Category: SWFL Update

Signature Aviation has secured a multimillion-dollar lease for 27 acres at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), but the deal has raised eyebrows in the aviation industry. The lease, approved by Lee County Port Authority commissioners on September 4, involves a parcel of land different from the one originally advertised, sparking concerns among rival firms and legal experts about the fairness of the process.

The lease was awarded to Signature Aviation, the world’s largest Fixed-Based Operator (FBO) with over 200 locations, owned by major firms like Cascade Investments and The Blackstone Group. The land awarded to Signature is on the north side of RSW but differs in location from the land that was initially put out for bid in May 2024. The initial Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for adjacent land with different boundaries, but the Port Authority changed the site during negotiations.

Rival company Atlantic Aviation, which finished second in the bidding process, has voiced concerns about being excluded from the new site. In a statement, Chief Development Officer Clive Lowe of Atlantic Aviation expressed surprise at the change in location and the lack of an opportunity to bid on the new site. “We would expect to be invited to resubmit a proposal if the site location was changed,” Lowe said.

The Port Authority has explained the change, saying that the new site was better positioned to attract future aviation businesses and avoid disrupting FAA equipment. “By shifting the site, LCPA would also not disrupt FAA equipment, including the wind cone, segmented circle, and automated surface observing system,” said Vicki Moreland, the Port Authority’s Chief Communications Officer.

Despite this justification, some argue the shift in land boundaries benefitted only Signature Aviation. Paul Thanasides, attorney for rival company Private Sky, believes the changes to the site undermine the bidding process and argue it resulted in an unfair advantage for Signature Aviation. “It feels extremely unfair to Private Sky … to not have bid on the actual lease that was offered to Signature,” said Thanasides.

Private Sky, the only FBO at RSW for the last 25 years, is also embroiled in legal disputes, filing lawsuits against both the Port Authority and Signature Aviation. Private Sky claims that Signature misled them into making financial disclosures that could be used to harm their business.

While some commissioners, like Cecil Pendergrass, urged caution and suggested deferring the vote until the legal matters were resolved, others, including Commissioners Brian Hamman, David Mulicka, and Kevin Ruane, voted in favor of moving forward. They emphasized the importance of keeping the process competitive, especially to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. “If we don’t accept this today, we might run afoul of the FAA,” said Hamman, noting the potential impact on future FAA grants.

Despite the controversy, Signature Aviation is moving forward with plans to invest $27 million in building new facilities at RSW, surpassing the minimum $15 million investment required in the original RFP. The FAA had reportedly advised that RSW could face complications in future funding if a second FBO was not in place.

As the legal battles continue, it remains unclear whether other aviation firms will get the chance to compete for the newly leased land. Legal experts suggest Atlantic Aviation could file a protest to challenge the decision, while some argue that the Port Authority’s actions could lead to further legal scrutiny.

The case highlights the complexities of land leases at airports and the importance of transparency in government procurement processes. With a second FBO now set to join the field at RSW, the next chapter in this ongoing dispute will likely shape the future of aviation services at the airport.

This year, LadyCakes Bakery founder Bess Charles has expanded her beloved bakery to a new location on Cape Coral Parkway East, right in the heart of the South Cape’s entertainment district and Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).

Charles, who founded LadyCakes on Del Prado Boulevard in 2014, always dreamt of being part of the CRA. “The vibe they’re creating down here is really cool—a foodie-based, walkable district. I really wanted to be a part of it,” said Charles, reflecting on her decision to open her new location on January 1st.

As part of the CRA, LadyCakes became eligible for the CRA’s Breaking Barriers to Business grant program, launched in May 2023. The program is designed to invest in local businesses and support the growing number of shops in the district.

At a CRA meeting on September 10, the Board awarded grants to several businesses, including LadyCakes, Nice Guys Pizza, and Palace Pub & Wine Bar, to help cover recent remodeling expenses. These businesses, all located on Cape Coral Parkway East, are receiving support from the CRA to make their spaces more accessible and inviting.

The CRA Board, composed of Cape Coral City Council members, oversees a separate budget funded by property tax growth within the CRA district. This budget is exclusively used for investments in the district, with tax growth and investments directly connected.

The Breaking Barriers program is designed to encourage business growth and retention in the area. Grants reimburse businesses for expenses related to meeting land development and fire codes, such as renovations and construction costs. The program requires a minimum $25,000 investment, with grants covering up to 20% of the total project cost, capped at $50,000.

LadyCakes received $7,817 to help cover $39,088 in upgrades, which included kitchen renovations, new flooring, ADA-compliant restrooms, and upgraded electrical and plumbing systems.

