The Mucky Duck restaurant on Captiva Island reopened after more than a year of repairs following damage from Hurricane Milton in October 2024. The beachfront restaurant, which first opened in 1976, closed after storm surge damaged parts of the building and its kitchen. Owners completed extensive renovations, including installing a new kitchen and updated systems, before welcoming customers back last weekend. Known for its sunset views along Andy Rosse Lane, the longtime restaurant is also popular for menu favorites, such as its grouper sandwich, steaks, seafood dishes and pub-style fare. Large protective sand dunes have been built along the shoreline to help shield the building from future storms, though they partially block views of the Gulf.

Florida gas prices have surged at the fastest pace in four years, rising 84 cents over the past 12 days to an average of about $3.73 per gallon, according to AAA. Analysts attribute the spike largely to volatility in global oil markets tied to the escalating war involving Iran and disruptions to energy shipping routes in the Middle East. Concerns about the safety of oil tankers and the stability of supply through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for roughly 20% of the world’s oil shipments, have pushed crude prices above $100 per barrel. In Southwest Florida on March 16, Charlotte County had the cheapest average gas price at $3.71 per gallon, followed by Lee County ($3.76) and Collier County ($3.79).

IncredibleBank opened a newly constructed branch in Cape Coral’s Pine Island Road corridor, expanding its presence in Southwest Florida. The full-service facility is located at 2524 Liberty Park Drive and replaces the bank’s previous Liberty Park banking center across the street. The new branch is designed to provide modern banking technology, expanded services and spaces for personal and business financial consultations. IncredibleBank plans to host a public ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house from 3:30 to 4 p.m. April 22. The Wisconsin-based community bank operates 17 branches across Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Florida.

Michael B. Peceri, a World War II veteran, diplomat and longtime hospitality executive who helped shape Southwest Florida’s resort industry, died March 10 in Fort Myers at 99. Peceri served in the Navy during World War II and later spent more than a decade in the U.S. Foreign Service with assignments in Moscow, Vienna, Buenos Aires and Cairo before beginning a hospitality career in Southwest Florida in 1970. He held leadership roles with Mariner Group properties, including serving as executive vice president and general manager of South Seas Plantation on Captiva Island and later as president and chair of Marquis Hotels & Resorts. Peceri also served as president of the Florida and American Hotel & Lodging Associations and chaired the International Hotel Association.

Fort Myers-based oncology diagnostics solutions provider NeoGenomics Inc. announced that its PanTracer LBx test has received Medicare coverage through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Molecular Diagnostics Services Program. The blood-based genomic profiling test is designed to help physicians identify treatment options and clinical trial opportunities for patients with advanced solid tumors. The test analyzes more than 500 genes and can provide results within about seven days from a simple blood draw. NeoGenomics officials said the coverage decision expands access to precision oncology testing for Medicare patients and supports broader use of liquid biopsy diagnostics in cancer care.

Naples-based Elite Jets has joined the George J. Priester Aviation network of companies alongside Wisconsin-based Maxair, expanding a family-led group of private aviation brands across the United States. The alignment brings Elite Jets and Maxair together with Wheeling, Illinois-headquartered Priester Aviation, Mayo Aviation, Hill Private Aviation and Omni Private Aviation under the George J. Priester Aviation umbrella. Together, Elite Jets and Maxair add 17 aircraft to the broader fleet, including Embraer Phenom 300s, a Legacy 500 and Gulfstream jets. The companies will continue operating under their existing names while sharing resources, operational expertise and charter opportunities across the national network.

Real Estate Investment Society will host its monthly luncheon April 14 at Pelican Preserve Clubhouse in Fort Myers, featuring a presentation on commercial real estate and finance trends by Brian Bailey of Trimont. The program will begin at 11:45 a.m. in the Osprey Room at 9802 Pelican Preserve Blvd. Bailey, senior managing director and head of research at Trimont, analyzes economic, lending and property trends affecting commercial real estate markets. He previously served as a commercial real estate subject matter expert and senior policy adviser at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Tickets are $30 for members and $45 for nonmembers, with reservations required by April 10. To register, click here.

B&I Contractors Inc. promoted Brian Mumme to chief revenue officer and Patrick Saulnier to controller. Sanibel Captiva Community Bank hired Jennifer Hall as a customer service representative and teller at its main office on Sanibel. Home Base Florida added Sarah Blanchette as administrative assistant.

More than 260 community leaders, advocates and families gathered March 11 at the Arthrex One Conference Center in North Naples for the 10th anniversary Kids’ Minds Matter Signature Gala, raising more than $2.4 million to expand pediatric mental and behavioral health services across Southwest Florida. The Rise to Shine-themed event marked a decade of growth for the initiative, which was founded in 2016 through Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lee Health Foundation. Over the past 10 years, Kids’ Minds Matter has expanded from one outpatient office with three mental health professionals to seven outpatient offices with 45 clinicians, along with inpatient providers and mental health navigators who help families access care.

Grey Oaks Country Club members donated $109,750 to Neighborhood Health Clinic through the club’s Grey Oaks Cares Week of Giving philanthropic initiative. The gift will support the clinic’s mission to provide free medical care to uninsured, working adults in Collier County. Neighborhood Health Clinic said many Grey Oaks members also volunteer at the clinic, helping provide direct care and support to patients. The donation was part of Grey Oaks Cares’ broader fundraising effort, which generated $3.8 million for local nonprofit organizations. The initiative mobilized club members, staff and leadership to support charities across Collier County.

The Naples Press will host a Tim Talks panel discussion on "Investing in a Growing Naples" from 4 to 6 p.m. March 24 at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Beach House, in North Naples. The event will feature a cocktail reception and networking followed by a moderated discussion led by Naples Press columnist and Gulfshore Business Senior Editor Tim Aten. Panelists include Veljko Pavicevic, co-founder of the Sails Restaurant Group; Alex Crevi, partner at Aviance Capital Partners; and Tim Savage, principal and Realtor at Gulf Coast International Properties. The conversation will focus on investment opportunities and trends shaping Naples’ continued growth. To purchase tickets, click here.