Zach’s Corner
Zach’s Commercial Realestate Corner. Features news, thoughts on Florida’s Commercial Real Estate and more.
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Local Perspective Meets New Opportunity: 1.79-Acre Site Listed in Land O’ Lakes
Certified Commercial Realty is pleased to present a new 1.79± acre development opportunity along Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. For listing broker Zach Ellis, this opportunity carries a personal connection. Ellis grew up in Land O’ Lakes and has witnessed firsthand the area’s transformation from a quieter suburban community into one of Pasco County’s most active growth markets. “Growing up in Land O’ Lakes, I’ve had the opportunity to watch new communities, businesses and infrastructure reshape the area,” Ellis said. “That growth continues to create opportunities for businesses that can serve the expanding population, and this property is well positioned to be part of that next chapter.” Located along Ehren Cutoff—designated County Road 583—the property benefits from connectivity between US 41/Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and State Road 52. These corridors provide access throughout Central Pasco County and connect the area to the broader Tampa Bay region. Learn more about the CR 583 corridor. The site’s 1.79± acres could accommodate a variety of neighborhood-serving concepts, including retail, medical, professional office, daycare, financial services, automotive services or a small multi-tenant development, subject to zoning and governmental approvals. Pasco County’s long-range planning materials project approximately 40% population growth between 2020 and…
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Southwest Florida’s ‘Unbuilt Triangle’ Emerges as Region’s Next Growth Frontier
As Southwest Florida prepares for another wave of population growth, attention is increasingly shifting inland toward one of Lee County’s largest remaining development frontiers. The area commonly referred to as the “Unbuilt Triangle” sits in eastern Lee County, generally around the State Road 82 and Corkscrew Road corridors near the Collier County line. Once characterized largely by rural land and open space, the area is beginning to see significant residential construction as growth pushes east from Fort Myers and surrounding communities. The shift could have major implications for Southwest Florida’s future development pattern as the region works to accommodate continued population growth while balancing infrastructure, environmental and land-use concerns. Growth Pushes Inland For decades, much of Southwest Florida’s development has been concentrated closer to the Gulf Coast and established communities such as Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Naples. But developable land in established areas has become increasingly constrained, making large inland properties more important to builders and developers. Eastern Lee County offers something increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in Southwest Florida: large tracts capable of supporting master-planned residential communities and the commercial development needed to serve them. Residential construction is already visible along the State Road 82 and…
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Florida Eyes 30-Acre Clearwater Beach Property for Caladesi Island Expansion
One of the largest remaining undeveloped properties on Clearwater Beach could soon become permanently protected land. The State of Florida is considering the acquisition of approximately 30 acres at the northern tip of Clearwater Beach, with plans to incorporate the property into neighboring Caladesi Island State Park. Located at Mandalay Point, the coastal property represents a rare stretch of undeveloped waterfront land in one of Tampa Bay’s most established and valuable beach communities. Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector and other Pinellas County leaders have expressed support for the potential acquisition. A Rare Piece of Undeveloped Clearwater Beach The significance of the property is difficult to separate from its location. Clearwater Beach has undergone decades of development and redevelopment, leaving few large parcels of privately owned coastal land available. Mandalay Point sits at the northern end of the beach, immediately adjacent to Caladesi Island State Park. The area is also unique geographically. Caladesi Island and Clearwater Beach were historically separated by Dunedin Pass, but the pass gradually filled with sand, physically connecting the two land masses. Acquiring Mandalay Point would effectively allow the state park to expand southward onto land currently associated with Clearwater Beach. Conservation Versus Future Development From a real…
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Whataburger Plans New Palmetto Location as Tampa Bay Expansion Continues
Whataburger is continuing its return to the Tampa Bay market, with the Texas-based burger chain planning a new restaurant in Palmetto, Florida. The proposed location would become Whataburger’s fourth restaurant in the Tampa Bay region, further extending the company’s footprint south into rapidly growing Manatee County. Construction on the Palmetto restaurant is expected to begin in mid-January 2027, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Whataburger Expands Across Tampa Bay The Palmetto restaurant follows Whataburger’s broader push into the Tampa Bay market after a lengthy absence from the region. The company has already established locations in Largo, Brandon and Lutz, giving the brand a presence across Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Palmetto would add Manatee County to that footprint and create a more extensive presence along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Whataburger’s Florida expansion extends beyond Tampa Bay as well. The company’s current Florida footprint stretches from longstanding markets in North Florida and the Panhandle to newer locations in Central and Southwest Florida. The chain is also preparing additional Florida restaurants as part of a broader expansion strategy, including new locations in Fort Myers and Estero. Palmetto Continues to See Commercial Growth From a commercial real estate perspective, Whataburger’s decision to target…
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Chef & The Baker Expands with Second Tampa Location in West River
Tampa’s rapidly changing West River district is adding another local food and beverage concept, as Chef & The Baker prepares to open its second Tampa location later this year. The European-inspired bakery and café, founded by chefs Rosana Rivera and Ricardo Castro, will occupy approximately 2,200 square feet at 1103 W. Main Street on the ground floor of the Canopy apartments. The new location is targeting a November 2026 opening and will be larger than the concept’s existing South Tampa location. From South Tampa to West River Chef & The Baker opened its South Tampa location in 2024 after the concept originally began as a food stall at Hall on Franklin in Tampa Heights. Known for artisan breads, pastries, empanadas and its signature Croix Donut, the concept will use the larger West River space to expand both its retail offerings and production capabilities. Plans include a prominent bakery counter, indoor seating, grab-and-go areas and an expansive outdoor courtyard and terrace. The location will also serve a larger role in the company’s future. Bakery production is expected to take place on-site, with the West River operation positioned to eventually supply additional Chef & The Baker locations. West River Continues Its Transformation…
