COVID, the job market is even more compet-
of a given course’s content and skills. And according to Aysegul Timur,
itive, so I decided to start looking into how
vice president and vice provost of Strategy and Program Innovation at
to get noticed by employers,” Greulich says.
FGCU, the badge program is being designed in concert with local em-
“When I got into the [Medical Device Indus-
ployers, such as Arthrex, Gartner, NeoGenomics and IBM, to directly
try] class, I saw they were offering the badge,
address changes in their industries.
and that was something that I could show on
“The workplace is changing dynamically all the time. Over time,
my LinkedIn profile. Once I got that badge, I
people need to gain new skills, new knowledge, new abilities to be suc-
noticed Arthrex was now looking at my page.
cessful, because the technology is changing, and the expectations are
So, if I were to start applying to jobs, I feel like
changing. These in-demand skills have been a big concern for employ-
it would be an absolute pusher for me to get
ers,” Timur says. “Our initiative at FGCU is a response to these skills
to the front of the line as someone who has a
gaps that have been identified by employers and how we can prepare
little bit more experience than just anybody
our students better for these positions. Our difference is that we are
who’s applying.”
closely listening to our industry leaders and business owners in this re-
Part of an initiative to help participants be better prepared to enter the workforce, FG-
gion and working with them. It is more like faculty and industry partnerships preparing our students to close these skill gaps.”
7 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Getty, Courtesy Lotus Solutions
already looking at her.
“ T I M ES H AV E C H ANG ED AND, ESP EC I ALLY WI T H C OV I D, T H E J OB M AR K ET I S EV EN M O R E C O M P ET I T I V E , S O I D EC I D ED T O START LO OK I NG I N T O H OW T O G ET NOT I C ED BY EM P LOYER S.” — Ashley Greulich, Neuroscience major, Senior at Florida Gulf Coast University
While FGCU’s badge program is aimed at preparing students for a con-
bilities of adding more digital badges to her
stantly changing workplace, Timur said every course that offers a badge is
online profile, and more skills to her résumé.
also open to anyone in the community who wants to enhance their skills.
The extra experience alone, she said, will like-
And as employer needs continue to change, FGCU plans to keep the badge
ly help create job opportunities, regardless of
program flexible, to constantly provide students with the skills they need
one’s major or degree.
to grow and succeed.
“If you’re looking to get ahead, if you’re
“These microcredentials are for everyone … FGCU students, somebody
looking to take a deeper dive into an industry
who doesn’t have a degree who wants to earn these microcredentials, or
that could change your life, then I would say
somebody who already has a degree but needs re-skilling and upskilling,”
go for the badge,” Greulich says. “Not only is it
Timur says. “The difference for micro-credentialing is it is quick to change
an incredible experience, but it has opened up
and quick to adapt. These are very nimble programs that we can quickly
doors of opportunity that I never would have
respond to the industry and their needs at that point of time.”
had if I didn’t pursue this. It’s challenging, but
From a student’s perspective, Greulich is enthusiastic about the possi-
it’s worth it.” G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 7 1
Business 2 Business
AUGUST 2021
C O M M E R C I A L R E A L E S TAT E
B y B e t h L u b e re c k i
An Optimistic Outlook THINGS ARE LOOKING UP IN THE LOCAL OFFICE MARKET— ESPECIALLY IN THE LONGSTRUGGLING NAPLES AREA Last year, predictions of gloom and doom were common when it came to the office market. And while some uncertainty remains about how the COVID-19 pandemic will ultimately affect the way companies use office space, things right now aren’t looking as bad in Southwest Florida as many people feared. In fact, Brian Alford, director of Florida market analytics for CoStar Group, thinks the area is looking pretty good these days. “Southwest Florida is one of only a couple of markets in the entire country that have improved over the last year,” he says. The three-county area had an average vacancy rate of 6.9% in early May (down from 7.6% at the start of the fourth quarter of 2020), and it had seen positive absorption of 182,000 square feet of office space to that point in the second quarter of 2021, building off the positive momentum of the previous two quarters. But office market.
But things are beginning to move in the right direction. The Naples market, he said, saw its average
That’s a market that had been struggling even before the pan-
vacancy rate compress 30 basis points between
demic. Alford reported that prior to the fourth quarter of 2020,
fall 2020 and March 2021. (Ten basis points equals
the Naples office sector had six out of seven straight quarters with
0.1%.)
negative net office absorption, which means more office space had been vacated than had been leased.
