Over the last decade, the cost of living in The Sunshine State has jumped nearly five times faster than it did in the 2010s. A cause is soaring expenses for housing, insurance, and rent. Wages simply aren’t keeping up, and some Floridians are now thinking about packing up and moving elsewhere.

Florida TaxWatch’s latest report lays it all out. During the 2010s, prices in the state grew at a pretty modest 1.3% a year. But in the 2020s, that average exploded to around 5.8% annually. This difference shows up almost everywhere you look: rising rents, pricier groceries, higher child care bills, bigger utility payments. Still, housing stands out as the single biggest concern.

Look at insurance. Florida homeowners now pay some of the highest rates in the country: by 2025, average annual property insurance will hit $2,794, a 63% jump since 2020. Add rising property taxes, and many homeowners now spend more than $10,000 a year just to keep a roof over their heads.

Renters have also faced difficulties. In 2015, the average rent was $1,194. By 2025, it shot up to $2,208, an 85% increase. That leap bumped Florida from the 14th to the sixth most expensive rental market nationwide. Rent spiked fastest after 2020, tracking broader inflation but outpacing neighboring states.

It’s not just housing, either. Basic goods and services have gotten pricier:

Eggs are up an astonishing 135% over the last ten years. 

Rice? Up 46%. 

Bread has climbed 30%. 

Child care now tops $42 an hour in 2025. 

Even electricity and gas keep creeping higher.

Prices like these mirror national inflation, but in Florida, wages lag. That gap leaves people squeezed month after month.

The good news is Florida has experienced impressive growth and now ranks fourth in the U.S. GDP and third in population. The bad news is that many Floridians aren’t feeling the benefits. New residents keep pouring in, pushing up demand and prices, while longtime locals get edged out. Even though inflation cooled a bit after its 2022 peak, prices are still much higher than before the pandemic.

Florida TaxWatch isn’t optimistic about affordability without real policy action. The report points to both federal money policy and state-level changes in housing, insurance, and taxes as crucial. Without intervention, the gulf between what people earn and what it costs to live here just widens, changing who gets to call Florida home.

Looking toward early 2026, Southwest Florida shows a cautious recovery. 

The region benefits from strong job growth but still faces high inflation and sky-high insurance. Homeowners struggle with some of the priciest property insurance rates in the nation, and that pushes many to consider moving inland. The real estate market is settling into a new normal. We see more activity these days, though the wild days of the pandemic are over.

Tourism remains a major engine, but travelers are watching their spending, especially with dining and entertainment. That caution ripples through local businesses. Florida’s broader economic growth should hit about 2.3% in 2026, with a sturdy labor market supporting the region. While growth is slower than the big post-pandemic boom, no one expects a recession, just a more moderate, healthy pace.

Challenges remain. Recent storms still cast a shadow, affecting businesses and changing travel habits. Persistent high inflation and insurance costs put pressure on families and companies alike. For many, the dream of Florida sunshine now comes with a much higher price tag.

The post Florida Dreams, Rising Bills: Families Feel the Squeeze appeared first on Englewood Review.

Step inside Mako’s and you’ll find more than just seafood. It’s fresh and high-quality, and there’s an energy here that comes from people who care about the Englewood community. 

The service is fast; the atmosphere is stylish and welcoming, and the menu has something for everyone, from Ahi Tuna Tartare to their juicy Smash Burgers, which include two, four ounce Certified Angus Beef Patties (Chuck, Brisket & Short Rib Blend) choice of fries or vegetable slaw, served on a toasted brioche bun. Since their soft opening on March 27th, customers keep coming back for more.

Mike and his wife Alexis aren’t just business owners; they’re part of the Englewood community. Mike’s an animal lover at heart, and he’s excited to connect with local groups to help promote pet adoption and care. “I’d love to do an event where people stop by, enjoy some free food, and check out adoptable pets. And if you take home a new furry friend, I’ll give you a gift card to Mako’s,” he says.

