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Sports & SWFL’s Economy
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Brady Photos by Christine trade to the Southof international about the importance Development offices. Buqueras talks Economic Director Carlos the Lee County first-ever stop at Port Manatee Executive during the Port’s west Florida market
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Dave Gammon elevated Charlotte EDO director
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tate market overview.
in the wake of Charlotte County, joinLucienne Pears former director Partners at Babcock ing Kitson and former Business Ranch, elevated and interim Recruitment Supervisor to executive director Dave Gammon Economic Developdirector of the ment Office. face in reGammon is a familiar he development as gional economic three years with his has proven in EDO. Charlotte County continue leading to He is excited like developments several existing GAMMON See page
Florida to communities in second one of four host as part of the Lee County was from seven countries welcome companiesTrade Summit. Manatee, annual International International Trade Hub at Port Fort Lauseries visited Organized by The Business opportunity a and Tampa for one day the 2019 Global Bradenton/Sarasot derdale, Fort Myers,to 29. 26 Office, Southwest each from Aug. ReEconomic Development and the Southwest The Lee County Chamber of Commerce the event, which Florida Hispanic Association co-hosted gional Manufacturers Gulf Railway. Chile, Colombia, was sponsored Seminole from Argentina, other locales International companies Spain, Peru and Mexico, goods, apparel, artisanal El Salvador, Guatemala, food, coffee, fruits, cooking systems featured wine, snack and state-of-the-art to merchandise companies Lee County industryof founded as part summit showcases during the summit. Hub at Port Manatee, and An expo-style from seven nations Trade in markets Florida and business leaders visiting Summit. The International International Trade advice as a vital link between provides expert See page 6 the second annual in 2014, serves world. The hub TRADE throughout the
NEURS
SALUTE TO ENTREPRE for growthand Intermediary ss Advisors poised Proa Certified Business Mergers & Acquisitions transaction experiEdison Busine the IBBA ap- Certified designations from ence totaling partner and
19
Privacy & Cyber Security Forum announced
& Cyber SeA special Privacy held on Friwill be at curity Forum 9 a.m. to noon day, Nov. 8, fromNews Community the Naples Daily room. Companies will William C. Huff and insponsor the informational for the community. teractive forum forum is for atThe goal of the clearer undera tendees to gain keep their famito standing of how businesses private. lies, wealth and FORUM See page
18
in fi$170 fessional a Eric Gall, managing with a concentration proximately for Edison Avenue, won and an MBAthe University of Michigan. broker of record brokerage and lower million. Gall transactions and nance from leading business Gall in business the 2018, 2016 and acquisitions Niehaus, Bro- Assisting middle market mergers Pfeffer, Steven 2014 Business significant changes No. 1 are Michael and Phillip Reda. Adfirm, is announcing kers of Florida Edward Valaitis Business to operations. Top Dollar Producer to rebrand itself Pfeffer joins Edison of business The firm has decided over 20 years Award for Southwest Advisors” to better out visors with experience, including 12 as “Edison Business service offerings, Florida, beating busi- transactionbusiness brokerage franchise communicate addedbusiness appraisals, Gall a over 90 other He is years as Southwest Florida. Pfeffer is a including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. in Brokers owner Certified Intermediary, Certified certified equipment International Business 6 and Board fied exit strategies. mergers and acquisi- also an EDISON See page Chairman’s Circle Brokerage and led by Association Award winner. Eric holds continue to be tions efforts will 20 years of business Deal Maker over has He Gall. T ING NIGH OPEN
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Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades
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The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard. Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offers
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25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a private club and a pub, Breakaway Sports Pub. The arena is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles club hockey team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. “We are optimistic that all of the 330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades President and General Manager, who signed a five-year contract and has a commitment from all his senior staff to remain in place. “We are thrilled to be acquired by
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IN THE NEWS
Fort Myers sixth Business Summit slated for Sept. 20
Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida
Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
SUMMIT See page 7
When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests. Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall. “When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.
Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4. The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19
Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory. Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops. With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.
GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County . “This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those
HEMP See page 5
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The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced an exciting line-up for its 2019 Business Summit, set for Sept. 20. The summit, now in its sixth year, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. This year’s keynote address is “Communicate Your Way to Success,” by entrepreneur, business coach and international speaker Jason Evers. Evers has traveled to more than 20 countries on five continents
such a prestigious company. Our partnership with the Hertz Corporation and now this new ownership ensures that Hertz Arena will maintain our strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for entertainment in Southwest Florida.” The team and the arena were previously owned by Peter Karmanos, founder of Compuware Corporation and prior majority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League. “Simply put, without the support of
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Estate A specially section exploringfocused monthly mercial real estate the SWFL commarketplace. IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’
During the July 9 Collier County Commission Wire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years. Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page
Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants
4
Gov. Ron DeSantis the Florida Departmentannounced of Economic Opportunity Florida are acceptingand Enterprise economic development project proposals for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. $40 million is available to fund training and public job projects that support infrastructure growth and employment in Florida. “We know the frastructure projects importance inand workforce training has on economic development,” said DeSantis. “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help Florida communities ensure they GRANTS See page
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Dr. Sandra Kauanui (left) and Noemi Ailynee Ramirez, Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, with - TIF Shark Daisy Montanez, Tank winners Swap
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Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Noemi Y. Perez Southwest Florida tion’s business-themedstudents in The Immokalee Foundasummer camp entrepreneurial recently shared ideas their Tank event modeled and garnered awards during a Shark The four-week after the popular TV show. was a partnership Business Management Pathway Coast University’sbetween the foundation and Floridacamp Gulf developed businessInstitute for Entrepreneurship . among them: finding plans that solved problems Students common clothes on a budget; centric finances; handling studentñera; and findinggetting better sleep; planning a quincearestaurants suitable stricted diets. for people with reStudent teams gave ences, startup costs, presentations about their target audiprojected profits, other aspects of marketing plans entrepreneurial and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, FGCU enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges Director of Entrepreneurshi for in Im- spoke during the event. Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian p, Rist, The Smart Companies executive chairman; Sofia Blanno, gram allows shoppers to arrange tor of corporate intern; and Matthew Turner, Hertz The through social an app, then physically to buy, sell or swap items direcFirst place awards responsibility. central location exchange those of $500 each went in Immokalee. items at a Shop team of Neika to the Swap & MentorUs, an Exulus, Jessica app that encourages Daisy Montanez Sales, Alondra students to make and Ailynee Ramirez. Estrada, smart financial decisions, interested in dressing earned second place Aimed at students for team members of $250 each fashionably on Alex Soriano, a budget, the pro- ie Etienne, Azael Simon-Quirino Je’an Espinoza, Myrlandand Simson Devesaint.
Fort Myers Mayor
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore,
launches Diversi ty Committee
SHARK See page
more inclusive city. Publisher Student Hailey Countryman asked her employer, Sanibel Captiva “It is never too the Mayor if he munity Bank, Comlate to give up had to FGCU’s College on diversity whom a team of advisors Education. your prejudices.” of Henry David Thoreau for guidance. Since he could rely on said, “We In a recent interview she can’t really say the answer to that question was no, we are trying to be at that moment Fort Myers Mayor derson felt inspired Hen- residents representative of our city’s Randy Henand community derson has known a team. Ndiang’ui to create just such have diversity if we Florida Gulf wanted to make Coast University on the council don’t sure the Mayor itself.” She explained was prepared for ter Ndiang’ui for professor Dr. Pe- road ahead the its 18 membersthe committee drew about 10 years and asked him, was a guest speaker and from the commu“Are in his class, “In- really able to handle the truth?” you nity, representing troduction to Diversity,” diversity project moved The ethnicity, forward. in Novemgender and sexualin race, ber. Henderson Beth Countryman, asked students Hailey’s moth- tity. “We can’t be a committee idenhe could do to what er, became make Fort Myers up of old white made involved with men and think the project, going a which led to we are a $25,000 donation to be in charge of diversity.” from DIVERSITY See page 11 Payment Plans Available • Discounted Merchandise Parking Options Discount • Presale • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts on Hertz Arena Concerts & Family Shows Buy Any 19/20 & Get A $20 Membership Pack FORD’S GIFT & ‘BLADES TOTE CARD BAG Valid on any NEW full, voucher
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University of South Carolina’s Raven Johnson, now a WNBA player, defends against Florida Gulf Coast University’s Sinai Douglas during a game at the Alico Arena on the school’s Lee County main campus.
SWFL is scoring a big win with sports Submitted by Craig Handel, SWFBT Sports Edition Editor Special to SWFBT
In Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties, sports is a multimillion-dollar business. Millions have been invested and millions more will be invested. Once we neared the new century, this region’s interest in building first-class athletic facilities for youth, high school, college and professional sports took off.
Look for more sports impact stories from Southwest Florida on swfloridabusinesstoday.com That has attracted a lot of new events over the years. So we’ve seen the rise of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Alico Arena; the Florida Everblades’ Hertz Arena; the Boston Red Sox’s Jet Blue Park; the Minnesota Twins’ Lee Health Sports Complex; the Tampa Bay Rays’ Charlotte Sports Park; Florida SouthWestern’s Suncoast Credit WIN See page 26
SPORTS IN SWFL
Cape Parks & Recreation: an economic driver of sports tourism Submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher Special to SWFBT
As shared at a recent gathering of business professionals, Cape Coral is transforming its Parks & Recreation system into a powerful driver of economic development through strategic investments in parks, sports facilities, waterfront amenities and recreation infrastructure, noted Joe Petrella, the City’s Parks & Recreation Director.
IN THE NEWS
Merged Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva chambers expand presence with FRLA The newly combined Greater Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce signed a management agreement with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) effective July 1 to serve as operational manager and regional director for the FRLA Southwest Florida Region. The chamber will provide governance and board administration, event planning and management, sales and membership development, member services, accounting and financial administration and communications for the FRLA. The Southwest Florida Region encompasses Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. “This consolidation of resources marks yet another way we will continue to hold firm to our promise to continue to add value to our members and combine similar local business interests in the most efficient, sustainable way,” said Chamber President and CEO John Lai, who has long sat on the FRLA board of directors and from 2023-2024 served as interim executive director of the organization following Hurricane Ian.
Rather than serving only local residents, these projects are designed to attract visitors, tournaments, and private investment, creating long-term economic benefits for the community. A major contributor to this strategy is the city’s development of destination parks. Improvements such as boardwalks, inclusive playgrounds, splash pads, volleyball courts, picnic areas, boat ramps and waterfront overlooks encourage visitors from
Dover
Lai
“The chamber and FRLA have always enjoyed a symbiotic relationship, so this bond comes organically and with best intent. We look forward to a fruitful partnership that once again broadens
scope for chamber members.” Chamber members will benefit from valuable FRLA-chamber discounted membership packages and collaborative statewide events, including the 14th annual FRLA Operations Summit Aug. 18-20 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. “FRLA is proud to partner with the Greater Fort Myers and SanCap Chamber of Commerce to strengthen our support for hospitality businesses across Southwest Florida,” said Carol Dover, FRLA FRLA See page 22
throughout Southwest Florida to spend more time in Cape Coral. Increased visitation supports local restaurants, retail businesses, hotels and other tourism-related industries while enhancing the city’s reputation as a family-friendly destination. “Now let’s talk about Festival Park. This is a big one,” Petrella stated. “We anticipate opening this one shortly. Located on 210 acres, we will expand it PARKS See page 26
Cape Coral ranked No. 11 by WalletHub among best markets to buy first home With just 21% of home purchases last year made by first-time buyers, compared to the historical average of 40%, the personal-finance company WalletHub released its report on the Best & Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers in 2026, to identify where people stand to save the most money and enjoy the best living conditions. WalletHub took the pulse of real estate in 300 cities of varying sizes using 22 key metrics. The data set ranges from housing affordability to the real-estate tax rate to the crime rate. When it comes to ranking markets for buying a first home, Cape Coral ranked No. 11 overall and No. 7 among mid-size cities. The market ranked 51st in Housing Affordability; 154th in RealEstate Tax Rate; 100th in Cost of Living; 73rd in Rent-to-Price Ratio; 87th in Median Home-Price Appreciation; 17th in Property-Crime Rate; and 98th in Total Home-Energy Cost.
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SPORTS IN SWFL Lee County builds better community through business, sports and tourism
Every tournament, every training camp, every sporting event is a business recruitment project for Lee County Sports Development. We are generating new visitor spending, strengthening local businesses and showcasing our community every day of the year. When you see ball players in our hotel lobbies, they’re not just contributing to the tourist-development tax on short-term lodging. They are frequenting our restaurants and visiting our attractions. They are shopping, going to beaches and enjoying family-entertainment businesses while generating $5 million in state and local sales tax for Lee County annually (per 2025 data, the most recent year available). Our greatest advantage in sports development is not just the sunshine and salty shores - it’s our ability to leverage partnerships. There are 37 sports commissions in the Sunshine State, but we do it better than most because of our partnerships. Lee County is loaded with people who “get” the importance of amateur sports tourism. They include our Lee Board of County Commissioners, Lee County Parks & Recreation, the Visitor & Convention Bureau, the Economic Development Office, municipalities, local colleges and universities, the school district, community sports organizations, hotels and restaurants. We make it easy for our out-of-towners. We have a local sports organizing committee that knows the ins and outs of our facilities and what hotels are nearby. This allows us to offer a higher level of customer service to the event promoters, players and their families. It’s yet another reason we set the bar for sports tourism - not just in Florida but nationwide.
Consider some 2025 highlights: • Direct visitor spending: $76.9 million • Hotel room nights sold: 181,213 • Sports tourism visitors: 175,284 (up 10% over 2024) • Events hosted: 165 This just measures out-of-town success. Lee County sports tourism BY JEFF also has a quality-of-life impact. MIELKE What may come to mind is MaGuest Columnist jor League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox at spring training or the Fort Myers Tip-Off each November. But think about the local young people who benefit from top-quality amateur sports tournaments happening right here at home in top-tier facilities, such as Kelly Road Sports Complex, our recreation centers and spring training venues. These facilities are top notch and always improving; sports tourism enhances the quality of venues here – and locals benefit. Take last summer, for example: 109 baseball teams slept in their own beds to play in their tournaments. That’s 1,900 players plus their families who didn’t have to travel but benefitted from the visibility of those tournaments and drew the attention of highly competitive scouts and college sports recruiters. There is another benefit to our community that must be mentioned: Sports tourism gives us national and international visibility. Consider the exposure to
our destination provided by the decade of FHSAA baseball state championships. Other examples include the Olympic national governing body championships and qualifiers like USA Swimming. We were the month-long training site for Softball Canada before the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games and most recently served as the training site for the Kingdom of Netherlands national baseball team as they prepared for the World Baseball Classic. And this is just sporting events. We also organize and recruit sports business conventions such as the American Hockey Coaches Association and National High School Baseball Coaches Association annual meetings. We work to bring their conferences here and they find themselves exploring our destinations. The achievement? We convert a sports-tourism visitor into a leisure visitor. They come back and bring their family and friends with them. When we come to work every day at Lee County Sports Development, we know our mission – and we know it’s happening. Sports tourism is not about just being on ball fields, in gyms or in swimming pools. It’s truly place making. It’s where tourism, economic development and quality of life intersect to build a stronger Lee County. Next time you see athletes and their families in one of our parks, restaurants or attractions, reach out and welcome them. It’s what we do every day.