“Naples is really at a tipping point and is starting to improve,” says Alford.
7 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy CRE Consultants
Alford is even more excited about what’s going on in the Naples
One reason for that, he said, is that the employment sectors that typically use office space in the Naples area—such as professional services and financial management—haven’t been as negatively affected by the pandemic as retail, hospitality and other sectors. He’s also seen some notable leases get signed this year, pointing to O’Connell Behavioral Services and Morgan & Morgan, which both leased more than 11,000 square feet of office space in the Naples market in 2021. “It’s been interesting, because what we’ve seen [in Southwest Florida] has not necessarily been what we expected to see,” says Justin Thibaut, president of Fort Myers–based commercial real estate firm LSI Companies. “My thought is that we’re nearing equilibrium right now, and I think that we will probably stay close to equilibrium.” Thibaut said that LSI has been getting inquiries from businesses located outside the state about office properties the company has listed for sale, another factor that’s helping to drive the positive trends. “We’re seeing a lot of growth within existing companies in Lee and Collier counties, but some POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Randal Mercer, founding partner of CRE Consultants, says lease renewals are coming back to the three- and five-year range, if not longer, in Lee and Collier counties.
of the land deals we’re putting together right now are for users not in the market currently,” he says. “I think we’re in a good position, given that there’s so much interest in Southwest Florida. And I think now more than ever, if companies were on the fence about thinking about making a move, more are really thinking hard about that now.” G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 7 3
Business 2 Business C O M M E R C I A L R E A L E S TAT E
SHARED SPACE Venture X Naples began offer-
by May was about 50% sold out, says owner Brett Diamond.
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Courtesy Venture X Naples
ing memberships in April and
The new Venture X Naples cowork-
and are choosing to move to a place
about the Lee and Collier county of-
ing space—which includes everything
like Naples, and they’re sometimes
fice markets. “I’m seeing lease renew-
from private offices to shared desks—
getting stipends from their employ-
als, which is a very strong indicator of
began offering memberships in April
ers to rent office space of some kind.
the market,” he says. “Lease renewals
2021 and was already about 50% sold
Venture X Naples conceived of the
last year were very short, like one year
out by May. It’s also hearing from
new space before the pandemic hit,
or two years. Now we’re seeing lease
folks located outside the area, some-
but its decision to include more pri-
renewals coming back to the three-
thing that hadn’t been as prevalent in
vate offices than at its old location has
and five-year range, if not longer.
its previous Mercato location.
proved fortuitous. “That definitely
“The office market in both counties
ended up working out in our favor,”
is very stable,” he continues. “There
says Diamond.
are still some unknowns, but I think
“We’re getting some real interest from people from up north moving down here,” says Brett Diamond, one
Randal Mercer, founding partner
all of that is going to be resolved by
of the owners of Venture X Naples.
of local commercial real estate and
mid-year. I’m very optimistic for
He’s hearing from people who are now
property management firm CRE Con-
2021.”
allowed to work remotely indefinitely
sultants, is also feeling pretty positive
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Business 2 Business
AUGUST 2021
H E A LT H C A R E
B y B i l l Wa s i n g e r
Advanced Treatment, Expanded Access ADVOCATE RADIATION ONCOLOGY ESTABLISHES SWFL’S FIRST PROTON THERAPY CENTER
For many cancer patients, proton therapy offers a more effective and precise radiation treatment option. However, for Southwest Florida residents, the nearest access to proton therapy is several hours away. But according to Dr. Arie Dosoretz, the managing partner at Advocate Radiation Oncology, that soon will change, although a specific location has not yet radiation made by proton machines, which
“Advocate Radiation Oncology is honored to bring proton therapy to
are much bigger, much more complicated to
Florida’s west coast, giving cancer patients improved access to the most
operate and require special housing and spe-
advanced radiation care available,” Dosoretz says. “[Right now] patients
cial training,” Dosoretz says. “The difference
seeking proton therapy must often travel across the state … to receive this
between proton therapy and [more common
type of treatment. Not only does this enhance access to proton therapy [in
forms of ] radiation is that protons, when you
Southwest Florida], it greatly improves the quality of life for patients and
aim them at something physically … literally
their families when they can receive innovative care close to home.”
will stop within a millimeter or even submil-
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that allows physicians
limeter of your target. We can create a dose
to target tumors and cancer cells with greater accuracy. As it also lessens
that is much more specific for the shape of the
the amount of radiation received by nearby healthy tissue, that precise
target. That neighboring tissue nearby is go-
targeting also produces fewer side effects. While those benefits have been
ing to be spared.” In addition to the physical
well-documented, Dosoretz said the complexity, size and cost of proton
advantages of proton therapy, Dosoretz noted
therapy centers have mostly limited its availability to bigger cities and
access to that treatment will provide signifi-
larger population bases. “Proton therapy is a different physical form of
cant mental and emotional benefits to South-
7 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
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Courtsey Priority Marketing
been announced.
