This monthly newsletter is produced in effort to keep you better informed and engaged about the work of your Fort Myers CRA.
AC by Marriott Hotel to add 132 hotel rooms to Downtown redevelopment area, Approved for Rebate

AC by Marriott Hotel, a 132-room hotel to be built in the Downtown redevelopment area, has been approved for a tax increment rebate of $5.57 million. It will be located at 2300 First Street on the southeast corner of First and Jackson streets, across from the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. This eight-story, 77,000 sq. ft. hotel will strengthen the area's convention capabilities by acting as overflow lodging complimenting the Luminary Hotel and adjacent Caloosa Sound Convention Center. The proposed completion is Fall 2022.
Upper Left: Rendering of AC Marriott Hotel in the evening. Upper Right: Ground level lobby floor plan. Lower Left: Typical hotel room floor. Lower Right: Bar and amenities level.
CRA Commissioners Randall P. Henderson, Jr. (Left) and Gaile H. Anthony (Right)
CRA Commissioners Awarded for Years of Service

CRA Commissioners Randall P. Henderson, Jr. and Gaile H. Anthony were recognized for their years of service on the CRA’s Board of Commissioners.

Randall P. Henderson, Jr., was recognized for his 20 years of service to the community. He is leaving the role, having served the board faithfully from November 2000 - November 2020.

Gaile H. Anthony was recognized for her 5 years of service to the community. She is leaving the role, having served the board faithfully from November 2015 - November 2020.
Far Above: The Beacon Social Drinkery. Above: Silver King Ocean Brasserie. (Images courtesy of Luminary Hotel & Co.)
Luminary Hotel: Beacon Social Drinkery Open, Silver King Ocean Brasserie to Open November 12, Denison Parking to Manage Parking Garage


The Beacon Social Drinkery, Luminary Hotel's sophisticated rooftop bar and gathering spot, opened on October 15. Placed atop the hotel on the twelfth floor, it offers a wide variety of wines, craft cocktails and beers complemented by a tapas-style menu and nearly-360 degree views of the Caloosahatchee River and Fort Myers.

Next to open will be Silver King Ocean Brasserie on November 12. Named for the elusive Silver King Tarpon that lured people from around the world to Fort Myers when the city was first established, it will be the hotel's signature restaurant and will showcase fresh seafood.

Congratulations to Fort Myers' Denison Parking team on winning the contract to manage the parking garage for the brand new Luminary Hotel. Denison Parking, which also manages parking operations in the Downtown River District for the City of Fort Myers, is known for courtesy and stellar customer service. The Denison team views their mission to ensure that as a part of their service, customers will choose to return to the hotel and to Fort Myers.
Far Above: The Luminary Hotel with Parking Garage. Above: Fort Myers Denison Parking staff celebrating winning the contract to manage the Luminary Hotel parking garage (Staff photo courtesy of Denison Parking)
CRA Commissioners Randall P. Henderson Jr. (Second from Right) and Teresa Watkins Brown (Right) participate in the Hampton Inn Groundbreaking Ceremony with the Firmco Construction team, developer of the Hampton Inn.
Hampton Inn Groundbreaking Ceremony Held October 15

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hampton Inn by Hilton was held on October 15, 2020. Located in the Downtown redevelopment area, the future four-story Hampton Inn will be situated on downtown Fort Myers' traffic artery, Cleveland Avenue, and will feature 118 rooms, an outdoor pool and patio area, a flexible boardroom for use, and a fitness center available for guests. Situated on a two-acre lot, the 65,000 square foot building will be an infill lot development that will take about one year to complete before it opens to guests.
Rendering of the completed Hampton Inn.
SWFEC: Virtual Tenant Late Fees Reduced


Late fees for virtual tenants at the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center (SWFEC) have been reduced from $50 to $10. Virtual tenant rent is only $50 per month, so the full late fee equivalent that an on-premises office or bay tenant who pays higher rent seemed excessive for the virtual tenant. SWFEC currently has 14 virtual tenants and more are expected to take advantage of the opportunity.

At the Enterprise Center, virtual tenants gain a number of benefits for the home-based business:
  • Recognized business address
  • A mailing business address for sending and receiving packages
  • Conference rooms to hold professional meeting
  • Allow yor home business to have a business address
  • Low rental rate - only $50 per month plus tax
Edison Awards Call for Nominations


The Edison Awards has issued a Call for Nominations for the 2021 Edison Awards. Companies who've recently launched outstanding innovations are invited to apply by November 20, 2020.

The Edison Best New Product Awards™ is an annual competition honoring excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design, and innovation. Past winners have included Fortune 500s, small start-ups, and everything in between. The value of an Edison Award™ is powerful in terms of its ability to boost recognition and market visibility. A finalist status delivers an affirmation of superior quality— a confirmation that can reach customers in a way that marketing and advertising alone cannot.
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