Jeff Mielke is Executive Director of Lee County Sports Development. Contact jmielke@leegov.com or (239) 533-5273.
Careersource Florida opens Master Credentials List application period Careersource Florida announced the application period for Florida’s Master Credentials List (MCL) for the first quarter is now open. Inclusion on the MCL helps identity credentials that align with Florida’s workforce priorities and support education and training opportunities connected to in-demand careers.
Education and training providers interested in having a credential considered for inclusion on the MCL are encouraged to submit an application by Sept. 30. Additional information, including application materials and eligibility requirements, is available at careersourceflorida.com/master-credentials-list.
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AUGUST 2026
SPORTS IN SWFL Boston Red Sox in Lee: 30 years and counting The Boston Red Sox have held spring training in Fort Myers for more than 30 years. And there’s a good chance the Red Sox could remain here another 30 years. The pride of New England has been coming to Southwest Florida since 1993. Their 34 years in Fort Myers is their longest stay in any spring-training location. In 2008, the team signed a new 30year deal with Lee County officials. With two consecutive 10-year options after the first 30 years, the Red Sox could be here until 2058. Shawn H.P. Smith, the Red Sox General Manager of Florida Operations, thanked the leadership and citizens of Lee County for an extraordinary commitment.“We are honored and privileged to call Lee County our home,” he said. “With Lee County, we share in being serviced minded as we host over 290 annual events to bring greater economic development opportunities to contribute to our local tax base. There is no better partnership in all Major League Baseball.” Lee County built JetBlue Park in 2012. Complete with its own Green Monster, the 10,000-seat Jet Blue has a berm in right field, which can accommo-
date fans of all ages. Even the address – Fenway South – has a Northeast feel. JetBlue Park at Fenway South includes Major and minorleague operations, spring training and rehabilitative facilities and six practice fields. Every effort is made to ensure that the players have access to the best training facilities in MLB. The Red Sox have averaged 110,000 or more fans for 12 seasons in a row, not counting the COVID season in 2021 and 2022. They traditionally have had the top attendances in the Grapefruit League. After ending a World Series champion drought that went back to 1918 with the 2004 title, the Red Sox went on to world championships in 2007, 2013 and 2018. Each spring, fans are invited to attend all complimentary practice sessions, where they can take see Red Sox players up close and get their autographs. In 2027, pitchers and catchers will report to JetBlue Park in mid-February and the team’s traditional home opener vs. Northeastern typically takes place on the third Friday each February. JetBlue Park is also home to major concerts, fairs, festivals, vendor show-
cases, and non-baseball athletic events. Programs • As part of its commitment to this community, the Red Sox Foundation created the Lee County Red Sox Scholarships program in 2015. Through this program, the Foundation awards a $5,000 scholarship to 13 academically talented Lee County public high school seniors who have shown a commitment to community service. This prestigious award is for students pursuing a two- or four-year degree at any college or university. • The Community Corner program was established in 2011 as a part of community outreach. A local non-profit organization is invited to attend a spring training game and featured. • The Red Sox “Week of Service” is a weeklong series of events in February, which gives back to the local community. During this week, front office staff, players and executive staff volunteer at nonprofits across Southwest Florida. • Fenway South hosts a 50-50 Raffle at each spring-raining home games in addition to organizing events, which include the Annual Swings for the Sox Charity Golf Tournament. Visit redsox.com/jetbluepark.
JUNE 2026 SWFL ECONOMIC INDICATORS www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com PUBLISHER Karen P. Moore PRINT EDITOR & ASSOCIATE WEB EDITOR Jacob Ogles SPORTS EDITION EDITOR Craig Handel PRODUCTION MANAGER PRINT AD DESIGNER Jennifer Ogles PHOTO REVIEWER Lindi Daywalt DIGITAL MEDIA Active Data Digital Marketing WEBSITE ASSISTANT Jennifer Ogles
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Airport Passenger Activity Seasonally-adjusted airport activity for the region ascended 3% in May 2026 compared to May 2025. Tourist Tax Revenues Seasonally-adjusted real tourist tax revenues for the coastal counties improved 14% in April 2026 compared to April 2025. Taxable Sales Seasonally-adjusted real taxable sales in the five-county region fell 13% in March 2026 compared to March 2025. Unemployment Rate The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in Southwest Florida decreased 0.2 percentage points from April to May 2026, up to 5.5%. Single-Family Building Permits Single-family building permits for Southwest Florida declined 8% from May 2025 to May 2026. Single-Family Home Sales Single-family home sales for the coastal counties increased 4% in May 2026 compared to May 2025. Single-Family Home Prices Single-family median prices across all three coastal counties grew from May 2025 to May 2026, rising between 1% and 10%. Residential Active Listings Active listings for the region were down 19% in May 2026 compared to May 2025. Consumer Sentiment Index The Florida Consumer Sentiment Index slipped in June 2026, falling 1.8 points from May 2026. Source: FGCU Regional Economic Research Institute
Anticipating what’s next...
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Immokalee group earns perfect score, receives honors from Take Stock in Children By Sebastien Saitta Special to SWFBT The Immokalee Foundation was recognized among Florida’s topperforming student success organizations, earning Take Stock in Children’s (TSIC) Gold Level of Excellence Award for the 14th consecutive year. The Foundation also received the prestigious Luminary Award for the seventh straight year after achieving a perfect score of 100 out of 100 points on TSIC’s annual performance assessment. The assessment measures program excellence across mentoring, college and career readiness, compliance, data management and student enrollment standards. The Foundation received full marks in every category, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality mentoring, academic support and college and career preparation services that help students achieve long-term success. TSIC is a nonprofit mentoring, college readiness and scholarship organization. Working statewide throughout Florida, their mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, underrepresented, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for degree attainment through postsecondary education. The Immokalee Foundation has been a proud local partner of the TSIC organization since 2009. Through the program, more than 100 volunteer mentors are matched with participating Foundation students, providing consistent encouragement, accountability, and guidance as they navigate their educational and career journeys. Eligible students also receive a Florida Prepaid tuition scholarship upon successful completion of the program and high school graduation. “Receiving Gold Excellence recognition and the Luminary Award once again is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the unwavering dedication and discipline from our staff, mentors, volunteers, and community partners,” said Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. “Most importantly, it reflects our commitment to ensuring that every student receives the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to pursue higher education and meaningful careers.” “The Immokalee Foundation consistently sets a benchmark for excellence as one of our highestperforming Take Stock in Children partners across the state,” said Ele Bautista-Bernard, Vice President of Student Success and Support Services at Take Stock in Children of Florida. “Through their exceptional commitment to Take Stock program model fidelity, they deliver the highest standard of mentorship, accountability, and college-readiness support, ensuring that local scholars don’t just dream of postsecondary success, they actively achieve it.” Look for more sports impact stories from Southwest Florida on swfloridabusinesstoday.com
AUGUST 2026
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
BUSINESS SERVICES Customer service: the one thing big-box stores can’t mass produce When I think about what really separates a neighborhood hardware store from a big-box retailer, I don’t start with square footage, endless aisles or overflowing warehouses. Those things matter, but they are not what customers remember. After decades in this business, here’s what I know: people remember whether someone listened, treated them with respect and made them feel truly cared for. That human connection is difficult to measure, but it is the heart of great customer service. At Sunshine Ace Hardware, we want to have the right products and trusted brands. But our responsibility goes well beyond stocking shelves. We want every customer to feel they have a neighbor in their corner from the moment they walk through our front door. A customer rarely comes in simply to buy something. They come in because something needs fixing. Maybe they’re tackling a home improvement project and need help choosing the right paint color. Maybe their toilet stopped flushing, and they need help troubleshooting the cause. Maybe a storm is approaching, and they need wingnuts, batteries or a generator. In every case, the real question is the same: can someone help me solve this problem and get it right? That is why “Care for Your Neighbor” is one of our core values. It is not a line hanging on the wall. It guides every conversation and decision we make. We are not perfect, but we try to live it every day by listening carefully, asking the right questions and making sure a customer
leaves with the right solution, not simply another item in a bag. Caring for our neighbors also means investing in the communities we serve, because the people entering our stores are more than customers. They are friends and neighBY MICHAEL bors. WYNN In a world of selfGuest Columnist checkout lanes and AI chatbots, personal attention matters more than ever. People appreciate being greeted by name. They appreciate having an associate walk them to the right aisle instead of pointing across the store. They appreciate advice from someone who has the knowledge and experience to help them get the right solution the first time. That is the advantage neighborhood stores will always have. Big-box retailers have scale. Local businesses have trusted relationships. Large chains can build stores and stock shelves a mile high, but trust must be earned. That occurs one conversation – one customer — at a time, when people know we will listen, stand behind our advice and do what is right. And that is a competition worth winning every single day. Michael Wynn, a Naples native, is president of Sunshine Ace Hardware. Contact (239) 262-2940.
AUGUST 2026
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What if your payroll could be working harder for your business? Today’s business owners face increasing pressure to control costs, attract and retain talented employees, and remain competitive in an everchanging economy. Most focus on growing revenue—but what if one of the greatest opportunities was simply keeping more of what you’ve already earned? At The Tax Saving Strategy, we help businesses uncover legitimate, compliance-driven strategies that reduce expenses, improve cash flow and strengthen employee benefits. Founded by Hilda Salerno, a trusted business advisor with more than 40 years of experience, The Tax Saving Strategy works alongside business owners, executives, CPAs, attorneys, payroll professionals and HR leaders to identify opportunities that are often overlooked. Hilda has built her career on educating clients, solving complex business challenges and delivering solutions that create measurable financial results. One of our most impactful solutions is our Preventive Care Strategy. This employer-sponsored strategy helps qualifying businesses legally reduce FICA payroll taxes while enhancing employee benefits—all at no cost to the employer. Employees and their eligible household members gain access to valuable preventive healthcare benefits, while employers can realize meaningful annual savings. In addition to our Preventive
Care Strategy, we help organizations identify savings through Research & Development Tax Credits, Cost Segregation Studies, Fixed Asset Reviews, Tariff Refund BY HILDA Recovery and SALERNO strategic fundGuest Columnist ing solutions. At The Tax Saving Strategy, we believe every business deserves the opportunity to keep more of what it earns. Our role is simple: educate, evaluate, and determine whether your organization qualifies for opportunities that can improve both your financial performance and your employees’ well-being. If your organization has full-time W-2 employees, you may be eligible for programs that can reduce costs, improve employee benefits, and strengthen your bottom line. The first step is simply a conversation. Sometimes the greatest financial opportunity isn’t generating more revenue—it’s keeping more of the money you’ve already earned. Hilda Salerno is founder and trusted business advisor for The Tax Saving Strategy, Contact hilda@thetaxsavingstrategy.com or (239) 233-9786.