PRECISE TECHNOLOGY Dr. Arie Dosoretz differentiates proton therapy from traditional radiation in that protons will stop within a millimeter or even submillimeter of the target, sparing the neighboring tissue.
west Florida patients, as well. “Proton centers are so few and far between that people will sometimes fly across the country for that (treat-
access to state-of-the-art medical technology for a broader population, Dosoretz admitted some hometown pride is also involved.
ment). Most patients are typically getting anywhere
“The number of patients who have access to proton ther-
from four to nine weeks of radiation daily, if not every
apy in the world, let alone in the United States, let alone in
other day,” he says. “When they’re in the middle of a
Florida, is minuscule compared to the number of patients
health crisis, it is a lot better for patients’ quality of life,
who have access to traditional radiation,” Dosoretz says.
mental health and every other aspect of their life to be
“There’s going to be a tremendous number of patients who
able to do that within driving distance of their homes.”
will now have access to this technology. I’m especially proud
Finally, while the Advocate Radiation Oncology
to bring world-class cancer care to Southwest Florida.”
proton therapy facility will ultimately provide greater G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 7 7
Business 2 Business
AUGUST 2021
HUMAN RESOURCES
B y B e t h L u b e re c k i
The American Rescue Plan Act: What You Need to Know LOCAL BUSINESSES SHOULD MAKE SURE THEY’RE TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE By this point, many local businesses may have already taken advantage of some of the provisions of the $1.9 trillion American Res-
for employees, they are encouraged to through this tax credit extension.
cue Plan Act (ARPA), which became law in
“The advantage is if an employer wants to continue to be supportive of
March 2021. But if not, here are some things
their employees having COVID-related issues, the extension allows them
to make sure to look into and talk about with
to get a 100% tax credit from the government for all of the reasons that
your company’s tax professional, accountant,
they originally gave under the original act, plus an additional several rea-
attorney, banker or benefits adviser.
sons,” says Scott E. Atwood, chair of the labor and employment law group at Fort Myers–based law firm Henderson Franklin.
This credit, originally established as part of
The additional reasons include giving employees paid time off to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine or recover from any vaccine side effects.
the Families First Coronavirus Response
“I think it’s a great tool for employers to have in their toolbox,” says
Act, has been extended through Sept. 30 by
Damian C. Taylor, an attorney who specializes in labor and employment
ARPA. While employers are no longer man-
matters at Coleman Hazzard Taylor Klaus Doupé & Diaz in Naples. “If
dated to provide COVID-related paid leave
you’re an employer and you’ve got an employee who is challenged by be-
7 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Getty, Courtesy Henderson Franklin
The paid leave tax credit
OVERLOOKED ASSISTANCE There are tax credits in place that many people aren’t using or aren’t aware of, says Scott E. Atwood with Henderson Franklin law firm.
claim for 70% of qualified wages up to a $10,000 limit, for a maximum of $7,000 per employee per quarter. “The employee retention tax credit is something a lot of people aren’t using, and it’s something for them to certainly talk to their tax professional or business adviser about as to whether or not they can do it,” says Atwood. “If you got a PPP loan, there’s good chance you might be able to get the retention credit, as well. If you’ve continued to keep your employees, it’s something to inquire into as to whether there may be some eligibility for it. It’s an often-overlooked area of tax credits.” COBRA subsidy Through ARPA, the federal government is fully subsidizcoming infected with COVID, or losing childcare because
ing up to six months of COBRA coverage for the period
of COVID, and you otherwise would only be able to provide
between April 1, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2021, for qualifying
that employee with a limited amount of paid time off—if
employees who have lost their employer-provided health
that’s an employee you value and want to retain, it’s nice to
insurance coverage due to involuntary termination or a re-
know that you have the option of providing them with that
duction in hours.
paid time off at no cost to you, because you can get the tax credits.”
