Beyond the Coastline
Beyond the coastline: The emerging inland retail corridor in SWFL Click Here to Learn More
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Navigating the 2025 Hurricane Season: A Guide for Commercial Property Owners
By Gayle Erickson-Ash & Bill Mitchell, Property Management at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season expected to be more active than usual, preparation is key for commercial property owners across Southwest Florida. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, fueled by unusually warm ocean waters and a developing La Niña pattern. Advancements in forecasting technology, such as NOAA’s Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), are offering communities better lead times. But even with better warnings, the time to prepare is now. At Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, hurricane preparedness is a cornerstone of our proactive property management strategy. We work closely with property owners and tenants to mitigate risk, protect assets, and ensure business continuity. Before a Hurricane: What We Do and Recommend Building Compliance: We inspect buildings to ensure they meet current hurricane codes and complete any necessary structural improvements. Insurance Reviews: We confirm flood and general insurance policies are comprehensive and up to date. Lease Review: Review lease terms with tenants regarding storm-related responsibilities. Hazard Assessment: Use FEMA tools to identify potential vulnerabilities unique to your location. Secure Documentation: Take and store photographic or video records of property conditions. Protect Lower Levels: Remove or elevate valuables and equipment from ground-floor areas prone to flooding. Outdoor Item Storage: Secure or remove outdoor furniture and debris to reduce storm hazards. Tenant Communication: Maintain clear, proactive communication with tenants before, during, and after the storm. Emergency Readiness: Update contact lists and follow all local evacuation orders. Generator Checks: Test functionality, confirm fuel levels, and arrange for post-storm refueling. Water Intrusion Prevention: Use barriers or sandbags at entry points and windows. Digital Backup: Store essential files in secure cloud platforms and protect physical documents indoors. After a Hurricane: Rapid, Responsible Recovery Safety First: Only re-enter buildings cleared by structural engineers. Plan for Delays: Communicate openly with tenants about potential repair delays due to labor or supply shortages. Tenant Support: Reach out quickly to assess damages and assist tenants in recovery efforts. Insurance Follow-Up: Begin the claims process using your pre-storm documentation. Our team is available to help assess your coverage and assist with filing. Insurance Coverage—Your First Line of Defense Storm damage can bring costly setbacks. Make sure your flood and property insurance are comprehensive and current. With policies frequently changing, our team is here to review your coverage and assist with storm planning tailored to your property. Helpful Resources for Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Explore these trusted resources to strengthen your hurricane plan: Horizon Foundation – Business Continuity Resources Florida Disaster – Planning for Businesses FEMA – Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Lee County Recovery Resources Charlotte County Storm & Recovery Info Collier County Hurricane Preparedness Florida SBDC – Disaster Planning for Small Businesses Additionally, download hurricane tracking apps to stay updated: iOS: National Hurricane Center Data Android: My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts We’re Here to Help As both a brokerage and full-service property management firm, Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida is committed to supporting you before, during, and after a storm. 📞 Call us at 239-489-3600 🌐 Visit us at cpswfl.com Stay prepared, stay protected—and let our team be your trusted partner this hurricane season.
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Immokalee Industrial Space Sells for $2.8M
800 Immokalee Property Owner LLC purchased 21,573 square feet of industrial space at 800 E. Main St. in Immokalee from Winfield Solutions LLC for $2.8 million. Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the seller. Story featured in Gulfshore Business
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Trump 2.0: How Policy Changes Could Impact Commercial Real Estate
Cushman & Wakefield’s recent webinar, Trump 2.0: Implications for Property, provided expert analysis on how recent shifts in economic policies might influence the real estate market and overall economy. Our Global Think Tank identified several important considerations for investors and stakeholders navigating the evolving landscape, including: Economic Uncertainty and Stagflation: A short-term economic slowdown combined with higher inflation is anticipated in 2025. Rising Construction Costs: Tariffs are likely to increase construction material expenses by 5-7%, potentially benefiting existing property owners due to slower new development. Federal Employment Cuts: Reduced federal workforce expected to impact office space demand, particularly in the DC area. Interest Rate Volatility: Significant fluctuations in interest rates are expected, with a general stabilization around 4-4.5% for the 10-year Treasury. Industrial and Retail Sectors: Tariffs and weaker consumer demand could temporarily affect occupancy rates, but resilience is anticipated. Capital Markets Outlook: Short-term cautious investment climate evolving into a gradual recovery, driven by demand for stable income assets. Long-Term CRE Investment Strength: Commercial real estate remains an attractive asset class, offering diversification and protection against inflation. GSE Privatization: Possible privatization of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is unlikely immediately, but multifamily lending remains strong. Explore detailed insights and data shared during our expert-led session: Trump 2.0 Webinar Key Points April 2025 Presentation Slides Replay the Webinar For questions or additional insights, please connect directly with our team of experts.