Supporting local art is another big piece of what makes Mako’s unique. Walk in, and you’ll notice the original work of Sebastian decorating the walls. A 13-year-old artist and angler from Sarasota, even the Florida Wildlife Commission has noticed Sebastian’s talent. “We’re proud to show off ‘Sebastian in the Wild.’ Come in, see his work, and support a young artist,” says Mike.

Mako’s really is about family. Mike’s daughter, Karli, designed the restaurant’s logo. His son, Tyler, did the tile work and Riley, his other son, helps wherever he can. Alexis, Mike’s wife, runs the marketing. Everyone contributes.

But this all comes together because of Mike’s background; he’s the only American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef in Southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Venice. That’s rare, and it sets Mako’s apart.

So, who is Chef Michael Klocinski? He got his start at fifteen, washing dishes in Lima, Ohio. He stuck with it, graduated high school, moved to Columbus, and took a job at La Scala Italian Bistro, working his way up to lead line cook. That’s where he met Alexis, started a family, and began a journey through some of the best clubs and kitchens in the country.

After a three-year chef’s apprenticeship at Muirfield Village Golf Club, he learned what it took to lead a kitchen. He earned a chef position at Shaker Heights Country Club, running things there for five years before moving to Forest Highlands Golf Club in Arizona and then to Boca Bay Pass Club in Florida. Ten years in Boca Grande, a brief adventure in South Carolina, and then the family found themselves drawn to Englewood, a town they had always found special.

One thing Mike’s known for? His teams. He believes in giving his staff the tools and support they need to grow. His motto is, “The answer is yes—what’s the question?” That mindset runs through Mako’s service and kitchen staff. He’s been hands-on for years, not just as a chef, but in planning, budgeting, even helping design kitchens during club renovations.

Mike and Alexis have raised three kids: Karli, Riley and Tyler, who is building a name for himself in construction and tile.

With deep roots, a love for food, family, and community, Mako’s brings something new and exciting to Englewood. Come and experience it for yourself.

For more information makoscoastalkitchen.com.

Mako’s 2828 South McCall Road #34, Englewood, FL Call 216.905.7244

The post Everyone’s Raving About Mako’s Coastal Kitchen in Englewood appeared first on Englewood Review.

Be sure to stop by Paraiso Mexican Grille and Bar for lunch or dinner, grab a drink from their full bar, or enjoy some live entertainment while you eat. Planning a party? They can take care of everything with their catering and event hosting. 

Whether you dine in, pick up some takeout, or buy a gift certificate for someone special, they’re here to make every visit easy and memorable. The energy in their dining room matches the bold flavors on each plate.

From burritos to tacos, fajitas, and cool, tangy margaritas, there’s always something new to crave at Paraiso. But don’t just take our word for it; their customers say it best:

“Great quality Mexican food! Margaritas are the best around! Give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.”

“We went for dinner Sunday night and thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. Friendly and super-fast service. Extensive menu. Quality food and good prices. The restaurant was packed by the time we finished our meal. Definitely will come back!”

“Lots of great menu choices, good service. Large portions—brought half of it home for a meal the next day!”

Paraiso Mexican Grille and Bar appreciates its customers: “We truly appreciate your support over the years and can’t wait to share even more of our favorite dishes with you. Thanks for choosing Paraiso as your getaway for authentic Mexican food, where every plate is a taste of paradise.”

Stop by and see what everyone’s talking about. At Paraiso, every meal feels like a little celebration.

Paraiso Mexican Grille And Bar
For information and hours check out pariasomexicanbarandgrille.com.
2639 Placida Rd. 
Englewood, FL 34224
Call 941.460.8081

The post A Taste of Mexico in Englewood: Paraiso Brings Flavor, Fun, and Fiesta appeared first on Englewood Review.

From upscale homes and senior living communities wrapping up construction, to apartment complexes that include options for local workers, and ambitious, long-planned mixed-use sites, Southwest Florida’s building boom shows no signs of slowing. This spring, five projects achieved significant progress, including selling land, starting construction, holding opening ceremonies, or completing their buildings. These accomplishments give us an idea of future trends in the local housing market.

Let’s start close to home.