What employers need to know about this is their responsibility to alert eligible employees about this option. “They have to provide notification to all of their assistance-eli-
The Employee Retention Tax Credit
gible individuals (AEIs) of the availability of the subsidy,”
Originally enacted through the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Re-
says David J. Ledermann, an attorney at Henderson Frank-
lief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, this credit was
lin who specializes in employee benefits matters. “Those
extended from June 2021 until the end of the year by ARPA.
notices have to go to the AEIs who are employees, as well as
Many businesses can qualify for this credit, which they can
their dependents who may be losing coverage and are also G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 7 9
Business 2 Business HUMAN RESOURCES
eligible.” Companies can find model notices on the U.S. De-
restaurants, bars, food trucks, caterers and other eligible
partment of Labor’s website.
businesses to use for things including payroll costs, mort-
If an employee elects the subsidized coverage, the insur-
gage and rent payments, utility payments, business sup-
ance company will bill the employer for the coverage, and
plies, food and beverage expenses and construction costs
the employer will get reimbursed by the federal govern-
for outdoor seating.
ment through a payroll tax credit. “They can claim a credit
ARPA also allocated additional funds for the Shuttered
for the amount of the health care premium they paid for
Venue Operators Grant program to support businesses
those AEIs,” says Ledermann.
such as live venue operators, theatrical producers and mu-
Employers also have an additional notification requirement to alert these individuals about when their subsidized COBRA coverage will be ending.
seum operators, and for Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance payments. By the time you’re reading this article, it’s unclear how much of this funding will still be available. “It sounds like
Various funding opportunities
a lot of money,” says Carol Dover, president and CEO of
ARPA set aside an additional $7.25 billion for the Pay-
the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, about the
check Protection Program and allocated $28.6 billion for a
Restaurant Revitalization Fund. “But it’s going to go quick-
new Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide grants for
ly once people start applying for it.”
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SPOTTING OPPORTUNITIES Aside from hard work, Scotlynn founder Ryan Carter says a key to success is surrounding yourself with strong people.
A Go-Getter’s Guide to Success SCOTLYNN’S RYAN CARTER VALUES HARD WORK AND A GOOD TEAM
old entrepreneur, who launched Scotlynn USA Division with his partner in 2010, now runs a multimillion-dollar company. He was named the Small Business Person of the Year for Florida in 2020 by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Scotlynn specializes in transporting refrigerated agricultural products, and has six offices in North America with more than 450 drivers. 8 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
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Kevin Bires; Courtesy Scotlynn Group
Ryan Carter understands the significance of a hard day’s work. The 37-year-
Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AUGUST 2021 By Artis Henderson
Growing up, Carter spent his summers working on his grandparents’ farm in southern Indiana. “Farmers are of some of the hardest working people out there,” he says. “Sun up to sun down, every day of the week, they’re working.” Winters, Carter shoveled snow for cash. And when he was old enough to drive a vehicle, he drove a truck for a company in Louisville. “I’ve always been a go-getter,” he says, “and I always found ways to make money. I was good at spotting opportunities.”
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When he spotted the opportunity to launch the USA Division of Scotlynn in 2010, Carter was quick to jump on it. He was only 26 at the time, but he didn’t let his age stop him. “I knew I would put forth the energy to be successful, no matter what,” he says. For entrepreneurs who worry that they’re too young to start a business,
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tage, as young entrepreneurs often have less to lose. Today, Carter is married with three young boys, and he admits that his risk tolerance wouldn’t be the same. To launch the business, Carter moved to Southwest Florida from Cincinnati. This area, he admitted, offers a few more distractions than
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Like most dedicated entrepreneurs, Carter worked seven days a week. Even when he took Sundays “off” to sit by the pool or go to the beach, he was still on his phone, running the business. Other people his age would say, “What are you doing over there?” and he’d tell them, “This is how it goes when you own a business.” Aside from hard work, Carter em-
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phasizes that the key to his entrepreneurial success has been surrounding himself with strong people. He suggests all entrepreneurs build a
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team they can trust. In the early stages of his business, Carter brought his younger brother down to work for the company, as well as one of his best friends. “They believed in me, and I believed in them,” he says. Today, both are critical members of the Scotlynn enterprise. “When you’re starting a business,
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you need people who are going to stick it out through thick and thin,” Carter says. “You need a great team around you that buys into the vision.” A strong team, and a healthy dose of hard work, have been the keys to guiding this successful entrepreneur.
