photo mosaic of Naples, Florida pier, Bayfront, Bayside, dolphin jumping, magenta orchid, water birds silhouetted against the sunset
What’s new, what’s back this week in SW Florida?

What’s new, what’s back this week in SW Florida?

Supercar dealer, Marriott, Margaritaville

Phil Fernandez | Naples Daily News

We may be nearing the end of the year, but it’s the start of something new this week for many in the Southwest Florida development and business game.

The mantra probably should be the late Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” and yes, let’s dispense of the letter G please.

Because the timin’ couldn’t be better for endeavors to get their engines runnin’, with the economy roarin’ as Americans spent $18.86 trillion in October, the most ever for a month in the nation’s history, according to analytic company WalletHub’s new Consumer Spending Report last week.

I miss G already. Bringing it back.

The In the Know notebooks, in-boxes and voicemails are overflowing with all the activity for future columns so today’s just a sampling of December debuts. And don’t forget to take a moment to reflect later this week on Pearl Harbor Day that allows us and should continue to spur us to protect the freedoms we have.

Here’s what to know, my friends.

Vroommmm. Lamborghini Naples zips into Southwest Florida
Lamborghini Naples officially green flags its new Southwest Florida showroom on Tuesday, with the international honchos flying in to also check out our Paradise Coast.

The 5154 Tamiami Trail E. address can be found between the Thomasson Drive intersection and the Isles of Collier neighborhood.

What new is cooking in the Naples Design District?
The folks at The Collective told us last week their only eatery at 111 10th Street S. is cooking in time for the Naples Design District’s 7th annual Holiday Stroll on Wednesday.

Warren American Whiskey Kitchen plans to begin taking reservations Tuesday to dine during the Wednesday stroll that runs from 4 to 8 p.m.

The Collective is among the participants in the annual Naples Design District Holiday Stroll.

What are some restaurants making debuts in SW Florida?
When it comes to Warren, my colleague and dining superhero Diana Biederman tells us the restaurant features more than 1,000 bourbons to go along with fancy eats.

At least a couple of more coming in December to that general vicinity, give or take a few blocks: Le Colonial’s Asian entries at 445 Fifth Ave. S. and Unidos Latin fare at 1 Ninth St. S.

$35 million rebuilding continues at Sanibel Harbour Resort
Also trying to bounce back this month from the punishment dealt by Hurricane Ian is the 85-acre Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa ― especially the spa part this week.

Resort: Margaritaville FM Beach has soft opening, though rooms not available to everyone

Punta Rassa pickleball on Sanibel Causeway’s northeast end

Read the full article on naplesnews.com to find out what $713,000 will get you at a hot Lamborghini dealership, more restaurants, pickleball, and Margaritaville news.

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

50% rise in mansions costing more than $5 million helping drive SW Florida housing market

50% rise in mansions costing more than $5 million helping drive SW Florida housing market

Phil Fernandez | Naples Daily News

Heading into snowbird season, the new arrivals are going to see even higher prices for the most part on Southwest Florida homes.

And the sales of luxury properties are one of the drivers, as evidenced by a record Bonita Beach sale in Lee County.

What’s most expensive Lee home sold? Could that be topped?
October’s most expensive single-family dwelling in Lee sold for $12.3 million at 27586 Hickory Blvd. The 5,771-square-foot beachfront house built in 2016 that has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms had belonged to evangelist David Turner, who acquired it in 2021 for $7.5 million.

“We were thrilled to have the highest priced sale on the beach,” said Realtor Denise Quinn, who listed it as part of John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate’s The Grant Group. “As a personal accomplishment, it is my highest sale. I have been visiting Naples since 1996, homeowner in 2004 and full-time in 2018. I love the area and the small town feel that comes from the community.”

Read about the buyer and view the photos on naplesnews.com.

Playing pickleball in Collier County

Playing pickleball in Collier County

A guide for everything you need to know

Kendall Little | Naples Daily News

As the weather starts to cool off, it’s the perfect time to get your pickleball practice in.

Naples has been cementing itself as the “pickleball capital of the world” over the past few years by hosting the national Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championship tournament. Last year, the tournament brought in 40,000 spectators and 3,000 players.

If you’re a part-time resident or full-time local looking to practice your pickleball skills before the tournament this spring, here’s everything you need to know about Collier County’s pickleball facilities.

