Cape Coral ranked third nationwide for multifamily building permits over the past year, with 63.6 units approved per 10,000 residents, according to a new Redfin report. The city also posted the fourth-largest increase since the pandemic, up 126%. North Port topped the list at 65 units, followed by Austin, Texas, at 63.6. Nationally, developers obtained permits for 12.8 units per 10,000 people, down 23% from the pandemic boom. While Sun Belt metros continue to build at higher rates than other regions, more than half of major U.S. metros have seen a slowdown.

Florida’s population is projected to reach nearly 27 million by 2039, according to the latest Demographic Estimating Conference forecast. The state, currently at 23.36 million residents, will add an average of 295,500 people annually from 2026 to 2030, about 810 per day. While migration continues to drive growth, the report notes that natural increase will remain negative as deaths outpace births. Population growth will gradually slow each year, dipping below 1% annually in 2032 as the final baby boomers enter retirement. Economists say this sustained influx is comparable to adding a city larger than St. Petersburg each year, fueling economic expansion but also straining housing, infrastructure and resources.

IncredibleBank will break ground Aug. 27 on its second Cape Coral branch at 2524 Liberty Park Drive, next to its existing location. The new Liberty Park branch is part of the bank’s ongoing growth in Southwest Florida and will provide expanded services and accessibility for customers. President and CEO Todd Nagel said the project reflects the bank’s commitment to building relationships in the community, while Market President Sergio Nascimento emphasized its role in deepening local roots. IncredibleBank operates 17 locations across Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Cape Coral.

Estero-based Hertz announced the nationwide expansion of its Rent2Buy program to more than 100 cities, including in Southwest Florida, giving customers up to three days to test vehicles before buying. The program lets drivers rent cars at a low daily rate that is waived if they purchase the vehicle. Hertz officials said 80% of Rent2Buy customers end up buying, reflecting demand for a try-before-you-buy approach in car shopping. Vehicles include recently added 2025 models and come with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty, roadside assistance and a seven-day buy-back guarantee. The expansion highlights how Hertz is rethinking the customer experience while tapping into growing consumer preference for flexible, low-pressure buying options.

Fort Myers has introduced 100 bright orange Spin scooters downtown as part of a soft launch, with a full rollout of 150 scooters planned next week. The city and Spin aim to expand the fleet to 400 scooters over the coming months, depending on rider demand and city approval. The scooters, capped at 15 mph and rented via app, feature GPS geofencing and designated parking corrals to ensure safe integration into city streets, WINK News reports.

Since January 2023, the Florida Department of Commerce and the Florida Opportunity Fund have provided more than $250 million in loans and venture capital to 220 small businesses through the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 program. The funding generated $948 million in matching private investment, creating or retaining nearly 6,867 jobs. The program helps businesses that may not otherwise qualify for financing by supporting start-up costs, equipment upgrades and expansions. Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly credit the program with fostering entrepreneurship and accelerating growth in Florida, where more than 99% of businesses are small businesses. Eligible companies must be Florida-based and meet employee count requirements. For more details, click here.

Florida SouthWestern State College will launch its AI-Ready Professional Course series Sept. 2, offering working professionals practical skills in artificial intelligence. The six Zoom-based courses cover topics including communication, mentorship, decision-making, project leadership and data literacy. Each class costs $79, and the full series is available as a bundled package for $399, earning participants an AI-Ready Professional Certificate. The program aims to address a growing skills gap, as 71% of recent job postings prefer candidates with AI experience, yet most workers lack formal training. Courses will take place Tuesdays through Oct. 7. To register, click here.

Larry Catena, Jacki Guinn and Debbie Toler were appointed to the 2025-26 board of directors for Youth Haven. Gulf Coast International Properties announced Amanda Anderson joined the firm as a Realtor.

Child Care of Southwest Florida received a $35,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation to provide tuition assistance for more than 50 children in Lee and Hendry counties. The funding will make high-quality early learning more affordable for at-risk children while helping parents maintain and advance their careers. Founded in 2004 by Best Buy founder Dick Schulze, the foundation supports education, health and human services. Child Care of Southwest Florida operates five accredited early learning centers and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Fun Time Early Childhood Academy will host its first 5K Labor Day Run and Walk on Sept. 2 at Baker Park, in partnership with Gulf Coast Runners. Proceeds from the community event will support the Naples nonprofit’s mission of providing affordable, high-quality early learning for underserved children from working families. Interim Executive Director Christen Krembs said the event comes as Fun Time celebrates 65 years of service, with funds raised helping ensure children have the tools they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. To register, click here.

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will host its annual Go Wild for “Ding” fundraiser Feb. 4 at The Community House on Sanibel Island. This year’s theme, “Generations of Wonder,” celebrates the refuge’s multigenerational appeal, a tradition of donor bequests and milestone birthdays for both the U.S. and namesake Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling. The evening will feature dinner, drinks, entertainment, auctions and storytelling. Proceeds benefit the conservation and education programs at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Tickets are $175 and go on sale Nov. 14.

The October issue of Gulfshore Business will feature our annual Women Business Leaders special advertising section with profiles of some of the most successful women business owners and women executives in Southwest Florida. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to spotlight the achievements of your women-owned company and women executives to the more than 55,000 monthly readers of Gulfshore Business. For advertising inquiries, please contact Advertising Director Chris Renstrom at 239-498-8517 or chris.renstrom@gulfshorebusiness.com.