Gelatys opened an $8 million production facility at 4840 Laredo Ave. in Fort Myers, transforming the former Water One bottling plant into a manufacturing hub for its growing frozen gelato business. The 30,000-square-foot facility will support national distribution of the company’s gelato novelties, including its Mini Gems product line, and create about 75 jobs in Southwest Florida. Founded in Miami in 2016, Gelatys products are now sold in more than 5,000 retail locations across 26 states, including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Kroger and The Fresh Market. Company officials said the facility’s advanced production equipment can manufacture in one hour what previously required a full day.

Preliminary property value estimates for 2025 show taxable values were flat or declined across much of Lee County, potentially limiting revenue growth for local governments and fire districts. The Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office reported Fort Myers Beach posted the largest gain, with taxable values rising 9% as rebuilding from Hurricane Ian continues. Lee County’s overall taxable value increased 2.9%, while Cape Coral rose 2.4% and Bonita Springs gained nearly 1%. Fort Myers, Estero and Sanibel saw slight declines. Officials said slower home sales and reduced new construction activity contributed to the trend as local governments begin preparing budgets for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. To read the full story, click here.

Fort Myers City Council voted 7-1 on June 1 to authorize foreclosure proceedings on three Palm Beach Boulevard properties with more than $2 million in code enforcement liens. The sites, valued at about $12 million, include a Bravo Supermarket, a Family Dollar store and other retail businesses. Council also approved a $2,000 environmental assessment to evaluate potential contamination. City officials said the action is intended to address long-standing code violations and support redevelopment efforts along the Palm Beach Boulevard corridor. To read the full story, click here.

Lee County commissioners approved a $2.9 million construction contract to complete a sidewalk project along Hancock Bridge Parkway between North Fort Myers and Cape Coral. The project will add a 6-foot-wide sidewalk from Hunter Boulevard to 1,000 feet east of Orange Grove Boulevard and includes water main installation, new fire hydrants, drainage improvements, pedestrian safety upgrades and road resurfacing work. Fort Myers-based Andrew Site Work LLC was awarded the contract. Construction is expected to begin in August and take approximately 14 months to complete. The project was identified as a priority by the Lee County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Fort Myers officials are moving forward with plans to rebuild the 1970s-era boardwalk at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. City Council at its regular meeting June 1 approved a $98,000 professional services agreement with EnSite Inc. for the planning, permitting and administrative stage of the project. Funded by the city’s voter-approved GO Bonds, it includes 1,776 linear feet of walkway along with observation platforms, shade structures and lighting. While Calusa Nature Center is open, the boardwalk remains closed after years of use and hurricane damage. Its replacement is a central part of the 105-acre property’s revival in recent years, part of efforts to improve visitor experience and support the nonprofit nature refuge’s long-term growth.

PaddleWar, a Naples-based amateur pickleball league, entered a new phase under owner Nannette Staropoli, who acquired the company and is leading a national expansion effort. The league currently operates or is expanding in nine states and aims to reach 20 states by the end of 2026. PaddleWar offers organized team-based competition for amateur players through local leagues, facility partnerships and postseason play. The company also plans to host its third PaddleWar Nationals championship event in October. Staropoli, a longtime marketing executive and pickleball advocate, said the organization is seeking facility partners, league coordinators and team leaders to support its growth strategy. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lee County crews continue repairing hurricane-damaged infrastructure along Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach more than three years after Hurricane Ian. The multiyear project focuses on restoring portions of the drainage system clogged by sand pushed inland during the storm surge. Crews are removing the center-drain brick pavers and clearing sand beneath the roadway to restore drainage capacity. The work also includes sidewalk repairs, ADA upgrades, curb and gutter improvements and other pedestrian safety enhancements. Lee County officials expect the Estero Boulevard hurricane repair project to continue through fall 2027, WINK News reports.

A luxury estate in Grey Oaks sold for $10.7 million, marking the second-highest residential sale in the Naples area community over the past year and the fourth-highest sale in its history. Located at 1249 Gordon River Trail in the Estuary at Grey Oaks, directly between Airport-Pulling Road to the west and Livingston Road to the east, just north of Golden Gate Parkway, the home spans more than 7,300 square feet and sits on a 0.64-acre lot overlooking a lake, golf course and preserve. Premier Sotheby’s International Realty represented both the buyer and seller in the transaction. The seller was represented by the Guenther, Heitman & Williams Team of the firm’s Village office, while Londa Nau, also of the Village office, represented the buyer. The British West Indies-inspired residence was built by London Bay Homes in 2011 and features resort-style outdoor amenities, a chef’s kitchen and four climate-controlled garage spaces.

Lee County commissioners approved a $1.5 million contract to resurface and improve portions of Richmond Avenue North in Lehigh Acres. The project will include milling, resurfacing, restriping, shoulder work and ADA improvements along segments from Bear Street to Leeland Heights Boulevard and from the Able Canal to Greenbriar Boulevard. The work will improve 10.4 lane miles along the key north-south corridor. OHLA USA Inc. was awarded the low-bid contract.

Neighborhood Health Clinic received a $275,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation to support diagnostic imaging and expanded laboratory services for uninsured Collier County residents. The funding will help maintain radiology equipment and provide operational support for the clinic’s upgraded on-site laboratory, including supplies, calibration, licensing and service contracts. Clinic officials said the investment will help ensure uninterrupted diagnostic services, with up to 97% of required lab tests performed on-site, reducing delays in patient care and treatment decisions.

The August issue of Gulfshore Business will include our annual Private School Handbook special advertising section. To assist the working professionals who read Gulfshore Business monthly in making informed decisions, the Private School Handbook is an indispensable resource for school selections. Don’t miss this special opportunity to showcase your private school 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.