Every month I track the development projects, rezoning requests, road and infrastructure plans, and city and county decisions shaping Southwest Florida, from Naples and Marco Island to Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and the Collier and Lee county areas around them. This edition covers October 2026: workforce housing approved at a busy East Naples intersection, Marco Island's first Live Local Act housing project, public hearings on the I-75 widening, and the final go-ahead for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail. Each item links to the official planning page, agenda, or local reporting it came from, and I only include what I could confirm from the source.
Development approvals and zoning
Collier commissioners approve mixed-use building with workforce housing on U.S. 41 East
On October 27, Collier County commissioners voted unanimously to approve a five-story, 56-foot-tall mixed-use building at the northeast corner of U.S. 41 East and Andrew Drive, on the site of a long-abandoned fast-food restaurant. The project includes 30 studio apartments, 25 of them income-restricted for workforce housing, a ground-floor Mediterranean restaurant, and a rooftop cafe. Approval required a rezoning and a small-scale amendment to the county's Growth Management Plan for higher residential density.
What it could mean: This brings rental units priced for local workers to a busy East Naples corridor, which is a small step toward more attainable housing in a market where workforce inventory is limited. It also shows the county is willing to approve density in exchange for affordable units, a pattern buyers and investors may want to watch along U.S. 41 East.
Read the full story at Naples Daily NewsHacienda Townhomes, 54 attached homes near Hacienda Lakes, moves forward
The Collier County Planning Commission recommended approval on October 1 of a Growth Management Plan amendment and companion planned-unit-development rezoning for Hacienda Townhomes, a 54-townhome project on 10.28 acres in East Naples. The plan includes enhanced landscaping buffers designed to limit impacts on the neighboring single-family homes.
What it could mean: Attached housing is one of the more attainable home types in Naples, so a 54-unit townhome community adds options near the Hacienda Lakes area. Because this is a planning commission recommendation, the final decision comes before the Board of County Commissioners, so timing is not set yet.
Read more at Gulfshore BusinessMarco Island's first Live Local Act housing project moves ahead on San Marco Road
On October 19, the Marco Island City Council approved a land use restriction agreement for a proposed 27-unit apartment complex at 2330 San Marco Road, near Stevens Landing. Under Florida's Live Local Act, state law preempts local zoning rules for qualifying affordable projects, so the council's role was the restriction agreement that keeps the units designated as affordable housing.
What it could mean: This is the first Live Local Act project on Marco Island, and it points to how state law can bring workforce rental units into communities where land is expensive. For renters priced out of the island market, restricted affordable units are one of the few new supply sources on the horizon.
Read the full story at the Marco EagleHilton Marco Island pulls its resort expansion application
The owner of the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa withdrew the resort's rezoning application on October 19. The proposal would have added a second tower and roughly doubled the hotel's rooms, from about 310 to 626, and planners had said earlier that the project did not fit the site as proposed. The city manager confirmed the expansion effort is shelved, at least for now.
What it could mean: Hospitality inventory on Marco Island stays the same for the foreseeable future, which keeps the island's supply of short-term lodging stable. Neighborhoods near the resort get a break from a large construction project, though the owner could return with a revised plan.
Read more at Naples PressLee County approves land use changes in the Density Reduction and Groundwater Resource area
On October 21, Lee County commissioners approved changes to the county's comprehensive land use plan and rezoned land in the Density Reduction and Groundwater Resource area to allow housing, retail space, and private schools, with conditions. State agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection were consulted as part of the review.
What it could mean: The DR/GR area covers much of rural eastern Lee County, and these changes open the door for future development there. Any new homes would be years away, but buyers looking at land or homes in eastern Lee County should expect more activity as these approvals work through the system.
Read the full story at Gulf Coast News Now355-unit apartment proposal at Coconut Point reviewed at public hearing
On October 20, the Village of Estero Planning, Zoning and Design Board held a public hearing on Waypoint Residential's request for a four-story, 355-unit apartment building in the Coconut Point Mall parking lot, on the former Regal theater site. The project is still in the review process, and no final decision has been announced.
What it could mean: Rental housing next to one of the region's largest shopping centers would be a new option for renters who want walkable access to stores and restaurants. Multi-family projects like this are how Estero's housing stock grows, and they are worth tracking if a rental property near Coconut Point appeals to you.
Read more at the Village of EsteroCape Coral approves the $500 million Bimini East waterfront redevelopment
At its final public hearing on October 21, the Cape Coral City Council approved the roughly $500 million Bimini East mixed-use redevelopment near Four Freedoms Park. The plan includes two hotels, apartments, restaurants, parking garages, a police substation, and a reimagined park along the waterfront.
What it could mean: A project of this scale changes the feel of the Cape's downtown waterfront, and it is of interest to anyone who owns property nearby or likes the idea of more restaurants and activities within walking distance. Large approvals like this also tend to draw attention from buyers looking at the wider Lee County market.
Read more at HoodlineCourt clears the way for South Seas Resort rebuild on Captiva
On October 27, a Florida 20th Circuit Court judge denied a petition challenging Lee County's zoning approval for the South Seas Resort on Captiva, letting the county's approval stand. The decision clears a legal hurdle for the resort's post-Hurricane Ian rebuild on the island.