AUGUST 2026
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 7
SPORTS IN SWFL
Twins partnership with Lee County has aged like wine
The most successful partnerships are not measured by what happens over six weeks. They are measured by what happens over decades. For more than 30 years, the Minnesota Twins and Lee County have built a sustaining partnership. While spring training is what brings most people through our gates each February and March, the true success of this relationship is found in what happens during the other 10 months of the year. After more than a decade with the Twins, I have seen firsthand that our commitment to Southwest Florida extends far beyond baseball. We don’t simply play here. We live here, invest here, volunteer here and proudly call Lee County home. Every spring, thousands of fans from Minnesota and across the Upper Midwest travel to Fort Myers to watch the Twins prepare for another season. Many arrive for baseball but leave having fallen in love with our beaches, restaurants, local businesses and the quality of life Southwest Florida offers. Over time, many become seasonal residents, retirees or even full-time homeowners. For countless families, spring training becomes a tradition that turns into a lasting connection to Lee County. Working alongside Lee County Sports Development, we help keep our facilities active year-round by hosting nationally recognized events like Perfect Game tournaments, Twins Fantasy Camp and the Roy Hobbs World Series. These events bring thousands of athletes, families, and visitors back to Lee County, supporting local hotels, restau-
rants, retailers and small businesses while creating yearround economic impact. Our commitment is especially evident when our community needs us most. During hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, our PlayBY VICTOR er Development GONZALEZ Academy served as Guest Columnist a staging area and temporary lodging for first responders and emergency personnel. We hope our facilities are never needed in that capacity again but we are proud they can help when our neighbors need them most. Giving back is equally important. Through partnerships with organizations like Lee Health and Family Initiative, we help improve lives throughout Southwest Florida. Together with Lee Health, we host an annual Community Health Fair that provides free health screenings and connects residents with valuable health resources. Our partnership with Family Initiative helped create the first sensory room at a Major League Baseball Spring Training facility, making Twins games more accessible for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Community involvement extends beyond our facilities. Each year, Twins Week of Service brings players, coaches, and staff into the community to volunteer with local nonprofits. Local members of the Twins organization,
including myself, also serve on nonprofit, tourism, business and community boards throughout Lee County because we believe strong communities are built through collaboration. At the end of the day, this partnership has always been about much more than baseball. It is about creating opportunities, supporting local businesses, strengthening nonprofits, improving quality of life, and showcasing everything that makes Lee County such a special place to live and visit. As I look ahead, I am excited about
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Victor Gonzalez is the Assistant Director, Florida and Dominican Republic Operations, for the Boston Red Sox. He has worked with the organization for more than ten years. Contact him at (239) 4796401 or VictorGonzalez@twins.com.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
AUGUST 2026
SPORTS IN SWFL Florida Gulf Coast University marks Alico Arena’s 25th anniversary Florida Gulf Coast University’s Athletics Department will celebrate the 25th year of Alico Arena this season as the 2026-27 season gets underway beginning in August. The 4,633-seat arena, which has played host to Grammy Award winners, National Medal of Arts recipients, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, multiple U.S. Vice Presidents, foreign leaders and many other dignitaries, first opened on Oct. 15, 2002, as FGCU hosted Midnight Madness for its men’s and women’s basketball teams. The arena would officially be christened on Dec. 2 when the Eagles’ men’s basketball team claimed a 7156 win over Saint Leo. A year full of memories and celebrations is on tap for “The Nest” this fall as FGCU kicks off another exciting season of athletic competition, its 20th as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Alico Arena will once again serve as home to “”Dunk City (FGCU men’s basketball) and the striking weather pattern of “Raining 3s” (FGCU women’s basketball). Action at nearby Pickering Field at the FGCU Soccer
Complex gets underway in early August, while FGCU Volleyball will host three Power 4 conference teams (Florida State, BYU, West Virginia) in the first two weeks of the season. In the 2025-26 academic calendar year, FGCU generated more than $750,000 in ticket sales. More than 204,000 sports fans shuffled through the turnstiles at Alico Arena, Pickering Field, Swanson Stadium and the other top-tier athletic facilities at FGCU. FGCU played host to three Atlantic Sun Conference Tournaments last year – volleyball, men’s tennis and women’s tennis – and will repeat as hosts of those
events in 2026-27 while also hosting the 2027 Atlantic Sun Conference Baseball Tournament at nearby JetBlue Park, the current spring training home to the Boston Red Sox. In July, FGCU President Dr. Aysegul Timur hired Brian Barrio as the Eagles’ Director of Athletics. In all, FGCU returns to action this year boasting 113 conference championships since moving up to Division I in 2007-08. The Eagles have sent 64 teams into NCAA postseason play in their 26 years of intercollegiate athletics competition and look to add more in year 27. FGCU’s list of Hall of Famers include present and past Major League players Chris Sale, Casey Coleman, Rocky Bleier and Kutter Crawford; Olympic volleyball player Brooke Youngquist Sweat; pro golfer Derek Lamely and pro softball players Carmen Paez and Cheyenne Jenks. Over the years, 15 FGCU baseball players have been drafted in the first 10 rounds while 61 players have been drafted or signed free-agent contracts.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Labor Department awards $40 million to expand apprenticeships in Florida FloridaCommerce announced Florida has been awarded $40 million by the U.S. Department of Labor to support nationwide efforts to expand apprenticeships in the defense industrial base, shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sectors—with nearly 80 partners across the state offering Letters of Support for this new program. “Thank you to Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling and the U.S. Department of Labor for supporting Florida’s efforts to expand our maritime industrial base by driving talent development across our martime and defense sectors,” said Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly. “Home to 16 deepwater seaports and 21 major military installations, and ranked the No. 1 state in the nation for workforce development, maritime industrial base jobs,
and ship- and boat-building establishments, Florida is uniquely positioned to support our nation’s efforts to develop the high-skill talent across these critical industries—bolstering job growth while supporting our national defense.” “This investment reinforces Florida’s leadership in developing the skilled talent needed to support our nation’s maritime and defense industries,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston. “CareerSource Florida is honored to partner with FloridaCommerce, the U.S. Department of Labor and industry leaders to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities that prepare workers for high-demand, highwage careers, help employers build the talent pipeline they need to grow, and strengthen America’s maritime
workforce. Building on Florida’s #1 ranking for talent development and attraction by Lightcast, we stand ready to lead the nation in this endeavor—creating lasting economic opportunity for Floridians and the United States.” Florida’s $40 million award is part of a larger effort through the U.S. Department of Labor to align workforce and talent development with the Trump administration’s America’s Talent Strategy and its goal of reaching and surpassing 1 million new active apprentices nationwide. Nearly 80 Letters of Support for the program were submitted on behalf of FloridaCommerce by private sector and non-profit stakeholders, elected officials, state agencies, educational institutions—including school districts, state colleges and universities—and economic and workforce development partners.
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AUGUST 2026
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 9
SPORTS IN SWFL FSW makes fast and strong impression in state college athletics Florida SouthWestern State College may only have five collegiate sports – softball, volleyball, women’s and men’s basketball and baseball – but in its short history, the Buccaneers have made a mark both on the national and state levels. Softball has had the most success. In Robert Iamurri’s 12 seasons as coach, the Bucs have won three national championships in 2021, 2022 and 2023 while finishing second in 2025 and third in 2026. FSW has won five Florida Conference State Athletic Association championships while making nine trips to the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament. Iamurri also has recruited and coached more than 40 first-team, all-state selections and more than 20 NJCAA All-Americans and two NJCAA National
Pitchers of the Year in just 10 years. Iamurri, who coached Naples youth softball teams to national success, has a record of 578-72 at FSW. Volleyball has rivaled softball’s success with a 53-5 mark the past two seasons, which included a 2024 NJCAA National Championship. Under new coach Cesar Benatti, FSW (27-4) upset No. 2 seeded Weatherford before losing to No. 1 Miami-Dade in the national title match in 2025. In baseball, coach Zac Cole has a 145-77 record in four seasons of coaching the Bucs. They qualified for the FCSAA in all four seasons while winning their first championship in 2025. That team, which finished No. 9 in the Junior College Championships, ranked as high as No. 2, the highest ranking in program history. The women’s basketball team (19-12) reached the
FCSAA quarterfinals this past season before losing 87-59 decision to Gulf Coast State. Men’s basketball has established itself as one of the premier junior college programs in the nation. It plans to continue that success with the hiring of David Grace as its next coach. Grace brings more than 25 years of coaching experience to FSW, including 14 years at the NCAA Division I level. Grace has helped guide teams to four NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet Sixteen berths and five 20-win seasons. “Coach Grace’s experience at the highest levels of college basketball, combined with his passion for student-athlete development and leadership, made him an exceptional choice to lead our men’s basketball program,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, FSW President.
SPORTS IN SWFL
Florida Everblades continue to define championship hockey Since arriving in Southwest Florida in 1998, the Florida Everblades have built one of the most respected traditions in professional hockey. From the franchise’s first Kelly Cup championship in 2012 to becoming the benchmark of consistency in the ECHL, the Everblades have developed a culture where excellence is expected, not hoped for. Over the last five seasons, that championship standard has reached historic heights. Guided by President Craig Brush and head coach/general manager Brad Ralph and a culture built on accountability, relentless work ethic and team-first hockey, the Everblades captured three consecutive Kelly Cup Championships from 2022 through 2024 before returning once again to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2026. This year’s title win over the Kansas City Mavericks featured wins in overtime and double overtime as the Everblades recovered from a 2-0 deficit in the
series to win four straight games. That remarkable run has solidified Florida as one of the premier organizations in all minor league sports and one of the league’s most successful franchises of the modern era. The success extends far beyond championships. Every season, the Everblades reload rather than rebuild, developing players who move up the professional ranks while welcoming new talent that embraces the organization’s winning culture. Behind the scenes, a passionate front office, loyal ownership, dedicated staff and one of the most energetic fan bases in the ECHL have transformed Hertz Arena into one of hockey’s toughest places for visiting teams to play. As anticipation builds for the 2026-27 season, fans can once again expect a schedule packed with exciting rivalries and marquee matchups. The ECHL season officially begins in mid-October and runs through
early April, with the Everblades continuing their familiar battles against South Division opponents while also welcoming several non-divisional clubs to Hertz Arena. Early home games feature matchups against South Carolina, Orlando and Savannah, while challenging road trips include Greenville, Jacksonville and a western swing to face expansion franchise New Mexico. For Everblades fans, every season begins with the same goal: compete for another Kelly Cup. That expectation isn’t created by marketing slogans or preseason predictions — it has been earned through years of disciplined hockey, exceptional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to winning. As the puck prepares to drop on another season, one thing remains certain: when the Florida Everblades take the ice, championship hockey isn’t simply the objective — it’s the standard.
Lee County Building a Better Community Through Business, Sports and Tourism Lee County is proud to be the Spring Training home of the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. Each year, Lee County Economic Development connects with businesses in the Boston and Minneapolis regions that are exploring opportunities to expand or relocate.
Through these valued partnerships, Lee County has attracted more than $300 million in private investment and inspired nearly 1.4 million square feet of new development—creating jobs, driving economic growth, and strengthening our community.
www.LeeCountyBusiness.com
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
BUSINESS SERVICES Reduce downtime after storms with preventative roof maintenance For commercial property owners in Southwest Florida, hurricanes are a fact of life. While no one can control the weather, businesses can control how prepared their buildings are before a storm ever forms. One of the most effective ways to minimize downtime after a hurricane is proactive roof maintenance. Commercial roofs are often out of sight and out of mind until something goes wrong. Small issues like loose flashing, clogged drains, aging sealants or minor membrane damage can seem insignificant during normal conditions. During hurricane-force winds and heavy rain, however, those minor deficiencies can quickly become major failures. After a storm, businesses face pressure to reopen as quickly as possible. That becomes difficult or impossible if there are active leaks, water intrusion or visible holes in the roof system. Water damage can impact inventory, equipment, electrical systems and interior finishes. In many cases, local officials or inspectors will not allow operations to resume until roof damage is addressed, extending closures and increasing financial losses. Preventative maintenance helps reduce those risks. Regular inspections allow roofing professionals to identify and correct vulnerabilities before they are tested by extreme weather. Repairs completed in advance are almost always less expensive and less disruptive than emergency work performed after a storm, when materials, labor and contractors
are in high demand. A maintained roof also performs more predictably during hurricanes. While no roof is invincible, systems that are properly secured, drained and sealed are more likely to withstand heavy rain BY RAST and wind without BRYANT catastrophic failure. Guest Columnist That resilience can mean the difference between reopening quickly or dealing with weeks of repairs. Plus, maintenance plans will often include priority or expedited response times, especially after storms or emergencies – when response times matter most. And maintenance plans will often mean crews are already familiar with the roof system materials and layout, reducing downtime. For businesses, hurricane preparation should start well before a storm is named. Investing in routine roof maintenance throughout the year is a practical step that protects assets, supports faster recovery and keeps downtime to a minimum when severe weather hits. Rast Bryant is general manager for Lloyd Roofing’s Southwest Florida division, which provides roof installations, repairs and replacements for commercial and residential customers. Contact (239) 284-6748.
AUGUST 2026
SPORTS IN SWFL
Coconut Hoops made SWFL a college basketball destination The call that came in was simple enough. “You need to start a college basketball event for teams like ours, we really need quality games,” said then Tennessee Tech men’s coach Mike Sutton. “Just find a gym down in Florida somewhere, get a good rate for us at a hotel and trust me, we’ll come.” It’s true. Good mid-major teams struggle to get better teams on the schedule; but those same teams don’t BY BROOKS have the sizable DOWNING fan bases that highGuest Columnist major Division I teams have. Brooks Downing had just launched bdG Sports, a sports-event management company whose core business was running college basketball games. However, he wasn’t sold. “That sounds like a lot of work Mike, for not much upside,” Downing said. Sutton persisted. The two had worked together for Kentucky men’s basketball in the 1990s. Sutton assisted Tubby Smith and Downing served as the team’s public relations director. Throughout 2012, Sutton kept badgering Downing. When he offered to make a few calls, Downing surprisingly received positive feedback on his first six calls. Now, with his interest piqued, he needed a destination location. “I reached out to Sammy Wallace, the longtime GM at what was Germain Arena, now Hertz Arena, and he was like, ‘Bring it!’” Downing said. Wallace, who needed more content around his hockey team tenant, made a reasonable offer. “With the interest from the men’s side, how could we make it profitable?,” Downing said. “Then we had the idea of launching a women’s event. Just from an efficiency standpoint, if we set up to do a men’s event with all of our staff in place, why not add eight more women’s teams to our eight-team men’s event?” These would be high-major women’s teams. Connecticut, Stanford, Notre Dame, Big Ten, ACC and SEC schools. They had few opportunities for a destination tournament within women’s basketball. Downing got an old friend involved, Debbie Antonelli. Well-respected in the industry as a women’s basketball Hall of Famer and broadcaster for women’s college basketball and the WNBA, Antonelli became a key asset to branding the event as the best in the country. In November, 2013, bdG launched The Gulf Coast Showcase. When UConn arrived in Year 2, the event’s reputation was established. “I like our roots, where this event has been able to serve a segment of the men’s sport which is largely the ‘Cinderella teams’ of March Madness, yet, the week has become anchored by the women’s bracket,” said Glenn Pfister, who has served as bdG’s Executive Director of the event since its inception. “And of course, we all remember 2023, when Caitlin Clark led Iowa to the title while setting game and tournament attendance records.”
FGCU’s Jordan Ellerbee in action during a game. The event has moved from Hertz Arena to Alico Arena, the name has changed from Gulf Coast Showcase to the GEICO Coconut Hoops and the tourney has evolved from two eightteam tournaments to four, four-team events. “We are thrilled to be at FGCU,” Pfister said. “The venue is built for basketball, the FGCU fans are familiar with the venue and the FGCU administration has been extremely welcoming. We hope to be there for many, many years to come.” With the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort serving as the headquarters hotel for the tournament, the event continues to produce tremendous economic impact in Southwest Florida. From 16 teams staying five nights each, to the fans who visit, it’s been impactful for air travel, ground transportation, lodging, shopping, food and beverage and the many activities that the region produces. Downing added that the event has supported various charities in the community, including the Golisano’s Children Hospital, the Lee County Sheriff’s Explorers program and local high school boys’ and girls’ basketball programs. The 14th annual events are set for Nov. 23-29, 2026 and will feature the return of Audi Crooks, a second-team All-American at Iowa State last year who scored a tournament- and teamrecord 47 points against Indiana while leading the Cyclones to the tournament crown. Crooks transferred to Oklahoma State after the season. In addition, the FGCU women also are expected to play. For more information on the 2026 brackets and ticket information, visit www.coconuthoops.com. Brooks Downing is chairman and CEO at bdG Sports, LLC, a national sports marketing firm specializing in collegiate sports properties, tourismbased events, and collegiate coaching representation. BdG sports puts on elite-level college games as well as basketball tournaments and golf tournaments. Contact bd@bdglobalsports.com or (859) 951-6141.
