Zach’s Corner
Zach’s Commercial Realestate Corner. Features news, thoughts on Florida’s Commercial Real Estate and more.
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Walmart Plans New Neighborhood Market in Brooksville, Expanding Grocery Presence in Hernando County
Walmart is planning a new Neighborhood Market in Brooksville, Florida, continuing the retail giant’s investment in smaller-format grocery stores throughout the Tampa Bay region. The proposed store, reported by the Tampa Bay Business Journal on October 13, 2026, represents another expansion of Walmart’s grocery-focused retail concept in Hernando County. The announcement comes as national retailers continue evaluating opportunities in growing Florida communities, where demand for convenient grocery shopping and neighborhood-serving retail remains strong. Walmart Neighborhood Market Coming to Brooksville Unlike traditional Walmart Supercenters, which offer groceries alongside general merchandise, Walmart Neighborhood Markets primarily focus on everyday grocery needs. The smaller-format concept is designed to provide customers with a convenient shopping experience centered on fresh produce, meat, dairy products, household essentials and other frequently purchased items. Depending on the location, Neighborhood Markets may also offer pharmacy services, grocery pickup and delivery. The proposed Brooksville store will expand Walmart’s presence in Hernando County, where the company already operates several retail locations, including its Supercenter at 13300 Cortez Boulevard and a Neighborhood Market in nearby Spring Hill. An official opening date for the proposed Brooksville location has not been confirmed. Walmart Continues Investing in Smaller Grocery Stores Walmart’s latest Hernando County project reflects…
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Sarasota Approves Redevelopment of Former Winn-Dixie Into 145-Room Hotel and 91 Apartments
A long-vacant Winn-Dixie grocery store near downtown Sarasota is set for a major transformation after the Sarasota City Commission approved plans to redevelop the property into a mixed-use project featuring a 145-room hotel, 91 apartments and retail space. The redevelopment will take place at Midtown Plaza along South Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), just south of downtown Sarasota and near Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The approval marks a significant step toward revitalizing a commercial property that has remained vacant since 2019. Former Winn-Dixie to Be Demolished for Mixed-Use Development The redevelopment will encompass approximately 3.32 acres within the southern portion of Midtown Plaza, located between Bahia Vista Street and Prospect Street. The existing 45,869-square-foot former Winn-Dixie building will be demolished to accommodate the new development. Plans include: 145-room hotel serving visitors, business travelers and the surrounding medical district. 91 residential apartments, including 23 attainable housing units. New retail and commercial space within the mixed-use development. 231 parking spaces across a two-level parking structure and surface parking. Improved site access, landscaping and pedestrian infrastructure. The redevelopment will introduce a combination of residential, hospitality and commercial uses to a prominent stretch of South Tamiami Trail. Sarasota City Commission Reverses Earlier Denial The project received…
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Fort Myers Developer Purchases $18.5 Million in Charlotte County Land Previously Planned for Nearly 5,000-Acre Community
A Fort Myers-based developer has acquired $18.5 million in land in Charlotte County, bringing renewed attention to a massive property previously proposed for PulteGroup’s nearly 5,000-acre MeadowVue master-planned community. The transaction involves 13 parcels along U.S. Highway 17 in eastern Charlotte County, where plans for thousands of homes, commercial development and recreational amenities previously encountered regulatory and infrastructure challenges. Although the recent acquisition could signal renewed development interest, no revised master plan or construction timeline has been announced. $18.5 Million Land Acquisition Along U.S. Highway 17 Developer David E. Torres, through companies under his ownership, acquired the 13 parcels in five separate transactions between September 5 and September 11, 2026. The properties are located along the U.S. 17 corridor, south of the DeSoto County line and north of Palm Shores Boulevard and Washington Loop Road. The acquisition represents only a portion of the nearly 5,000 acres originally included in PulteGroup’s MeadowVue proposal. Torres is associated with several development companies, including MeadowVue Land Development Group LLC, Silvermine Companies LLC and FL Star Development. The developer has indicated an intention to pursue development opportunities on the property, although the specific uses and overall scale have not been determined. Original MeadowVue Project Envisioned…
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RaceTrac Expands Into Ohio With $65 Million Investment, Plans Four New Stores in 2026
