Cape Coral’s population has grown by almost 50 percent in the past five years, and retail and dining options have grown along with it. Many of the national chains have opened locations in Cape Coral and the days “driving over the bridge” to find what you need are long gone.

Whether you are driving along Pine Island Road, Del Prado Boulevard or Cape Coral Parkway, you won’t come up short for places to purchase clothing, collectibles and essentials or enjoy a meal. The Cape’s 114 square miles include a blend of chains and hometown businesses, with the roster increasing as more and more people discover the canal-latticed community.

When Cape Coral’s population hit the 100,000 mark in August 2000, the Pine Island Road corridor wasn’t yet a concept and the Target Supercenter and Home Depot off Veterans Memorial Parkway — along with the surrounding development — were still years away. The Cape’s population now hovers at about 145,000 and, with more residents, comes greater demand.

Del Prado Boulevard, which runs north from Cape Coral Parkway beyond Pine Island Road, is a good example. The network of strip malls and specialty shops and superstores like WalMart include something for everyone, from specialty shops and independent eateries and sandwich and coffee shops to “must haves from Florida” to bring back home.