Typical ebbs and flows of the single-family home market do not have much of an impact on the ultra Four restaurant chains and a cake shop will join seven other businesses coming this year to the new Tree Farm.. the May 5 opening of the Hospital for Special Surgery at NCH takes the health care.. The Shoppes at Orange Blossom LLC purchased 20 acres of commercial property at 1921 Hawthorn Road in Golden Gate Estates from Bryan W Paul Family Limited Liability Limited Partnership for $5 million Q: Could you give me information regarding the start of Randall Boulevard widening A: Design of the Randall Boulevard widening and Randall-Immokalee Road intersection project in Golden Gate Estates began in mid-2022 but construction is not expected to start for another two years 6 public information meeting provided area residents and business owners with the opportunity to review project plans at the 30% design stage and provide input on proposed improvements for the infrastructure changes The project includes widening Randall Boulevard from two to four lanes on a six-lane footprint for about three-quarters of a mile from Immokalee Road east to just past Eighth Street NE 44-foot median between the eastbound and westbound lanes will allow possible future expansion of Randall to six lanes Also affected by the intersection changes will be a half-mile stretch of Immokalee Road from east of Wilson Boulevard North to the Publix-anchored Neighborhood Shoppes at Orangetree The project is designed to address traffic congestion on Randall Boulevard a major east-west road in Golden Gate Estates that especially jams during morning and afternoon drive times “I think it’s operating at like a level of a service D road right now so we’re basically trying to improve the road capacity,” said Dennis McCoy a senior project manager for Collier County “This is one project of many in the whole eastern Collier area: 16th Street Everglades [Boulevard and] the Vanderbilt Beach Road project that’s going on now and under construction.” The proposed improvement will provide three left turn lanes from westbound Randall onto westbound Immokalee Road The expanded road will have 11-foot travel lanes and 5- to 7-foot bike lanes The north side of Randall will retain its existing 5-foot-wide sidewalk and the south side will have a 10-foot-wide shared-use path Earlier plans to possibly elevate some lanes to fly over the intersection are not part of the latest project chief engineer of traffic operations for the county noting that a partial overpass could be considered there in the future “It’s still on the table but it’s not planned now.” A partial flyover could still be a possibility in a second phase of the Randall-Immokalee project “When we get to the end of the design for this project I think we’ll have a decision whether we’re going to do a flyover not going to do it or what the option is going to be.” The flyover decision will be important to how the nearby intersection of Immokalee Road and Wilson Boulevard will be designed when Wilson also is widened to four lanes but we had to redesign that intersection,” he said “We are currently in design for 30%,” Khawaja said “We’ll be going into the construction bid letting process in early ’26 and be in construction in ’26 We think that it’s going to take about two years to build The work on Randall will be isolated to the south side of the roadway Both lanes of the existing Randall Boulevard will remain as the two westbound lanes Two new eastbound lanes and the wide median will be built south of the existing road Only right-of-way property on the south side of Randall will be acquired or purchased to allow for the widening project Acquisition of right-of-way required for the project is expected to begin next spring A new access road will be constructed to connect Randall traffic to the Mobil gas station L’Appetito II Pizza & Deli and other small businesses on the southeast corner of the intersection The project also will upgrade the temporary traffic signal at Eighth Street NE to a permanent signal with a mast arm The project extends a short distance east of Eighth to alter the traffic on Randall from two to four lanes which will add about 7 miles onto the route’s eastern end to 16th Street NE in the Estates The building of a bridge over the canal on 16th Street is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 who also is the project manager for that infrastructure addition to connect Randall Boulevard and Golden Gate Parkway similar to the bridge on Eighth Street NE “We are waiting on an Army Corps permit,” McCoy said “We had to resubmit because of changes in the [environmental dredge and fill] 404 permitting process that happened last minute All the plans were ready to go out to bid and we had to resubmit for the permit We’re hoping to have the permit by the end of the year and then we can go out to bid at the end of this year It will probably be sometime around mid-year [of 2025] when we start construction.” Q: Do you know the status of the 7-Eleven on Third in Naples A: Shuttered since Hurricane Ian’s storm surge flooded the Gulf Coast more than two years ago, the 7-Eleven store on Third Street South in downtown Naples is finally back in business 6 and planned its reopening celebration Nov thank heaven,” said Naples Vice Mayor Terry Hutchison franchisee of the longtime store at 1353 Third St The interior of the nearly 60-year-old store was completely rebuilt with major changes “Completely new concepts