AUGUST 2026
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 11
SPORTS IN SWFL
Annual tournament combines women, tarpon, and ‘Ding’ Darling For 14 years, the “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has married sportfishing with stewardship, honoring the J.N. “Ding” Darling Refuge—the site of the first recorded tarpon on rod and reel—and channeling community energy into measurable conservation wins. This year’s tournament paid out $67,600 in prizes to five winning teams and drew 65 teams (309 participants), with 63 tarpons hooked and released. Women in the spotlight Women have moved from the sidelines to the spotlight in recent years, and the Tarpon Tournament has become a showcase for that shift. Female anglers are now a visible, competitive force—this year’s top female angler award went to Stephanie Swank, and local women’s groups, such as Captiva’s Divas, have stepped up as sponsors and ambassadors, helping recruit new anglers and normalize women at the helm. The tournament’s growing female presence reflects Sanibel and Captiva’s long history of women leading conservation, community organizations, and Refuge advocacy.
Highlights across 14 years • Nearly $600,000 in prize money has been awarded to winning teams over the tournament’s history, underscoring the event’s longevity and popularity. • The tournament’s fundraising model is rare in that 100% of boat registration fees go back into the awards purse, while sponsorships and donations fund conservation projects at the Refuge. BY ANGELI • In recent years, the event has CHIN driven record conservation imGuest Columnist pact—raising six-figure sums for water-quality research, seagrass and mangrove restoration, and wildlife protection; in 2025, the tournament generated a record donation of $266,780 for the Refuge.
Doc Ford’s, sponsors and community muscle Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille has been a steadfast partner—hosting the captain’s meeting, awards, and traditions like the pink tarpon jacket—while local
businesses and groups supply the sponsorship dollars that make conservation grants possible. Because entry fees are returned to anglers, sponsorships are the lifeblood of the Refuge’s funded work. Why this matters The tournament proves a simple idea: sport and stewardship can reinforce one another. Anglers leave with prize money and a deeper connection to the waters they fish; the Refuge receives funding and public advocates who understand why clean estuaries and healthy seagrass matter. As female anglers continue to rise—both on the leaderboard and among sponsors—the event is becoming more inclusive and more powerful as a conservation engine. Get involved: attend the awards, sponsor a team, or volunteer—your support keeps the Refuge healthy and ensures that the next generation of anglers, especially women, will inherit thriving waters. Angeli K. Chin is Events, Marketing & Grants Manager for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. Contact angeli@dingdarlingsociety.org or (239) 286-5500.
SPORTS IN SWFL Disability Dream & Do to return to Lee for two-day camp next year Disability Dream & Do (D3Day) will return to the Lee Health Sports Complex in April 2027 for a two-day camp. D3Day also will be part of Adaptive Sports Day on Oct. 4 in front of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Alico Arena. A total of 80 to 120 campers with mental and physical challenges will take part in the free camp, which includes hitting a softy ball, throwing and running bases. While most of the campers are youths, teens and young adults, they have been as old as 76. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels players and coaches
Look for more sports impact stories from Southwest Florida on swfloridabusinesstoday.com help the campers as well as volunteers and caregivers. They are fed and then acknowledged at a Mighty Mussels game. The camp is run by former professional pitcher Dave Clark, a post-polio survivor, and Doug Cornfield. With the help of sponsors, they put on six to 10 camps around the country. Visit d3day.com. Led by Estero resident and general manager David Van Sleet, the Louisville Slugger Warriors are a nation-
ally sponsored and extremely competitive amputee and limb difference baseball team that consists of U.S. Military, active duty personnel, Wounded Warriors and current and former college baseball players. This team - designated by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity organization - plays in national and regional baseball tournaments around the country and in special baseball game events, all against able-bodied teams. A documentary on the team called “Curveballs” has been produced by Fort Myers resident and Emmy winner John Biffar.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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SPORTS IN SWFL
Will Midtown sports venue be last piece of puzzle? Everyone, most everyone, wants to live in the Fort Myers area. The question is, why? The beaches, the arts, the lifestyle — or maybe our sports activities? We lead Florida in baseball facilities and have one of the highest number of golf courses in the country. Sports is a $2.65 trillion industry. Locally, it pumps hundreds of millions of dollars into our economies. It’s also a competitive business to be in. With every generation, sports constantly evolves. Fort Myers has a plan to evolve with the times and address a large offering of sports facilities from basketball to pickleball to volleyball to skateboarding, even rock climbing. In my previous career, I competed in several Olympic Games and served on a commission at the International Olympic Committee in Switzerland. Much of my life is about sports at all levels. Midtown, next to Downtown, could become a local sports mecca of sorts. Downtown has hotels, a culinary district and excellent activities. The center of our city is ripe for improvement. At the turn of the last century, sports were found at our resorts, mostly tennis and golf. After World War II, our school system began to host sporting events like football and baseball. Today it is about “travel ball”. This term means entire families follow their sons and daughters to games and tournaments in multiple sports. It’s the wave of the future as it promises and delivers good results. Actually, hosting tournaments is quite profitable for a community because families pay to be part of this movement. It is a ‘weekend away’ family vacation – every week. So, let’s consider how this affects our hometown area. The city of Fort Myers is conducting a feasibility study to show how sport may impact us. Sport teaches young minds respect, discipline and fair play, among other attributes. The educational values are great. It’s a life-changing experience about seeking excellence and teamwork. The City of Palms Park is being demolished to make way for a massive sport multiplex facility with hotels, restaurants, apartments and townhouses on the drawing board. The study is to determine what we can do with this acreage. All eyes are on sports and the arts, which are proven ways to elevate the quality of life in a
community. Set beside Downtown, Midtown is literally a “hole in the donut”. We need an anchor to draw people to midtown. The anchor can be an air conditioned 200,000to-300,000 square BY LISTON foot venue to host BOCHETTE many sports activiGuest Columnist ties. We’re quickly approaching what activities we’ll host in the massive structure. It could house everything from an indoor track to indoor Ninja Warriors obstacle courses. The Skatium across the street is already laying down a second sheet of ice to meet the needs of hockey players and skaters. We need more facilities for our growing population. Our investor for this complex is proposing a public/private partnership so taxpayers aren’t paying money out of their pockets. The city has initiated a $30-million infrastructure for Phase 1 of four phases. This will reshape hundreds of acres in Midtown and bring it to life. Several universities are considering a campus there. The results of the feasibility study will give some positive direction to start with. Our next steps are to engage architects and planners once the feasibility study is completed. This is moving in the right direction as it’ll bring local, statewide, national and even international activities to Fort Myers. With our international airport we can service any tournament, host meetings and organize any event. This means jobs, lots of jobs! There’s nothing like this in our region. If this project is completed, we’ll see a higher quality of life as a sports destination. Midtown is Fort Myers’ missing ‘piece to the puzzle’. So why do people want to live in the Fort Myers area? The beaches, the arts, the lifestyle - and certainly our sport activities! Liston Bochette III is Fort Myers City Councilman, Ward 4. He is also an artist and Olympic Gold Medalist, representing Puerto Rico in 1982. He serves on the Board of the Uncommon Friends Foundation and has chaired the Olympian Foundation since its inception. Contact him at (239)3217004 or lbochette@cityftmyers.com.
SPORTS IN SWFL
Lee County hosts variety of events Besides being spring training host to the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox, Lee County also is host to five baseball events throughout 2026‘27.
There also are a variety of others sports around in the county in the next year, including Jiu-Jitsu, gymnastics, softball and The Captiva Triathlon. Visit leegov.com/sports/events
Look for more sports impact stories from Southwest Florida on swfloridabusinesstoday.com
AUGUST 2026
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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SWFBT’s Elevated Event: “Connecting At The Top”
Southwest Florida Business Today held its first event in 19 years on June 24 for more than 100 Southwest Florida business owners and C-suite executives. Here’s what some attendees had to say: “I loved the ability to connect with outgoing, friendly, involved business leaders who want to do business together and strengthen our community.” “I enjoyed meeting the various business professionals in a beautiful, calm and inviting setting. Learning about each other’s passion was great.” Stay tuned for details about the next CATT event, as well as other upcoming SWFBT-sponsored events!
Photos included here by Rickey Gruetzmann. See additional photos by Gruetzmann; Photo Magic Events and Gage Kroyer, TLC Marketing & Services at https://swfloridabusinesstoday.com/swfbt-event/.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
AUGUST 2026
SPORTS TOURISM: AN ECONOMIC DRIVER FOR COLLIER COUNTY When people think about economic development, they often picture new businesses, commercial construction, or workforce growth. However, an equally important contributor to Collier County’s economy arrives every weekend carrying soccer balls, lacrosse sticks, football helmets, pickleball paddles, and volleyball gear. Sports tourism brings athletes, families, coaches, officials, spectators, event organizers, and vendors from across the country and around the world to the county. These visitors typically stay for multiple days, generating spending that supports hotels, restaurants, retail stores, transportation providers, attractions, and countless local businesses.
What distinguishes Collier County is not only the quality of our facilities but also our commitment to the visitor experience. Guided by the principles of clean facilities, better at the basics, and excellent customer service, that commitment is reinforced through clear expectations for safety, accountability, operational quality, and excellent customer service by the County, its facility operators, and event organizers. Collier County continues to attract regional, national, and international sporting events while complementing its traditional leisure tourism industry. Many visitors first experience our community through a tournament and later return for vacations, business meetings, or seasonal travel.
At the center of this effort is the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, an 180-acre, county-owned facility. Managed by Sports Facilities Companies, it features championship-quality multi-use fields, a stadium, sand volleyball courts, an amphitheater, outdoor fitness amenities, and gathering spaces that support everything from youth sports to concerts and community festivals. During fiscal year 2024–25, the complex welcomed 762,100 visitors—a 15.1% increase over the previous year—generated an estimated 131,391 hotel room nights, hosted 33 economic impact events, and produced an estimated $56.9 million in economic impact. Nearly half of all visitors traveled from outside a 25-mile radius, underscoring its ability to attract new visitor spending to Collier County. The Paradise Coast Sports Complex is also home to FC Naples, whose inaugural season generated approximately $350,000 in visitor spending from visiting teams and supporters. Sports tourism’s impact in Collier County reaches far beyond a single venue. The USOP National Pickleball Center, home to the US Open Pickleball Championships, has established Collier County as one of the world’s premier pickleball destinations, attracting more than 60,000 fans, 3,850 players, and generating additional overnight visitation for local businesses. The destination is also home to three heavily attended professional golf tournaments every year – the LPGA Tour’s CME Group Tour Championship, The PGA and LPGA Tour’s Grant Thornton Invitational, and the PGA Tour Champions Chubb Classic.
On November 3, 2026, Collier County voters will decide whether to approve a one-percent increase in the local Tourist Development Tax. If approved, this revenue collected from visitors staying in short-term accommodations would support tourism-related infrastructure projects, including the completion of the athletic fields and the construction of a multi-purpose field house at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Sports tourism is a long-term economic development strategy that generates visitor spending, supports local businesses and jobs, enhances community amenities, and contributes to residents’ quality of life. Those contributions have helped establish Collier County as one of Florida’s premier sports tourism destinations.
For information about hosting sporting events in Collier County, contact: Tom Albrecht Sales Manager, Northeast Group Sales and Sports Marketing 239-252-2402 tom.albrecht@collier.gov
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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Caldwell outlines good, weak, unknown in property tax amendment
“Do you believe that this contract is going to result on the back end in a benefit for you in the long run or not?” Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell asked attendees of a collaborative chamber Pints and Policy - Property Tax Update after-hours session He, along with three other panelists at the June 25 event, waded through the vast complexities of the proposed homestead property tax legislation facing voters this November. The SanCap Chamber and Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce (GFMCC) jointly presented the panel discussion at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fort Myers, which sponsored the event. Other panelists included moderator SanCap Chamber Board Chair Michael Nachef; Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson, and Sanibel Vice Mayor Holly Smith, League of Cities president. “When people ask me, am I for it or against it, I’m really in the position of saying, here are the good things in it. Here
loss in 2028 and 2029, she said. That trickles down to a 7.5% loss for the city of Sanibel. “This contract doesn’t have any performance requirements on the back end,” said Caldwell, who described his work as advocating for the taxpayer. “There’s no restrictions in terms of the decisions that (L-R) Michael Nachef, Mayor Kevin Anderson, Holly Smith and Matt Caldwell dis- the local government are going to make, cuss the proposed property tax referendum. can make, are probably going to have to are the things that I think are weak points. loss of income remains the big unknown. make, in terms of adjusting the millage, in Anderson, who said Fort Myers keeps terms of adopting non-ad valorem assessAnd here is the unknown,” Caldwell said. On the good side, Caldwell explained the budget “as lean as we can,” talked ments, in terms of shifting to other forms that increasing the homestead exemp- about possibly raising the millage rate of taxation, expanded sales tax, tourist tion in 2027 from $50,000 to $150,000 and discontinuing waiving assessment tax, etc.” acceptably moves a value set in 2008 to fees for non-profits and churches. “This He pointed to other state issues such keep up with inflation. On the weak side, is not meant to be a scare tactic. This is as overspending, poor organization and jumping that exemption to $250,000 by numbers, data,” he said. the duplication of city and county oversee Smith reported proposals to raise the as underlying problems. the following year is extreme. “That’s a huge shift in how you struc- state sales tax – even though that is not “The amendment says ‘we’re going ture your revenue,” he said. “And under- as predictable income as ad valorem tax. to give you a tax break.’ It isn’t really a standably, it’s a little disquieting for folks Perhaps new, different types of assess- tax break,” Caldwell said, adding that for ments will result. The National Associa- many, taxes will increase. Voters, he said, that have to figure out how to budget.” As the panelists all pointed out, how tion of Counties has projected a $3.6-bil- need to decide whether they foresee an cities and counties will make up for the lion loss for 2027-‘28, and a 6.4-billion overall benefit from the measure.
SPORTS IN SWFL Fans gobble up Fort Myers Tip-Off during Thanksgiving weekend Thanksgiving and football for years have gone together like turkey, mash potatoes and cranberries. But now, men’s college basketball has used the holiday to promote its sport; and the decision has led to great television numbers. Take last year. When Michigan State and North Carolina met in the Skechers Fort Myers Tip-Off on Thanksgiving, the game drew 5.49 million viewers on FOX, according to Nielsen fast national panel-only data, making it the most-watched college basketball game ever on the network. Once again, the Fort Myers Tip-Off will be featured
Look for more sports impact stories from Southwest Florida on swfloridabusinesstoday.com prominently on this year’s Thanksgiving Week menu as Purdue and Oklahoma expect to play at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers. Other teams taking part in the event are Pittsburgh and DePaul. The Boilermakers-Sooners matchup will mark the fourth-straight season a game from the Fort Myers TipOff or the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers TipOff will air on network television on Thanksgiving Day.
