photo mosaic of Naples, Florida pier, Bayfront, Bayside, dolphin jumping, magenta orchid, water birds silhouetted against the sunset
‘Coconut Coast Corridor’ emerges in SW Florida. What’s new and coming?

‘Coconut Coast Corridor’ emerges in SW Florida. What’s new and coming?

Phil Fernandez | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

  • The Estero-Bonita Springs region, now dubbed the Coconut Coast Corridor, has grown to 100,000 residents.
  • A local realtors’ group has rebranded to the Coconut Coast Organization of Realtors to reflect the area’s distinct market identity
  • Major new construction includes a mixed-use development in Estero and the second luxury tower of The Ritz-Carlton Residences.

Time to say hello to Southwest Florida’s new Coconut Coast Corridor, suddenly home to 100,000 residents.

From luxury high-rises along Estero Bay to mixed-use developments, national retailers and family-focused businesses, the Estero-Bonita Springs region continues to emerge as one of Southwest Florida’s most active development fronts.

And the Coconut Coast Corridor kept bubbling through the record heat of summer as we enter September, which is slated to bring milestones of its own and the start of yet more new construction.

The stretch surrounding Bonita Beach Road and north into Estero toward Coconut Point and Florida Gulf Coast University continues to attract new investment, new businesses and major development activity reshaping the landscape: From a former Fortune 500 executive’s latest venture to the August unveilings of new enterprises and a luxury tower milestone this month.

To think that last century it largely served as a pass-through between Naples and Fort Myers, and now has increasingly become a destination in its own right as the years pile on and the growth story unfolds with new chapters. Here’s what to know. Read more on naplesnews.com.

There’s so much to do here, are you looking for a home in beautiful Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Florida’s new Coconut Coast Corridor. Shops, homes explosion underway

Florida’s new Coconut Coast Corridor. Shops, homes explosion underway

Phil Fernandez | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

  • The Estero-Bonita Springs region in Southwest Florida is experiencing a major development boom as the “Coconut Coast Corridor.”
  • A local Realtors’ group has rebranded to the Coconut Coast Organization of Realtors to reflect the area’s distinct and growing market identity.
  • Major mixed-use developments, including luxury high-rises and retail spaces, are under construction or planned for the area.
  • New national and local businesses, such as J.Crew Factory, Yonutz and USA Ninja Challenge, are opening or expanding in the corridor.

Time to say hello to Southwest Florida’s new Coconut Coast Corridor, suddenly home to 100,000 residents.

From luxury high-rises along Estero Bay to mixed-use developments, national retailers and family-focused businesses, the Estero-Bonita Springs region continues to emerge as one of Southwest Florida’s most active development fronts.

And the Coconut Coast Corridor kept bubbling through the record heat of summer as we enter September, which is slated to bring milestones of its own and the start of yet more new construction.

The stretch surrounding Bonita Beach Road and north into Estero toward Coconut Point and Florida Gulf Coast University continues to attract new investment, new businesses and major development activity reshaping the landscape: From a former Fortune 500 executive’s latest venture to the August unveilings of new enterprises and a luxury tower milestone this month.

To think that last century it largely served as a pass-through between Naples and Fort Myers, and now has increasingly become a destination in its own right as the years pile on and the growth story unfolds with new chapters. Here’s what to know. Read more on naplesnews.com.

Explore the most exceptional properties of Southwest Florida with David. Contact me at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Bayfront in Naples is getting a Barneys, but that’s not all

Bayfront in Naples is getting a Barneys, but that’s not all

Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

Barneys New York is making a comeback with its first store planned for Naples.

The famed high-end department store is coming to Bayfront, a mixed-use development overlooking Naples Bay and the Gordon River, at the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and U.S. 41.

The store is part of a larger effort to attract more upscale retailers and restaurants to the decades-old development.

In confirming a signed lease for a 10,000-square-foot reimagined Barneys store, Bayfront founder and CEO Kevin Stoneburner shared he’s worked earnestly to reposition the commercial center as a true luxury destination for more than two years.

He hasn’t been doing it alone.

He’s worked closely on the repositioning with John Marquette, an architect, entrepreneur and designer who expanded his 4141 Design Group and brought the luxury furniture brand B&B Italia to Bayfront in late 2024.

Read more on naplesnews.com.

What’s new at Waterside Shops in Naples? Coming soon

What’s new at Waterside Shops in Naples? Coming soon

Alexa Ryan | Naples Daily News

Waterside Shops visitors will see a number of new changes in the coming months with three new restaurants and six retail stores making their debut at the outdoor luxury shopping mall this year and early next year.

While checking out some of the new storefronts, visitors can pick up some complimentary lemonade from a traveling beverage cart from 12 to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday through the end of August to cool off in the summer heat.

New dining options
Eddie V’s, an upscale seafood and steak restaurant chain, opened on the corner of Seagate Drive and Myra Janco Daniels Boulevard. The almost 10,000-square-foot restaurant space was previously occupied by a bank office before being extensively renovated.

The over 7,500-square-foot building Brio Italian Grille operated out of [sic] for 20 years before closing on April 12 is being converted into Buck & Rider, featuring seafood, which is expected to open this winter.

Read more about the new restaurants and shopping on naplesnews.com.

New waterfront development gets green light in Naples

New waterfront development gets green light in Naples

Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

City council approved a long-planned, mixed-use waterfront development in Naples.

On June 17, council voted 4-1 in favor of the development, with one council member abstaining, due to a potential conflict of interest.

Years in the making, the project, overlooking Naples Bay, has faced challenges as it has evolved.

Formerly known as The Prom and now as The Viceroy, the development is planned on 1.81 acres of long vacant land, near the intersection of River Point Drive and the Fifth Avenue South bridge downtown.

Plans for the three-story development include short-term lodging, along with other retail and commercial uses, supported by surface and underground parking, as well as street parking.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

Are you looking for a home in beautiful Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Mile of momentum. Old 41 rapid transformation reshapes downtown Bonita

Mile of momentum. Old 41 rapid transformation reshapes downtown Bonita

Phil Fernandez | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

The In the Know questions from you about what’s become a one-mile expanse of monster construction along what at one time had been a lonely stretch of Southwest Florida highway are many, such as these.

“Hi Phil. I enjoy reading your column, and now I find myself writing to you about the developments going on in my backyard: Old 41 in downtown Bonita Springs. So much has been done over the years to restore and maintain the ‘downtown’ nature of the village,” said reader Barbara McMahon. “Can you tell us what the plan is for the area from Terry to Bonita Beach Road?

“Right now there is major construction of a luxury apartment complex − Imperial 41 − that spans both sides of the river. And just a block south, the area where the Lee Sheriff had a satellite station is fenced off for construction, and the park across the street is also fenced off. (The) city has developed Old 41 into a lovely walkable road with islands and great landscaping. Will it be overwhelmed?”

Read the full article on naplesnews.com to get answers to questions like “What’s behind Imperial 41 housing in Bonita Springs, Florida?, How did Lee County’s Imperial 41 come together in Bonita?,” and more.

Are you looking for a home in beautiful Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.