1. South Lee County’s Next Big Project

Ryan Companies of Minneapolis closed a $20.5 million deal for a 61-acre property at Alico Road and U.S. 41 in south Lee County. This site, now dubbed Dia Crossing, will soon host 350 new multifamily units, and that’s just the beginning. Zoning also allows up to 200,000 square feet of commercial space, plus a hotel with about 150 rooms. Crews are getting to work, hoping the first residents move in within a year from now.

Here’s what’s happening in the other four neighborhoods reshaping the region:

2. Saltgrass Reserve: on roughly 20 acres along Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples, just past I-75, Saltgrass Reserve will offer 208 apartment units. Before construction ramps up, crews will demolish two existing homes and add acceleration and deceleration lanes to improve access and traffic flow.

3. Opus Stone: Seagate Development Group recently celebrated the opening of Opus Stone, a new enclave of luxury homes about ten miles from the Naples coast.

4. More Single-Family Homes in Alva: Dream Finders Homes, based in Jacksonville, is coming to River Hall in Alva, in eastern Lee County. The company is building 95 single-family homes, about a third right on the golf course. Construction is underway on the first two model homes, Napoli and Ravenna, scheduled to open in June. Big-name builders like Lennar and Pulte are already active in River Hall, where some new homes top $1 million, though lower-priced options remain.

5. Siena Lakes’ Final Phase: Siena Lakes, a continuing care retirement community in Naples managed by Erickson Senior Living, just opened Belle Isle, the last building in its independent living campus. Now, all 67 new units are ready, rounding out development on this 35-acre site.

All together, these projects reflect the continued growth, and shifting face, of residential life in Southwest Florida.

The post Building Boom Continues: Five Projects Reshape Southwest Florida Living appeared first on Englewood Review.

This event highlights a bigger trend in Southwest Florida. Businesses aren’t just opening; they’re scaling up, moving in, and planning major projects for 2026. Population growth in the region is exploding, and companies are flocking to places like Englewood, Lee County, and Collier County, drawn by business-friendly cities and a vibrant community atmosphere. 

While the residential market is cooling off after its recent boom, commercial construction is keeping up momentum, even with hurricanes leaving their mark on the area.

Here’s what’s happening in SWFL business and infrastructure for 2026:

Retail and grocery giants like Aldi, Publix, and Costco are building out new stores to meet demand in Lee and Collier counties. Costco’s warehouses in Naples and Fort Myers are getting bigger. Meanwhile, Amazon keeps pushing ahead with its expansion along State Road 82. The Alico Road corridor is attracting big moves, including the new $4.5 million headquarters and manufacturing facility for MY Shower Door/MY Architectural Glass. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is undergoing a massive $1.1 billion expansion, including a new Concourse E and a public safety building scheduled to finish late next year. 

Commercial real estate is thriving; office condos and retail pads are hot in Sarasota-Bradenton, and Bayshore Gateway Triangle near Naples is seeing new high-rises and a Marriott hotel rising. In Estero, the High Five sports and community complex will open in Fall 2026, bringing pickleball, bowling, and all-around entertainment.

What is driving this boom? Lee County will surpass 1 million residents, with Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral ranked among the nation’s fastest-growing cities. Businesses are moving for lower costs, favorable taxes, and a better quality of life for employees. The market is moving past the post-pandemic rush, aiming for steady, sustainable growth, and developers are focusing on sturdy construction designed to weather Florida’s storms.

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Fonte was pumping diesel with a cloned credit card. He stole 248 gallons worth $1,460, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. The Tennessee company confirmed that it did not allow the use of its card in Florida.

This incident comes as gas prices climb through the roof in Florida. On Monday, prices jumped 17 cents and set a record. Regular unleaded is averaging $4.12 per gallon across the state, reaching levels not seen in over three years. Diesel prices are even steeper, with averages ranging from $5.73 to $5.84 per gallon. Some stations in Fort Myers are pushing prices close to $5 per gallon.

When deputies searched Fonte’s vehicle, they found a device for cloning credit cards. Fonte now faces charges for grand theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and possessing an encoder with intent to defraud.

