Studio+ has completed the design for NeoGenomics’ new oncology laboratory and international business headquarters. Details below.
CITY OF NAPLES SEEKS TO END VARIANCES FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDING HEIGHT
No exception to the 42-foot height limit will be allowed for buildings in commercial zoning districts in the city of Naples, according to a resolution approved 6-1 Wednesday by the city’s Planning Advisory Board during the first reading and public hearing for the ordinance. “I personally think it’s very misguided,” says local developer Phil McCabe, who asked for and received an architectural variance for an extra 7 feet above the 42 feet for recently completed three-story redevelopment projects on Fifth Avenue South. “To limit it to 42 feet is meaningless.” Previously, variances to zoning and building codes had been granted for architectural embellishments, stairwells, elevator shafts, air-conditioning units and other mechanical equipment atop three-story buildings. According to the “Vision 2020” analysis and recommendations made last fall by the Planning Advisory Board, a three-story height restriction is crucial to keeping intact the small-town charm of Naples. The second reading and public hearing for the ordinance will occur during the regular session of Naples City Council on Sept. 16.
Credit: CBS News, sourced from WINK News
MORE UNITED AIRLINES NONSTOP FLIGHTS COMING TO RSW FROM NORTHEAST, MIDWEST
Southwest Florida International Airport is expected to see more flights from the Northeast and Midwest when United Airlines ramps up flights to Florida. The airline says the move, starting in November, is based on Florida being a top warm-weather, travel destination. United Airlines confirms 28 daily nonstop flights to the Sunshine State this winter The airline will incrementally add the flights starting Nov. 6 with new roundtrip service from Boston, Cleveland and New York/LaGuardia to Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa. In December, the airline plans to increase service to Florida with additional flights from Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; Milwaukee and Pittsburgh to Fort Myers and Tampa. Tickets are now available for purchase on the United Airlines website and its mobile app, WINK News reports.
Video courtesy of WINK News
LOCAL PROJECTS AFFECTED BY LUMBER SHORTAGE, HIGHER PRICES DUE TO PANDEMIC
The pandemic is slowing the construction supply chain and creating a spike in material prices, issues that could last through the end of 2020, WINK News reports. A lumber shortage means a longer wait for renovations at the Clam Pass boardwalk in North Naples, said Michael Cherbini, a project manager with the Collier County Parks and Recreation. “We were expecting it at the end of July and as it turns out, we’re getting the vast majority of our material at the end of August and mid-September,” he says. That will delay the project until after Labor Day. Lumber mills worldwide closed for a while at the beginning of the COVID crisis, meaning there is less wood to go around, which is driving up prices for builders. “A sheet of plywood that was $16 a month ago is $28 today,” says Ryan Benson, owner of Naples-based A. Vernon Allen Builder Inc.
CITY BOARD APPROVES NEW PLAT FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF NAPLES BEACH HOTEL
The plat for the redevelopment of the nearly 125-acre property of the historic Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club was unanimously approved Wednesday by the Naples Planning Advisory Board. The issue advances to City Council for its Sept. 16 meeting. As previously approved but the city, the resort’s golf course will remain in operation but a proposed major overhaul of the beachfront strip will have new lodging and residential buildings, including a 220-room luxury hotel and 185 condominiums. As part of The Athens Group’s redevelopment of the property, the resort will be renamed the Naples Beach Club Hotel, Residences and Golf Course.
STUDIO+ COMPLETES DESIGN FOR NEOGENOMICS HEADQUARTERS
Studio+ has completed the design for NeoGenomics’ new state-of-the-art oncology laboratory and international business headquarters. Construction is currently underway for the cancer diagnostic facility, which sits adjacent to the major interstate in Fort Myers. NeoGenomics‘ corporate headquarters includes a three-story office building, a two-story laboratory building, a single-story hazardous storage space, and associated support structures totaling to 150,000 square feet. The cancer center encourages the growth of high-paying jobs in this high-impact sector of Lee County, promising 250-plus jobs within five years, according to a news release.
HEATHERWOOD BREAKS GROUND ON PELICAN LANDING GATEHOUSES
Heatherwood Construction has begun demolishing the first of three gatehouses for new replacements at the primary entrances to the Pelican Landing Community in Bonita-Estero. Pelican Landing is a master-planned community in Bonita Springs of 3,350 residences, spread across 2,365 acres accented by lakes and preserves. The new gatehouses will feature upgraded security technology and a refreshed look. Construction is scheduled for completion by the spring of 2021. The project will be led by the Bonita Springs-based team’s senior project manager, Rafael Valdes and was designed by McHarris Planning & Design.
