Paradise Island Contracting celebrated a major milestone Monday with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new commercial complex at 14882 Ingraham Blvd. in South Gulf Cove. The event marks the first commercial development within the interior of the residential subdivision, signaling a new chapter for both the company and the community.
Owned by longtime locals Jason and Jaimie Walczak, Paradise Island Contracting has come a long way from its humble beginnings. “We started out nearly 15 years ago in a spare room in our house,” said Jaimie Walczak. “We never could’ve imagined we’d be here today, breaking ground on a property of our own.”
The business eventually moved into a cramped warehouse unit before settling into a building on McCall Road in 2015. That structure, however, was severely damaged in 2022 during Hurricane Ian, forcing the company to relocate its operations, once again, to the Walczaks’ home.
“Like many others, we were devastated by the storm. We lost nearly everything,” said Jason Walczak. “But we knew we had to keep going to help others rebuild their homes, even while our own office was underwater.”
In 2023, the couple purchased the Ingraham Boulevard property, becoming the first to invest in a commercial site within the interior of South Gulf Cove. While their original McCall Road location was temporarily listed for sale, they ultimately decided to keep it and transform the space into a restaurant—drawing from their experience as owners of the Shipwreck Saloon in El Jobean.
Construction on the new complex includes two buildings: one for the contracting firm’s new office and another for a future bar and gathering space known as Paradise Pub. “It’ll be a small, friendly neighborhood spot where folks can unwind and catch up over a cold drink,” said Jaimie.
After two years of navigating design plans, permitting, and preparation, the Walczaks are optimistic about moving operations out of their home and into a purpose-built space within the next year.
“This groundbreaking isn’t just for a building—it’s a new foundation after everything we’ve been through,” said Jason. “It means getting back to what we love, in the community we love, and giving back even more.”
