Category: SWFL Update

A significant land-use transformation is moving forward in East Naples. Following a 2.5-hour public hearing, the Collier County Planning Commission—acting concurrently as the Environmental Advisory Committee—voted 5–1 to recommend approval for rezoning approximately 169 acres at 341 Sabal Palm Road to accommodate an ultra-exclusive, Audubon International Gold-certified private golf club.

The proposed project by developer Jon Rubinton of SWJR Naples I LLC replaces an earlier, heavily contested plan to build 423 residential homes (including 85 workforce units) on the former South Naples Citrus Grove property.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we closely follow zoning, environmental policy, and master-planned developments across Southwest Florida. Land-use decisions along the Collier Boulevard corridor shape neighborhood dynamics, impact natural flow ways, and directly influence luxury real estate demand across the greater Naples market.

Project Blueprint: What Is Planned at 341 Sabal Palm Road

Located roughly 1.4 miles east of Collier Boulevard near Picayune Strand State Forest and master-planned communities like VeronaWalk and Tamarindo, the vision centers on an elite, low-density golf sanctuary modeled after world-renowned retreats like Calusa Pines Golf Club and Old Collier Golf Club.

                  SABAL PALM ROAD GOLF CLUB AT-A-GLANCE
  
  [ TOTAL ACREAGE ]    ──► Roughly 169 acres (Former South Naples Citrus Grove)
  [ GOLF AMENITIES ]   ──► 18-hole championship course, driving range & practice greens
  [ MEMBER CABANAS ]   ──► 10 guest cabanas (up to 4 bedrooms; max 30-day transient stays)
  [ OPEN SPACE ]       ──► ~70% dedicated open space with nature trails & boardwalks
  [ MEMBERSHIP CAP ]   ──► Capped at 250–300 members (generating ~60 daily vehicle trips)
  [ CERTIFICATION ]    ──► Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary standards

The facility plans to operate seasonally, closing for five months during late spring and summer for intensive course maintenance and environmental resting.

The Zoning Debate: Rural Fringe “Sending Lands” vs. Low-Intensity Use

The 169-acre parcel currently holds an agricultural designation within the county’s Rural Fringe Mixed-Use District (RFMUD), established 26 years ago following a 1999 state mandate to curb urban sprawl. Under its current “sending area” classification, residential density is strictly limited to one home per 40 acres (permitting just four homes total).

                 LAND-USE ALTERNATIVES COMPARED
  
  [ LIVE LOCAL ACT ]   ──► Up to 1,800 multi-family units (6 to 8 stories high)
  [ RESIDENTIAL PLAN ] ──► 423 single-family homes & townhouses (Previously opposed)
  [ PROPOSED GOLF ]    ──► 18 holes, 10 member cabanas, 70% green open space
  [ CURRENT ZONING ]   ──► Agricultural / RFMUD Sending Area (1 dwelling per 40 acres)

Planning Commission Chair Joe Schmitt advocated for the golf course as a balanced, lower-intensity outcome for the county. Schmitt emphasized that without a viable compromise, the property owners could legally challenge the 26-year-old sending designation or pursue higher-density development under Florida’s Live Local Act, which could potentially allow up to 1,800 units in mid-rise buildings.

Commission Secretary Paul Shea cast the lone dissenting vote, maintaining that altering RFMUD sending-area designations requires clear and overwhelming public benefit that respects the original growth management framework.

Landowner Perspective & Environmental Perspectives

The property has operated as South Naples Citrus Grove since 1979. However, the devastating, statewide spread of citrus greening rendered the grove commercially non-viable, prompting the retirement-age owners—the Smits family and Henry Jacobs—to seek a sale.

Jacobs pointed out that a private golf club with 250–300 members generates approximately 60 vehicle trips daily, substantially less than the 152 daily trips historically produced by the grove’s retail produce stand.

During public testimony, neighbors and environmental advocates voiced significant concerns:

• Audubon Western Everglades & Conservation Groups: Brad Cornell urged commissioners to preserve the sending lands, emphasizing the site’s proximity to Picayune Strand, Florida panther corridors, wildfire risks, and the need for regional hydrological flow restoration.