What it could mean: Captiva's largest resort can move forward with rebuilding, which matters for the island's tourism economy and for anyone who follows the barrier island property market. Legal decisions like this often take years, so a confirmed ruling is meaningful for the surrounding area.
Read the full story at WGCURoads, trails, and infrastructure
FDOT holds public hearings on the I-75 widening from Golden Gate Parkway to Alico Road
On October 27 and 28, the Florida Department of Transportation held public hearings on its I-75 capacity project covering 21 miles between Golden Gate Parkway in Collier County and Alico Road in Lee County. The plan calls for auxiliary lanes along the full stretch, two express lanes from Golden Gate Parkway to Corkscrew Road, one express lane from Corkscrew Road to Alico Road, a new diverging diamond interchange at Immokalee Road, and resurfacing. Written comments were accepted through November 10.
What it could mean: This is the largest road project on the region's horizon, and it will shape how far people are willing to commute for a home. If you travel between Collier and Lee counties for work, the express lane plan is worth following closely, and improved access can widen the set of communities that feel within reach.
Read the full story at WGCUCollier Boulevard widening to six lanes moves to the bid stage
Collier County's fourth-quarter 2026 strategic priorities update lists the Phase III widening of Collier Boulevard, from four to six lanes over about 2.1 miles between City Gate Boulevard North and Green Boulevard, with bid documents anticipated in October 2026 and construction expected to follow in late 2026 or early 2027. The county is coordinating with the City of Naples on utility pipe replacement along the corridor.
What it could mean: Collier Boulevard is the main artery for North Naples growth, including the new communities along the 951 corridor. Widening this stretch eases the daily pinch point, and major road improvements tend to keep neighborhoods along the corridor convenient as they grow.
See the project in Collier County's Q4 prioritiesEstero advances flood mitigation project near Three Oaks Parkway
On October 13, the Estero Village Council approved the next phase of design and permitting for the Estero River North Branch flood mitigation project, a regional retention pond on village-owned land behind the Three Oaks post office. The project is supported by about $20.25 million in FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding, with design and permitting targeted for early 2027.
What it could mean: This one is personal for homeowners: it is aimed at reducing flooding in neighborhoods near Three Oaks Parkway. If you live in the area or are looking there, flood mitigation work is a positive signal for both quality of life and insurance considerations, and it is a reminder to ask about flood history before you buy.
Read the full story at WINK NewsBonita Estero Rail Trail gets final approval and land purchase
On October 28, the Estero Village Council gave final approval to the Bonita Estero Rail Trail and the $19.8 million purchase of about 66.7 acres of former rail corridor, roughly 4.1 miles running through Estero. Bonita Springs took related steps at its own council meeting on October 21, including an environmental site assessment and bond financing for the shared trail.
What it could mean: A connected multi-use trail between Bonita Springs and Estero is a lifestyle upgrade for the neighborhoods along the corridor, giving walkers and cyclists a safe route away from car traffic. Trails like this are popular with buyers, and getting the right of way secured is the milestone that makes the project real.
Read more at the Village of EsteroCape Coral pauses the $384 million North 3 utility extension
On October 20, the Cape Coral City Council voted to pause the North 3 Utilities Extension Project, a roughly $384 million water and wastewater expansion, after a contested $17.3 million roadway component drew scrutiny. A vote on repealing the project was set for November 2.
What it could mean: Utility extensions are what make new neighborhoods possible, so a pause like this can slow the timetable for growth in north Cape Coral. If you are considering property there, it is worth asking how far along utility service is, since that affects both buildability and cost.
Read more at HoodlineEstero requests state funding for Corkscrew Road widening engineering and other projects
In its transportation and capital projects update on October 30, the Village of Estero reported state funding requests of $6 million for engineering on the Corkscrew Road widening between I-75 and Three Oaks Parkway, $1.2 million for turn lanes at Corkscrew Road and Three Oaks Parkway, $5 million for Estero Bay Village and Mirasol improvements, and $2 million for Estero River sediment removal.
What it could mean: Corkscrew Road is one of the most congested corridors in the area during season, so widening engineering is a positive step even while funding is not final. Road capacity tends to keep pace with growth here, and projects like these are a sign the village is investing in the infrastructure newer communities depend on.
Read more at EsteroTodayHow I put this list together
This roundup covers development projects, rezoning requests, road and infrastructure plans, and city and county decisions from October 2026 that I could verify from official sources, including city and county planning pages, council agendas or minutes, and reputable local reporting. I link to the original source for every item, and I leave out anything I cannot confirm. Decisions and timelines change, so the linked sources are the best place to check the latest status of any project.
A note on fair housing: every home and community in Southwest Florida is open to all qualified buyers and renters, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. If you are exploring a move here, I am glad to help you find the place that fits you, whatever your story.
A note from the author: I'm Catalina Quintero, a bilingual REALTOR with The Miranda Group at Premiere Plus Realty, Co., serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Marco Island. I put this monthly roundup together from current, published reporting so you can keep a finger on what is being built and planned in Southwest Florida. If you are thinking about a move, email or text me any time.
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Contact Catalina Quintero at (239) 206-6909 or use the contact page to schedule a consultation.