Past times included: 2025: Michigan State vs. North Carolina; 2024: South Carolina vs. Iowa State; 2023: Indiana vs. Tennessee. Last season, Purdue reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament before losing to Arizona. On the women’s side, LSU, NC State, Kansas State, Villanova, Indiana, TCU, Mississippi State and Georgia Tech will visit Fort Myers. Last season, TCU reached the Elite 8 and LSU the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament/N.C. State and Villanova received invitations. ION Network will televise the event. Visit fortmyerstipoff.com.
AUGUST 2026
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Babcock Ranch anchors ambition accelerated resilience track to drive Florida’s economy
As part of Ambition Accelerated, a statewide effort to build the next generation of American companies in Florida, Babcock Ranch will serve as the anchor for the Southwest Florida Resilience Accelerator. The Accelerator will host its inaugural cohort this fall focused on companies looking to develop technologies and solutions for climate resilience through innovations in infrastructure and sustainable construction. Launched by the Florida Council of 100 and its Foundation, Ambition Accelerated is a strategic business-led initiative designed to fuel and sustain Florida’s economy. Focused on high-growth industries, the program connects CEOs, founders, investors, universities and corporate partners to help enterpriseready companies build and scale in the sunshine state. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and climate-resilient development, Babcock Ranch is a living laboratory where innovators collaborate to pilot, test, and scale solutions for the future. The community provides the ideal real-world environment to scale concepts within a wider region uniquely positioned to lead the nation in resilience innovation. To help build disaster resilient communities, the Southwest Florida Resilience Accelerator is focused on entrepreneurs building solutions tailored to four key areas: • Natural Systems Modeling: Technologies addressing water, flood, wind, habitat, ecology, fire, coastal, estuary, riverine challenges, etc. • Inspections, Assessment and Certification: Innovators utilizing drone inspection and artificial intelligence modeling, or tackling construction performance, building and site inspections and resilient program construction validation certifications • Resilient Real Estate and Infrastructure Systems: Infrastructure advances in building hardening, water systems, mobility, leak detection and shut off, pervious pavements, energy storage, off site construction, industrialized housing, and building materials • Purpose-Built Planning and Design: Solutions
for permitting, asset risk analysis, lifecycle cost modeling, insurance-linked resilience tools, and building and infrastructure operations efficiency tools “Anchoring the new Southwest Florida Resilience Accelerator at Babcock Ranch underscores our vision to be the most sustainable, innovative, and resilient town in America,” said Lucienne Pears, Vice President of Economic and Business Development for Babcock Ranch developer Kitston & Partners. “By welcoming pioneers from across the globe into our sandbox to scale concepts in real-time, we are convening the capital, resources, and like-minded people needed to cultivate long-term economic growth in Southwest Florida.” Southwest Florida is rapidly expanding, with a five-year GDP growth rate of over 55% and a resilience sector GDP growth rate of 41.9% over the past 5 years. Currently ranked the third-fastest growing town in Florida, Babcock Ranch is evolving into a business hub for Southwest Florida and is expanding its commercial footprint to drive regional economic development with new Class-A office, flex, industrial and retail spaces for forward-thinking businesses. Ten selected founders will partake in an eightweek cohort of hybrid programming with access to invaluable resources needed to turn ideas into opportunities: • Mentorship: Direct connection to industry-leading executives in resiliency and sustainability • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with experienced enterprises to pilot and scale • Accelerated Market Entry: Introduction to Florida’s thriving ecosystem for business growth • Investor Connections: Exposure to Florida’s vast investor community Applications for the Southwest Florida Resilience Accelerator are open through Aug. 21. Deliberation and selection will take place through mid-September, with the cohort announced toward the end of September. The program will officially start October 13 and run through December.
Students win awards at RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals competition
Eight Florida students were honored recently for their ingenuity at the eleventh-annual RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, powered by The Henry Ford. They were among over 70 award-winning K-12 inventors from across the nation who were celebrated during the June 5 awards ceremony. The ceremony featured a keynote from Julian Kage, an Invention Convention alum and the founder and CEO of Exactics, a biotech company inspired by his eighth-grade invention. This year, 513 students competed, representing 30 states. More than 80 awards, including cash prizes, trophies, medals and patent applications, were presented. Invention Convention programs develop tomorrow’s innovative problemsolvers, inventors and entrepreneurs. Students are challenged to create novel solutions to problems through handson, real-world, project-based learning, setting them on a course to shape a better future. Southwest Florida honorees include: • Olivia A., Kindergartener, Fort Myers: 2nd Place, Kindergarten for Hairband Bumpers. “Hairband bumpers that allow more cushion behind the ears so that you can wear them all day. They can also be used for glasses.” • Hadley G., 3rd Grade, Bonita Springs: 1st Place, 3rd Grade for Porta
Popper. “I invented the Porta Popper. It is a handheld tool to help remove the basket from a portafilter. Without it, I couldn’t remove a basket on my own because it hurts my fingers. I did some research and most tools to do this only have a single part touching the basket and looked very difficult to use. The Porta Popper is u-shaped and is designed to fit the shape of the portafilter. It works better than the other tools and it doesn’t damage the basket! I also think that it could be used by people with limited hand mobility and strength to help them be more independent and safe when they make their coffee.” • Dhira S., 9th Grade, Fort Myers: 1st Place, 9th Grade; Aerospace Award presented by RTX for SmartMorph™ Wing: SMA Actuated Adaptive Aerodynamic System. “SmartMorph is a morphing wing system that uses shape-memory alloy (SMA) actuation inside of an airplane wing to achieve smooth, continuous camber change. This design improves lift control and aerodynamic efficiency compared to traditional rigid wings.” Students compete at local and regional levels before advancing to the U.S. national competition. To participate, students must submit a video presentation of their invention, a prototype, an inventor’s logbook showing the journey of their invention process and a poster board highlighting key points of the invention process.
Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual business events on our B2B events calendar at swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar
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The difference between selling a business and successfully exiting one
Business owners don’t hire me simply because I know how to sell businesses. They hire me because I’ve built, bought and sold businesses myself. I’ve spent more than 35 years as an entrepreneur, building, buying, scaling and selling businesses across multiple industries. I’ve experienced the sleepless nights, payroll challenges and difficult decisions that come with business ownership. That’s why I understand that selling a business isn’t just another transaction—it’s often the largest financial event of an owner’s life. When I founded Southern Country Business Advisors, I didn’t want to BY DENISE build just another brokerage. I wanted to HOUGHTALING create the firm I wish I’d had when I was Guest Columnist buying and selling my own companies. Since founding the firm, I’ve personally advised and successfully closed 27 business sales in just the past 24 months. In 2026, I was honored to be recognized as Southwest Florida’s Top Co-Broker by the Business Brokers of Florida and to receive the organization’s Deal Maker Award. As a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional (CM&AP), Accredited Business Intermediary (ABI) and Senior Valuation Analyst (SVA), I combine professional training with decades of entrepreneurial experience. I’ve sat on both sides of the table—as both a buyer and a seller. That perspective helps me guide clients through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. My team and I do far more than market businesses for sale. We help owners understand value, prepare for due diligence, increase marketability, and connect them with qualified buyers who are the right fit. Whether you’re planning to sell next year or ten years from now, the best time to prepare is today. Denise S. Houghtaling is the Founder and Business Advisor for Southern Country Business Advisors. Contact denise@ southerncountryinvest.com or (239) 822-8015.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida
Benchmark breaks ground on Sunset Beach Resort
Benchmark General Contractors broke ground July 6 on Sunset Beach Resort, a $13-million mixed-use development on Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach’s Times Square district. The project marks one of the most significant private investments along the island’s beachfront since Hurricane Ian made landfall in September 2022. The three-story, 41,285-square-foot development will rise on the former site of Sunset Beach Tropical Grill and The Playmore Tiki Bar, two beloved Times Square fixtures that were destroyed by the storm. When complete, Sunset Beach Resort will feature six hotel units, returning a vibrant, mixed-use destination to one of the most visible and heavily trafficked corners of Fort Myers Beach. “This isn’t a project for five or 10 years — this is a 100-year-plus building,” said Brad Nickel, president of Benchmark General Contractors. “We are this community. We’ve been here for 40-plus years building coastal projects, and to be a part of something this major is quite the testament to everything we’ve been doing for the last four decades. I hope this serves as a giant billboard to every developer out there that Fort Myers Beach is ready — come build, and the town is here to help you do it.” Ian’s storm surge and winds caused catastrophic damage to Fort Myers Beach, decimating the Times Square corridor and displacing dozens of businesses
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Sunset Beach Resort by Benchmark General Contractors included a ceremonial sand toss. that had defined the island’s character for generations. Nearly four years later, the groundbreaking of Sunset Beach Resort represents one of the latest and most prominent steps in the community’s ongoing effort to reclaim and rebuild its beachfront identity. “Every groundbreaking is so special for those of us who watched Hurricane Ian change our communities forever,” said John Lai, president of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. “These moments mean more than just a construction project — they remind us that Southwest Florida doesn’t stay down for long. Today we celebrate much more than a beautiful new resort property. We’re celebrating confidence in Fort Myers Beach, investment in its future and another chapter in the incredible comeback of this island.” The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Fort Myers Beach Mayor
Dan Allers, Jacki Liszak, president and CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, and John Lai, president of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. Lai noted that Benchmark’s expansion to Fort Myers Beach reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to Southwest Florida’s recovery, having already completed significant recovery work related to Hurricane Ian on Sanibel and Captiva. Benchmark General Contractors is a Southwest Florida-based commercial construction firm that has been active in Hurricane Ian recovery efforts since the storms. Ryan Johnson, vice president of commercial operations, and Doug Hrabik, senior project manager, are overseeing the Sunset Beach Resort project. Construction on Sunset Beach Resort is expected to take approximately 18 months, with a projected completion in early 2028.
Family Health Centers opens LaBelle facility
Families in Hendry County now have greater access to healthcare services thanks to the completion of Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida’s newest facility in LaBelle. Recently completed by Stevens Construction, the new medical office building expands access to pediatric, dental and social services, helping meet the growing needs of the community. Located on West Hickpochee Avenue, the new 20,785-square-foot facility was designed to bring multiple healthcare services together under one roof, making it easier for patients to access the care and resources. The L-shaped building features a dedicated family dental care wing with 16 dental operatories, two Xray rooms, a sterilization area and laboratory. On the opposite side of the facility, Family Health Centers’ First Choice Kid Care Pediatrics Department offers a welcoming environment with separate waiting areas for sick and well patients, 12 exam rooms and comprehensive lab services. Social services offices are also housed within the facility, creating a centralized location for patient support. Additional offices, storage areas and staff break rooms are located throughout the building.
stevens
CONSTRUCTION
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida
Diamond Custom Homes builds Southwest 5 approaches to reshaping Florida’s next generation of construction leaders As Southwest Florida continues to face growing how buildings perform demand for skilled professionals in the construction
BUSINESS SERVICES
Green building has expanded well beyond energy effiindustry, Diamond Custom Homes is investing in the ciency and material selection. Today, sustainable architecture region’s future workforce by hosting four student inis about how a building performs across every dimension for terns from The Immokalee Foundation this summer. its occupants, its community, and its long-term value. The four-week internship program gives aspiring Here are five approaches driving professionals hands-on experience alongside Diathat shift, and why they’re especially mond Custom Homes’ architects, designers, project relevant for projects in Florida and the managers and construction specialists while providSoutheast. ing an inside look at careers in luxury custom homePassive Design building. Working with a building’s orientaThe four students, whose career interests include by Gab Zenuto A looktoat commercial real estate & construction Florida tion, massing, and natural ventilation construction, construction management, architecture updates in SouthwestPhoto Four interns from The Immokalee Foundation’s reduce mechanical load before systems and interior design, are participating in a 120-hour are even specified. In a climate where paid internship designed to bridge the gap between Career Pathways program (front row) Jonathan, Tali, Nereida and Michael are gaining firsthand HVAC dominates operating costs, classroom learning and professional careers. early passive design decisions have an The internships are part of The Immokalee Foun- experience in the luxury homebuilding industry outsized impact and cost nothing when dation’s nationally recognized Career Pathways Pro- this summer at Diamond Custom Homes. Guided BY DIANA made at the right time. gram, which connects Southwest Florida students by four members of the Diamond management GIRALDO Green Infrastructure and cool roofs with leading employers through meaningful work- team (back row) Kasey Nelson, Danielle Gunther, Guest Columnist Green infrastructure manages place experiences. Before reporting for work, each Belle Fortte and Karen Velasco, stormwater naturally through landscaping and permeable student completed an extensive pre-employment surfaces, increasingly important in Florida’s regulatory and training program and earned Florida Gulf Coast within our industry.” The Immokalee Foundation prepares students for post-hurricane environment. Cool roofs reflect heat instead University’s Fundamentals of Workforce Readiness high-demand careers through four pathways: Busiof absorbing it, directly reducing cooling demand. Both earn micro-credential and digital badge. certification credits and both are becoming more relevant to Rather than observing from the sidelines, the in- ness Management & Entrepreneurship, Healthcare, insurers and lenders evaluating Southeast properties. terns are active members of the Diamond Custom Education & Human Services and Engineering & Biophilic Design Homes team. Each student began by working along- Construction Management. Since 1991, the nonprofNatural light, ventilation, greenery and organic materials side a professional whose role aligns with the stu- it has served more than 18,000 students, with 95% integrated into building spaces. The research is consistent: dent’s career goals and is rotating through multiple of program alumni working in their chosen field of occupants in biophilic environments show better wellbeing, departments and active project sites. The experience study. Diamond Custom Homes is sponsoring the internproductivity and satisfaction. For affordable housing, the improvides a comprehensive understanding of the luxupact on residents’ quality of life is measurable and meaningry homebuilding process from architectural planning ships through a financial contribution to The Immoful. and interior design to project management and field kalee Foundation, which provides student compensation, professional attire and transportation throughout Smart Building Systems construction. Connected controls that optimize energy and water use “Southwest Florida’s future depends on develop- the program, helping eliminate financial barriers to in real time and generate the performance data that makes ing the next generation of skilled professionals,” said participation. “Hosting interns is one of the most meaningful benchmarking, auditing and certification documentation Mike Diamond, founder of Diamond Custom Homes. significantly more manageable. Visibility is the foundation “These students have invested years preparing for investments a Southwest Florida business can make for improvement. this opportunity through The Immokalee Founda- in our region’s workforce,” Diamond said. “We’re Lower energy and water consumption tion. They’ve demonstrated the work ethic, discipline excited to mentor these talented young people while Buildings designed to optimized the energy and water and commitment to succeed and we’re proud to help also learning from the fresh perspectives they bring consumption of the building from the beginning of the dethem explore the many career opportunities available to our team.” sign can lower operations and create savings for the user. InBUILDING TO MAKE LIVES BETTER corporating additional strategies to support energy production is the icing on the cake. The core principle, reduce load first, then generate is a useful framework for any project, regardless of whether net-zero is the immediate goal. These strategies work best when they’re evaluated together, early in design and connected to a certification pathway that fits the project’s goals and market. Community Development Reimagined works with developers, architects, and property owners to integrate sustainable strategies from the start. If you are thinking about your vantageconstructionllc.com next project, We’d love to be part of the conversation early. info@vantageconstructionllc.com
SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | GENERAL CONTRACTING | DESIGN-BUILD
239.313.6603
Diana Giraldo is founder and CEO of Community Development Reimagined. Contact clientcare@communitydevelopmentreimagined.com.