• Neighboring Agriculture: Nearby residents, including flower and bee farmers on Sabal Palm Road, voiced concerns regarding overdevelopment, runoff, and preserving local rural tranquility.

• Developer Safeguards: Land-use counsel Rich Yovanovich noted that Gold-certified Audubon courses adhere to rigorous restrictions on turf fertilizers and pesticides while providing expansive wildlife foraging corridors.

Next Steps: Board of County Commissioners Hearing

With the Planning Commission’s favorable 5–1 recommendation in hand, the petition now advances to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners on September 22, 2026.

If approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the Growth Management Plan amendment will be transmitted to the Florida Department of Commerce for formal state agency review.

The Naples beach outfall project bonds were officially approved by the Naples City Council in a unanimous vote authorizing $29 million in revenue bonds to finance the ongoing capital improvements for the city’s historic $86.2 million beach outfall system. The funding package consisting of $27 million in project construction costs and $2 million in closing fees ensures the municipal Stormwater Fund maintains essential liquidity while modernizing flood control infrastructure along Florida’s Gulf shoreline.

Rather than drawing from general ad valorem property taxes, the Naples beach outfall project bonds will be repaid to underwriters and investors entirely through customer utility revenues. Finance Director Stefan Massol confirmed to council members that this debt issuance represents a planned financing milestone designed to maintain continuous liquidity throughout construction.

Environmental Scope and the Naples Beach Outfall Project Bonds

The capital generated through the Naples beach outfall project bonds supports the single largest municipal infrastructure project in Naples history. The city receives an average annual rainfall of 56 inches equating to roughly 14 billion gallons concentrated primarily during summer months, frequently causing street flooding along Gulf Shore Boulevard.

Key environmental and infrastructural components of the project include:

• Removal of Beachfront Drainage Pipes: Eliminating unsightly surface runoff pipes directly from public beaches, satisfying long-standing clean water mandates issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

• Offshore Stormwater Discharge: Constructing advanced pumping systems that route filtered stormwater 1,500 feet into the Gulf through 3,200 linear feet of 36-inch HDPE offshore pipes.

• Comprehensive Neighborhood Drainage: Installing 9,600 linear feet of stormwater pipes, 6,100 linear feet of water mains, and 113 inlet and manhole structures.

• Subterranean Pumping Stations: Placing heavy pump equipment and generators underground to preserve panoramic coastal views.

Construction Milestones and Accelerated Project Timeline

Work on the initiative began with design and engineering phases in 2022. In June 2024, council awarded the primary $86.2 million construction contract to Broward County-based Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., which verified the engineering plans prepared by Milwaukee-based design consultant Graef USA.

Field crews have achieved major construction milestones ahead of schedule:

• South Pump Station (Third Avenue North): Currently 95% complete.

• North Pump Station (Eighth Avenue North): Reaching 75% completion.

• Water Main & Drainage Corridors: Infrastructure work between Fourth Avenue North and First Avenue North is substantially finished, with remaining road resurfacing from First Avenue North to Second Avenue South slated for completion by year’s end.

• Target Completion: While the contractual deadline is June 4, 2027, Kiewit project managers estimate substantial completion by May 2027 or earlier.

Regional Tourism Investment and Economic Resiliency

The project’s financing structure also incorporates a $10 million grant from the Collier County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) fund, reflecting the vital economic value clean beaches provide to regional hospitality.

To explore how other coastal protection initiatives and local developments are progressing across the region, review our report on the new Collier County artificial reef project or examine county aviation upgrades in our analysis of the Collier County airport private partnerships. Furthermore, to see how broader economic trends are impacting local development, check out the Florida Chamber 2026 economic report.

For official meeting minutes and project updates, residents can visit the City of Naples Official Government Portal.

Florida’s appeal as the nation’s premier destination for relocation remains strong. Fresh state data reveals that inbound migration accelerated during the first six months of 2026, with more than 200,000 people transferring out-of-state driver’s licenses to Florida—marking the highest first-half total recorded since 2023.

