Gulfshore Business has been providing daily updates on business reopenings, adjustments, financial assistance and more in response to COVID-19. For daily information, subscribe to our free newsletter, Gulfshore Business Daily, and find archived newsletters at GulfshoreBusiness.com.
Friday, Aug. 14
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.
Thursday, Aug. 13
STEIN MART FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY, PERMANENTLY CLOSING STORES
Stein Mart is permanently closing most, if not all, of its brick-and-mortar stores, including its four locations in Collier and Lee counties. The company already has launched a store closing and liquidation process with local stores expected to shutter this fall. The national chain’s four regional locations, all along U.S. 41, are at The Marketplace at Pelican Bay in North Naples, Tamiami Crossing in East Naples, Prado at Spring Creek in Bonita Springs and Cypress Trace in Fort Myers. Stein Mart Inc. announced Wednesday that it and its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida – Jacksonville Division.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
ESTERO-BASED HERTZ REPORTS $847 MILLION LOSS IN SECOND QUARTER OF 2020
Estero-based Hertz Global Holdings Inc. on Monday reported results for its second quarter 2020 with revenue of $832 million, a net loss attributable to the company of $847 million and adjusted corporate EBITDA of negative $587 million as global revenue declined 67%. Liquidity at the end of the second quarter was $1.4 billion, according to the company’s news release. “In the second quarter, like so many companies whose revenues have sharply declined due to the pandemic’s significant impact on global travel, we had to make difficult but necessary decisions to strengthen and position the company for growth for many years to come,” says Paul Stone, president and CEO of Hertz Global. “The toughest decisions have been those that impact the livelihood of our dedicated workforce and our voluntarily reorganizing under Chapter 11 in North America. We are moving through our reorganization process and remain focused on emerging an even stronger global rental car leader better positioned to serve our customers around the world.” For more information about Hertz Corp., visit
hertz.com.
Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples
Tuesday, Aug. 11
NEW RESTAURANT, WATERPARK PLANNED AT RITZ-CARLTON GOLF RESORT IN NAPLES
Major additions to amenities are planned at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in North Naples. Work began last week on a project that includes a new outdoor restaurant, pool bar and event lawn targeted for completion by the end of November, as well as new swimming pools, a lazy river, waterslides and more to be completed next May, according to a news release from the local luxury hotel. The new immersive water activities will occupy more than 14,000 square feet adjacent to the hotel and include a new adult pool, children’s pool and play areas, two body waterslides, a tube waterslide and a 600-foot lazy river. The new outdoor restaurant and pool bar will be a contemporary casual dining concept with a new 3,600-square-foot event lawn located just off of the main dining patio. For the full story, click here.
Monday, Aug. 10
COLLIER CARES MONEY AVAILABLE FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS AND PARK PROGRAMS
Starting today, licensed child care providers and county park programs can apply for $5 million in relief through Collier Cares. The money available is on a first-come, first-qualified basis. The application deadline is Aug. 24. For information on how to apply visit the Collier Cares website here.
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