Ryan Benson
CBIA LEADERS HONORED BY FLORIDA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
The Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) announced that Past President Ryan Benson, Board Member Robyn Bonaquist and Former State Legislator and CBIA member Mike Davis were recognized by the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) during the Southeast Building Conference, held virtually July 29-31. Benson, A Vernon Allen Builder principal/owner, was named FHBA’s 2020 Young Building Professional of the Year. Bonaquist, B-Squared Advertising founding partner and president, received the 2020 Associate of the Year Award. Davis was inducted posthumously into the FHBA Hall of Fame.
Austin Howell
IN THE KNOW
Howell named to Leadership Florida
Barron Collier Cos. Land Development Manager Austin Howell has been appointed to the Connect Class 11 of Leadership Florida for 2020-2021. Howell specializes in brokerage services, property entitlement processes, zoning procedures for municipalities, and research for development projects for Barron Collier Cos. Howell was selected to represent the Southwest Florida region for Leadership Florida Connect Class 11. Connect focuses on developing Florida’s existing and emerging leaders through programs and experiences in different locations throughout the state of Florida. The goal is for members to become educated, engaged, and inspired to make Florida a better place while forming lifetime connections among classmates.
Grace Gutierrez
FineMark National Bank & Trust welcomes private wealth advisor
Grace Gutierrez joins FineMark National Bank & Trust as a vice president and private wealth advisor in FineMark’s Fort Myers office. Gutierrez has spent much of her career as a practicing estate planning attorney in Southwest Florida and West Palm Beach. She is Florida Bar Board Certified in wills, trusts and estates. At FineMark, Gutierrez will utilize her knowledge as an estate-planning attorney to assist clients with their financial and estate planning needs. She will also administer investment, trust and estate accounts. Gutierrez holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida. She is currently on the Florida Gulf Coast University Planned Giving Advisory Committee and the Lee County Estate Planning Council.
CHARITABLE NOTES
North Naples restaurant owner starts fundraiser for Beirut blast victims
The owner and operator of a Lebanese restaurant in North Naples has started a fundraiser to assist people displaced from the devastating blast in Beirut earlier this month. “The explosion severely damaged every single home in Beirut. Windows and doors are totally destroyed and lots have major structural damage. Our city has changed forever and will never be the same,” says Nabil Bassil, a Beirut native and Naples resident who has operated Moura Bistro for four years at Meridian Marketplace. “What we need to accomplish is to help as many families as possible. Installing windows and doors, rebuilding walls and securing a livable home and a safe place for them.” Bassil’s goal is to raise as much money as possible to directly pay contractors to cover the cost of repairs and materials. All donation amounts will be publicly recorded and disclosed and payments itemized for materials and rebuilding, he said. For more information, contact Bassill at 239-738-8883.
Diana Riley
Investigation Discovery recognizes Swinging With Purpose founder, donates $5,000 to organization
Swinging With Purpose (SWP) Founder Diana Riley was named an “Everyday Hero” by Investigation Discovery (ID) through its Inspire A Difference social good campaign. Through the campaign, ID, a cable network dedicated to true crime, is recognizing everyday heroes that inspire a difference in the lives of others through their dedication to victims’ rights and healing. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness for domestic violence, civil rights, bullying, and victims’ rights by inspiring viewers to take action and make a difference in their communities. Each quarter, ID awards an “Everyday Hero” winner a $5,000 grant for their charity. Riley was named an “Everyday Hero” because of her efforts to combine her passion for the game of golf with advocating and fundraising for organizations serving women, girls and children in Southwest Florida. To learn more about the ID Inspire A Difference campaign, visit InspireADifference.com.
Heights Foundation School Supply Outreach
The Heights Foundation’s School Supply Outreach serves 580 kids
The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center’s annual back to school outreach on July 25 provided backpacks and school supplies for 580 low-income children living in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Businesses, organizations, communities and individuals that supported the outreach include ABC Young Professionals Group, Air Mechanical & Services Corp, Bell Tower Park, Colonial Charitable Foundation, Crown Colony, Edison National Bank Estero Island Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution, Florida Blue, Fort Myers High School – NHS, Gatewood Glass, Gulfshore Cooling, Hertz Corp. Revenue Management Team, HomeTeam Inspection Service, Jason’s Deli – Reflection Lakes, Kelly Brothers Inc., Kelly Greens, Mathnasium of Fort Myers, OAK Florida, Peace Lutheran Church, Re/Max Realty Group, RG Architects, Scotlynn Group, Viking Construction, Wells Fargo, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Zion Lutheran Church.
