Naples on Right Track

The Naples housing market is one of the healthiest in the country, according to a new report by John Burns Real Estate Consulting and this article by Naples Daily News.

And according to the firm’s proprietary Burns Home Value Index, strong demand from second-home buyers and retirees have been pushing prices up 0.5 percent a month.

And it’s no secret that more people from across the country are recognizing our little gem in southwest Florida.

In fact, last year, flights to Southwest Florida Regional airport experienced their largest increase since 2007, which generally correlates with high vacation home sales—according to the Daily News article.

Tight inventory and strong employment growth was also the highest for any city in the country in December at 7.7 percent.

Rib City Celebrates 25 Years

Rib City, the family-owned national barbecue chain founded in Fort Myers in 1989, celebrates its 25th year in business this year, also according to the Daily News article.

Rib City started with a small, family-style operation on U.S. 41 in Fort Myers.

And today, there are 12 corporate restaurants in Florida with 10 locations in Southwest Florida and 14 franchise restaurants across the country.

“We are proud to be celebrating 25 years in Southwest Florida,” said Craig Peden, company president, in a statement. “Through leadership, dedication and a love of the restaurant business, we have been able to maintain a superior quality in our products and services.”

New Floor Plans for Shadow Wood Preserve

WCI Communities has created three new low-maintenance villa floor plans for the final 19 homesites in Shadow Wood Preserve’s Cypress Bend neighborhood.

The floor plans feature the 2,713-square-foot Bayberry, the 2,845-square-foot Rosemary and the 3,259-square-foot Sabal.

Each floor plan offers a den, designer finishes and a large lanai.