Palace Pub & Wine Bar was awarded $34,480 to assist with $169,469 in renovations for their new space, including ADA-compliant restrooms, plumbing and electrical upgrades, a new bar, and other improvements. Owner Ryan Lay moved the pub from its original location for several reasons, including rising rent and the opportunity to move into a new space next to Nice Guys Pizza.

Nice Guys Pizza, known for its creative pies and vibrant murals, received $28,520 for a $142,602 project to add an outdoor seating area and an awning. The grant helped cover a portion of the building and permit fees for the expansion. Co-owner Greg Gebhard recommends trying one of their specialty pies for an unforgettable experience.

With the support of the CRA, these local businesses are creating unique spaces that will continue to attract visitors to the South Cape district, adding to the area’s dynamic, foodie-friendly atmosphere.

While this year’s Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually calm so far (fingers crossed), forecasters are predicting a significant uptick in tropical activity later this month.

Experts from AccuWeather are advising businesses and local officials to remain prepared for an increase in tropical storms, as water temperatures in the Gulf have surged to record levels for this time of year, heightening the risk of rapid intensification.

What’s Driving the Shift?
As Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s Lead Hurricane Expert, explains, the climatological peak of hurricane season occurs around September 10, when Atlantic water temperatures are typically at their highest, creating the ideal conditions for tropical storms to develop. Interestingly, this year marks the first time in nearly a decade that the peak of hurricane season has passed without a named storm, a rare event that’s only happened three times in the last 30 years.

AccuWeather also noted that this year marks the first back-to-back Labor Day weekends without a named storm in the Atlantic basin in more than 30 years. A surge of dry air has been a significant factor, limiting tropical development. However, experts predict that the second half of the season will likely be more active than the first, as surges of dry air and Saharan dust begin to subside.

What to Expect Going Forward
Starting next week, the tropics will likely see less dry air, reduced wind shear, and lower amounts of Saharan dust, all of which will allow for more favorable conditions for storm development. Additionally, sea surface temperatures and ocean heat content in the Gulf have reached unprecedented highs. These warm waters are expected to fuel the rapid strengthening of any storms that form in the region.

“The exceptional warmth in the Gulf is troubling,” said DaSilva. “These warm waters can act as fuel for developing storms and intensifying hurricanes. If a storm forms or moves into these waters later this month, we are concerned about the potential for rapid intensification.”

What Does This Mean for the U.S.?
AccuWeather’s forecast calls for 13-18 named storms, including 7-10 hurricanes, with 3-5 of them reaching Category 3 or higher. The U.S. Gulf Coast, especially Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, as well as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Atlantic Canada, are all at higher-than-average risk for direct impacts this year.

Stay prepared and stay informed! For more details, visit AccuWeather’s Hurricane Center.

For hurricane preparedness tips, check out the 2025 Lee County Hurricane Guide by the Breeze Newspapers here.

The City of Sanibel has announced the start of the Periwinkle Way Milling and Resurfacing Project on September 15. This important project will cover the stretch of Periwinkle Way from 500 feet west of Casa Ybel Road to about one-third of a mile east of Donax Street.

What to Expect:

• Drainage repairs will kick off the project on the north side of Periwinkle. Crews will be working on swale and concrete pipe installation along Main Street, Fitzhugh Street, Palm Street, and Center Street. Work hours for the drainage phase will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m..

• Milling and paving will begin in the coming weeks, with work scheduled for evening and overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The city will announce when this phase starts through a news release and updates on their Facebook page and website.

Important Reminders:

• Access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout the project.

• Slow down and drive cautiously when passing through work zones, as there will be workers, signage, and flaggers directing traffic.

The entire project is expected to take about 120 days, weather permitting.

For more details, reach out to the Public Works Department at sanpw@mysanibel.com or call 239-472-6397.

Naples City Council has voted to keep the city’s millage rate at 1.23 mills, meaning property owners will see a slight increase in their tax bills next year. For example, a homeowner currently paying $2,900.63 would pay $2,969.44 under the same rate. The millage rate determines how much tax is charged per $1,000 of taxable property value.

The decision, approved unanimously on September 3, is projected to generate over $2.36 million in additional revenue. According to City Manager Gary Young, these funds will cover rising operational costs, maintain current service levels, preserve reserves, and support increased staff salaries, benefits, and additional police officers to enhance the Naples Police Department’s services.

Naples’ fiscal year 2025-26 budget will increase from $208.8 million to $240.06 million starting October 1, reflecting a $31.3 million rise. The budget also allocates a larger share of telecommunications-service taxes to the city’s streets fund, supporting ongoing street repaving and infrastructure projects.

The rollback rate—1.1658 mills—is the rate that would generate the same revenue as last year, excluding new construction. By keeping the rate at 1.23 mills, the city implements a modest tax increase above the rollback.