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More Than a Getaway RETREATS FOR THE BODY AND SOUL p_104 By Justin Paprocki
AfterHours
AUGUST 2021
HORSEPOWER
By James Raia
Wealth of Options THE LUXURIOUS 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLB Mercedes-Benz doesn’t make it easy for luxury
Numerous option packages and sin-
crossover or sport utility vehicle buyers. It’s not
gle-time extras—such as a panoramic sun-
that the German automaker doesn’t offer qual-
roof, multi-contour front seats, adaptive
ity vehicles; it does. But where does a shopper
suspension, heated steering wheel, head-up
start?
display, satellite radio and a Burmester sur-
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, a small, entry-level luxury sport utility vehicle, is available
round-sound system— all sharply boost the price.
in three trims: GLB 250, GLB 250 4Matic and
The GLB is an impressive compact SUV,
AMG GLB 35. Seating for five is standard in two
a competitor for the Audi Q3, BMW X1,
rows. An optional third row isn’t much more
Lincoln Corsair, Land Rover Discovery
than an afterthought; the rear seats are only ap-
Sport and Volkswagen Tiguan. But Mer-
propriate for tiny people.
cedes-AMG may find there’s another com-
For drivers with a penchant for sportiness in their SUVs, the AMG GLB 35 is opti-
petitor: the company’s own GLC-Class, which is only slightly larger.
mal. It expands on its GLB 250 siblings’ 2-li-
Equipped with many of the other trims’
ter, 221-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. It’s
features, the GLB 35’s sporty look is accen-
matched with an eight-speed automatic trans-
tuated in several areas. The rear bumper has
mission and front-wheel drive or the all-wheel-
dual exhaust tips. A roof spoiler and front
drive 4Matic option. Technology is state-of-
splitter are also included. The interior is
the-art, although the varied front, side and rear
appointed well with microfiber and leather.
traffic and obstacle sensors are too sensitive.
A few futuristic upgrades are added, such as a non-intuitive touchscreen and digital
A SPORTY RIDE
gauge system. Shifting is accomplished by
The small, en-
the small arm behind the steering wheel. It
try-level luxury
can be confused with the windshield wiper
SUV is available
indicator, but works well after a learning ad-
in three trims.
justment. Three rows of seating seem odd. The back seats are easy to access and configure, but seven-passenger seating stretches the capacity unless the five occupants in the sec8 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Facts & Figures: 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 5.1 seconds
Horsepower: 302
Price as tested: $60,135
Airbags: 8
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $49,500
Fuel economy: 21 mpg city, 26 mpg hwy
Manufacturer’s website: mbusa.com
Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 4 years/50,000 miles; Roadside Assistance, 4 years/50,000
ond and third rows are jockey-sized
As the newbie to the expansive
gate of many things in one vehicle,
Mercedes SUV lineup, the GLB 35 is
sporty, refined and family-orient-
The GLB 35’s boxy exterior is also
positioned, as its lettering designates,
ed all worked into a so-defined en-
odd, but in a good way. While it looks
between the small GLA and the larger
try-level luxury vehicle. It’s a difficult
suited for off-road treks, its astute
GLC. Why a third option is necessary
formula to master, but the upscale
maneuvering and acceleration are
is difficult to understand. How many
SUV does it well. On the open road,
signature qualities and best for tradi-
more SUVs could the industry possi-
it defines Mercedes-AMG. The ride is
tional driving. The flat-bottom steer-
bly need?
quiet, the car is in command.
Courtesy Mercedes-Benz
or smaller.
ing wheel further adds to the fun.
Still, the AMG GLB 35 is an aggreG U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 8 9
AfterHours
AUGUST 2021
FITNESS
By James Raia
Just Add Water KAYAKING FOR FITNESS AND PLEASURE The 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin are often remem-
Recreational canoeing, kayaking and other paddle-
bered for American Jesse Owens winning four gold med-
sports are far removed from the Olympics. But whether
als, and for the international competition’s debut on tele-
it’s superior athletes in high-flowing rapids or newcomers
vision. With far less fanfare, kayaking premiered. It was
on sightseeing tours, paddlesports, particularly kayaking,
called flat-water racing or canoeing, and it included 119
have surged in popularity, including in Southwest Flori-
athletes from 19 countries—all men.
da. Numerous businesses in Collier and Lee counties offer kayaking lessons, as well as individual or group rental programs and guided tours.