RaceTrac is accelerating its expansion beyond the Southeast, announcing a nearly $65 million investment in Ohio that includes four new convenience stores and travel centers scheduled to open throughout 2026. The Atlanta-based convenience store and fuel retailer recently celebrated the grand opening of its second Ohio location in West Jefferson, marking another milestone in the company’s strategy to expand into new markets across the Midwest. The investment highlights RaceTrac’s continued growth as the company targets high-traffic transportation corridors, expanding residential communities and areas with strong commercial development potential. RaceTrac Opens Second Ohio Location in West Jefferson RaceTrac officially opened its newest Ohio store on October 15, 2026, at 2 Commerce Parkway in West Jefferson, just outside Columbus. The new location is the company’s first store in the Columbus metropolitan area and its second in Ohio, following the opening of a travel center in Findlay in December 2024. The West Jefferson property features RaceTrac’s larger travel center format, designed to accommodate both everyday commuters and professional truck drivers. The facility includes separate fueling areas for passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, along with high-flow diesel dispensers and diesel exhaust fluid available at the pump. Inside, customers have access to RaceTrac’s food and…
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New Costco Under Construction in Collier County, Bringing 162,700-Square-Foot Store to East Naples
Costco Wholesale is moving forward with construction of its second Collier County location, bringing a new 162,700-square-foot warehouse store to the intersection of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard in East Naples. The major retail development represents another significant investment in Southwest Florida’s growing commercial real estate market, with the new store expected to serve residents throughout Naples, Marco Island and surrounding communities. Although the project originally targeted a fall 2026 opening, Costco has not announced an official grand opening date. New Costco Planned at Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard The new Costco is being developed on approximately 26 acres at the southeast corner of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard, within the Hacienda Lakes mixed-use development. The project will include: 162,700+ square feet of warehouse retail space. 816 parking spaces for customers. 12 double-sided fuel pumps, accommodating up to 24 vehicles simultaneously. A freestanding Costco gas station. Convenient access to Collier Boulevard and surrounding residential communities. The property is located along one of East Naples’ major commercial corridors, providing access to growing residential neighborhoods and nearby retail developments. Collier County commissioners unanimously approved the project in October 2025, allowing Costco to move forward with its development plans. Following…
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Nearly 3,000 Acres Near Wellen Park Could Be Annexed Into North Port for 6,500 New Homes
A major residential development could reshape southern Sarasota County as plans move forward to annex nearly 3,000 acres into the City of North Port, potentially paving the way for approximately 6,500 new homes near Wellen Park. The proposed development, known as Winchester Ranch, encompasses approximately 2,967 acres along South River Road between North Port and Englewood. The project represents one of the region’s largest potential residential expansions and could significantly influence future infrastructure, commercial development and population growth throughout southern Sarasota County. North Port and Sarasota County Advance Annexation Discussions The proposed annexation recently reached an important milestone following decisions by both the North Port City Commission and Sarasota County Commission. On October 6, 2026, North Port commissioners voted 3-2 to allow the developer to move forward with formal applications involving the city’s comprehensive plan and land development regulations. The following day, Sarasota County commissioners unanimously approved resolutions allowing negotiations with North Port regarding future municipal boundaries and public services. The votes do not represent final approval of the annexation or residential development. Additional planning reviews, public hearings and government approvals will be required. If ultimately approved, the annexation would bring nearly 3,000 additional acres within North Port’s municipal boundaries.…
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Neal Communities Plans 825 New Homes Near Wellen Park in Sarasota County
Neal Communities is preparing to develop 825 additional homes in southern Sarasota County as the homebuilder continues expanding its residential footprint near Wellen Park and Englewood. The new development, known as Boca Royale at Wellen Park, will encompass approximately 507 acres and represents the next phase of residential growth near the established Boca Royale Golf & Country Club community. The announcement comes as Neal Communities celebrates the completion of its existing 1,151-home Boca Royale development, marking another milestone for one of Southwest Florida’s prominent residential builders. New 825-Home Community Planned Near Wellen Park The upcoming Boca Royale at Wellen Park development, previously referred to as Boca Royale East, will introduce 825 additional residences to the growing southern Sarasota County market. The community will be developed on approximately 507 acres near the existing Boca Royale Golf & Country Club and will include its own recreational amenities. Neal Communities anticipates adding the new residential units by the end of 2029, further expanding housing opportunities in the Englewood and Wellen Park areas. The project will also introduce additional roadway connectivity, including an extension of Boca Royale Boulevard through the new development. Plans call for Boca Royale Boulevard to eventually connect with Preto Boulevard,…
