businesses here , and we have land that is available for development .”
With direct access to U . S . 41 and Interstate 75 , the city is poised to handle many types of businesses , and city officials have zoned areas for specific types of development , including the area surrounding the new 220,000-square-foot Lee County VA Healthcare Center , zoned for multiple uses .
In many respects , the city is still in its infancy , so there is plenty of room for expansion . Brunett points to several projects on the drawing board : the continued revitalization of the popular South Cape downtown entertainment district , the future development of Seven Islands , Academic Village and Bimini Basin , and the projected construction of a new conference center . Finding the Prime Location
Along the Cape ’ s busy corridors , plenty of small businesses offer products and services for residents , while business is booming for national retailers who have seen the power in the Cape ’ s residential base . For instance , the Fuccillo KIA of Cape Coral dealership is No . 1 in sales in the country . Cape Spirits , a rum distillery with national distribution , offers free tastings and tours , and has expanded its line of Wicked Dolphin Rum since opening in 2011 . In addition , several national franchises have added locations along the city ’ s main corridors . “ Then there are the stores that gather around these businesses ,” Brunett says . “ Development begets development .”
As the population ages , home health services , home maintenance businesses , assisted living facilities and physicians are in demand . Neighborhood services , such as dry cleaners , insurance agents and computer support firms , are needed for new and established communities . The Cape welcomes savvy business owners to augment the existing base of attorneys , physicians , IT consultants , maintenance companies and light manufacturing operations .
A key amenity in the Cape — waterways — also inspires homeowners and business owners . Marine services , boat builders , recreational outfitters for kayaking , fly fishing and other activities , pool supply stores , tackle shops and boating-supply stores can count on residents ’ love of being outdoors and on the water .
Plenty of opportunities exist for familyowned businesses , from computer repair services to funeral homes to eco-friendly products . Franchisees of all products and services also excel in the Cape . It ’ s not uncommon for those who have retired to Cape Coral to find that business is still in their blood and start or relocate their venture in paradise .
Areas of Opportunity
“ Cape Coral is still a well-kept secret as far as I ’ m concerned ,” says Deems . For commercial and industrial development , he says the completion of the widening of the Pine Island Road corridor makes it a magnet for commercial activity . Deems also points to other major corridors : Del Prado Boulevard , Cape Coral Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard .
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The corner of Diplomat Parkway and Corbett Road , where the Lee County V . A . Healthcare Clinic and Hope Hospice are located , is ready for light industrial , warehouse , and restaurants , and it “ badly needs a hotel with kitchenettes ” so people can remain close to the facilities they are visiting . “ That ’ s an untapped diamond ,” he says .
Other areas are ready to waken . “ The widening of Burnt Store Road will create new opportunities in the northeast — also in the future development of the Zemel properties ,” says Brunett , referring to more than 2,000 acres of undeveloped land held