Shared by Florida Realtors® via state driver’s license records, these figures highlight sustained relocation momentum driven by zero state income tax, pro-business economic climate, year-round sunshine, and exceptional quality of life.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we observe this influx directly across Southwest Florida. Demand for premier coastal properties in Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers, and across Lee County continues to draw steady interest from out-of-state buyers seeking primary residences, luxury second homes, and retirement retreats.

“It is not as comprehensive as let’s say what the Census Bureau might put out, but the reason why we use this is because it’s in near real-time.”

— Dr. Brad O’Connor, Chief Economist at Florida Realtors®

Top Origin States Fueling Florida Relocations

New York once again claimed the top spot for sending the greatest number of new residents to the Sunshine State, contributing 23,436 license transfers in the first half of the year alone.

                    TOP 5 STATES FEEDING FLORIDA'S GROWTH
  
  [ #1 NEW YORK ]     ──► 23,436 Driver License Transfers
  [ #2 GEORGIA ]      ──► Leading regional Southeast migration
  [ #3 NEW JERSEY ]   ──► High-tax Northeast corridor relocation
  [ #4 CALIFORNIA ]   ──► West Coast lifestyle & tax-advantaged buyers
  [ #5 TEXAS ]        ──► Inter-Sunbelt corporate & residential moves

High-tax Northeastern states alongside major economic hubs in the Southeast and West Coast continue to represent the largest shares of new Florida residents.

County Destinations: Lee County Tops 10,000 New Arrivals

While metropolitan South Florida drew major volumes—with Miami-Dade (13,206) and Palm Beach County (12,794) leading statewide totals—Southwest Florida demonstrated strong drawing power.

Lee County joined an elite group of only six Florida counties to surpass 10,000 new license transfers in the first half of 2026, alongside Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Orange, and Broward counties.

Historical Perspective: Steady Growth Above Pre-Pandemic Baselines

While current relocation numbers sit below the unprecedented peaks of the pandemic era—when first-half transfers reached 215,412 in 2021 and 243,421 in 2022—the 2026 pace has rebounded ahead of 2024 and 2025 levels and remains well above pre-pandemic benchmarks.

                FIRST-HALF (H1) MIGRATION BENCHMARKS OVER TIME
  
  [ 2019 (PRE-PANDEMIC) ] ──► 173,047 Transfers
  [ 2021 (SURGE PEAK) ]   ──► 215,412 Transfers
  [ 2022 (RECORD HIGH) ]  ──► 243,421 Transfers
  [ 2026 (REBOUND RATE) ] ──► 200,000+ Transfers (Highest H1 since 2023)

Although driver’s license exchanges do not capture non-drivers or international buyers, they provide a reliable, real-time indicator of permanent domestic household moves. For property owners and prospective buyers across Southwest Florida, these sustained migration patterns underscore enduring economic health and long-term real estate stability.

The celebrated Sizzle Dining Southwest Florida restaurants event is marking its 10th anniversary milestone by expanding into a full month-long culinary celebration running from September 1 to September 30, 2026. Featuring a record 140 participating dining establishments across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties, the premier regional promotion invites residents and visitors to explore premier culinary venues along the Gulf coast with specially discounted multicourse menus.

By extending the promotion across all 30 days of September, event organizers aim to surpass 100,000 total meals sold, breaking the previous record of 87,483 meals set by 127 participating locations in 2025. With fixed-price pricing tiers offering average savings of 25% to 30%, food lovers have an accessible pathway to sample everything from waterfront seafood spots and downtown bistros to high-end steakhouses.

Dining with Purpose: Benefiting Blessings in a Backpack

Beyond celebrating culinary creativity, the Sizzle Dining Southwest Florida restaurants initiative operates with a vital charitable mission anchored by the hashtag #DineWithPurpose. For every promotional meal purchased throughout the entire month of September, participating restaurants directly donate $1 to Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida.

This local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to eradicating childhood food insecurity by providing nutritious, kid-friendly meals to elementary school students over the weekend throughout the school year. The funds generated during the 2026 campaign will provide thousands of weekend meal packages for children who might otherwise go hungry when school nutrition programs are unavailable on Saturdays and Sundays.