along with a stunning layout and the best hot beverage program available anywhere,” he said “We are also offering a unique fishing program for Gulf fishing enthusiasts unique Naples souvenirs and a large selection of cold drinks The “Tim Aten Knows” weekly column answers local questions from readers. Email Tim at tim.aten@naplespress.com. Not only has Chef Brian Roland physically and emotionally returned to public life in Southwest Florida after his life-altering tragedy.. Beeline is counting on thirsty folks making a beeline to its new upscale cocktail bar at Mercato in North Naples... The 72-unit Verandas III opened and is fully occupied on Airport Road marking the final phase in the redevelopment of.. A local development that includes a 400-unit apartment complex and about 350,000 square feet of commercial construction is expected to break ground this week on nearly 70 acres on Immokalee Road in Golden Gate Estates The property on the west side of Immokalee Road just after it curves north at what is known as the Randall Curve begins on the northwest corner of where Fourth Street Northeast lines up with Randall Boulevard and ends just beyond the traffic signal at Orange Tree Boulevard owns slightly more than 50 acres that it has named Randall at Orangetree on development plans filed with Collier County while another more than 19 acres interconnected to its north are being jointly developed by Naples-based Barron Collier Companies and Metro Commercial is involved with the development of both properties In addition to the Randall at Orangetree apartments being built on more than 31 acres across Immokalee Road from Orangetree residential communities and the Publix-anchored Neighborhood Shoppes at Orangetree outparcel development fronting Immokalee Road is planned for a 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station Also ringing the development will be about 10 additional outparcel lots with tenants still unknown Only about 5 acres of the property previously were cleared leaving nearly 45 acres still heavily forested until development starts The scope of work proposed under an early work authorization application to Collier County Growth Management includes clearing the acreage installing storm sewer infrastructure and excavating two lakes The county recently removed the potable water treatment chloramine booster station it installed five years ago on the southern corner of the property The existing paved entrance on Fourth Street will be used as a construction entrance to temporarily allow traffic exiting the project site to access Immokalee Road via the signalized intersection to prevent large vehicles from having to U-turn on Immokalee Road Construction on turn lanes for the project will begin soon and be completed during the summer while school is not in session A 400-unit apartment community will be built by Georgia-based Davis Development which develops and manages luxury apartment communities including the 400 units at The Pearl Founders Square on the southeast corner of Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard The 7-Eleven store and gas pumps will be built on 2 acres with its own car wash and electric vehicle charging stations The three-story self-storage business will be an 89,325-square-foot building The McDonald’s restaurant is proposed on the southwest corner of Immokalee Road and Orange Tree Boulevard A new 7-Eleven had its soft opening May 9 in The Randall at Orangetree mixed-use development on Immokalee Road in Golden Gate Estates gas pumps and car wash at 13677 Immokalee Road will have its ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m May 16 and a grand opening celebration May 16-17 who operates the new business with his wife The Donihoos also operate the 7-Eleven store nearby on the corner of Oil Well and Immokalee roads in the Estates The first businesses are opening or preparing to open soon at Everglades Square in Golden Gate Estates not exactly March 1 [when Everglades Square was originally planned to open this spring] Everglades Square is open,” said David Samadnejad owner of the nearly 25,000-square-foot multitenant retail center on the northwest corner of Everglades Boulevard and Golden Gate Boulevard “The tenants are filing their occupancy licenses now are just waiting on some final refrigeration to come in that’s on back order to finish up their permit inspections and open them up Moravela’s Pizza had planned to launch within the last week but has been unable to start serving Estates residents their signature New York-style pizzas for takeout and delivery “We are looking at around one to two weeks to open due to a health inspection,” said Belkis Morales who co-owns the local pizzeria with her husband Their new 1,300-square-foot pizzeria will be their second location operating in Collier County has been in business for many years in East Naples will anchor the 18-unit Everglades Square at 55 Everglades Blvd “Everglades Mart grocery store will have all kinds of foods and not just Latin favorites,” Samadnejad said “Everglades Mart is planning outdoor barbecues on weekends and other community activities.” Antojitos Y Mas ice cream shop launched its new location in Everglades Square on Saturday afternoon features a menu of traditional Mexican desserts It’s the third location for Claudia and Dario Rubio who also own and operate stores on Golden Gate Parkway in Golden Gate and next to Grandpa’s Pizza on Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs Two businesses on the center’s southern end Golden Gate Karate School had been pre-registering students so it was ready to kick into high gear when it launched a few weeks ago opened a branch for its “Dream Home Team” to serve the Estates Barber Shop 21 also recently opened in Everglades Square and Ambience Nail Spa is ready to open any day Also coming soon are Ameritax and Insurance Services and Amigos Truck Parts & Tire Services both of which operate additional locations in the area Two units are still available to lease in Everglades Square I want to get something that everybody will be excited to drive home to,” Samadnejad said has opened in the former Off the Hook and Il Panificio space along Gulf Gate’s bustling restaurant row a high-end interior designer who has long dreamed of owning a restaurant transformed the space into a modern Mediterranean setting with black and white abstract art striking ceiling fixtures and sea-blue accents There's seating for over 100 guests inside and out with an adjacent full lounge for wine dinners special events and private parties opening soon “The goal with Opus is to draw parallels between the Mediterranean lifestyle and the casual elegance of Sarasota,” Carney said. “Both are similar in climate proximity to water and promote a luxurious and carefree lifestyle” Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive the latest news on things to do, restaurants and more every Friday Restaurant reviews: Pop's Sunset Grill in Nokomis and Siam Thai Bistro in Bradenton Seafood restaurants: 10 best serving Florida stone crab now through May 1 Executive Chef Kyle Harrington began his culinary career at Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande cooking for families like the Bushes and the DuPonts and later spent years in kitchens globally before opening and overseeing kitchens in Sarasota restaurants His Western Mediterranean fare at Opus includes tapas plates (grilled octopus sandwiches and house-made pastas (pappardelle with short rib ragu cavatelli) and seasonal entrees like Gulf snapper  and braised lamb shanks with saffron risotto.  Among desserts are rum baklava olive oil chocolate cake and crostata with seasonal fruits Opus SRQ provides a full bar with a rotating cocktail list and extensive wine cellar Restaurant News: Bradenton taco spot moving to new location More restaurant news: Belgian waffle shop opens in Sarasota, plans to expand to Lakewood Ranch “We have been lucky enough to put together a hard working staff that understands our culture and vision,” said General Manager Jessica Lowther who began her 23-years in the restaurant field at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. “From the ambiance to service and especially every dish we strive for excellence. Our guests are made to feel like they are sharing Sunday dinner with us and we hope to become a household name around Sarasota.” Opus SRQ, at 6644 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. For more information, call 941-925-2313 or visit opus-srq.com  Support local journalism by subscribing.​​​​​​ 6690 Superior Ave., Sarasota, (941) 927-3388, monkssteamerbar.com two things that typically wouldn’t go together the ambiance—or lack thereof—is all part of the charm Pull up a seat at the bar so you can talk to your shucker while he works over a squeaky-clean icy oyster chamber The drinks are far from fussy; we recommend a cold beer to accompany your plump Gulf oysters Try the oysters “Monkafellers,” broiled with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for a simple treat that will somehow blow your mind 6644 Gateway Ave., (941) 925-2313, opus-srq.com Floor-to-ceiling windows set the mood at this upscale establishment and fresh Mediterranean flavors abound on the simple and well-executed menu The Kataifi shrimp are cradled in thinly shredded filo and accompanied by a cherry chili sauce that nicely rounds out the generous za’atar seasoning zucchini and red peppers shine in the caponata our new favorite way to get our daily serving of vegetables A sandwich at Piccolo Italian Market & Deli Image: Chad Spencer 6518 Gateway Ave., Sarasota (941) 923-2202, piccolomarket.com Unassuming is the name of the game in Gulf Gate, and Piccolo Italian Market fits right in This quiet Italian market has tons of specialty treats to select from but we come specifically for the sandwiches They menu is extensive (more than 30 to choose from!) 6670 Superior Ave., Sarasota, (941) 237-8742, romansq.com Roman-style slices made from pillowy-soft focaccia that can stand up to a generous assortment of traditional toppings We love the potato and sausage for carbs on carbs on carbs but try it with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto to feel like you’ve been transported to Roma Image: Cooper Levey-Baker 6569 Superior Ave., Sarasota, (941) 922-7979, tonyschicagobeef.com Step one foot inside Tony’s and you’ll be instantly transported to Chicago—by smell One of the few places you can get a true Chicago dog Whet your appetite with a namesake Italian beef dipped in plenty of gravy or take it one step further with a “combo"—beef and Italian sausage in perfect harmony 2012 at 3:44 pm ETTwo Sarasota women are facing burglary charges after sheriff deputies spotted them breaking into a car on Mall Drive Tuesday morning and the one suspect was none too pleased her conspirator gave deputies her info break into a Dodge Neon on Mall Drive near Gulf Gate Estates around 2:40 a.m. "As I drove toward