High Gas Prices Aren’t Isolated

West Palm Beach-Boca Raton is seeing averages near $4.26, Naples is about $4.22, Jacksonville is roughly $4.25, and certain Fort Myers stations report $4.89 to $4.99 for regular unleaded.

What’s fueling this surge? Mainly, global supply concerns tied to the violence in Iran and the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz. Spring break is also ramping up demand. Experts at AAA say Floridians shouldn’t expect relief soon, as prices are likely to stay volatile and high for now.

The post Deputies Arrest Man Fueling up With Fake Card, Steals $1,460 as Gas Prices Soar appeared first on Englewood Review.

We caught up with Kara to talk about The Rustic Bean Coffee Shop, which celebrates its one-month anniversary on April 1, to hear about how her coffee shop isn’t just a business, it’s the dream she never realized she was chasing.

“My shop is a taste of home,” she told us. “There’s a pretty long story behind how I landed here, but really, I’ve loved coffee for as long as I can remember. I never said to myself, ‘I’ll own a coffee shop one day.’ But I always wanted to make my local community better. That’s always been my thing. I have a passion for, well, everything.”

Kara moved from New York to Englewood for her daughter. “My youngest has this serious blood disease. It took years for the doctors to figure out what was wrong, and eventually she was diagnosed with bone marrow failure. She also has this incredibly rare genetic condition, so she’s literally allergic to the cold. Winters in New York just weren’t an option anymore.”

Kara credits her parents for discovering Englewood first and giving her and her daughter a place to land with family nearby.

“She’s doing okay, but this is lifelong for her. She’s the reason we moved. I’ve always been a Dunkin’ girl, so I’d drive out there, but something was missing. And what do you know, that’s when I met Jeffery, the man of my dreams. He’s a local business owner, too.”

One night, Kara and Jeffery were just sitting on the porch, playing Yahtzee, “like an old married couple,” Kara laughs. That’s when Kara came up with an idea. “I said to Jeffery, ‘I think I want to open a coffee shop.’ I figured he’d tell me I was nuts, but instead he said, ‘Why not do it now?’ So, that night, we launched the LLC.”

When you ask, Kara lights up when talking about her husband. “My kids aren’t biologically his, but he adopted them without blinking. It’s straight out of a Lifetime movie. He’s my happy ending that I never saw coming.”

Family means everything to Kara. She designed The Rustic Bean to feel like the mountains she grew up in, from camping, hiking, trips to water parks, Adirondack chairs, woodsy vibes, you feel that Northern spirit even in Florida. “I wanted to bring the Adirondacks here, since my daughter can’t go back.”

And about The Rustic Bean; it’s celebrating its one-month anniversary on April 1, 2026, and it’s been in the works since January last year. Kara’s genuinely grateful for the Englewood community. “This is a dream come true. I’m humbled, honestly. Without our customers, none of this would be real. They’re the reason we exist.”

On the menu, you’ll find coffee (hot or iced), pastries, muffins, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and a whole bunch of “Around the Mountain” refreshers. She’s got teas, chai, and all the coffee shop staples, but with fun mountain twists: Lakehouse Lattes, Adirondack Americanos, Bear Claw Brew, Mountain View Macchiatos, Early Trail Espresso. Every name’s got a story.

Kara says what really makes the shop special is the feeling; people from all over drop in, from Ireland to Washington State, and everyone finds something familiar. “People come in and say, ‘Wow, I’ve been there,’ or swap stories. It turns into this ongoing conversation.”

Drop by Rustic Bean Coffee Shop, say hello to Kara, and welcome her to Englewood. Their motto just about sums it up: The Rustic Bean is your mountain retreat; where adventure meets comfort, and every sip feels like home.

The Rustic Bean Coffee Shop, located at 12717 Gulfstream Blvd., Port Charlotte 33981 941-828-1085 therusticbean2025@gmail.com

Open Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The post This Real-Life Love Story Brewed up the Rustic Bean Coffee Shop appeared first on Englewood Review.

