Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The City of Fort Myers has approved the sale of the former News-Press building for $11.5 million to Catalyst Community Development, which plans to transform the site into a mixed-use development featuring residences, offices, retail, and a hotel.

On March 3, the City Council voted 6-1 in favor of the sale and the accompanying development agreement, with Council Member Terolyn Watson dissenting. The 9.8-acre property, located at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Fowler Street, includes the old News-Press building and a former fire station. However, the city will retain 2.4 acres for the future construction of a new police headquarters.

Development Plans

Under the agreement, Catalyst must construct:

• 580 residential units
• 50,000 square feet of retail space
• A 24,000-square-foot grocery store
• 150,000 square feet of office space
• A 140- to 160-room hotel
• Two parking garages

The project is a key component of the Midtown redevelopment plan, which aims to revitalize the area south of downtown.

Timeline and Challenges

The buyer has a 180-day due diligence period to inspect the property, followed by 18 months for permitting before construction can begin. However, Catalyst President Joseph Bonora assured the council that work could start sooner, depending on how quickly permits are obtained.

During the due diligence process, Catalyst identified infrastructure challenges, including the need to remove a stormwater line and determine a solution for a rail spur that runs through the property.

Alternative Development Proposal

Aaron Howard, owner of the adjacent former school board building, and developer Jim Zabora, who played a key role in developing Lake Nona in Orange County, requested a 60-day extension to explore a possible collaboration with Catalyst or propose an alternative plan.

Watson supported the delay, arguing that the city should consider all options to secure the best possible deal. However, Bonora stated that finalizing the sale and development order needed to take priority before discussing potential partnerships, as competing proposals could arise.

Yacht Basin Redevelopment Extension

In addition to the Midtown redevelopment, the City Council granted Suntex, the company redeveloping the city’s yacht basin, a one-year extension on its agreement. The new deadline is April 1, 2026, as the company continues to await permits from the Army Corps of Engineers.

On March 5, Governor Ron DeSantis and his cabinet approved $84.9 million in funding to permanently conserve 19,486 acres across seven properties within and adjacent to the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including areas in Charlotte and Lee counties.

State officials emphasized that this investment strengthens the Florida Wildlife Corridor by closing critical gaps while protecting wildlife, water resources, and agricultural lands.

Key Acquisitions and Conservation Areas

• Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor (Collier County): The 2,577-acre acquisition from Tamiami Citrus LLC enhances connectivity between the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area—a vital expansion for wildlife movement and habitat preservation.
• North-Central Charlotte County: A 3,722-acre conservation easement will protect Prairie Creek, a key headwater of the Peace River. This area is adjacent to the Ryals Citrus and Cattle property, which was acquired in 2023.

By securing these lands, Florida continues to prioritize long-term environmental protection, ensuring that critical ecosystems remain intact for future generations while supporting the state’s diverse wildlife.

Shalimar Beach Resort, located at 2823 W. Gulf Drive, has announced that it is now accepting reservations for October 2024 and beyond, making it the first Sanibel Island resort to be completely rebuilt following Hurricane Ian. The newly reconstructed resort also marks the first ground-up resort development on the island in nearly 40 years.

A Milestone in Rebuilding Sanibel

Stevens Construction recently celebrated a major milestone by topping off construction on the 33-room resort, which sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The resort, originally built in 1959, was completely destroyed by Hurricane Ian, and its reconstruction has been a carefully planned effort. The soft opening is scheduled for September 28, coinciding with the third anniversary of the hurricane.

“I’m excited,” said Shalimar owner Sean Niesel. “We’ve got four generations of Niesels who are excited. It’s just a lot of planning and logistics.”

Resort Features and Accommodations

The $15 million project consists of seven buildings totaling 52,000 square feet and will offer:

• 21 hotel rooms
• 10 one-bedroom villas
• 2 two-bedroom villas
• Kitchenettes in all 33 units, equipped with a full-size microwave, refrigerator, and stove

Rates will start at $389 per night in October, with prices increasing throughout the peak tourist season.