premiered in 1972. Currently, 12 events are held in ca-
“Kayaking is an excellent form of exercise, because not
noeing and kayaking for men and women, in single and
only does it work your body, but it also gets you outside
four-person team events.
breathing fresh air and soaking up Vitamin D,” says Mi-
9 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Nick Shirghio
In 1948, the Olympics added its first women’s paddling event, the 500-meter singles kayak. White water racing
SALES SURGE The purchase of paddlesports equipment in-
chele Block of Naples Kayak Company. Appreciation of nature and fun family outings are key
creased 56% from 2019 to 2020, indicating a
kayaking goals. And it can also provide superior cardio-
rise in popularity for those seeking new options
vascular fitness. As a low-impact activity, kayaking im-
for exercise and getting back to nature.
proves upper body, back, arm, shoulder and chest muscle strength, in addition to increasing torso and leg strength. Joint and tissue stress are minimal compared to other exercise options. G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2021 9 1
ing a glow-in-the-dark night trek.
in mind the elements and start where you feel comfortable,” says
According to New York-based market re-
Block. “Safety is a top priority; always [remember] your PFD (per-
search company NPD, sales of paddlesports
sonal flotation device) with a whistle, and go with a group until you’re
equipment increased 56% from 2019 to 2020.
familiar with the area.”
While paddlesports equipment can be expen-
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Barefoot Beach Preserve and
sive and cumbersome to transport, remaining
Clam Pass are popular kayaking locations. Adventure Paddle Tours,
active while socially distancing is a new norm. A
located in Naples in Rookery Bay and in the Thousand Islands area,
recent report by Outdoor Industry Foundation
offers many kayaking options, short, family-focused outings to pri-
in Boulder, Colorado, concluded paddlesports’
vate, customizable overnight excursions. Florida Master Naturalists
increased popularity reflects exercise enthusi-
and certified sea kayakers provide guidance. A guide leading a trip
asts’ need for new options.
through protected estuaries and mangrove tunnels can help identify
“When picking out a kayak, keep your inten-
reclusive animals—including manatees, dolphins and seabirds—and
tions in mind,” says Block. “Would a sea kayak or
describe the uniqueness of a surrounding mangrove forest. In Bonita
recreational kayak be more beneficial? Naples
Springs, Get Up and Go Kayaking offers several kayak tours, includ-
has a great intercoastal area with calm waters.”
Thank You! Here at Conditioned Air, we are dedicated to your comfort. We put our customer relationships first and we strive to exceed your expectations at every step. Celebrating our Best of Business recognition this year is special because it represents our dedication to our customers and the community. When you choose Conditioned Air, you will see our commitment to Southwest Florida firsthand and that is why we are The Comfort People since 1962.
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Lou Gidding
“Anyone can start kayaking to improve their fitness level, just keep
PADDLING THROUGH NATURE While visiting any of the numerous places SWFL provides for paddlesports, wildlife is sure to be spotted.
New kayakers and veteran practitioners should be mindful of the activities’ realities. Regulations, as well as simple common-sense principles, abound. Be considerate of other visitors. Camp only in designated areas. Dispose of waste properly. Leave what you find. Minimize campfire impacts. Prepare. Use the proper equipment. Respect wildlife.
DragonHorseAgency.com • 239.325.5088
A R E A K AYA K I N G C O M PA N I E S :
Adventure Paddle Tours
Get Up and Go Kayaking
Rising Tide Explorers
525 Newport Drive,
Estero Blvd., Big Hickory
Isle of Capri Paddlecraft
Naples
Island, Bonita Springs
Park, Naples
844.372.3353
941.270.3297
239.734.3231
getupandgokayaking.
risingtidefl.com
Finseeker Guided
com
Adventures
Up a Creek Kayak Tours
13535 Vanderbilt Drive,
Naples Kayak Company
1295 Capri Blvd., Capri
Naples
2360 Shadowlawn Drive,
Paddlecraft Park, Naples
239.682.3134
Naples
239.293.6232
239.262.6149
upacreekkayak.com
napleskayakcompany. com
CHEERS!
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henlaw.com • 239.344.1100 Fort Myers • Bonita Springs Naples • Sarasota*
Adapting. Changing. Moving forward.
