The team at Gulfshore Business puts a great deal of thought into planning, researching and writing about the issues facing Southwest Florida businesses. We also place high importance on the stories we share of area businesses and the people behind them, who find challenge and success in their work. And once a year, we ask readers to tell us how they feel about local businesses and which ones are most exceptional through the annual Gulfshore Business Best of Business readers’ poll. We appreciate the high level of participation each year, and this year did not disappoint: See the 2024 winners and finalists beginning on page 56.
The poll does not include a category for Best Public Official, but if it did, it’s very likely Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno would be landing the No. 1 spot—hands down. After weeks of interviews and time spent learning about the ins and outs of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, David Dorsey gleaned plenty of information about the man behind the organization dedicated to protecting the community it serves and his modern approach to law enforcement.
He’s faced criticism for taking a very public, and at times controversial, approach to media management and messaging, along with decisions that could be construed as missteps. But unlike many in such public positions of authority, Marceno continues to receive substantial support and praise, especially among the business community. Of particular interest is how he’s managed to operate a public office like a company, complete with in-house branding and marketing.
The envy of just about any law enforcement agency, Marceno manages an annual budget of nearly $277 million, which is evident in the arsenal of sophisticated technology that rivals tech hubs across the country. It’s also apparent in the cost-of-living allowances he’s been able to secure for the men and women who make up his staff. The price tag may be high and his approach unconventional, but many might argue the results for taxpayers have proven worth it. Read more about Marceno and LCSO on page 36.
A safer community for every resident, and a more robust business landscape with elite levels of service and expertise, means a better quality of living for all of us. As this issue shows, there’s a lot to be optimistic about in Southwest Florida.