Curated Menus and Accessible Price Tiers

Throughout September, diners can enjoy multi-course fixed-price dining options spanning every meal of the day:

• Two-Course Breakfast & Lunch Menus: Specially designed midday selections offered at accessible introductory price points.

• Three-Course Prix-Fixe Dinners: Complete three-course dining experiences ranging from $19 to $69, allowing guests to enjoy appetizers, signature entrées, and artisan desserts at renowned dining rooms across Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, and Marco Island.

• Direct Table Bookings: Guests simply browse the full directory of participating venues, examine menu offerings, and reserve tables directly with individual restaurants.

Driving a $20 Million Economic Boost for Local Hospitality

September is traditionally one of the slowest business months of the calendar year for the hospitality and service sector in Southwest Florida. By incentivizing dining out during the late-summer shoulder season, organizers estimate that the Sizzle Dining Southwest Florida restaurants campaign injects approximately $20 million in total economic impact into the regional dining ecosystem.

The economic ripple effect reaches far beyond restaurant owners—it directly supports servers, kitchen staff, delivery drivers, local fisheries, and agricultural food purveyors.

Sizzle Dining 10th Anniversary Overview

For the complete list of participating establishments, interactive digital menus, and reservation details, visit the Official Sizzle Dining Portal.

The development of Collier County airport private partnerships is moving forward after county commissioners convening as the Collier County Airport Authority voted to establish a formal solicitation process to engage private-sector developers and investors. Spearheaded by Commission Vice Chairman William McDaniel, the initiative explores whether public-private collaborations can deliver critical infrastructure upgrades, operational efficiencies, and capital improvements more effectively than traditional government-funded models across regional aviation hubs near the Gulf coast.

Rather than relying entirely on municipal bonding and taxpayer revenues, the authority aims to attract specialized aviation developers to finance, build, and operate commercial and flight-support facilities. The initial scope focuses specifically on two publicly owned airfields: Immokalee Regional Airport and Everglades Airpark.

Tailored Plans for Immokalee Regional Airport and Everglades Airpark

The two targeted facilities present very different operational profiles, prompting county planners to seek flexible, innovative proposals from interested development groups:

• Immokalee Regional Airport: Positioned as an inland aviation and logistics hub, the primary development focus centers on a 30-acre master-planned site situated near the intersection of the main runways. This acreage is designated for a new passenger terminal, Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facilities, jet storage hangars, apron expansions, and surrounding utility infrastructure. The county previously closed the adjacent Immokalee Regional Raceway to dedicate more contiguous land for general aviation growth.

• Everglades Airpark: Serving as a coastal gateway to the Everglades, this facility has faced recurring financial hurdles, including a chronic annual operating deficit of approximately $150,000, lower flight volumes, and high maintenance expenses from tropical storm exposure. The solicitation seeks private partners capable of financing, constructing, and managing a new terminal or FBO facility while maintaining the airfield’s public-serving mission and character.

Framework for Collier County Airport Private Partnerships

The policy framework governing Collier County airport private partnerships ensures that any proposed commercial collaboration protects existing public agreements and safety standards.

Key parameters established by the authority include:

1. Grant and Lease Compliance: All outside proposals must respect existing ground leases, tenant agreements, and federal grant obligations enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

2. Flexible Submission Options: Responding companies may submit integrated proposals covering both airfields, independent concepts for a single facility, or alternative development frameworks.

3. Commission Review and Veto Power: Submissions must undergo rigorous review by aviation staff and pass public hearings before the Board of County Commissioners. The Airport Authority retains complete discretion to accept, negotiate, or reject any proposal in favor of standard public delivery.

Commission Debate and Strategic Scope

The concept was inspired after the county received an unsolicited letter of intent from Four Springs TEN31 Xchange LLC to acquire 13 acres of airport land to build 43,000 square feet of aviation facilities. McDaniel argued that creating an open, structured solicitation protocol ensures transparency and allows the county to evaluate competitive ideas across the broader market.

Commissioners engaged in active debate before approving the concept. Commissioner Burt Saunders expressed caution regarding public asset privatization, advocating for workshops to analyze each airfield’s potential before soliciting proposals. Conversely, Commissioner Chris Hall supported broadening input, emphasizing that private expertise could enhance operational efficiency without surrendering public ownership.