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Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Plans Major Expansion into Southwest Florida
Another nationally recognized restaurant brand is targeting Florida’s Gulf Coast for expansion, with Grimaldi’s Pizzeria planning multiple new locations across Southwest Florida. The New York-rooted pizza concept has entered into a development agreement that calls for five new restaurants across Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties, including a planned Sarasota County location. The expansion will introduce Grimaldi’s to one of Florida’s fastest-growing regional markets. New York Pizza Concept Heads to the Gulf Coast Grimaldi’s is best known for its coal-fired brick-oven pizzas, along with calzones, salads and desserts served in an upscale-casual restaurant setting. The concept traces its roots to the New York pizza tradition and has since grown into a multi-state restaurant brand. Its move into Sarasota and Southwest Florida represents another step in the company’s expansion into high-growth Sun Belt markets. Rather than opening a single restaurant, the five-location development plan gives Grimaldi’s the opportunity to establish a meaningful regional presence stretching across Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties. Sarasota Continues to Attract New Restaurant Concepts The planned expansion is also another sign of the growing appeal of the Sarasota-Bradenton market to national and regional restaurant operators. Population growth, tourism, residential development and strong household demographics have helped support an…
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Home Depot Eyes New Store in Growing Santa Rosa County Market
The Home Depot is exploring a potential new store in Tiger Point, Santa Rosa County, signaling continued retail investment along Northwest Florida’s growing U.S. Highway 98 corridor. The proposed development would be located on approximately 16 acres in the 4000 block of Gulf Breeze Parkway (U.S. 98) near Magnolia Manor Drive and across the highway from Ascension Sacred Heart Tiger Point. While the project remains in its early stages, Home Depot’s interest represents another significant investment opportunity in southern Santa Rosa County, where continued residential growth is attracting increased attention from national retailers. Plans Call for Major Retail Development Preliminary plans include approximately 106,651 square feet of primary Home Depot retail space, along with a roughly 28,158-square-foot garden center. The development would also feature hundreds of parking spaces, loading areas and rental equipment facilities. Access and transportation improvements will be an important part of the development process given the site’s location along heavily traveled U.S. 98. Potential improvements include a new left-turn lane along the highway and improvements near Magnolia Manor Drive. Environmental conditions could also influence the final site plan. Wetlands are present on portions of the property, meaning additional permitting and coordination with state and regional agencies may…
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Tampa Lands 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship
Tampa Bay will once again take center stage in the national sports spotlight after being selected to host the 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship at Raymond James Stadium. The championship is scheduled for January 22, 2029, making Tampa just the fourth city to host the CFP title game more than once. Tampa previously hosted the championship in 2017, when Clemson defeated Alabama in front of a sellout crowd of 74,512. Major Economic Impact for Tampa Bay The championship represents much more than a major sporting event. When Tampa hosted in 2017, the event generated an estimated $273.6 million in total economic impact, including approximately $120 million in direct spending throughout the region. The 2029 event could have an even greater impact as Tampa Bay continues to experience significant population growth, tourism investment and commercial development. Since the championship last came to Tampa, the region has undergone a dramatic transformation. Downtown Tampa has seen billions of dollars in investment, including the continued buildout of Water Street Tampa, new hotels, residential towers, restaurants and entertainment destinations. Growth has also continued throughout the broader Tampa Bay region. Another Win for Tampa’s National Profile Landing the championship further strengthens Tampa’s reputation as one…
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Forty Years of ICSC: What Has Changed—and What Still Matters
My relationship with ICSC began shortly after I entered the commercial real estate industry in 1975. Early in my career, I attended its events as an assistant mall manager with the DeBartolo Companies. At the time, I was just beginning to understand the shopping center business—and the extraordinary importance of relationships within it. Over nearly four decades of attending ICSC conventions, I have watched both the organization and the commercial real estate industry undergo remarkable changes. In those early days, there were no cell phones, emails, social media platforms, QR codes or digital property presentations. Computers, at least as we know and use them today, were essentially nonexistent in our daily business lives. Face-to-face contact was how business got done. Who you knew—and the reputation you built—could be critical to your success. Deals often began with a personal introduction, developed through repeated conversations and grew stronger over lunches, dinners, convention meetings and handshakes. ICSC created the environment where those relationships could begin and grow. It brought mall owners, developers, retailers, brokers, lenders, architects and other industry professionals together under one roof. For a young professional, simply walking the convention floor, listening to experienced people and observing how they conducted business…
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Yard House to Replace Bahama Breeze on Tampa’s Rocky Point
Tampa’s Rocky Point restaurant scene is getting a major change as one longtime waterfront concept prepares to make way for another. Yard House plans to replace the existing Bahama Breeze at 3045 N. Rocky Point Drive East, according to building plans filed with the City of Tampa. The conversion will bring Yard House to a prominent waterfront location along the Courtney Campbell Causeway and give the growing restaurant brand its second Tampa location. Darden Plans Major Remodel Both Yard House and Bahama Breeze are owned by Orlando-based restaurant giant Darden Restaurants. Earlier this year, Darden announced plans to discontinue the Bahama Breeze brand after determining it was no longer a strategic priority. Fourteen restaurants were designated for permanent closure, while another 14 — including the Rocky Point restaurant — were selected for conversion into other Darden concepts. New plans now reveal what is coming to Rocky Point. The existing approximately 12,200-square-foot Bahama Breeze will undergo a complete remodel and reopen as Yard House. Current plans call for Bahama Breeze to close in February 2027, with Yard House expected to open approximately a month later in March, although restaurant construction schedules can change. Yard House Expands in Tampa Yard House is…
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