B
isNow hosted a panel discussion on December 5 in Sarasota to explore the state of commercial real estate in Southwest Florida. The event was moderated by Ian Black, founder of Ian Black Real Estate, and drew a crowd of local industry professionals. Panelists included Robert Richter from Imminent Ventures, JP Bacariza from Ryan Companies, Ben Wilson from Suffolk Construction, and Courtney De Pol from Manatee County.

    The discussion covered commercial real estate expansion in Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples, touching on topics like population growth driving demand, the rise of e-commerce and logistics hubs, and the impact of construction costs and interest rates. Each city has unique opportunities: Sarasota's growing population demands mixed-use developments, Fort Myers is emerging as an industrial hub, and Naples is seeing a retail and tourism recovery.

    Robin Scorsone, assistant manager at Gulfside Bank, was appointed to the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's board of directors. The foundation supports over 3,000 people affected by Parkinson's disease annually, providing free care advising, resource referrals, support groups, educational events, and therapeutic programs across Southwest Florida.

    Williams Parker, Sarasota's largest law firm, expanded its construction and design industry group with the hire of Anya Pardy. Pardy brings experience in complex commercial construction and design litigation from a national firm in Tampa. She earned her J.D. cum laude at Stetson University College of Law and a bachelor's degree summa cum laude from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Honors College.

    Williams Parker's construction and design team focuses on commercial building construction, public works, and government contracts.