Notably, Marco Island Executive Airport was excluded from the private solicitation scope. Commission Chair Rick LoCastro pulled the facility from the proposal, pointing out that Marco Island operates profitably on its own, generating an estimated annual economic impact exceeding $258 million for the regional economy.

Supporting Regional Infrastructure Expansion

Modernizing general aviation infrastructure complements broader economic diversification efforts across Southwest Florida. Upgrading runway capacity and jet hangar space supports business travel, logistics supply chains, and ecotourism throughout eastern Collier County.

Aviation Initiative Snapshot

For official Airport Authority agendas, master planning documents, or commission meeting records, visit the Official Collier County Airport Authority Portal.

The Naples Airport is officially powering up its commitment to environmental stewardship. As of late July 2026, the Naples Airport Authority has successfully commissioned a new solar energy array, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s long-term “going green” initiative.

Located on the rooftop of a newly constructed warehouse near the North Road Terminal and Fuel Farm, the project transforms underutilized roof space into a clean energy powerhouse for the facility.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we view infrastructure modernization as a key driver of community value. Seeing local institutions like the Naples Airport prioritize energy efficiency not only lowers operational costs but also aligns with the high environmental standards that keep Southwest Florida a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.

“The solar initiative is a tangible step forward in our long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency,” said Chris Rozansky, Executive Director of the Naples Airport Authority.

Project Specs: Efficiency & ROI

The installation was designed and executed by Miami-based PayOli Solar, with the supporting warehouse infrastructure built by local firm Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.

The system is built to provide significant localized power, balancing the airport’s heavy energy load with sustainable generation:

• System Scale: 270 high-efficiency solar panels.

• Daily Output: Approx. 100 kilowatts (AC-generating capacity) per day.

• Total Investment: $249,665.

• Financial Outlook: The project maintains a projected payback period of just 5.7 years, achieved through a strategic combination of direct energy savings and federal/state government rebates.

Building a Greener Campus: Beyond the Panels

This solar array is just one piece of a comprehensive sustainability strategy aimed at reducing the airport’s carbon footprint and protecting the local watershed. Other active initiatives include:

                    AIRPORT SUSTAINABILITY ROADMAP
  
  [ FLEET ELECTRIFICATION ] ──► Transitioning ground service vehicles to electric power.
  [ ALTERNATIVE FUELS ]     ──► Integration of cleaner-burning aviation fuel options.
  [ WATER FILTRATION ]      ──► Advanced systems removing runoff impurities before
                                entering Naples Bay and the Gordon River.

By integrating renewable energy with rigorous water management, the Naples Airport is setting a regional benchmark for how modern aviation hubs can coexist responsibly with delicate coastal ecosystems.

Travelers across the Gulf coast region have more options than ever this year, as five major carriers officially unveil an aggressive schedule of new flights from Southwest Florida airports. Both Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) are expanding their domestic and international reach, providing residents with seamless access to key hubs in North Carolina, the Northeast, and the Caribbean.

From seasonal returns to brand-new nonstop routes launching between October 2026 and early 2027, these additions cater to both vacationers and business travelers. Below is a breakdown of the latest service expansions announced by Delta, Southwest, Avelo, Breeze, and Allegiant.

Delta Air Lines: New Nonstop Service to North Carolina

Delta Air Lines is strengthening its regional network with a new nonstop connection between Fort Myers and the Research Triangle.

• Route: RSW to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).

• Service Date: Daily flights begin November 21, 2026.

• Additional Context: Delta is also bolstering its Florida footprint with increased frequency between Boston and both Orlando and Miami, starting December 19.

Southwest Airlines: New Routes and Seasonal Returns

Southwest Airlines is significantly increasing its presence at RSW, announcing three new additions and the return of six seasonal routes for the winter travel period.

New RSW Destinations

• Portland, Maine (PWM): Begins January 2027.

• Omaha, Nebraska (OMA): Seasonal service begins March 13, 2027.

• [Third route pending final scheduling]: Begins January 2027.