VANTAGE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES – THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
AUGUST 2026
SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida
Timing is important in Southwest Florida’s land of opportunity The study of commercial real estate is fun and very own properties, keep them safe and rewarding. They say if you do what you love, you will watch nearby trends. The decision never work a day in your life. I could not agree more to buy must be a very disciplined with that sentiment. approach. I had a wonderful career in the childcare business in It is said that you make your Atlanta, Georgia prior to moving to Fort Myers. I was money when you buy the property. successful and I love children. That business changed There is certainly a lot of truth in drastically because of government interference and the that idiom. That means you must United States becoming litigious over any slight misonly buy a property that is priced take in the 1990s. I saw the writing on the wall. below market so there is room to I sold my centers and became a real estate investor get out if you make a slight misin Southwest Florida. I studied for my CCIM desig- BY RANDY take. You might have to get out by nation. The CCIM education showed me how people KRISE breaking even or making a meager consistently make money in real estate and do not Guest Columnist profit, but you are not left bloodied. make mistakes. You can know which properties are I do not have room here, but I can worthy of your time and money to get a wonderful re- tell you some horror stories of bad investments. Conturn. I was hooked and have been for the second 25 versely, I know of many, many success stories. years of my adult life. After 10 years of profitable purchases in Fort Myers In the beginning, I bought in Fort Myers and Cape and Cape Coral, I started looking at North Fort Myers. Coral. I believe if you are just an individual or a I saw the stars aligning there in the near future. I was couple of partners you should invest near where you correct and I still own several nice properties that have live. This theory gives you the ability to manage your appreciated significantly. There are things you can do
to add value to a property to help appreciation. Also, inflation from the Joe Biden years has made almost all properties double in price. Real estate is always a hedge against inflation. Nine years ago, I bought my first property in Charlotte County on Tuckers Grade. It was in the wilderness, but I thought it had to appreciate as Punta Gorda merged toward North Fort Myers. I was correct and now have eight well placed properties in Punta Gorda. Today, as I write this article, I purchased a 3.7-acre property on Taylor Road. I was under contract almost two years because of some legal complications. I hung in there. I put a “for sale” sign up today one hour after closing. I paid $2.1 million and I have a prospect already at $3.5 million. Because of the delay in closing, I am trading a property with 2024 pricing at a 2027 rate. If not this fellow, it will be another. It is not magic, it is knowledge.
Stevens Construction progresses at Foley Products
Suffolk breaks ground on Collier veterans’ nursing home
that fabricates the steel reinforcing cages placed inside the concrete products. Outside the building, Stevens Construction is constructing the foundations for a new concrete batch plant, where concrete will be mixed before being transported directly into the building for production. Once the reinforcing cages are assembled, they are combined with freshly mixed concrete to create the finished precast products, which are then moved to a dedicated curing area to harden. Slated for a 10-month duration, the project began in February and is on track for a late 2026 completion. The Stevens Construction team includes Senior Project Manager Jay Wolfe, Senior Superintendent Tom Porter and Senior Project Administrator Gina Varner. The design team includes Studio A.D. and Quattrone & Associates.
An expansion is underway at Foley Products, a CMC Precast business, announced Daniel Adams, executive vice president/partner of Stevens Construction. Stevens Construction is building a 45,000-squarefoot metal building on Foley Products’ existing campus, located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Fort Myers. The facility will support the manufacturing of precast and reinforced concrete products and includes a permanent 5-ton crane, a new concrete batch plant and administrative office space. The expansion includes several features designed to support Foley Products’ manufacturing process. Stevens Construction is building two large below-ground concrete pits that will house specialized production equipment. One pit, approximately 12 feet deep, will contain equipment that forms concrete pipes and other precast products. A second pit will house equipment
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Suffolk celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Collier County Veterans’ Nursing Home. Construction will incorporate innovative design and delivery strategies that enhance hurricane resiliency, improve cost efficiency and scheduling to create an outstanding care facility serving veterans across eight Southwest Florida counties. Collier County alone is home to more than 23,000 veterans, while Florida has nearly 1.5 million veterans, the third-largest veteran population in the nation. Suffolk ranks among the top 25 healthcare builders in the country and brings deep expertise delivering complex healthcare projects. The team will leverage a comprehensive preconstruction approach, integrating construction expertise in the design process to identify and resolve potential issues before work begins in the field. Advanced digital modeling and AI-driven tools will further streamline construction activities, improve project coordination and help keep the project on schedule. “Suffolk is honored to help deliver a nursing home that will provide exceptional care and support for the men and women who have served our country,” said Pete Tuffo, President of Suffolk’s Florida Gulf Coast, National Gaming and Las Vegas. “When unforeseen site challenges emerged, we worked closely with our project partners to find a path forward that kept this important project moving.” The long-anticipated 120-bed facility will provide highquality skilled nursing and adult day health care services, including rehabilitation therapies, along with landscaped gardens, gazebos, walking paths, libraries and welcoming gathering spaces for residents and their families.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida
BUSINESS SERVICES
Strong businesses are built on strong foundations
When a business invests in a new facility, warefor all contractors involved. One minimize delays for clients. Technology is only one part of the conversation, house, manufacturing plant or commercial developway to guarantee success is by ment, most of the attention is naturally focused on the ensuring you have the right equip- though. Reliable service depends on an experienced end result. But after years in the concrete and conment and utilizing smarter dis- team, quality control and a commitment to using struction industry, I’ve learned that a company’s longpatch strategies. At Drake Ready high-quality materials. These principles guide everyterm success is determined by decisions made before Mix, we have a fleet of more than thing from our custom concrete ready mixes to our the doors even open. 100 owned and operated trucks, investment in customer service. As a business, it’s The right concrete supplier does more than deliver allowing us to deploy back-to- important to remember that you’re not just supplying material to a job site – they become your partner that back trucks for a continuous pour, a product; you’re delivering a service and building a helps keep projects on schedule, reduce costly delays maximizing efficiency for clients. relationship. No matter the tools or technology used, the goal and build infrastructure that will support the This prevents bumps and Acommulook at commercial real estateridges, & construction updates in Southwest Florida should remain the same: completing the project sucnity for years to come. As construction prices concracking, and ultimately reduces BY TERRY cessfully and satisfying the client. After all, strong tinue to rise and timelines become tighter, having the DRAKE labor costs for customers. businesses are built on strong foundations. By comright partner has never been more important. To the client, visibility and Guest Columnist Projects leave very little room for delays or uncertransparency throughout the de- bining innovation with a commitment to quality and tainty. Customers and contractors both rely on mate- livery process are just as important as the concrete it- service, we as suppliers can complete projects on rials arriving when they’re expected and that quality self. Drake Ready Mix utilizes innovative technology time, earn our customer’s trust and become someone will be consistent across all batches. They also de- for all-around efficiency, including GPS tracking on the community can count on. pend on issues being identified and addressed quickly. all of our trucks to show when they arrive and how Delivering concrete the right way saves time and long they’re onsite, tires that automatically inflate and Terry Drake, Jr. is the president and founding partner money. This is why leveraging the right technology deflate for maneuverability on job sites and indica- of Drake Ready Mix, a family-owned and operated conand business practices is so essential. tors that alert when there’s a low number of materials. crete ready mix company. For more information, visit Every minute counts when handling a delivery – Strategic delivery systems pass on cost savings and DrakeReadyMix.com.
SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
Youth Haven reaches major construction milestone with foundation pour Youth Haven has reached a significant milestone in its Building Hope for Tomorrow capital campaign, completing the foundation for its new Therapeutic Enrichment Center. The foundation is the first permanent structural element of the new 22,000-squarefoot facility, which will expand access to critical services for abused, neglected and homeless children and teens across Southwest Florida. The foundation pour follows a groundbreaking ceremony. Once completed, the Therapeutic Enrichment Center will replace Youth Haven’s 53-year-old community building, creating a modern, trauma-
informed environment designed to better meet the complex needs of vulnerable youth for generations. As Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, the center will serve as the cornerstone of Youth Haven’s $20 million Building Hope for Tomorrow comprehensive capital campaign, The facility will significantly enhance the quality and depth of services available to the approximately 150 children and teens served annually. Designed using trauma-informed principles, the new Therapeutic Enrichment Center will include
LSI brokers 5-acre industrial property LSI Companies brokered a 5.29-acre industrial property in Fort Myers for $2.65 million. The property was acquired by ARP Fort Myers from Herbert S. Johnes Jr. Revocable Trust. The property is located on Old US 41 in Fort Myers. The deal was brokered by Max Molloy, Alex Henderson, and Sawyer Gregory of LSI Companies. LSI Companies is Southwest Florida’s leading full-service real estate brokerage and development firm. The Company specializes in all aspects of site development, current market and valuation issues, acquisition and disposition services, due diligence evaluation, zoning and permitting, work-out projects, asset management and appraisals.
dedicated spaces for individual and group counseling, art and music therapy, family reunification, fitness and wellness programming, educational support and life-skills development. Features include a state-of-the-art Education Hub, expanded library and makerspace, a commercial kitchen to support nutrition and independent living skills, and enhanced indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for residents. Construction is led by Curran Young Construction, with design services generously donated by MHK Architecture. Project partners include Gordon Pass and Natasha Pereira Interior Design. A PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE COMPANY
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
AUGUST 2026
SPORTS IN SWFL FC Naples sets example for combining spirit, community opportunities As Southwest Florida continues its rapid growth, so too does its ability to attract and sustain professional sports organizations that enhance the region’s economy, culture, and sense of community. FC Naples, Southwest Florida’s first professional soccer club, is a prime example of how the region is becoming a destination for professional athletics while creating meaningful local impact. Competing in its second season, FC Naples has quickly established itself as more than a sports franchise. The club’s vision has been to give Southwest Florida residents a professional hometown team they can rally behind while creating opportunities for businesses, nonprofits and community organizations to connect with fans in new and engaging ways. The result is a growing network of partnerships that extends far beyond the soccer pitch. Partnerships One of the club’s most significant collaborations is its title partnership with Physicians Regional Healthcare System. Together, FC Naples and Physicians
president and chief executive officer. “John Lai and his team have been valued FRLA partners for many years, and their regional expertise and commitment to the hospitality industry make them well-positioned to serve our current and future members in Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties. This partnership strengthens our local presence and advances our shared mission of supporting and advocating for Florida’s restaurant, lodging, and supplier communities. We look forward to working together to deliver greater value, stronger advocacy and expanded opportunities for our members throughout the region.”
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St. Tropez Home to offer free youth soccer clinics for children from the YMCA of Collier County, giving local kids the chance to train alongside FC Naples players and coaching staff. The clinics reflect the club’s broader commitment to growing the game at the grassroots level in Southwest Florida, ensuring that FC Naples’ impact reaches beyond match days and into the daily lives of the region’s youngest fans. On-field success FC Naples’ on-field success has reinforced this growing momentum. The club became the first expansion team in United Soccer League One history to host and win a playoff match in its inaugural season. This season, FC Naples has continued to raise the bar, setting a club attendance record of 4,782 fans during a US Open Cup Round of 32 match against Major League Soccer opponent Orlando City, S.C. By combining competitive athletics with community-focused initiatives and strategic partnerships, FC Naples is proving that professional sports can serve as a powerful catalyst for regional growth.