Construction Challenges and Resilience

Building directly on the Gulf of Mexico has presented unique challenges. Mark Stevens, president of Stevens Construction, noted the difficulties of working near the water, including unexpected flooding, the need for de-watering, and disruptions caused by three storms during the construction process. The biggest challenge, however, has been logistics, particularly in transporting subcontractors and materials due to heavy traffic on and off the island.

Despite these obstacles, the project remains on track, with 50 to 60 workers on-site daily. The company has also partnered with OSHA to maintain rigorous safety protocols, including both scheduled and random inspections.

Built for the Future

The new Shalimar Beach Resort has been designed with hurricane resiliency in mind. The structure includes 577 concrete pilings for added stability, along with impact-resistant doors and windows, reinforced walls and roofing, and specialized turtle-friendly lighting to meet environmental standards for beachfront properties.

“The way we’re designing these buildings now is far different than they were 40 years ago,” Stevens said. “The whole building is a much harder construction than before.”

Reservations can now be made through Shalimar Beach Resort’s newly relaunched website. For more information and booking details, visit www.shalimarresort.com.

The Bubble Room on Captiva has announced a major milestone in its recovery efforts, officially restoring permanent power on January 29—854 days after Hurricane Ian struck in September 2022. While a specific reopening date has yet to be confirmed, the restaurant expects to welcome guests back sometime between now and April 30.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and enthusiasm for our reopening. Our staff and contractors are working tirelessly to reopen as soon as possible,” Bubble Room officials shared. “Thank you for your continued support.”

In the meantime, visitors can still enjoy a taste of the Bubble Room experience:

• The Bubble Room Emporium, located at 15000 Captiva Drive, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a selection of unique and nostalgic gifts.
• Boop’s by The Bubble Room, located across the street at 15001 Captiva Drive, serves the restaurant’s famous cakes and more daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For updates and more information, visit www.bubbleroomrestaurant.com.

The International Osprey Foundation (TIOF) has reported that many ospreys are returning to the islands after spending the winter in South America or other seasonal locations in Florida. Commonly known as “fish hawks,” these birds play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem.

Following the impact of three hurricanes last summer, many osprey habitats were severely damaged. As the birds rebuild their nests, TIOF’s conservation efforts, including the installation and repair of nesting platforms, have helped provide them with safer spaces to breed and raise their young. Ospreys are known for their skill in carrying both fish and sticks, which they use to reconstruct their nests during the breeding season.

Island residents and visitors are encouraged to support conservation efforts by protecting the ospreys’ natural habitat and ensuring these birds continue to thrive for generations to come.

For more information about TIOF’s initiatives and how to get involved, visit www.Ospreys.com.

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village will present a Twilight Talk, “Storm Stories from Sanibel: Hurricane Ian,” on March 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel.

The event will feature the premiere of a new documentary by Ken Sneeden, underwritten by village donors. This film serves as the second installment in Sneeden’s in-depth series exploring the impact of hurricanes on Sanibel Island.

Sneeden, an award-winning former broadcast journalist and television executive, has extensive experience in storytelling through visual media. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he spent 15 years as a news anchor, reporter, and producer for television stations in Florida and North Carolina before founding Ken Sneeden & Associates in 1991. Since 2016, he has collaborated with the Sanibel Historical Village and the Captiva Island Historical Society to create seven documentaries and other historical videos highlighting the region’s rich past.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: March 18, 7–9 p.m.
• Location: The Community House, Sanibel
• Tickets: $20; limited availability at the door (cash or check only)
• Extras: Complimentary popcorn, cash bar available

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sanibelmuseum.org.

The SanCap Chamber welcomed two Naples-based design studios to Sanibel with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 27. Sharing a building, MHK Architecture and Island Style Gallery and Design are dedicated to enhancing the visual appeal of homes and commercial spaces on the islands.

