Enterprise risk management and collateral valuation services company Veros Real Estate Solutions projects an average nationwide home price appreciation rate of 2.4% over the next 12 months, a modest decline from the previous quarter’s forecast of 2.7%, according to its latest forecast. VeroForecast evaluates home prices in more than 300 of the nation’s largest housing markets and predicts home value based on analysis of the fundamentals and interrelationships of numerous economic, housing and geographic variables pertaining to home value. The forecast projects Punta Gorda Metropolitan Statistical Area as the weakest housing market over the next year with a 3.5% depreciation rate. The Fort Myers-Cape Coral MSA and Naples-Marco Island MSA are ranked third among the weakest MSAs with a projected depreciation rate of 2.7%. 

Naples-based Onda Housing Group has broken ground on Bayshore Pines, an affordable housing complex at 5361 Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. The new community will provide 180 rental units for qualified Lee County residents. Once completed, Bayshore Pines will feature a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, as well as amenities, such as a pool, playground and clubhouse. Onda Housing Group officials said all of the units at Bayshore Pines will be affordable for families making up to 60% of the area median income, or approximately $53,280 for a family of four, in Lee County. Buildings will be 2 feet above base flood level and will be built using concrete structures.

Naples Airport continues to deal with complaints often centered around noise. The airport’s motto, Fly Safe, Fly Quiet, reflects ongoing efforts to address concerns. Chris Rozansky, executive director of the Naples Airport Authority, explained the challenges. He explained the airport can’t dictate flight times and that flight operations are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, making noise cancellation difficult for the airport. While the number of planes landing at Naples Airport has remained consistent over the years, the increase in jets generates more noise than quieter piston-powered planes. In addition to a voluntary curfew program the airport promotes vigorously, it plans to improve flight procedures, especially for jet arrivals, by the end of 2025, WINK News reports. 

Renal Associates SW Florida LLC purchased a 1.32-acre commercial property at Hope Preserve, 14560 Hope Center Loop, in south Fort Myers from Hope Preserve One LLC for $1.2 million. Justin Thibaut, CCIM, and Christi Pritchett, CCIM, of LSI Companies Inc. represented the seller, and Steve Petty of VIP Realty Group represented the buyer.

Joshua and Audrey Stewart opened their kid-oriented shop, A Little Adventure, on April 1, 2022, five months before Hurricane Ian. Three years later, they celebrated the store’s anniversary at the restored, remodeled store at 2001 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel with a ribbon-cutting ceremony put on by the SanCap Chamber. The store has a slightly different look post-Ian but still carries playful, coastal, adventure-ready clothing, toys and gifts. The parents of three, the Stewarts have been inspired by their own children. Their children help shape their buying decisions and spend lots of time at the store with friends. The Stewarts said their kids’ enthusiasm and energy have helped motivate them through the devastation and losses from Ian and then Hurricane Helene. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn and Fort Myers City Manager Marty Lawing will join a panel of city leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in the upcoming year during an April 15 Chamber of Southwest Florida Meeting. The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Doubletree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops in south Fort Myers. Tickets are $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers. To register, click here.   

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Co. will host a seminar on Florida residency, domicile status and estate planning April 24. The seminar will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Trust Company’s office at Bell Tower in south Fort Myers, 13525 Bell Tower Drive. The session will also be simulcast at the company’s Sanibel office, 2450 Periwinkle Way. This session will explain how to establish Florida residency, domicile status and corresponding estate planning. It will begin with a presentation and question-and-answer session led by Trust Company team members along with guest presenter Jennifer Hammond, a local estate planning attorney. Hammond will also address estate planning questions attendees may have in relation to their domicile and more. To register, contact Frances Steger at fsteger@sancaptrustco.com or 239-472-8300.

In celebration of National High Five Day on April 17, Fort Myers Brewing Co. will donate proceeds from every High 5 IPA sold in the taproom to the High Fives Foundation. The event, featuring live music and food trucks, will take place from noon to 10 p.m. at the Fort Myers Brewing campus, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Unit 28. The High Fives Foundation is a nonprofit adaptive sports foundation that supports injured athletes and veterans as they return to the outdoor sports they love.

Neighborhood Health Clinic announced that Grey Oaks Country Club’s GO Cares philanthropic initiative raised more than $140,000 to support patient services at the clinic. The funds raised will help the Naples clinic continue its mission of providing unduplicated, high-quality care to those in need, fostering better health outcomes for patients who rely on the clinic’s services. With a comprehensive campus, patients have access to primary care physicians, 25 specialty physicians, lab testing and medications at no cost to them.

STARability Foundation will be the recipient of proceeds from a charity golf tournament being hosted by Barb and Craig Fike at The Club at TwinEagles in Collier County. The inaugural event will take place April 9 on the Talon Course, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The event is open to TwinEagles members and the public. STARability provides innovative, results-driven programs designed to accommodate the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Southwest Florida. To register, click here. 

Voting is open for Gulfshore Business’ Best of Business awards, which honor locally owned and operated businesses and their services. Gulfshore Business readers are invited to vote on categories within The Best in Business Finance, Insurance & Law, The Best in Marketing, The Best in Commercial Building & Real Estate, The Best in Business Services and The Best in Business Dining & Drinks. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. April 30. To vote, click here. Winners will be announced in the August Best of Business issue.