SPORTS IN SWFL
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Regional are demonstrating how professional sports organizations and healthcare providers can work hand-in-hand to promote wellness, education and community engagement. Through this partnership, the organizations have hosted a variety of events designed to bring residents together while providing valuable resources and experiences. One example? A complimentary Sports Injury Prevention Workshop led by FC Naples Team Doctor Dr. Bryan Hanypsiak, a board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon with Physicians Regional Healthcare System. The event offered athletes, coaches, parents, and community members practical guidance on injury prevention and healthy athletic participation. Following the presentation, attendees enjoyed a fan experience that included opportunities to meet FC Naples players and interact with the club in a personal setting. Community-building extends into youth development as well. This June, FC Naples partnered with
Sports tourism supports year-round economic activity in SWFL Sports tourism has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry, generating billions of dollars in economic activity nationwide. In Southwest Florida, it is increasingly serving as a powerful driver of visitor spending, business growth and community investment. At the Greater Naples Chamber, we recognize the important role sports tourism plays in supporting our local and regional economy. From spring training and professional soccer to pickleball championships and youth tournaments, sporting events attract visitors from across the country while supporting local businesses and enhancing quality of life. Collier County has emerged as a growing sports destination through strategic investments and nationally recognized events. The Paradise Coast Sports Complex generated an estimated $56.9 million in economic impact during fiscal year 2025. The complex also welcomed more than 719,000 visitors, many of whom stayed multiple nights and spent money at local hotels, restaurants, retailers and attractions. The county’s sports profile continues to rise through the success of the US Open Pickleball Championships at the USOP National Pickleball Center in East Naples Community Park. This year’s event welcomed more than 55,000 spectators and 3,750 players representing all 50 states and 53 countries. The addition of FC Naples has further strengthened the county’s position as a year-round destination for athletic competition and entertainment. The economic benefits extend far beyond the playing field. Sporting events support the hospitality, retail, transportation and service sectors while helping fill hotel rooms during traditionally slower tourism periods. They also contribute to the amenities and recreational opportunities that help attract and retain workforce talent. These successes demonstrate how sports have evolved
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from a recreational amenity into a significant economic development driver. However, maintaining our competitive advantage requires continued investment as communities throughout Florida and the Southeast expand facilities and aggressively pursue tournaments and events. Recognizing this opportunity, the Collier County Commission placed a referendum on the NovemBY KRISTINA ber 2026 ballot to increase the tourPARK ist development tax from 5% to 6%. Guest Columnist Revenue from this increase would help to finance the completion of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, adding fields and infrastructure needed to host larger events and attract more visitors. Additional revenues would also support beach renourishment and destination marketing efforts. Because the tax is paid primarily by visitors staying in hotels and vacation rentals, the increase would have minimal impact on full-time residents and property owners. The Greater Naples Chamber is proud to support initiatives that strengthen our economy and enhance our competitiveness. Sports tourism represents an important opportunity to diversify our economic base, support local businesses and drive year-round economic activity for years to come. Kristina Park is the president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber. Representing more than 1,000 members, the Chamber works to strengthen the local economy and promote the business community. Contact (239) 2626376.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
BUSINESS SERVICES Just because IT ‘can’ be remote doesn’t mean it ‘should’ be The pandemic taught us lots of lessons and forced companies to alter the way they do business. Perhaps the most significant change was a global headfirst dive into remote work. Before COVID-19, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noted 6.5% of private sector employees worked primarily remote. The federal agency called the shift to remote work a “massive experiment,” and at the pandemic’s peak, 17.9% of workers were primarily remote. In some industries, that rate surpassed 50%. BY JOHN Information technology JOYCE was among the fields that Guest Columnist lends itself to remote work. That already was happening before the pandemic, but accelerated as work from home (WFH) became mainstream. With a few clicks of the mouse, a username and password or perhaps a phone call, a remote IT support specialist can take full control of an individual’s computer or an entire company’s network. This can be done from an IT firm across town or on the other side of the world. Much like ordering from an online marketplace versus shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, there are pros and cons to contracting with a fully remote IT provider or one like CRS Technology Consultants, which is based in Fort Myers and predominantly serves businesses, nonprofits and government agencies in Southwest Florida. A small business in Cape Coral or Naples with 25 employees, for instance, typically needs a managed IT company to provide 24/7 monitoring, help desk support, cybersecurity, hardware and software updates, cloud migration, network management, data backup and recovery, risk assessments and more. Many of those services can be completed remotely and hiring an IT company in Asia or Europe often is less expensive than a local firm. Just because IT work “can” be done remotely doesn’t mean businesses “should” hire an out-ofstate or international IT company. Why not? An IT provider in India or the United Kingdom may be effective in updating software or installing firewalls, but that company won’t know anything about your business, your community or your employees. They are focused on day-to-day IT services, not the long-term success of your business. They have a large portfolio of clients and your business is just a number. CRS doesn’t use the term “clients” to describe the businesses it serves... they are partners. Our goal is to offer a personal touch in an industry that has impersonalized itself. Our systems engineers and analysts are real people who get to know the businesses they serve and the people that work there. They even make house calls, hosting office hours to answer questions that employees might not ask if it requires filling out a ticket or calling a hotline. Today, technology and cybersecurity can make or break a business. Finding an IT partner – not just an IT company – ensures a business and its employees can focus on what they do best.
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SPORTS IN SWFL
Tip-Off Tournament more than just a Thanksgiving tradition Since its launch in 2018, Fort Myers Tip-Off has become a model for how strategic partnerships can drive tourism, strengthen local economies, and elevate a destination on the national stage. More than a college basketball tournament, it’s a proven investment that delivers measurable economic impact, exceptional destination marketing and long-term value for Lee County and its partners. Owned and operated by Intersport, a global leader in sports and marketing whose mission is to ‘own every moment’, Fort Myers Tip-Off marked the company’s entry into the early-season college basketball marketplace. Today, just eight years later, Intersport owns and operates or manages more than 80 college basketball events across 15 cities in 14 states. Those events are televised on seven of the nation’s leading sports networks. Fort Myers Tip-Off remains one of the company’s flagship events and a testament to what can be accomplished through strong public-private partnerships. The tournament’s economic impact extends well beyond the games. Alumni, families, teams and fans fill hotel rooms, dine in local restaurants, shop at area businesses and experience Lee County’s beaches and attractions. Their spending supports local businesses, creates jobs and generates tax revenue that helps fund parks, beaches, public amenities and services enjoyed by locals year-round. Fort Myers Tip-Off and Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off also deliver unparalleled national exposure for Lee County. Each year, Intersport promotes the destination for more than six months through targeted email campaigns, social media, radio interviews and digital marketing to the alumni and fan bases of all participating teams. During Thanksgiving week, the tournament reaches millions of viewers through national television broadcasts. In 2025 alone, more than 8.5 million viewers tuned in across FOX, FS1 and ION Scripps Sports. Every broadcast showcases Lee County as a premier destination to vacation, relocate, conduct business and create lifelong memories. This level of destination marketing is difficult and expensive to replicate through traditional advertising. The authentic enthusiasm of broadcasters further reinforces the area’s appeal during the live broadcasts. Looking ahead, the greatest opportunity lies in expanding partnerships with the local business
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community. With attendance approaching 20,000 throughout the week - approximately 40% of attendees come locally - Fort Myers Tip-Off provides businesses with direct access to a highly engaged and desirable audience. College basketball fans are affluent consumers who travel, dine out, shop locally and actively support brands that invest in the events they enjoy. BY MERRY As local businesses increase COFFMAN their support, the event becomes Guest Columnist even stronger. The evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) has significantly increased the cost of securing nationally recognized programs. Strong sponsorship partnerships allow Intersport to continue attracting elite teams, enhancing the fan experience, expanding community initiatives and generating even greater economic returns for Lee County. The result is a cycle of growth where businesses gain valuable exposure, visitors enjoy a world-class event and the community benefits from increased tourism, tax revenue and national recognition. Fort Myers Tip-Off represents far more than six days of elite college basketball. It is an investment in tourism, economic development, community pride and the continued growth of sports in Lee County. The success of the tournament has already helped attract additional events, including the Intersport and the APP’s 2026 Selkirk Collegiate Pickleball Championship in Cape Coral. Intersport is committed to building on this momentum by working alongside community leaders, local businesses and tourism partners to attract premier sporting events that generate year-round economic impact. Together, we can continue making Lee County a championship destination — where sports, business, tourism and community all win. Merry Coffman is Intersport’s Executive Director of Community Impact for the Fort Myers Tip-Off. Contact (239) 331-0031 or MCoffman@intersportnet.com.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
AUGUST 2026
SPORTS IN SWFL
Sports tourism has $64 million impact on Charlotte County Sports tourism continues to be a winning strategy for Charlotte County as Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s Sports Division expands its efforts to attract premier athletic events that generate economic impact, increase visitation and strengthen the community’s reputation as one of Florida’s top sports tourism destinations. Through 77 tournaments and events hosted, the county has garnered a $53 million economic impact. In addition, another $11 million in economic impact comes from the Tampa Bay Rays playing 14 games at Charlotte Sports Park. By strategically targeting youth, amateur, collegiate and professional sporting events, the sports division creates opportunities that extend well beyond the playing field. Tournaments, championships and training camps bring thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and spectators to the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach area each year, supporting local hotels, restaurants, retail businesses and attractions. One of the year’s highlights has been the contin-
ued partnership with Sunseeker Resort’s Aileron Golf Club, which successfully hosted back-to-back Memorial Day weekend junior golf tournaments, including the Under Armour Junior Tour and the American Junior Golf Association Punta Gorda Englewood Beach Preview. The venue also welcomed two Florida State Golf Association tournaments, further strengthening the destination’s position within the competitive golf tourism market. Building on that success, tournament organizers are already planning their return in 2027. Youth and collegiate baseball remain among the destination’s strongest economic drivers. Signature events such as the 17th Annual Snowbird Baseball Classic -Division I & III games; Prospect Wire Baseball National Championship; and the Florida High School Athletic Association Division II Baseball State Championship continue to attract elite competition from across the country. These events reach national audiences through live-streaming platforms viewed by NCAA coaches and Major League Baseball scouts. Each year, eight NCAA swim and diving programs
SPORTS IN SWFL
The City of Palms Classic: A legacy that continues to drive Fort Myers forward For more than 50 years, the City of Palms Classic has been more than a nationally recognized high school basketball tournament. It has become one of Fort Myers’ signature legacy events and a powerful driver of economic growth and community pride. Since 1973, the tournament has welcomed the nation’s top high school basketball talent while putting Southwest Florida on the national sports stage each December. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the City of Palms Classic is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, sponsors, community partners and loyal fans. Unlike many major sporting events, every sponsorship, ticket purchased and partnership directly supports the tournament’s mission while helping sustain a tradition that belongs to the Fort Myers community. Each December, the City of Palms Classic attracts teams, families, college recruiters, media members and basketball fans from across the United States and Canada. Their visits fill local hotel rooms, support area restaurants, generate business for retailers and contribute to the region’s tourism economy during one of the busiest times of the year. The tournament has become an annual economic engine that showcases everything Southwest Florida has to offer. Beyond its economic impact, the City of Palms Classic is committed to investing back into the com-
Look for more sports impact stories from Southwest Florida on swfloridabusinesstoday.com munity. Proceeds from the tournament are reinvested into youth programs, educational opportunities and community initiatives, ensuring the event continues to make a lasting difference for future generations. Supporting the tournament means supporting local youth while preserving one of Fort Myers’ most celebrated traditions. The tournament’s legacy extends well beyond Southwest Florida. More than 220 NBA Draft selections, 143 first-round picks and 68 top-10 NBA Draft picks have competed on the City of Palms Classic stage before reaching basketball’s highest level. That tradition of excellence has made Fort Myers a destination where tomorrow’s stars compete today. When you support the City of Palms Classic, you’re not just investing in a basketball tournament — you’re investing in Fort Myers, our local businesses, our youth and a tradition that has united this community for more than 50 years. The 2026 City of Palms Classic will take place Dec. 18–23 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College. Contact Mary Schaack, Executive Director, at mary@cityofpalmsclassic.com.
choose the destination for extended winter training camps, with teams staying seven to 10 days. The rapidly growing Destination Athletes Centennial Invitational has also experienced remarkable expansion, growing from 300 participating elite swim clubs in its inaugural year to 618 clubs this past spring, with more than 500 clubs already committed for 2027. Englewood Beach Waterfest, featuring the destination’s premier Offshore Powerboat Races, continues to serve as a significant economic driver. The multiday event generates approximately 4,650 hotel room nights and an estimated $5.5 million in economic impact while attracting more than 25,000 spectators, race teams, sponsors, vendors and media representatives from across Florida and throughout the United States. Across every sport, innovative marketing efforts, including live-streaming, digital media integration and strategic partnership, continue to expand the visibility of the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach area far beyond event participants.
SPORTS IN SWFL
FC Naples names Zak Gordon Interim Head Coach FC Naples has appointed Zak Gordon as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the 2026 Season. Gordon has served as the First Assistant Coach since February of 2025. “Zak Gordon has been on the field with FC Naples’ First Team since our first season, helping the team achieve its historic 2025 USL League One campaign. We’re confident in his leadership as the team moves forward,” said Roberto Moreno, CEO of FC Naples. FC Naples has parted ways with Matt Poland, the club’s inaugural Gordon Head Coach and Sporting Director. Under his leadership, the expansion side enjoyed a historic 2025 USL League One campaign, securing a fourth-place regular-season finish and advancing to the playoff semifinals. The club is grateful for the vital role that Poland played as a foundational part of the team. FC Naples is confident in the team’s roster and technical staff. The club remains fully committed to its competitive goals for this campaign, with complete faith that the squad possesses the depth, talent and resilience to continue fighting for a playoff spot and delivering the high standard of performance our supporters expect.
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SPORTS IN SWFL
A-ball team, Mighty Mussels’ legacy goes back to 1992 The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are the Single-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins and play their home games at the Lee Health Sports Complex (Hammond Stadium). The Mussels are part of the Florida State League, whose season runs from early April until September with 10 teams competing across the state. The Mighty Mussels season consists of 66 home games, accounting for the majority of the events at the ballpark. The franchise relocated to Fort Myers from Pompano in 1992. Originally named the Miracle, the organization rebranded in 2020. The Miracle/Mussels have been the longest-standing minor league team in Southwest Florida. The franchise is led by Managing Part-
ners John and Allen Martin. The Martins joined the Mussels’ ownership group in 2020 before taking over as managing partners in 2022. In December of 2025, the Martins also became a part of the Twins ownership group as members of a limited partnership. “This has been a lifelong pursuit,” John said. “When we were growing up in the corn fields in central Illinois, Allen and I often thought about what it would be like to be a part of a Major League Baseball ownership group. Our time with the Mighty Mussels created a perfect pathway to realizing that dream.” John also acknowledged the importance of seeing players rise from Fort My-
ers to the majors. “Over the last five years we have watched prospects work their way through the system and make their way from Single-A to the big leagues,” he said. “As lifelong baseball fans, this is the best part of the job, and we look forward to continuing to be a part of this process at the Single-A level while also getting introduced to the major league side of baseball ownership.” The Fort Myers’ franchise has seen 290 players go on to appear in an MLB game. That group has been named to 97 All-Star teams, won 25 World Series rings, 28 Silver Sluggers, 17 Gold Gloves, eight batting titles and two Most Valuable Player Awards. Alums David Ortiz and Joe Mauer are members of the National
Baseball Hall of Fame. The Mighty Mussels pride themselves on being stewards of the community. Starting in 2025, the organization announced the creation of Mussel Up for SWFL, a charitable arm that connects with and makes donations to local nonprofit organizations. “Having a positive impact on our community is a top priority for our organization,” executive vice president Linda McNabb said. The Mighty Mussels offer several ticket promotions. Midway through the 2026 season, they rolled out a $5 general admission ticket to make the game-day experience more accessible to all of Southwest Florida. Visit mlb.com/milb/fort-myers.