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Floor & Decor Opens New 60,000-Square-Foot Store in Cape Coral, Expanding Southwest Florida Presence
Floor & Decor has officially opened a new warehouse store and design center in Cape Coral, Florida, marking the specialty flooring retailer’s third location in the greater Fort Myers market. The new store, located at 2800 NE Pine Island Road, opened October 19, 2026, and represents another major retail investment along Cape Coral’s growing Pine Island Road commercial corridor. The Atlanta-based retailer specializes in hard-surface flooring products, serving homeowners, contractors, builders and professional designers. New Cape Coral Store Brings 60,000 Square Feet of Retail Space The new Floor & Decor development includes an approximately 60,000-square-foot retail building, according to city development records. The store features a broad selection of flooring materials, including hardwood, tile, laminate, luxury vinyl and natural stone, along with installation supplies and decorative accessories. The location also includes a design center where customers can receive assistance selecting flooring materials for residential and commercial projects. The store opened with approximately 40 employees and is led by Chief Executive Merchant Kevin Weise. Grand Opening Celebrations Continue Through November 13 To celebrate the opening, Floor & Decor is hosting several promotional events through November 13, 2026. Customers can participate in weekly $1,000 gift card giveaways, receive promotional merchandise and attend…
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New Publix in Bradenton Set to Open October 22 at SeaFlower Village Center
Publix Super Markets is expanding its presence in Manatee County with a new 50,325-square-foot grocery store scheduled to open Thursday, October 22, 2026, at SeaFlower Village Center in West Bradenton. Located at 7535 Cortez Road West, the new Publix will serve as the first major retail opening within the developing SeaFlower community, bringing additional grocery options to residents along the Cortez Road corridor. The opening represents another milestone for the Lakeland-based grocery chain as it continues investing in new stores throughout Florida. New Publix Features Modern Store Design The 50,325-square-foot supermarket will feature Publix’s updated store layout, designed to improve customer convenience and accommodate growing demand for online grocery pickup and delivery. The location will include expanded bakery and deli departments, a drive-through pharmacy and an adjacent Publix Liquors store. The new supermarket is expected to serve surrounding neighborhoods, nearby businesses and future residents of the expanding SeaFlower development. SeaFlower Village Center Brings New Retail Development to Bradenton The new Publix will anchor SeaFlower Village Center, a major retail development along Cortez Road West near 75th Street West. The approximately 33-acre commercial development is planned to include roughly 107,000 square feet of retail space, with additional opportunities for restaurants, service…
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Trader Joe’s Announces Three New Florida Stores as Grocery Chain Expands Across the State
Trader Joe’s is continuing its Florida expansion with three new grocery stores planned for Sarasota, Orlando and Boynton Beach, bringing additional shopping options to some of the state’s growing retail markets. The California-based specialty grocery chain recently identified the three Florida locations as part of a broader nationwide expansion involving approximately 30 new stores. Known for its private-label products, affordable groceries and unique seasonal offerings, Trader Joe’s continues to attract shoppers while strengthening its presence in competitive grocery markets. Where Are the New Trader Joe’s Locations? The three upcoming Florida stores are planned for: Sarasota: 8199 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 100, Sarasota, FL 34231 Orlando: 1444 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828 Boynton Beach: 334 N. Congress Avenue, Unit B, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 The Sarasota location will become the third Trader Joe’s serving the Sarasota-Manatee market. The store is situated along the busy South Tamiami Trail corridor, near the former Sarasota Square Mall property. In Orlando, the new location will expand the retailer’s presence in Central Florida, while the Boynton Beach store will mark the chain’s first location in that city. The Boynton Beach store is expected to open in 2027. Specific opening dates for the Sarasota and Orlando…
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