the passenger side of the vehicle and then quickly crouched down behind the car," Deputy S The suspects stole a black Dell Laptop computer two Florida driver’s licenses and an 18-pack of beer A check book was left lying on the driver’s seat when the burglary was stopped One of the suspects admitted they went to the apartment community specifically to check for unlocked vehicles and take whatever they could find The two women ran in opposite directions and Mento was captured after falling while running and told the deputy that Kane "was stealing items from that vehicle" and that she got scared Kane was stopped by another deputy near Bay Road she walked by Mento and said "Thanks a lot Both suspects were also under the influence of alcohol Kane questioned the probable cause of the arrest and when the deputy told her she was standing next to the burglarized car Kane "changed her story and said she got out and walked around to smoke a cigarette," after she invoked her Miranda rights Kane is charged with burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and possession of alcohol by a person under 21 Mento is charged with burglary of an unoccupied conveyance Both women have prior arrests for burglary and dealing in stolen property The sheriff's office is reminding residents to remove valuables from their vehicles and lock their car doors Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. 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Part of a continuing series focusing on Southwest Florida's premier entertainment districts Adam Wallace and Cheryl Johnson are a couple of Gulf Gate devotees the pair sits inside the dark confines of The Paddywagon one of the many storefront bars lining the sabal palm streets in this south Sarasota entertainment hub "because you can go to a number of bars that are in a short distance "A lot of people have to drive all over town to have a good time when they can come to one spot and have fun," Wallace says "You have pretty much everything here," Johnson adds Sporting a blue streak in her short black hair bartender Buddy Landry says the district and its bars share something in common "Everybody's welcome and it's a good place for regulars and newcomers," she said Nestled in the western edge of Gulf Gate Estates businesses and bars located on Gulf Gate and Mall drives and Superior and Gateway avenues While places like downtown Sarasota's Main Street and St Armands Circle take great pains to maintain an upscale veneer Gulf Gate revels in its unending selection of down-to-earth and unique establishments and events Pool sharks can find plenty of play at Boar's Head Feel like dancing a jig after eating some shepherd's pie Looking for something a little different from traditional bars Bada Bing and Detention are always serving reasonably priced strong drinks to anyone over 21 with a good attitude Gulf Gate is an enduring neighborhood for everyone Anchoring the district are Monk's Steamer Bar and Sarasota Brewing Company "We're celebrating our 20th anniversary this year," says Anthony Fricano rustic-themed establishment puts a premium on providing plenty of sports and award- winning beer for its dedicated customers "This was one of the first sports bars in the area," Fricano says "It was ahead of time mixing brewing and sports." With the proliferation of area sports pubs the place has no problem focusing on what it does best -- providing quality beers like the Sarasota Gold Midnight Pass Porter and the newest addition The demand for its elixirs is evident from the 1,900-plus members of the Lager Lovers Club whose personalized mugs hang throughout the restaurant "Our customers love to drink out of their own mugs," Fricano says Customer devotion is what Gulf Gate is really about "Gulf Gate is truly a place where everyone knows your name," says Pastimes Pub co-owner Charlotte Abrams a beige music and sports pub on the west side of Superior Avenue has become known for bringing all types of music acts -- rockabilly to classic rock to electronica -- into Gulf Gate since opening its doors two years ago "The businesses and our customers are very supportive of each other making it a very tight community," Abrams says And that's what makes the neighborhood and district one of the area's most revered and well-visited says Hurricane Mike's bartender and manager "It's a true neighborhood," says the 25-year-old who has been working at the storefront bar along Mall Drive for more than a year "All these bars help each other out and want to see each other succeed," Farrel says Hurricane Mike's is crowded with blue-collar drinkers during the afternoon and weeknights and a younger contingent during the weekends "It's really got that 'Cheers' atmosphere," Farrel says Ron Miller is continuing the Gulf Gate tradition with his new bar The latest addition to the Gulf Gate fraternity of taverns Steel Can Alley is an industrial- metropolitan themed bar inspired by the former radio programmer's years in the music business His "Frankenstein" cooler features more than 50 different beers The place also has the largest indoor stage in Gulf Gate a black carpeted 13-by-13-foot section at the rear of the bar "We pull an outside crowd that doesn't regularly come to Gulf Gate," he says "The one thing I like about Gulf Gate is that it depends on the local economy and it's not tourist-driven," he says "We're definitely an alternative to Siesta Key and downtown "Gulf Gate is the last little vestige of working-class bars