MHK Architecture, the only architecture firm with an office on Sanibel, is committed to supporting the recovery and redevelopment of Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Beach. “We feel fortunate to be so strongly involved in helping with the recovery of Sanibel and Captiva, as well as Fort Myers Beach,” said Carmella Cioffi, Director of MHK Architecture. The firm has a long-standing presence in Southwest Florida, specializing in both residential and commercial design. Its new Sanibel office is the latest addition to a network of nine branches spanning Florida, the Carolinas, and Colorado. Currently, MHK is collaborating with Community Housing & Resources (CHR) on new development projects while also working on private island homes.

Island Style Gallery and Design, owned by Sharon Gilkey, brings a curated selection of art and home accessories alongside full interior design services. With over 40 years of experience in Florida, Gilkey’s passion for integrating art and interiors inspired the creation of the boutique. “I have always loved the relationship between art and interiors and feel accessories are the frosting on the cake,” she said. “So, it felt right to bring a design boutique to Sanibel that featured art and accessories as a complement to anyone’s existing home.”

The business offers consulting services for homeowners looking to refresh their interiors with carefully selected pieces that bring new energy to a space.

“As our residents and businesses continue to build back from recent hurricanes, MHK and Island Style make the perfect one-stop spot for advice and design services,” said John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber. “Both promise beautiful outcomes for homes and commercial buildings as the islands bounce back better than ever.”

MHK Architecture and Island Style Gallery and Design are located at 2365 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The City of Sanibel Public Works Utility Division, in collaboration with its contractor, will conduct sewer line smoke testing in neighborhoods across the island from Monday, March 3rd, through Friday, March 7th, 2025. This inspection is part of a comprehensive survey of Sanibel’s wastewater collection system and will involve opening manholes on streets and easements for evaluation.

What to Expect During Smoke Testing

A key component of this survey is smoke testing, which helps identify cracks, leaks, or defects in the sewer system. During testing, you may notice smoke emerging from vent stacks on buildings or from openings in the ground.

No need for concern – the smoke used in testing is:
✔ Non-toxic
✔ Harmless
✔ Odorless
✔ Fire-safe
✔ Quickly dissipates

The smoke should not enter buildings unless there is a plumbing defect or dried-out drain traps. To prevent this, we recommend pouring water into infrequently used sinks and floor drains before testing begins.

Will This Affect My Water or Sewer Service?

No, this testing will not disrupt your drinking water or sewer services.

Access to Private Property

Some sewer lines and manholes are located on private property. If an inspection is necessary, crews may require access to outdoor facilities but will not need to enter your home or business.

Why Is This Testing Important?

This preventative maintenance helps identify sources of inflow and infiltration (I&I) in the sanitary sewer system. Excessive water entering the system can cause backups, overflows, and higher operational costs. Identifying and fixing these issues ensures a more efficient and reliable sewer system for the community.

Questions?

For more information, please contact the Public Works Utilities Division at (239) 472-6397.

Stevens Construction is proud to announce the successful completion of renovations and repairs at Sanibel Community Church, which sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ian. The project was completed in multiple phases, ensuring that the church could continue its mission of serving the community throughout the restoration process.

Revitalizing a Community Landmark

The renovation efforts encompassed several key areas of the church campus:

• Family Life Center – Upgraded with new classrooms featuring folding partitions, a fully equipped kitchen, custom casework, and modernized restrooms.
• Fellowship Hall – A new elevated stage was constructed, accentuated by wood trusses in an open web design. The space also received new windows, interior finishes, electrical systems, and air conditioning.
• Sanctuary – Enhancements included a new entryway, lobby, vestibule, conference room, and an updated sound booth.
• Historical Chapel – Renovations featured new pine walls, carpeting, a modernized sound booth, and refinished trim around the existing stained glass.

Additionally, the entire church campus underwent exterior improvements, including new gutters, downspouts, fresh paint, and enhanced landscaping.

Project Team and Design

The Stevens Construction team was led by project managers Mike Alisea and Gio Cardet, along with superintendent Gary Tipton. The architectural design for the project was provided by Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects.

Located at 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Sanibel Community Church now stands fully restored, ready to continue serving its congregation and the broader community for years to come.

For more information about Stevens Construction and our commitment to excellence in commercial, healthcare, and community-focused construction, visit our website.