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Southwest Florida’s Office Market Thrives Amid National Downturn
A recent article published by the Naples Daily News spotlights how Southwest Florida is defying national trends with its surging demand for office space and exceptionally low vacancy rates. While many markets across the country are scaling back, Lee and Collier counties are seeing an influx of businesses drawn to high-growth areas, robust infrastructure, and a desirable quality of life. Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, shared: “We exited the pandemic with a major demand for quality office space … and that’s still very high. We find ourselves as probably one of the hottest office markets in the United States right now.” Want to dive deeper into the data behind this trend?Explore our latest MarketBeat Report – Office Q1 2025, which highlights: Office space absorption rates in Lee & Collier Counties Submarket-by-submarket vacancy data Trends in co-working and flexible office configurations Leasing activity and construction pipeline insightsRead the full article on the Naples Daily News: Southwest Florida bucks national trend with high demand for office space, low vacancies
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Residential Growth Fuels Commercial Expansion in North Fort Myers
North Fort Myers is experiencing a commercial real estate boom, fueled by a wave of new residential developments that are reshaping the region. Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, highlights the strategic importance of this growth. “As rooftops go up, businesses follow. We’re seeing increased interest in retail, healthcare, and mixed-use developments because families are moving in, and they need services close to home,” said Tasman. “This isn’t just growth—it’s transformation.” With wide-open land and competitive development costs, the Pine Island Road corridor is quickly becoming one of the most attractive areas for investors and developers. Eric Messer, Senior Research Manager at Cushman & Wakefield, notes that the demand for convenience is driving a trend toward walkable, mixed-use communities that blend residential, retail, and office space. For more on this regional transformation, read the full article on North Fort Myers Neighbor:New ‘Rooftops’ Drive Commercial Boom.
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Junior Achievement of SWFL Inducts Business Leaders into Hall of Fame
On March 25, 2025, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida hosted its annual Business Hall of Fame banquet at the Naples Grande Beach Resort, celebrating four distinguished leaders who have significantly impacted our region. Among the honorees were William Price Jr. and Matthew Price of Seagate Development Group, who were recognized for their visionary contributions to commercial real estate development. In an article featured in Gulfshore Business, Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker of Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, praised the Prices, stating “The visionary attributes that Bill and Matt bring to Southwest Florida are game changers. They are true inspirations for everybody in our business and certainly an inspiration to the next generation we’re trying to inspire to develop a culture of legacy leaving things better than you found them, and that’s so important that Bill and Matt are always focused on. They’re just a natural for this recognition.”Gulfshore Business The event raised $255,500 to support Junior Achievement’s programs, which equip local youth with essential work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills. For a detailed account of the event and the honorees’ achievements, read the full article on Gulfshore Business:🔗 Junior Achievement of SWFL inducts 4 into Hall of Fame
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Eagle News Feature, “Gary Tasman: The Real Estate Leader Transforming Southwest Florida and Supporting FGCU”
Gary Tasman: The Real Estate Leader Transforming SWFL and Supporting FGCU Author: Violet Powell This past November, Gary Tasman received an honorary bachelor’s degree in Life Success from Florida Gulf Coast University. In the ceremony, Tasman was awarded the degree by FGCU President Aysegul Timur and was recognized for his commitment to the Southwest Florida area. CEO and Principal Broker of Cushman and Wakefield Southwest Florida, Tasman has been serving this area for over 30 years, both within his professional field and his service outside of it. In 2020, Tasman was a founding member of the Lee County Conservation Board. He found himself motivated by his passion for sustainability. “We have the unique opportunity in Southwest Florida to do things different from what other places in Florida have done,” said Tasman. On the board, Tasman helped ensure sellers had the say in conserving their land and not the government. “Our conscious effort to balance development with open spaces and green spaces and a keen sensitivity to the environmental attributes adds to our quality of life. It’s something I’m very proud to have been involved in,” he said. Here at FGCU, Tasman serves on the advisory board for the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development and Finance. His firm also provides internships to students. Nathan York is a FGCU alum who interned for Cushman and Wakefield as a student. “It was a real-world learning experience, not just learning the definitions and in class material,” said York. Now as a full-time research analyst within the firm, York credits the opportunity to an email he sent Tasman when looking for internship experience. “I personally reached out in an email to Gary Tasman and asked him for an informational interview, that’s how I acquired the internship from there,” he said. As the Southwest Florida area continues to grow, he has been keeping an eye on how the community will expand. “We’re going to become more intelligent, not just our community, but all over Florida and all over the United States on how we maximize the utility of land, and in a lot of cases that will require additional development or redevelopment,” says Tasman. However, Tasman has strong faith in the next generation of real estate developers in the SWFL area, especially FGCU grads. “The next generation is going to develop in a smarter and more sustainable way than the last generation,” he said. As the community changes, Tasman’s motivation for sustainability has been fundamental for his business. “My guiding principle is that I want to be instrumental in leaving things better than I found them,” Tasman said. As he has lived in the community, he has seen the changes made within it. “Having been a resident and an entrepreneur in this market for 30 years now, it’s very rewarding to me to look back and see the progress that we made as a community,” he said. With the work he has done leaving a positive impact, the results are clear!
