Local Business

Free bus rides to grocery store outside of Immokalee ends.

After years of hiatus, Jennifer Rena Bennett, owner of Matlacha's Island Flair, has partnered with the Matlacha Civic Association to resurrect Matlacha's Art Walk. Its resurgence returned to the small island on June 13, 2025. Since then, the event has gained increased attention with an intrinsic goal of rejuvenating and reinvigorating the quaint business community, home to the historic fishing village, during the times of stability prior to the cavalcade of hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton—all of which impacted the low-lying island in different ways.

Frustration and worry crossed the faces of customers coming Sunday to Immokalee’s only supermarket — Winn-Dixie — after they discovered it had closed. For good. Winn-Dixie’s parking lot was mostly leaves, dust and litter blowing in the windy weather Sunday after the store closed for business Saturday. A steady stream of customers tried for much of the morning to make purchases, only to be turned away by employees.

Some local businesses are being honored as the best in Lee County. The Horizon Council, a group dedicated to business excellence and growth in Lee County, announced its Industry Appreciation Awards for 2025.

The Fallout from the immigration raids conducted by Immigration & Customs Enforcement are beginning to take a toll on small businesses.

Some Bonita Springs businesses say customers aren’t coming in like they used to. A new survey digs into why.

Ecological Laboratories Inc. in Cape Coral, went from microscopic status to statewide success, making Florida’s Top 10 Manufacturing Employers list for 2025. FloridaMakes, a statewide partnership, selects 10 manufacturing employers that create thriving workplaces with connected cultures and abundant growth opportunities.

The future of property that a popular recreational park sits on in southwestern Hendry County is not known beyond its now planned closure at the end of November. Lazy Springs Recreational Park lies off state Route 82 just across the Lee County line in Hendry. For about 25 years, 4-wheelers and mudders or anyone who enjoyed getting wet and dirty headed to the mud-pits, lakes and dirt trails site each weekend.

After years as a beloved destination for off-road enthusiasts, campers and families, Lazy Springs Recreational Park will close its gates for good at the end of November. Park officials announced that the property has been sold and that the final open weekend will be Nov. 29–30. Until then, the park will remain open every weekend during regular hours.

Charlotte County business owners and entrepreneurs can take advantage of free, one-on-one consulting sessions hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University’s Florida Small Business Development Center.