Returning Seasonal Favorites

Southwest is resuming service from RSW to six popular cities: Albany (ALB), Grand Rapids (GRR), Hartford (BDL), Louisville (SDF), Providence (PVD), and Rochester (ROC).

Avelo Airlines: Expanding to the Carolinas and Puerto Rico

Avelo Airlines is introducing four new nonstop routes across Florida, including one major expansion out of Fort Myers.

• New Fort Myers Route: Nonstop service to Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA), located 13 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. Service begins November 19, operating Thursdays and Sundays.

• Statewide Additions: Avelo is also launching flights from Orlando and Tampa to Concord, and a new route from Lakeland (LAL) to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (BQN), starting November 18.

Breeze Airways: Growth at the Fort Myers Hub

Since establishing a dedicated crew base at RSW in 2024, Breeze Airways continues to capture market share with three additional routes:

• Dayton, Ohio (DAY): Nonstop Mondays/Fridays, starting October 23.

• Madison, Wisconsin (MSN): Seasonal nonstop Wednesdays/Saturdays, starting October 21.

• Trenton, New Jersey (TTN): Nonstop Mondays/Fridays, starting January 8, 2027.

Allegiant Air: Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) Updates

Allegiant Air has finalized a robust schedule for the second half of 2026, featuring one brand-new route and six seasonal returns at Punta Gorda Airport.

Broader Florida Aviation Trends

Beyond the specific RSW and PGD announcements, other major carriers are adjusting their Florida strategy:

• American Airlines: Increasing daily service from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago (ORD) and Philadelphia (PHL).

• Frontier Airlines: Adding daily service between Detroit and both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

• JetBlue: Dramatically expanding operations at Fort Lauderdale with new flights to 18 additional cities.

Airline Booking & Information Portal

Traveler Tip: Most new routes are already loaded into airline reservation systems. Visit individual carrier websites to compare fare classes and seasonal availability.

• Avelo: AveloAir.com

• Breeze: FlyBreeze.com

• Allegiant: AllegiantAir.com

Given the rapid expansion of flight options at RSW and PGD, do you believe these new nonstop routes will effectively reduce travel times and costs for Southwest Florida residents connecting to the Northeast and Midwest?

The new Collaboratory AI workshop series Fort Myers initiative is officially kicking off with a free public workshop on Friday, August 14, 2026, delivering practical artificial intelligence training to business owners and professionals across Southwest Florida. Taking place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Collaboratory’s headquarters (2031 Jackson St. in downtown Fort Myers), the inaugural session focuses on teaching companies how to deploy artificial intelligence tools safely while protecting proprietary business data and client privacy.

As generative AI and automated data systems become baseline tools for commercial operations along the Gulf coast, small businesses face growing challenges regarding cyber risk, intellectual property governance, and network security. This workshop series is designed to eliminate guesswork, offering actionable steps for integrating AI models into daily business workflows without exposing sensitive internal assets.

Expert Guidance for the Collaboratory AI Workshop Series Fort Myers Launch

The August 14 kickoff brings together regional technology leaders and business consultants to provide high-level, practical guidance. Hosted as part of the AI Fridays curriculum, the session features keynote presentations and interactive discussions led by industry experts:

• Heidi Cramer (Florida SBDC at FGCU): Representing the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University, Cramer will address strategic adoption frameworks, cost-effective software selection, and practical ways small teams can leverage AI to improve administrative efficiency.

• Bruce Kelly (Vivitec): Technology and cybersecurity expert Bruce Kelly will focus on data privacy, secure network architecture, and methods for running local AI instances within private business firewalls to prevent data leaks.

Key learning outcomes for participants at the inaugural workshop include:

1. Data Protection & Privacy Protocols: How to ensure employee input and customer data are not used to train public third-party AI models.

2. Private Network Integration: Configuring safe internal environments for team collaboration and automated document processing.

3. Responsible AI Policy Creation: Establishing workplace guidelines for clear content creation, workflow automation, and ethical technology usage.

Driven by the SWFL HI AI Innovation Hub

This workshop series represents a flagship educational program produced by the SWFL HI AI Innovation Hub, a regional alliance established to foster responsible artificial intelligence adoption, tech sector investment, and workforce development across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.

