Gulfshore Business

After the Naples Design Review Board sent the architect back to the drawing board this spring, representatives for the Atlanta-based fast-casual chain were back in town Aug. 28 to give the city a second look at its plans for a drive-thru restaurant at the site of the former Red Lobster restaurant at 2355 Ninth St. N.

A routine annual Naples Airport Authority budget presentation turned into a grilling by Naples City Council, which questioned the airport’s executive director about issues ranging from moving the airport, increased flights and noise to renegotiating the airport’s $1 yearly lease.

Janette Dulaney has garnered national recognition for her cakes. This month, Dulaney was named as one of Gulfshore Business’ 40 under 40.

Terminal E will bring 19 more passenger gates to Southwest Florida International Airport, which is on pace to serve more than 11 million passengers this year and generate an estimated $8.3 billion in economic impact.

The last day is Sept. 15 for Aurelio’s Pizza at Coastland Center mall in Naples.

Punta Gorda City Council on Sept. 4 granted the owner of Celtic Ray Public House a temporary-use permit allowing covering for the tavern’s parking area with shell marl instead of sod, which would have cost more than $20,000.

A little more than $229 million of the $1.1 billion in federal funding for Hurricane Ian disaster relief officially was awarded Sept. 3 by the Lee County Board of Commissioners.

Two couples teamed up to open the first of several Ellianos Coffee Co. drive-thrus in Southwest Florida. The franchise at 19175 Peachland Blvd. in Port Charlotte is set to open Sept. 4.

The participating vendors, which numbered about five dozen at last count, and members of the Hatchery, small business owners who use Babcock Ranch office space for their enterprises, will be on hand. 

Twice over the past five years, Lee County commissioners have chosen not to use a search firm, going against the trend for elected officials.