Workout Anytime opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 2 at its location on 455 S. Indiana Ave. Owners Mike King and Josh Chandler stood front and center for the celebration. Mike King shared, “Opening this location in Englewood is a big milestone for us, and we’re grateful for the support from the community. We’re here to help people take that first step, or the next step, toward a healthier lifestyle.”
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.
