Justin Paprocki

1 month ago | gulfshorebusiness.com | Justin Paprocki

The Sunshine State is increasing its reliance on solar energy. Florida had about 18,547 megawatts of solar generating capacity through the end of last year — the third highest amount in the United States, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Last year, it added nearly 4,700 megawatts of capacity, its highest investment ever. The association estimates that the state will add nearly 13,115 megawatts of capacity over the next five years.

2 months ago | gulfshorebusiness.com | Justin Paprocki

Southwest Florida stands to lose at least $877,000,000 annually due to natural disasters, according to FEMA’s National Risk Index. The index looks at the potential damage caused by hurricanes, flooding and the like, and estimates how much that would cost in damages in each county. Collier ($307,633,018), Lee ($448,543,023) and Charlotte ($120,875,120) all rate “relatively high” on the index’s risk scale, primarily due to the area’s susceptibility to major hurricanes.

2 months ago | gulfshorebusiness.com | Justin Paprocki

Long before roads and rails crisscrossed the Everglades, the Seminole Tribe had their own method of transportation: The Water Highway. Forced deep into the Everglades after war with the U.S. government in the 1800s, the Seminole Tribe learned to live in the swampy environs. Tribal members used a network of trails to navigate the swamp.

2 months ago | gulfshorebusiness.com | Justin Paprocki

A lifelong artist, Claire Rohweder grew up in Minnesota as the daughter of a musician and an architect who nurtured her creative side. Her career is in art education, and though she recently moved to Southwest Florida to take a job at the Children’s Museum of Naples, she had been coming to the area for at least a decade, falling in love with its natural environment. She started The Lady Printmaker to create cards, prints, stamps and other crafts.

Mar 1, 2025 | gulfshorebusiness.com | Justin Paprocki

Living in paradise sure has its benefits — until you start adding up the bills. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the cost of living in the Naples area is about $9,688 per month for a family of four, the seventh highest in the state. Living in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area or Punta Gorda is less expensive at $9,043 and $8,210 per month, respectively. Housing tends to be the highest cost for most families, but varies widely depending on location.