Where can I play pickleball in Collier County?

  • LOCATION: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park
    COURTS: 6
    HOURS: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    LIGHTS: Yes. Until 10 p.m.
  • LOCATION: East Naples Community Park
    COURTS: 59
    HOURS: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    LIGHTS: Yes. Until 10 p.m.
  • LOCATION: Veterans Community Park
    COURTS: 14
    HOURS: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    LIGHTS: Yes on courts nine through 14. Until 10 p.m.

Read the full article for information about costs, parking, new pickleball courts coming, and more on naplesnews.com.

Are you looking for a home in the “pickleball capital of the world”? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Here are some of Collier and Lee County’s newer, hotter, growing retail corridors for 2024

Here are some of Collier and Lee County’s newer, hotter, growing retail corridors for 2024

Phil Fernandez | Naples Daily News

If you’re wanting to track the next hot retail corridor in Southwest Florida, you can pretty much follow wherever Sunshine Ace sets up shop.

Like this year’s official summer landing at the 50-acre Founders Square complex at Collier Boulevard and Immokalee Road in Naples.

“Northeastern Collier County is among the fastest-growing regions in all of Southwest Florida,” said Sunshine Ace President Michael Wynn. His grandfather founded the original store in 1958 in downtown Naples, following the family starting a grocery in 1938. “The Immokalee Road corridor is poised for explosive growth over the next decade. (This) new store will serve the thousands of residents and businesses coming to this region over the next few decades.”

While growth is everywhere, here’s what to know about that spot and a few other newer sizzling corners of Southwest Florida as we close in on 2024. What kind of retail is coming to areas beyond the traditional, long-established malls, Tamiami Trail, Cape Coral’s Pine Island Road and Collier’s Fifth Avenue South?

What’s another clue on where retail emerges in SW Florida?

Increased residential growth leads to more stores, said LSI Companies President and CEO Justin Thibaut.

Commercial, retail and industrial development always lags new rooftops coming in, and given the last three years of increased permitting activity in the residential world, Thibaut said this was expected.

Of the types of developments and industries moving into these areas, he said many are anchored by multifamily residential, but some are remaining parcels that have sat idle while major residential developments were completed nearby.

Find out what is happening at Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard, and what’s causing the growth in Collier County corridors; new retail coming to Ave Maria, and more – read the full article on naplesnews.com.

Follow the retail in Collier County, to find a home contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Rebuilding the Naples Pier: Architect renderings of new design reveal changes

Rebuilding the Naples Pier: Architect renderings of new design reveal changes

Kendall Little | Naples Daily News

Last September, Hurricane Ian became the sixth hurricane to destroy the historic Naples Pier. Since then, city officials have been working to redesign the iconic beach fixture so locals and visitors can enjoy it again.

Right now, city officials and a design firm are completing 100% design plans, which will include every detail about the new pier’s structure, materials, and features.

The new $20 million Naples Pier won’t look exactly the same as it did before Ian hit Southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022. To make sure the pier is strong enough to withstand another storm, designers have changed a few things about the structure.

Here’s what’s new about the Naples Pier design:

Moving concessions
Before Hurricane Ian, the Naples Pier had offshore concession stands. Originally city officials and designers planned to keep the concessions over the water, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency said that might be an issue for insurance providers.

The new design now features onshore concessions at the start of the pier.

Shaded areas and benches
The new design includes additional shaded areas along the pier. The two middle structures that used to be concessions stands will be covered areas for locals and visitors to escape the Southwest Florida sun.

Designers have also added 16 bump-out benches for people to take in the gorgeous gulf views.

Taller and sturdier
Naples Pier will be three feet taller this time along with a larger and more elevated end structure for fishermen and people taking in the view.

Read more about improved accessibility and the timeline for construction and completion.

NOTE: The Naples Pier is an iconic landmark in Naples that was originally built in 1888. Since this time, the pier has been rebuilt after hurricanes in 1910, 1926, 1944, and 1960. In 2015 the pier was reconstructed, and then soon after in 2017 Hurricane Irma damaged the structure. —naplesgov.com
In 2022, Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage to the Naples pier.

Fall in love with southwest Florida. To find a home in the Naples area, contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.