A view from the beach with Tamara Pigott

Special to SWFBT

Submitted by Karen P.

Moore, Publisher

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A collection of information to help you navigate Southwest Florida’s CRE, Building and Development marketplace.

Post-Ian, it’s been and will continue to be a challenging time for the hospitality industry and for our Southwest Florida community, particularly the restaurants, according to Lee County Visitors & Convention Bureau Executive Director Tamara Pigott. She recently spoke to the local chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association regarding the Hurricane Ian recovery. Without the hotels that Southwest Florida normally has on the coast full of guests, it’s challenging for the restaurants to function, she remarked.

Pigott noted that normally, nearly 5 million people come to visit Lee County each year, and that drives the local economy. In 2022, the total spent was $4 billion. She pointed out, the region is missing those big spenders in our community this year—and that’s a big challenge.

She shared, “I do have some good news today though. As you know, we’ve been tracking re-openings of hotels. We are at 70% and we are only nine short of 10,000 hotel rooms. So that’s good news.

“But the reason people get on a plane and fly here from all around the world is to go to that beautiful beach and that’s the truth. And so it’s going to be a challenge until we have more hotel rooms on the white sandy beach.”

BEACH See page 12

MILITARY VETERAN ENTREPRENEURS PANEL Charlotte County wins top state economic development award

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest

Charlotte County is the overall winner in the recent annual Florida Economic Development Council Awards, taking home the Melissa Medley Creativity Award for the county’s team response to Hurricane Ian. This recognition, known as a “best in show” award, represents achievement across the state’s economic development for cities and counties.

In The News

DeSantis awards more than $247M through the broadband program

Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded more than $247 million through the Broadband Infrastructure Program, connecting more than 59,000 unserved and underserved businesses, homes, farms and anchor institutions like hospitals and libraries to highspeed Internet.

Infrastructure deployment through 63 strategic projects in 43

Local veterans hear from veterans who completed a FGCU Veterans Entrepreneurship Program, offered to both start-up and existing businesses. Panelists shared their business experiences and best advice. Some panelists also received grant funding. Above: Moderator Wes Sprecher (l) talks with Marine veteran Larry Lathrop, owner of Bold Brush, which represents a new enthusiasm for airbrush artworks. Left: Dr. Sandra Kauanui, FGCU School of Entrepreneurship, talks about the importance of helping veterans pivot from service to building businesses in Southwest Florida. Below: Army veteran Alonzo McKenzie accepts a check for his lawn service business from Program Coordinator Stormie Pruskauer.

“To be judged by our peers in economic development and come away with this award is a tremendous recognition of the job countywide that was done on behalf of all our businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. It is an honor that reflects well on every department that helped make Charlotte County’s recovery efforts as quickly and efficiently as possible,” stated Kay Tracy, Business Recruitment Manager of Charlotte County’s Economic Development team.

On top of the grand prize, Charlotte County also won two additional trophies.

The county won the Innovation in Marketing award for its PCS to Charlotte County campaign, encouraging veterans and active military families transitioning from the military to choose Charlotte County as their “Permanent Change of Station.” Amanda Benton, redevelopment coordinator, said, “The military veterans are a highly trained workforce. Their caliber in integrity and ethics is a perfect asset to the growing business sector here within Charlotte County.”

AWARD See page 2

Important Business Notes

Florida counties ensures that Florida residents have reliable and efficient access to workforce, education and health monitoring opportunities for generations to come.

“High-speed broadband Internet is vital infrastructure for Florida communities and is fundamental for generating economic development activity and sustaining a talented labor force,” DeSantis said. “Florida is

INTERNET See page 15

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