SPORTS IN SWFL Sports events have found their place in paradise at Naples complex The Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples is a 180-acre sports tourism engine that continues to expand its offerings. Collier County owns the facility, but its operations are run by Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), based out of Clearwater. Currently, the complex features eight multiuse fields for soccer, lacrosse and football and a stadium as well as six sand volleyball courts. It also includes unique amenities such as The Great Lawn Amphitheater for community events, an outdoor fitness facility called The Factory, and The Cove Outdoor Bar. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the Paradise Coast Sports Complex generated a significant economic impact of $47 million for the region. The facility not only attracts large-scale tournaments but also serves the local community, balancing affordable access for local sports organizations with its role as a nationwide tournament destination. The major sporting events and tournaments that are
expected at the complex in the upcoming year include: • Paradise Cup Soccer in October (50 teams) • Alliance Soccer Cup (120 teams), Pinnacle Lacrosse (175 teams) and National Field Hockey (120 teams) - all coming out in November. • December has FBU (Football University) National Championships (80 teams), Elite Club National League (ECNL) Soccer (150 teams) and Golden Cup Soccer Showcase (250 participants). • January continues with XPO Lacrosse (145 participants), One Cup Soccer (53 teams), True Lacrosse (75 teams), NXT The Circuit Lacrosse (36 teams). • February has one of the largest soccer tournaments in the country with the Weston Cup (350 teams), followed by the Beach Bowl Lacrosse Tournament (70 teams). • March is special as we have Trilogy Lacrosse for four consecutive weeks, which brings in 42 high school and middle school teams from across the country to train during their spring break.
SPORTS IN SWFL SWFL women’s rugby team builds momentum in inaugural season After an exciting inaugural year, the SWFL Lady Hammerheads Rugby Club is proving that women’s rugby is gaining momentum in Southwest Florida and making an impact. Formed by Nikki Compress to provide opportunities for women to play one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, the Lady Hammerheads spent their first season building more than just a rugby team — they’ve created a community. The club welcomed athletes from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels, with many players stepping onto a rugby pitch for the first time. Through determination, teamwork and training, the team has laid the groundwork for what will be a bright future. Besides qualifying for D3 Regionals this year, the club considers its greatest success to be establishing a culture of inclusion, resilience and camaraderie. Each practice and match has helped develop not only rugby skills but also confidence among its players and lifelong friendships. As the organization continues to grow, community support has become increasingly important and the SWFL Lady Hammerheads couldn’t reach these goals without their sponsors and support, allowing more women to participate regardless of experience or financial circumstances. The Lady Hammerheads will take two teams to the annual Beerfoot Beach Rugby Tournament on Fort Myers
Beach on Aug. 1, hosted by the DiamondHead Beach Resort, where they will compete alongside teams from across Florida and the Americas. Known for its exciting beach rugby format and festival atmosphere, the Beerfoot tournament provides an opportunity for the club to introduce new fans to the sport. For the Hammerheads, the tournament represents more than competition. It is a chance to grow interest in women’s rugby throughout the region. Following the summer tournament, the club will immediately begin preparations for its upcoming fall season. Coaches Lisa O’Donnell, Tatum Walker and Andrea Walker encourage women of all athletic backgrounds — whether experienced rugby players or complete beginners — to join the team and discover a sport built on teamwork, discipline and respect. Practice will begin in the late October, Tuesday and Thursday in Estero. With an enthusiastic roster, dedicated coaches, and growing support from the Southwest Florida community, the Lady Hammerheads are entering their second year with confidence. As they prepare for Beerfoot and the fall season ahead, the club hopes to continue building a program that represents not only competitive rugby but also the strength, determination and spirit of Southwest Florida. Reach out support or play today. Visit ladyhammerheads.com.
• April brings Kick-Off-Soccer (77 teams), CM8 Soccer (75 teams) and the ever popular South Florida Cup (285 teams). • May has a special place in the schedule as we host the FHSAA State Lacrosse Championships (16 teams) followed by USA Lacrosse (32 teams). • June, July, August and September are normally slower months but features FBU (Football University) Top Gun (1,800 participants), 5v5 Soccer (70 teams), COPA Naples (70 teams) and Kick-Off-Soccer Fall Edition (80 teams). Paradise Coast Sports Complex doesn’t just have sporting events though. There are a variety of community events and live music all year long. Fall Fest, Rocktoberfest, Snow Fest, Easter Eggstravaganza and July 4 Weekend are all holiday traditions while every Saturday from October through May features live music performances at The Cove Outdoor Bar. For more information, visit PlayParadiseCoast.com
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
AUGUST 2026
Florida Council of 100 opens applications for ambition accelerated, statewide platform
The Florida Council of 100 and its Foundation announced applications are open for the 2026 accelerator program within Ambition Accelerated, the Council’s statewide platform designed to help build the next generation of American companies. As states compete for founders, investment and innovation, The Florida Council of 100 is advancing a new model for strengthening Florida’s economic competitiveness. The accelerator program gives high-growth founders direct access to executive mentors, enterprise customers, strategic partners, investors and experienced operators who can help accelerate growth. More than 75 CEOs from
some of Florida’s leading companies are engaged to support this year’s program. The 2026 accelerator is organized around four tracks across the Gold Coast, Tampa Bay, and Southwest Florida, focusing on industries where Florida is well positioned to lead: FinTech, DualUse & Defense Technology, HealthTech, and Resilience. These sectors reflect areas where Florida has distinct competitive advantages and the potential to grow nationally significant companies. “The next generation of iconic American companies are being built in Florida,” said George LeMieux, Gunster Board Chair and Chairman of
The Florida Council of 100. “Florida has created an environment where founders can find customers, attract investment, build partnerships, and grow. Florida is where America succeeds.” The 2026 program features an exclusive eightweek hybrid accelerator, with ten companies selected for each track. Participants will receive executive coaching and strategic guidance, connect directly with business leaders and potential customers, participate in a statewide showcase with members of The Florida Council of 100, receive access to eMerge Americas’ invitation-only Miami AI Summit.
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In May 2026, real estate development company Card & Associates completed a Fort Myers Sports Facility Economic Impact Analysis. From that analysis, there are projections of an annual economic impact projected to reach $62.7 million once fully operational. The analysis goes on to say Lee County would bring in $2 million in annual taxes. It added that approximately 10% of its 3.3 million visitors attend sporting events while visiting. Because of the idea to have youth travel-ball events – drawing teams from around the country – the facility is expected to draw visitors from a broad market rather than just locals.
Look for more sports impact stories from Southwest Florida on swfloridabusinesstoday.com
Union Arena; the National Pickleball Center and the Paradise Sports Complex; and two courses at Tiburon Golf Club—and more. Construction and improvements on those facilities not only ensured spring training baseball staying here for decades but led to the rise of the Everblades, Southwest Florida’s premier AA level hockey team, as well as college athletics at FGCU and FSW. It also led to nationally known and televised tournaments being played in Southwest Florida. Lee County In Lee County alone, the economic impact from direct-visitor spending is $76.9 million as Lee County Sports Development, as Executive Director Jeff Mielke states in his guest column in this edition. That doesn’t include what the Twins, Red Sox, Everblades and FGCU bring to the table. In 2018, Florida’s Grapefruit League – which includes all 15 teams who hold spring training here – and the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, did economic impact studies. Lee County officials revealed this county’s spring training visitors spend nearly $69 million on the Twins and Red Sox. The Red Sox old spring training stadium – City of Palms Park – is being demolished, leaving 30 acres available in Midtown.
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Charlotte County In Charlotte County, sports activities have made a $64 million economic impact, according to Sean Walter, Business Development Director with the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach (The Charlotte Harbor Gulf Coast) tourism organization. Through 77 tournaments and events hosted, the county has garnered a $53 million economic impact. In addition, another $11 million in economic impact comes from the Tampa Bay Rays playing 14 games at Charlotte Sports Park. Collier County While Collier County officials had a dalliance with the Chicago Cubs in 2010, that move didn’t come to fruition but their interest in sports continued to grow.
Youth sports and pickleball have been where Collier County has largely focused over the past decade, resulting in the development of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex that opened in 2020 (also featured in this edition). According to numerous Naples websites, Tourism Director Jay Tusa, who heads the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Paradise Coast Sports Complex in East Naples brought in $59 million from 33 events in 2024-’25. In addition, the Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships drew more than 55,000 fans at the National Pickleball Center and brought in more than $14 million, according to dink.usa.com, a premier pickleball media and events company. Now, Collier County officials are doubling down. making a $225-million investment in professional pickleball and is focused on making its National Pickleball Center and the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships major contributors to the sport’s rapid national growth. Clearly, from all that we are currently experiencing in our region, and also seeing on the horizon as opportunities for further sports development--sports of all kinds and at all levels will continue to impact and shape Southwest Florida’s economy as we move through the 21st century.
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to 10 fields total, two with artificial turf and eight grass fields, as well as walking trails and an amphitheater. We really want to bring in some sports tourism to the community to really focus on driving economic development.” Sports tourism represents one of the city’s largest economic opportunities. New facilities, including Festival Park, The Courts at Cape Coral, BMX venues, baseball complexes and expanded athletic fields, position the city to host regional and national tournaments. Events such as professional and collegiate pickleball championships, BMX competitions and youth baseball tournaments generate thousands of visitor days. Athletes, families, coaches and spectators spend money on lodging, dining, shopping, fuel, and entertainment, creating a multiplier effect throughout the local economy. “The Courts. This is one of the most amazing projects I’ve ever worked on, developing The Courts At Cape Coral. We have 32 pickleball courts and 12 tennis courts. We hosted two PPA tournaments, driving economic development into the Cape,” he added. “We’ve had thousands of out-oftown visitors with significant economic impact on the community and we’ve received outstanding feedback from the players, and locked in another tournament for 2027.” He continued, “One of the most amazing things that has happened is that I’m flying up to the U.S. Tennis Association to receive an Outstanding Facility Award. So we’re extremely excited about that event.” When asked about the impact that the property tax referendum could have on future plans for Cape Coral Parks &
Recreation facilities if it passes, Petrella responded, “Yes, we’re concerned about that, obviously. But we’re exploring the opportunity with the state to create a special park district. You can do an assessment to build and maintain parks, so we’re exploring that right now. We haven’t been given direction to move forward at this point, but we’re looking at our options.” Large-scale capital projects, including the Yacht Club redevelopment and continued expansion of park facilities, also create construction employment and generate ongoing economic activity. As these projects are completed, they provide lasting public assets that continue attracting visitors and investment for years. Recreation investments also strengthen Cape Coral’s long-term competitiveness. Improvements to Coral Oaks Golf Course, Yellow Fever Creek Preserve, neighborhood parks and inclusive playgrounds improve quality of life for residents while making the city more attractive to businesses, skilled workers and future homeowners. Attractive recreational amenities are increasingly viewed as essential community assets that influence business relocation and workforce recruitment decisions. Overall, Cape Coral’s Parks & Recreation Department is demonstrating that parks are far more than recreational spaces. They function as economic engines that stimulate tourism, support local businesses, increase community value, and improve the city’s long-term prosperity, by attracting state, regional and national events. Continued investment in recreation infrastructure is expected to strengthen Cape Coral’s position as one of Southwest Florida’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation and sports tourism.
AUGUST 2026
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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SPORTS IN SWFL
How sports teams strengthen Southwest Florida’s economy and community
Professional sports organizations can be powerful engines for tourism, business growth, civic pride and long-term regional prosperity. When people think about sports teams, they often think first about competition, entertainment, and loyal fans. But in a growing region like Southwest Florida, sports teams can play a much larger role. They can attract visitors, support local businesses, create meaningful partnerships, and help shape the identity of a community. Across Collier and Lee counties, sports properties contribute to the region in different ways. Some draw large crowds and broad media attention creating measurable value through tourism, Regardless of size, the most successful teams become part of the local economic and civic ecosystem. As the owner and founder of the Suncoast Pelicans (suncoastpelicans.com), a professional pickleball team that is part of the Champions Series Tour (championseriespickleball) and affiliated with MLP as the “MLP Champion Series,” I see this opportunity every day. The Suncoast Pelicans are more than a competitive organization. We are a community asset, a business partner, and a platform for regional growth through collaboration and partnerships.
Understanding the local sports landscape In Southwest Florida, the sports landscape can be viewed in tiers. At the most visible level are highly followed and well-attended sports properties, including the Florida Everblades, MLB Spring Training, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Another tier includes emerging spectator sports such as Naples FC Soccer. Naples FC adds a growing and visible local sports experience with strong community interaction. The club generates excitement, entertainment and hometown pride. What is often overlooked is the economic engine
behind less prominent but highly impactful professional sports teams and events. Pickleball is a strong example. The sport’s rapid growth has created new opportunities for tourism, sponsorship, wellness, recreation and community engagement— whether through a professional team like the Suncoast Pelicans or major community asset such as the National Pickleball Center BY ROBERT that brings the US Open PickleSTROMMEN ball Championships to Collier Guest Columnist County, pickleball is a quiet, yet impactful sports engine.
The business case for sports tourism We understand the positioning of a professional sports tourism impact on tourism who spend money across multiple sectors. However the impact of a team like the pickleball and Suncoast Pelicans extends beyond the traditional “fill the hotel rooms” model. The deeper opportunity is connection: linking local businesses, nonprofits, schools, civic organizations, residents and visitors around a shared platform and values of community. As a progressive and deeply committed organization, the Suncoast Pelicans work to create those connections in practical, visible and mutually beneficial ways. The goal is not simply to build a fan base, something difficult until a permanent facility is established, but instead to build a network of relationships that creates opportunities none of us could achieve alone. A platform for partnership As a professional team organization, we support youth programs that build confidence and charac-
ter. We support local charities that strengthen families. We partner with businesses to create visibility, engagement, and shared success. We are committed to being a community asset—one that adds value to the broader community fabric by collaborating with like-minded businesses and organizations. Sports teams also help shape how a region defines itself. They give communities a shared identity, a source of pride, and a story to tell residents, visitors, investors, and future partners. For Southwest Florida, that story is one of energy, wellness, entrepreneurship and collaboration. The Pelicans understand that when the community thrives, the team thrives—and when a team thrives, the community benefits. That is why we invest in partnerships that lift everyone: • Partnerships that bring customers to local businesses • Partnerships that support education and youth development • Partnerships that enhance quality of life, health, wellness, and graceful longevity • Partnerships that strengthen the Suncoast Pelicans brand while elevating the region’s brand This is the kind of collaboration that builds long-term prosperity. It is also the kind of partnership model business leaders should recognize, support and help expand. In the end, most sports teams should be measured by the value they create. When we are aligned in our efforts, values, commitment to community, we share our strengths and invest in one another, we do more than grow—we thrive. Robert Strommen combines his finance background with his athletic and coaching experience. In 2023, he founded the first team, Suncoast Pelicans, for Champions Series Pickleball (CSP), a league of 16 teams nationwide. Contact him at (952)255-9782 or rstrommen@suncoastpelicans.com .
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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