By bringing together academic resources from FGCU, technical expertise from private IT firms, and civic space from Collaboratory, the initiative ensures that Southwest Florida’s small business community remains competitive alongside national industry peers.

Connecting Technology Adoption to Regional Business Growth

The launch of the Collaboratory AI workshop series Fort Myers reflects a broader technological and economic evolution taking place across Southwest Florida. From commercial aviation and real estate to municipal planning and construction, private firms across the region are increasingly turning to advanced software to streamline operations.

To see how AI technology is already transforming major regional infrastructure projects, review our feature story on how AI is building the $1.2B RSW terminal expansion. Furthermore, to explore other local business resources and municipal development initiatives, check out our recent coverage of the Cape Coral home services business roundtable or read about fiscal performance trends in the Fort Myers fiscal year financial report.

Workshop Event & Registration Details

For online registration links, event schedules, or venue details, business leaders can consult resources hosted on the Official Collaboratory Portal.

The Southwest Florida housing market FGCU report published on August 3 by Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) details an ongoing recalibration across the coastal real estate ecosystem. Following the historic post-pandemic surge that peaked in 2022, regional housing activity is stabilizing into a more balanced, disciplined environment.

According to RERI economists, the cooling trajectory is expected to persist in the near term. Rather than signaling market weakness, researchers attribute this shift to a dual contraction in new residential listings and fresh construction starts, allowing the region to absorb standing inventory while navigating broader macroeconomic pressures near the Gulf coast.

Supply Tightens as Listings and Permit Volumes Pull Back

A primary indicator highlighted in the Southwest Florida housing market FGCU report is a marked decline in housing supply metrics. Residential active listings dropped 14.4% in the second quarter of 2026 and logged a 20% year-over-year decline in June, marking the fifth consecutive month of inventory contractions across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.

Simultaneously, homebuilders have scaled back ground-up development in response to elevated labor costs, insurance shifts, and borrowing rates. Single-family building permits dropped 20.3% through the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, totaling 6,877 approved permits.

The inventory and permit trends present a clear, scannable look at the region’s supply metrics:

• Residential Active Listings (June 2026): Down 20% year-over-year (5th straight monthly decline).

• Residential Active Listings (Q2 2026): Contracted 14.4% across coastal counties.

• Single-Family Building Permits (H1 2026): Totaled 6,877 permits, down 20.3% compared to H1 2025.

• Market Impact: Reduced new construction prevents inventory oversupply, supporting long-term valuation floors.

Strong Buyer Demand Creates Regional Price Disparities

Despite lower listing volumes, buyer demand across Southwest Florida remains active for correctly priced properties. Single-family home sales reached 2,678 transactions in April, recording the highest monthly sales volume since the 2022 market peak.

However, median single-family home prices reflect significant geographic variation across the three main coastal counties:

Connecting Real Estate Metrics to Regional Economic Trends

The housing rebalancing documented by FGCU aligns with broader economic adjustments occurring throughout the region. While local employment and consumer spending show selective softening, tourism and transit infrastructure continue to demonstrate resilience.

To see how these housing trends interact with other regional sectors, explore our analysis of the Punta Gorda foreclosure rates midyear report or review the latest employment metrics in our coverage of the Florida unemployment rate June 2026 report. Furthermore, to track how buyer demand intersects with local community costs, read our detailed report on how Naples HOA fees influence homebuying decisions.

FGCU Housing Report Fast Facts

Analyst Note: FGCU researchers view the simultaneous drop in building permits and active listings as a stabilizing mechanism that prevents rapid price depreciation across Southwest Florida.

• Reporting Agency: Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) at Florida Gulf Coast University.

• Peak Single-Family Sales: 2,678 closed sales recorded in April (highest since 2022).

• Regional Price Spread: Ranging from $360,000 in Charlotte County to $850,000 in Collier County.

• Primary Supply Driver: 20.3% drop in single-family permits slowing new home construction.

For complete economic indicator dashboards, business survey data, or regional research reports, visit the Official FGCU Regional Economic Research Institute Portal.