HM Restaurant Group opened The Marina at Bonita Fish Company at Fisherman’s Wharf on San Carlos Island, adding a 30-slip deep-water facility with direct Gulf access. The marina accommodates vessels up to 100 feet and offers short- and long-term rentals beginning April 1, with power service planned for summer. Slips are also available for day boaters visiting nearby waterfront restaurants. The addition comes as demand for coastal dockage remains high. HM Restaurant Group continues to expand its presence along Matanzas Pass, building out a dining and entertainment destination anchored by Bonita Fish Company and neighboring concepts.

Punta Gorda ranked among the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas, posting 2.7% population growth from 2024 to 2025 to reach about 217,200 residents, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The region ranked fifth nationally, trailing Ocala, which led the country at 3.4%, and Lakeland-Winter Haven, also at 2.7%. Despite strong gains in parts of Florida, other areas saw declines, including Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties, which ranked among the largest numeric population losses. Nationally, population growth slowed significantly, with metro growth dropping from 1.1% to 0.6% year over year, driven largely by reduced international migration and continued domestic migration shifts.

MK Architecture was selected to provide design services for a new Key Foods grocery store planned at 3990 Winkler Ave. in Fort Myers. The 26,350-square-foot store will be developed by Fort Myers Winkler Avenue Development LLC and will offer a full-service grocery experience, including fresh produce, meat, seafood and prepared foods. The developer has previously completed similar projects in Lehigh Acres and East Naples.

Bonita Springs Utilities Inc. will install a 1.5-megawatt floating solar array at its East Water Reclamation Facility on Operations Way, off Wellfield Road, after board approval of the project. The system will be placed on an existing pond and is expected to offset about 60% of the facility’s energy use, with peak output reaching up to two-thirds. The project will operate under a net metering agreement with Florida Power & Light. Construction is underway off-site, with installation expected to be completed this fall and the system operational by year’s end. The utility anticipates energy cost savings beginning in 2027.

Florida gas prices remain near a four-year high, with the statewide average at $3.95 per gallon as of March 30, according to AAA data. That is roughly 2 cents higher than a week earlier and about $1.06 more than a month ago. AAA officials said crude oil prices tied to Middle East conflict continue to drive prices upward. In Southwest Florida on March 30, Charlotte County had the lowest average price per gallon at $3.94, followed by Lee County ($3.97) and Collier County ($4.02).

Sanibel Fire & Rescue District Station 172 officially reopened following reconstruction after Hurricane Ian destroyed the original facility in 2022. Located at 5171 Sanibel Captiva Road, the station has been operational since earlier this year and was celebrated with a SanCap Chamber ribbon cutting March 27. The rebuilt station features enhanced wind and storm surge protections, upgraded technology and improved dispatch capabilities to support emergency response. The project replaces the 50-year-old station and is designed to allow first responders to remain operational during and after severe weather events, strengthening public safety and long-term resiliency on Sanibel Island.

Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach will close April 6 for construction as Lee County continues post-Hurricane Ian improvements. The project includes ADA-accessible boardwalks, upgraded shelters, landscaping, lighting and a new elevated restroom facility, with completion expected in early summer 2027. Pedestrian access and portable restrooms will remain available on the west end, but the park and parking lot will be closed. Visitors are encouraged to use nearby parking at Bowditch Point Park or the Beach Park & Ride off Summerlin Square Drive during construction.

Florida Gulf Coast University will host its 2026 AI Summer Academy throughout May, offering nearly 200 hours of programming focused on artificial intelligence education and workforce readiness. Organized by the Dendritic Institute for Human-Centered AI & Data Science, the academy will feature 30 sessions led by 20 instructors from academia and industry. Topics include AI strategy, data analysis and real-world applications across sectors. The program is designed for educators, professionals and business leaders, with flexible session options allowing participants to tailor their experience. To register, click here.

Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples received more than $7,000 from the 2026 K+H Naples Classic, hosted by Kelleher + Holland LLC. The funds are expected to generate about $49,000 in medical care for uninsured, low-income adults in Collier County. The two-day event included a clinic tour, dinner, golf tournament and reception, highlighting community support for access to health care. The clinic provides comprehensive medical, specialty and support services to working adults without insurance, relying on community partnerships and donations to expand care.

The Tommy Bohanon Foundation will host its eighth annual Playmakers Tailgate Party on April 30 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers. The event will feature food, drinks, live music, raffles and a comedy performance, along with a youth scholarship presentation. Proceeds will support scholarships and programs for Southwest Florida athletes ages 5 to 18. Since 2017, the foundation has raised nearly $2 million to support youth programs, including scholarships, equipment grants and camps. To purchase tickets, click here.

Today is the final day to submit nominations for Gulfshore Business’ 24th annual 40 Under 40 awards, recognizing rising leaders across Southwest Florida. The program honors professionals who have demonstrated notable achievements in their fields while also giving back to the community through volunteerism and civic involvement. Nominees must be under 40 by Sept. 1. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced in the September issue. To submit a nomination, click here.