Cushman & Wakefield’s Market Expertise Took Center Stage at ULI’s 2025 Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum
Cushman & Wakefield’s Market Expertise Took Center Stage at ULI’s 2025 Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum Research Analyst Eric Messer Presented on Key Market Trends, Migration Patterns, and Commercial Real Estate Outlook for Southwest Florida Fort Myers, Fla. (February 2025) – Cushman & Wakefield, a global commercial real estate services leader, took center stage at the 2025 Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum, where industry leaders gained exclusive insights into the region’s evolving market. As Southwest Florida experienced dynamic economic and demographic shifts, Senior Research Manager Eric Messer presented data-backed forecasts that shaped investment strategies and commercial growth across the region. Messer’s session delivered an in-depth analysis of key market trends, economic drivers, and commercial real estate performance across all asset classes, providing attendees with a forward-looking perspective on market demand, development trends, and investment opportunities in 2025 and beyond. His insights highlighted how migration trends, evolving economic forces, and capital market shifts shaped the future of industrial, office, multifamily, and retail sectors in Southwest Florida. As the leader of Cushman & Wakefield’s Florida research team, Messer and his team provided comprehensive market intelligence, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quarterly and annual data across office, industrial, multifamily, and retail properties. His presentation outlined how vacancy rates were expected to stabilize, capital markets were reawakening, and population growth continued to drive regional commercial development. “Southwest Florida’s real estate market was at a pivotal moment, influenced by demographic shifts, national economic forces, and evolving investor sentiment,” said Messer. “At Cushman & Wakefield, we leveraged extensive market research and real-time data to help clients anticipate trends and make informed decisions. The ULI Forum provided an excellent platform to share these insights and engage with industry leaders navigating the region’s opportunities and challenges.” According to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest research, Southwest Florida’s commercial real estate sector saw continued growth in industrial development, driven by e-commerce expansion and demand for last-mile distribution centers. The multifamily sector remained strong, with rental demand increasing alongside continued migration into the region. While office vacancy rates remained elevated in some submarkets, the flight-to-quality trend led to reinvestment in Class A properties. Retail demand also rose, particularly for mixed-use developments that incorporated live-work-play concepts. “Southwest Florida entered a new phase of economic and commercial real estate growth,” said Gary Tasman, CEO & Principal Broker of Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida. “Businesses and investors recognized the long-term value of this market, and our data showed that key sectors—particularly industrial and multifamily—continued to thrive in 2025 and beyond. The insights Eric Messer shared at ULI’s annual forum were invaluable for those looking to make informed, strategic decisions in this evolving landscape.” The 2025 ULI Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum brought together top real estate professionals, developers, and industry experts to discuss growth trends, housing solutions, and commercial real estate strategies. This year’s forum featured key insights into Lee and Collier County’s economic development, the Housing Coalition’s strategies for expanding housing access, and emerging trends in real estate for 2025. To view Eric Messer’s Presentation on Southwest Florida and Commercial Real Estates 2025 Economic Outlook click here. As a leader in commercial real estate research and advisory services, Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida provides clients with actionable insights and strategic guidance across all property sectors. The firm’s deep understanding of market dynamics ensured clients were equipped to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate evolving trends in Southwest Florida and beyond. This year’s forum was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida, Christopher Alan Homes, M/I Homes, and Owen-Ames-Kimball Company.
Six Critical Questions Part 2: What Impact Will Interest Rates Have on Commercial Real Estate?
🔍 What Impact Will Interest Rates Have on Commercial Real Estate? Join Gary Tasman, CEO & Principal Broker of Cushman and Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida, as he shares his strategic thought leadership on the factors influencing the commercial real estate market in Southwest Florida in part 2 of our video series on Emerging Trends in SWFL. Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant deceleration in transaction volume due to rising construction costs, land scarcity, increased insurance premiums, and, notably, higher interest rates. To learn more about emerging trends in commercial real estate in SWFL follow this link; https://bit.ly/InterestRatesCPSWFL