State-of-the-economy report praises 2024 economic development in Lee County

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Feb. 19, 2025 - PRLog -- A who's who of business and community leaders from across Southwest Florida gathered Feb. 6 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre for a state-of-the-economy presentation that revealed encouraging signs about the local economy.

The Annual Meeting of the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office attracted nearly 400 guests as industry experts revealed numerous economic accolades from 2024 while offering a preview of the vision for business growth and development in 2025.

Notable Lee County statistics presented included:

• Home values in Lee County have increased 21% in the past 12 months.
• 3,252 new businesses registered within Q1-Q3 of 2024.
• Eight million square feet of industrial development was completed in 2024.
• Fort Myers is the No. 1 fastest growing U.S. city according to U.S. News & World Report.
• Population is expected to reach one million by 2028.
• Cape Coral was ranked second among the best cities in the U.S. for first-time homebuyers in 2024 according to a study by the personal finance website, Wallet Hub.

Additionally, the event recognized outgoing officers, including Horizon Foundation Immediate Past President Mark Stevens and a "passing of the gavel" to incoming President Guido Minaya.