B U S I N E S S & TA X • B U S I N E S S L I T I G AT I O N • CO N S T R U C T I O N • D I VO RC E , M A R I TA L & FA M I LY • E M P LOY M E N T HE ALTH C AR E • INTELLEC TUAL PROPERT Y • L AND USE, ZONING & ENVIRONMENTAL • MERGER S & ACQU ISITIONS R E A L E S TAT E • TO R T & I N S U R A N C E • W I L L S , T R U S T & E S TAT E P L A N N I N G • W O R K E R S ’ C O M P E N S AT I O N ©2021 Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A.
*By appointment only
AfterHours
AUGUST 2021
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
By James Raia
Y
&
W
N
O R T
H
NEW O T E
$139-$219 shopbmwusa.com
Looking Sharp BMW-INSPIRED SHADES OFFER CLEAR VISION FOR DRIVERS Vehicle technology is ever-advancing, but it can have unexpected drawbacks. For example, navigation systems and other infotainment visuals aren’t always properly legible with polarization and other eyewear features. The new BMW Eyewear Drop Collection is optimized with a polarization filter, allowing clear views of LCD screens and other instruments in cockpits and on windshields. Developed by Dalloz Creations, the sunglasses are integrated with Vi/ON lenses that protect against intense men’s and unisex models are available in styles ranging from sporty to youthful, with racing-inspired color-block combinations and dynamic profiles—all offered with the BMW community and followers in mind. 9 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy BMW
forms of glare. Think eye protection and classic fashion all in one. A wide range of modern and easy-to-wear
AfterHours
AUGUST 2021
W E E K E N D G E TA W AY
By Artis Henderson
A Devilishly Good Time THE INLAND CAVERNS OF DEVIL’S DEN OFFER A WILDERNESS EXCURSION Address goes here | 123.456.7890 | website.com Info in SemiBold: info goes here
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Info in SemiBold: info goes here Info in SemiBold: info goes here On cold winter mornings, steam rises eerily from an opening in the
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regular
Sollestium et quam,
ground near Williston, in north-central Florida. Surrounded by tall oaks draped in Spanish moss and set among rolling horse pastures,
it’s a strange place to imagine an underground cavern. Certainly, Info in itBold, info in gave early settlers the heebie-jeebies—that’s why they named the regular spot Devil’s Den. Today, the spring-fed cavern draws visitors from
verae volore eicae. Dam cullibus, tem alique esci tem rerum qui consece
across the globe. With its stalactites, fossil beds and prehistoric Info in Bold, info in regular rock formations set in crystal-clear spring water, the underground
aquaessimil ipsam,
pool makes an exciting weekend destination.
moloruptatis autat
“ENDAERSP E R ROVIT E XP LAUTET, NEST I UM QUAS SUNDIT AL I QUA M, UT LABORP ORRO E NI MP OREPED QUI ODIS.” —First Last
uta voloris et facest arum ea aut id ut omnis ullest adi ipis dit velit ped unt pe offictibus mo qui nosam rerrumquid qui invenditia debis non natur sitist que ni to est porem aut ANCIENT HISTORY a quodiullanimus Devil’s Den prehistoric cave
tati ad que nonseni
once housed fossils that dated
tasperferum, cum-
to the Pleistocene era and now
quas acimusciunt
are on display at UF’s Museum
evel ma velessintus
of Natural History.
siniet ut offictur?
Getty
Beatecullant estrum
9 7 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
G U gulfshorebusiness.com L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2021 9 7
AfterHours W E E K E N D G E TA W AY
WHERE TO PLAY
versity of Florida’s Museum of Natural History.
Devil’s Den Spring (5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston;
What remain are intriguing rock formations,
352.528.3344; devilsden.com) is privately owned, and
stalactites and fossil beds, all unique places to
it offers recreational snorkeling, diving and swimming
explore underwater.
within its clear, cold waters. Snorkeling and diving equipment are both available for rent on-site. So are wet-
WHERE TO STAY
suits—the water stays a chilly 72 degrees year-round, and
Devil’s Den Spring offers accommodations on
a wetsuit, even for casual swimmers, is a good idea. The
its premises: four cabins available to rent, plus a
cavern’s spring offers 120 feet of surface diameter and a
large RV site with 32 hook-ups. For hardier trav-
maximum depth of 54 feet.
