Florida gas prices jumped sharply last week as global oil prices surged following escalating conflict involving Iran, according to AAA data. The state average rose 61 cents to $3.49 per gallon March 9, the highest daily average since August 2024. U.S. crude oil climbed to about $110 per barrel in overnight trading March 8 into March 9. If oil prices remain near that level, Florida’s average could approach $4 per gallon again, AAA officials said. In Southwest Florida in March, Charlotte County had the lowest average gas price at $3.51 per gallon, followed by Lee County ($3.55) and Collier County ($3.58).

Stevens Construction completed a new 40,797-square-foot medical office building for Premier Women’s Care of Southwest Florida at 1606 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral. The facility expands the practice’s services, offering obstetrical and gynecological care, including prenatal and postpartum care, minimally invasive surgery and menopause treatment. The building includes three ultrasound suites, 3D mammography, 37 exam rooms and dedicated urogynecology treatment suites. Located on 2.27 acres, the two-story building also includes a parking garage with 18 spaces and electric vehicle charging stations. Stevens Construction delivered the project on schedule in 13 months after providing nearly two years of preconstruction services.

Construction of the Heights CareerTech Institute in Lee County reached major milestones as the project remains on schedule for completion this summer. Owen-Ames-Kimball is building the postsecondary career and technical education campus on Gladiolus Drive in the Harlem Heights neighborhood for The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. The facility will provide hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials in skilled trades and is expected to serve up to 500 students annually. Major work completed includes the perimeter retaining wall, interior metal framing and roof dry-in, while exterior windows, utilities and mechanical systems are underway. Officials aim to receive a certificate of occupancy by mid-July ahead of the institute’s inaugural classes in August.

Charles Schwab opened a new branch on Marco Island as part of its continued expansion across Florida. The office at 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Suite 411, is led by Branch Manager Joe LaCagnina and supported by five financial consultants. The location allows clients to meet in person with financial professionals for help with services ranging from brokerage accounts to retirement planning and home purchase preparation. Schwab officials said Florida remains a key growth market as the state attracts affluent residents and young professionals seeking personalized financial guidance. The firm operates nearly 400 branches nationwide and is adding new and expanded locations across Florida and other markets.

Residents of Terreno in northeast Collier County welcomed a new amenity campus featuring a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, a resort-style pool and a dining venue. Developed by DiVosta, the community’s multiacre amenities include the Olive & Thyme Bar & Grille, pickleball and tennis courts, fitness center and event spaces designed for social gatherings and wellness activities. Terreno includes 685 single-family homes on more than 320 acres near Oil Well Road and Randall Boulevard in Orangetree. The community also features more than 10 miles of walking paths connecting lakes, preserves and recreation areas. Homes range from about 1,400 to nearly 4,000 square feet and are priced from the lower $400,000s to about $1 million.

Lee County will mark Matlacha’s 100th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. March 24 celebrating the restoration of the Matlacha Community Center and Pine Island Art Building and the reconstruction of the Little Pine Island Bridge. The event will take place at Matlacha Community Park, 4577 Pine Island Road. The facilities were damaged by flooding and high winds from Hurricane Ian and restored through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program. The Florida Department of Transportation replaced the Little Pine Island Bridge, widening it from 35 to 53 feet and improving drainage, utilities and storm resilience.

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty promoted Abigail Tezniarz to chief financial officer, Melissa Morehouse to associate vice president of marketing operations and Frank Russell to associate vice president of creative services. Sanibel Captiva Community Bank hired Kyra Ward as a teller at its Sanibel main office. Lee Health Foundation named Brenda Jacobson system director of central development. Senior Friendship Centers appointed Pam Beitlich, Stephanie Havens Costello and Kevin Gillen to its board of governors. Florida Trust Wealth Management welcomed Steven M. Stauss as vice president. HM Restaurant Group promoted Reyes Martinez to general manager of Dixie Fish Company. A.N.A.’s Friends added Chris Smith to its board of directors.

The Gulfshore Playhouse Gala raised $3,516,000 for the theater’s annual operations during “The Swinging Sixties Show” on March 2 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. More than 560 guests attended the event, chaired by George and Patricia Kraus. The evening featured cocktails, dinner and a performance directed by Gulfshore Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Dann Dunn and music directed by Trevor M. Pierce. Broadway performers and dancers presented a revue of 1960s music, including songs by The Beatles, Nancy Sinatra and Tina Turner. Funds raised support Gulfshore Playhouse productions and educational programs at its Baker Theatre and Education Center in Naples.

Neighborhood Health Clinic raised more than $1.6 million during its Celebration of Hope and Healing dinner Feb. 27 at the Van Domelen Education and Wellness Building in Naples. Supporters gathered for the private event to celebrate donors whose philanthropy helps sustain the clinic’s campus and its mission to provide free health care to uninsured patients in Collier County. The evening included a program highlighting patient stories and the impact of donor support. Proceeds will support patient services at the nonprofit clinic, which operates without government funding and serves as a health care safety net for residents who otherwise could not afford care.

Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation donated $500,000 to support expansion of the Naples Comprehensive Health Rooney Heart Institute in Naples. The gift will help fund construction of a new cardiovascular facility that also will house the Wingard Stroke Institute when completed in late 2027. The donation is part of NCH’s $250 million campaign to expand heart care services, recruit clinical talent and invest in advanced technology. In recognition of the contribution, a nursing station in the new building will be named for the foundation.

The May issue of Gulfshore Business will include our biannual Guide to Business & Commercial Banking special advertising section. Choosing a bank is a critical decision for every business, as it has a significant impact on daily operations and the company's overall financial standing. Banks can assist businesses with products and services specifically designed for their needs, such as deposit accounts, lines of credit, merchant services, payment and transaction processing, commercial loans, global trade services, treasury services and investment banking. Don't miss this unique opportunity to promote your Southwest Florida-based financial institution and its various products and services 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.