Business Briefs | June 5
REIS 2026 Legislative Update June 9
Join REIS Tuesday,June 9, for the REIS 2026 Legislative Update, moderated by Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell. Panelists include Sen. Ben Albritton and Reps. Adam Botana and Tiffany Esposito.
The program will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. in the Osprey Room at Pelican Preserve’s Clubhouse, 9802 Pelican Preserve Blvd., Fort Myers.
Tickets are $30 for members and $45 for non-members. Reservations are required by Friday, June 5. For tickets, visit reis-swfl.org.
This luncheon is sponsored by Sallee Promotions.
For additional information about REIS, visit reis-swfl.org.
Steve’s Place welcomes local ownership duo
Steve’s Place, a North Fort Myers restaurant known for its comfort food, welcoming atmosphere and signature Hoosier-style pork tenderloin sandwich, has officially transitioned to new ownership.
Southwest Florida restaurateur Steve Sexton recently sold the restaurant to hospitality professional Rachael Kennedy and business professional Angie Cook on May 8. Kennedy brings more than 30 years of restaurant and hospitality experience, including the last 15 years at the well-known Pizza Pub – Fort Myers, while Cook contributes more than three decades of experience in business operations, organizational management, and client relations.
The duo plans to preserve the comfort-food, warm atmosphere and menu favorites customers enjoy while thoughtfully expanding offerings and breakfast service. Their goal is to continue making Steve’s Place a year-round, community-centered dining destination in North Fort Myers.
“I am excited to build on the strong support this restaurant already has and continue to welcome our loyal regulars and new guests alike,” said Kennedy. “Our goal is to expand our hours, serve breakfast every day, and create a place that people continue to choose for great food, friendly service, and a welcoming vibe.”
“Steve’s Place has already proven what a great restaurant can be when it earns the trust of its community,” added Cook. “We didn’t buy this business to maintain the status quo — We bought it because we see the opportunity to turn a local favorite into an even stronger destination for North Fort Myers. We’re going to invest in the people, elevate the experience, and build something that lasts for generations.”
Prior to Steve’s Place, Sexton was known throughout Southwest Florida as the owner of the Alva Country Diner (1996-2017), where he built a reputation for southern country cooking, hospitality, and community connection over several decades in the restaurant industry.
For more information, visit stevesplaceswfl.com.