Every week I round up the community, business, and development stories making news across Southwest Florida, from Naples and Marco Island to Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers. This edition covers the week of October 26 through November 1, 2026: Habitat Collier's $100 million affordable-housing campaign, a workforce-housing project approved in East Naples, Voulez-Vous targeting a November opening in Bonita Springs, the Bonita Estero Rail Trail staying on track, and the Hilton Marco Island owner shelving its second-tower plan. Each story links to the original reporting from a local outlet, and I only include stories I can confirm from the source.
Habitat for Humanity of Collier County launches a $100 million campaign
Habitat for Humanity of Collier County publicly launched its "Together, We Build" campaign on October 29, a $100 million effort to support construction of 500 homes and fund land and infrastructure for another 500. CEO Lisa Lefkow said the campaign had already secured $74 million in commitments, leaving $26 million to raise.
Read the full story at WINK NewsEast Naples mixed-use project with workforce housing gets the go-ahead
Collier County commissioners voted unanimously on October 27 to approve a mixed-use project at U.S. 41 and Andrew Drive in East Naples, on the site of a long-closed restaurant. The plan from developer Nick Matar includes workforce housing with affordable and market-rate studio units, a restaurant, and a rooftop café.
Read the full story at Naples Daily NewsVoulez-Vous cabaret lounge targets a November opening in Bonita Springs
Voulez-Vous, a new cabaret lounge, is targeting a November opening at the former Southwest Florida Event Center at 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE in Bonita Springs. Gulfshore Business reports the venue will pair fine dining with a roughly three-hour cabaret show of live music and performance, a new entertainment concept for the area.
Read the full story at Gulfshore BusinessBonita Estero Rail Trail stays on track after Estero council vote
The Estero Village Council voted on October 29 not to terminate the Bonita Estero Rail Trail acquisition and development plan, keeping the trail project moving forward. Council members reviewed soil samples from the corridor and found nothing out of the ordinary, according to WINK News.
Read the full story at WINK NewsHilton Marco Island owner shelves its second-tower expansion plan
The owner of the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa withdrew its rezoning request for a second tower that would have grown the resort from 310 to 626 rooms. Naples Press reports the expansion is shelved after city planners said the project did not fit the area.
Read the full story at Naples PressHow I put this list together
I keep this roundup to community, business, and development news that I can verify from the outlet's own reporting, and I link to the original article every time. I skip crime stories and anything politically divisive, so this stays a positive, useful snapshot of the week. If a story changes, the linked articles are the best place to check the latest.
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 roundup together each week from current, published reporting so you can keep a finger on what is happening in Southwest Florida. If you are thinking about a move, email or text me any time.
Thinking About a Move to Naples? Start With a Conversation.
Contact Catalina Quintero at (239) 206-6909 or use the contact page to schedule a consultation.