Officials approve Whole Foods project

Lee County Commissioners recently approved zoning applications for Daniels Marketplace, a 140,000-square-foot commercial project anchored by a 45,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market — the first Whole Foods in Fort Myers.

The lead developer on the project is Fairburn, Ga.-based S.J. Collins Enterprises. S.J. Collins, according to a release, is currently working on 18 retail shopping centers anchored by Whole Foods Markets or 365 by Whole Foods stores nationwide. One of those Whole Foods projects was recently approved in north Sarasota County.

Daniels Marketplace is at the northwest intersection of Daniels Parkway and Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway in south Fort Myers. The site is currently home to a 16.5-acre driving range and an adjacent existing stormwater pond. In addition to the Whole Foods, the center will include fast-casual dining, boutique retail, outdoor dining options and other high-end shops, the release adds.