Council also approved budgets and millage rates for two local taxing districts:

• East Naples Bay: $406,200 budget at 0.5 millage

• Moorings Bay: $116,285 budget at 0.0125 millage

The second and final budget hearing is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. on September 22 in City Council Chambers at 735 Eighth St. S.

This decision ensures continued funding for city services while supporting infrastructure improvements and public safety initiatives.

After years of delays, Naples is poised to receive over $12 million in federal funding to demolish and rebuild the iconic Naples Pier. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to approve $11.4 million in grants for the project, though the city is still awaiting the final “go-ahead” from FEMA, which is contingent on an official permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.

On August 28, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Naples to inspect the damage to the pier caused by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, which left most of the structure collapsed into the Gulf. Noem, alongside Mayor Teresa Heitmann and City Manager Gary Young, toured the pier and voiced frustration over the delays, calling the situation “incompetency” and emphasizing the need for faster disaster response.

FEMA’s delay in permitting the demolition has been a major roadblock, as the city could not begin the process without risking the loss of FEMA funding. The pier must undergo a series of reviews by local, state, and federal agencies. The city has already issued $11 million in bonds for initial funding since FEMA and state reimbursements are based on a reimbursement model.

The total project cost is estimated at $26 million, which includes construction, design, and permitting fees. Funding sources for the project include $12.67 million in federal funds, $5 million from the state, $2.2 million from the county Tourist Development Council, and contributions from the city’s beach funds and public donations.

City officials expect to receive FEMA’s final approval this month, allowing demolition to begin. The construction process is projected to take 1½ years, including 4 to 6 months for demolition.

Originally built in 1888, Naples Pier has been rebuilt six times after hurricanes. It remains a major tourist attraction, drawing over a million visitors annually for sunsets, fishing, wildlife watching, and other activities. Efforts to include a concession stand at the pier have been scrapped after feedback showed it was not a top priority for residents.

For more information on how to donate to the project, visit bit.ly/DonateToNaplesPier.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided an update on ongoing improvements to the Sanibel Causeway, noting that reduced speed limits remain in effect east of the toll plaza. For safety reasons, pedestrian access is not permitted on the causeway at this time.

Current Work Activities

According to FDOT, several construction tasks are scheduled, though timelines may shift due to weather or unforeseen conditions:

• Punta Rassa Boat Ramp – The facility remains open to the public but with limited amenities. Ongoing lighting work at the toll plaza requires crews to use portions of the parking lot, reducing the number of available boat parking spaces. Drivers are urged to use caution around construction vehicles and crews.

• Signage and Lighting Installation – Crews are currently installing new signage and lighting east of the toll plaza.

Safety Reminders

FDOT is asking all causeway users to remain alert and courteous. Bicyclists continue to share the roadway, and vehicles frequently enter and exit at the public beach access points along Causeway Islands Park.

More Information

For project updates and details, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway or contact Jennifer Dorning at Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us or 239-338-7723.

The City of Cape Coral has officially launched its new 311 mobile app, designed to make it easier for residents to stay connected with city services and report local issues.

Through the app, users can quickly submit reports on concerns such as:

• Code compliance matters

• Algal blooms

• Lot mowing requests

• Street sign maintenance

• Stormwater and utility issues

In addition to reporting, the app provides convenient access to city news, upcoming public meetings, local attractions, official contacts, contractor resources, and water billing services—all in one place.

The Cape Coral 311 app is available free of charge and can be downloaded from both the App Store and Google Play by searching “Cape Coral 311.”

This new tool is part of Cape Coral’s commitment to improving communication, streamlining services, and keeping residents informed and engaged.

SWFL Inc. has announced the return of its annual golf tournament, scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at the prestigious Saltleaf Golf Preserve in Bonita Springs. The event offers local business professionals and golf enthusiasts a unique opportunity to network while enjoying a day on one of Southwest Florida’s most scenic courses.

Event Schedule

• Registration: 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.

• Scramble-Style Tournament & Luncheon: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Designed by four-time major champion Raymond Floyd, the Saltleaf Golf Preserve features natural sandy areas, lush landscapes, and premier playing surfaces, making it an engaging course for golfers of all skill levels.

Registration Information

Participants are encouraged to secure their spot early, as this popular annual tournament typically fills quickly.
Register online here: SWFL Inc. Golf Tournament

The annual tournament combines competitive play, networking, and community connection, making it a signature event for Southwest Florida’s business and golf community.

Florida’s green industry, encompassing landscaping, lawn care, nurseries, and organic farming, contributed a $42 billion economic impact in 2023, according to a report from Farm Credit of Central Florida and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

The industry supports 279,000 jobs and $14 billion in labor income. Since 2011, employment in landscape services has grown by 43%, adding around 30,000 jobs. This growth is largely attributed to the state’s rapidly expanding population, which has increased by 1.8 million people since 2020.