Looking at the late 2025 and early 2026 outlook, the “Englewood Strong” spirit has taken hold. Hurricanes Helene and Milton, coming after Ian, dealt a hard blow with flooding, storm surge, and serious damage. Plenty of buildings didn’t make it. But the community responded fast, working to get businesses going, to recover beaches, to jumpstart the local economy.

Much of this new confidence comes from seeing real, concrete progress. The Chamber acted right away, starting a fund to help people affected by the hurricane. That fund put over $167,000 straight into the hands of people who needed help: families, small business owners, folks facing repairs and displacement.

Chamber Executive Director Doug Izzo credits the community’s generosity, along with support from groups like Lighthouse United Methodist Church of Boca Grande, with making recovery possible.

All that work paid off. The local business community bounced back quickly. Sure, Englewood’s barrier islands took a beating, but the mainland kept going. Many shops and restaurants at Manasota Key are open once again, welcoming customers and tourists.

Looking ahead to 2026, there’s a lot to feel good about. The local economy has real momentum; investment is coming in, and restaurants are busy again. Single-family building permits have even returned to pre-hurricane levels, a big sign that rebuilding isn’t stalling out.

“We’re back—better than ever—and we’re ready for visitors,” the Chamber announced, stressing that tourism isn’t just welcome; it’s crucial to fixing up beaches and parks.

The long-term outlook looks solid. Help kept pouring in from groups like World Central Kitchen and Rotary International, and the Chamber’s Hurricane Relief Fund hasn’t let up. They’re still connecting people with trustworthy local contractors to make sure repairs get done right.

Izzo summed it up this way: “This shows our community’s faith in itself. Our rebound isn’t just a blip—it’s a sign of real momentum for the future.”

The post Chamber Sees Surge of Confidence in Englewood’s Recovery appeared first on Englewood Review.

Everyone gathered at Matlacha Community Park. After a few quick speeches, officials lined up behind a bright red ribbon, grinning as they cut it and officially launched a new chapter for the area.

Hurricane Ian did a number on Matlacha – flooding and strong winds left Parks & Recreation buildings battered, demolished parts of the bridge, and tore up Pine Island Road. Lee County handled the repairs using FEMA Public Assistance funds, so residents didn’t get stuck with the bill. The community center and art building were back open in February, and Matlacha Park itself — boat ramp, pier, pavilions, playground — never went dark. People kept coming, rain or shine.

The Florida Department of Transportation took care of the bridge project in three phases. The new Little Pine Island Bridge isn’t just stronger — it’s safer too, with better drainage and utility upgrades that prepare it for whatever storms roll through next. They widened it from 35 to 53 feet, though there are still two 11-foot driving lanes.

A ribbon-cutting celebration feels right for Matlacha, especially now. This year marks a century since the town’s founding.

Digging into the history, it all started in 1926 when workers began linking Pine Island to the mainland with a bridge. The foreman at the time reported that they pumped fill out of Matlacha Pass to make the causeway and approaches. Apparently, they used two miles’ worth of hydraulic dredge fill to build it. But then, on September 17, 1926, a hurricane smashed the new wooden swing bridge. After the storm, the team rebuilt. They finished the new wooden bridge between Pine Island and the mainland by 1927, a true testament to resilience, both then and now.

The post Matlacha Marks 100 Years With Ribbon-Cutting and Major Rebuild Milestones appeared first on Englewood Review.

Work kicks off with upgrades to parking and wider sidewalks along the seawall.

The need for action is clear: nearly six months ago, Hurricane Milton hammered the Manatee side of the pier, forcing authorities to close part of it for safety. Engineers found structural damage; that section has been off-limits ever since.

Construction crews plan to clear out unused sections on the Pinellas side and remove the damaged parts in Manatee County later this spring. The Pinellas County pier doesn’t escape attention, as DeSantis explained that planned improvements will add another two decades to its lifespan.

For now, crews are building temporary fishing piers to keep anglers coming back. The governor’s office described the project as an effort to restore one of Florida’s iconic spots for fishing, sightseeing, and outdoor fun.

DeSantis promised that the rebuild would move fast, returning this favorite destination to locals and visitors alike.

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