elers, there’s even tent camping available. The
The prehistoric cave once housed fossils that dated to
complex has a heated swimming pool, changing
the Pleistocene era. They’re now on display at the Uni-
areas with showers and a bathroom, picnic tables
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AfterHours W E E K E N D G E TA W AY
and charcoal grills. But if this all feels a little too back-to-nature, the nearby Herlong Mansion (402 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy; 352.466.3322; herlong.com) offers a more genteel place to rest. Originally built in 1845, the mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to a three-course breakfast, guests enjoy home-baked cookies and wine in the evenings. WHERE TO EAT This part of rural Florida is not known for its fine dining, so The Ivy House in Williston (106 NW Main St., Williston; 352.528.5410; ivyhousefl.com)
CLEAR AND COLD Snorkling and diving equipment, including wetsuits, are available for rent at Devil’s Den Spring, where the
is a rare gem. The restaurant, with a sister location in nearby Ocala, of-
water remains 72 degrees year-
fers southern comfort food favorites in an upscale setting. Try the Florida
round.
lobster tail, fried to a delectable golden crisp, and the filet mignon. Don’t miss the homemade mac and cheese, and look for daily specials along the
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS BOOK EARLY & SAVE
PRE - SEASON SPECIAL ENDS AUGUST 31ST CONTACT US: SALES@LUMINARYHOTEL.COM 239.314.3728 LUMINARYHOTEL.COM/GATHER
2200 EDWARDS DR. FORT MYERS, FL 33901
AfterHours W E E K E N D G E TA W AY
AN OPULENT OPTION Built in 1845, Herlong Mansion offers deluxe accommodations in Micanopy, while The Ivy House is well known for fine dining in Williston.
lines of roast pork loin, braised short rib and pecan-crusted chicken. For more casual fare, seek out Frog’s Barbecue Pad (21031 NE Highway 27, Williston; 352.529.1023; facebook.com/frogsbbqpad), deep in the horse country that surrounds Devil’s Den. This side-of-the-road shack has been in the same spot for decades, and loyal customers drive hundreds of miles off-course for a bite of its pulled
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pork or barbecued ribs. It’s a great grab-and-
Courtesy Herlong Mansion, The Ivy House
go spot to load up on barbecue sandwiches, baked beans and fried corn nuggets for the road trip back to Southwest Florida.
We are honored to be a finalist for: Best Labor and Employment Law Firm Best Litigation Law Firm
AfterHours
AUGUST 2021
UNWIND
By Justin Paprocki
More Than Getaways RETREATS FOR BODY AND SOUL It’s hot, business is slow … let’s escape this month. But think beyond just getting out of town. Think of it as a time to rest and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Health and wellness have become a focal point of resorts. It’s not enough just to offer a massage and spa; guests are seeking an all-encompassing wellness offering. Here’s a few to check out.
Canyon Ranch Lenox
Point Lodge. The retreat offers luxury
Canyon Ranch retreats are spread out across the United States, spe-
accommodations right on the edge of
cializing in wellness-centered getaways. The Berkshires location is in
the wilderness. It’s just a short hike to be
the stately Bellefontaine Mansion, a former boarding school that now
surrounded by nature, where the lodge’s
features the Integrative Health Center and luxury spa. The Personal
wellness staff can help arrange for private
Discovery Pathway is a way to plan a multi-night stay that incorpo-
yoga, mindfulness or forest bathing ses-
rates everything from your favorite yoga class to consultations from
sions. stillpointlodge.com
its team of doctors and spiritualists. canyonranch.com The Sewall House is one of the top yoga
The Omega Institute is an internationally known holistic wellness
retreats in the country. You’ll learn
organization that’s recently reopened after a lengthy pandemic shut-
yoga from the best—Donna Davidge,
down. You’ll stay in quaint cabins in the Hudson Valley hills and spend
who has more than 30 years’ experi-
your days meditating in the serene sanctuary, exploring the 250-acre
ence. She teaches in the farmhouse her
campus and taking its many wellness classes. It’s known for bringing in
great-grandfather built, and which once
big-namehealthexperts,suchasDeepakChopra,fortalksandworkshops.
hosted Teddy Roosevelt for nature re-
eomega.org
treats. Summer is a time to get out on the nearby lake, but if you wait for winter, the
Still Point Lodge
surrounding mountains are perfect for
OK, here’s how you really get away from it all. First, go to Alaska. Find
cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
the small city of Homer. Then take a boat or float plane to the Still
sewallhouse.com
1 0 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
gulfshorebusiness.com
Courtesy Still Point Lodge
Sewall House Omega Institute
T H E W E AT H E R A U T H O R I T Y
Matt Devitt Chief Meteorologist
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