About Us
Lee County has enjoyed explosive growth in every sector over the last
decade and is poised to reach a population of 1 million residents within
the decade.
Lee County at a Glance
U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022).
Estimated Population
Annual Growth Rate
Businesses in Lee County
Projected 5-Year Job Growth
OUR MISSION
The Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) provides business assistance to retain existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and attract new business to provide a strong economy and thriving communities. The office also works to improve opportunities for the workforce to advance skills and have access to career ladders. The EDO has published a Development Activity Story Map that allows the public to explore new development projects and investment activity throughout the county.
Our History
-
1885
City of Fort Myers is incorporated in Monroe County
-
1887
Lee County is founded, after gaining independence from Monroe County
-
1923
Collier and Hendry Counties are formed from Lee County
-
1924
The Atlantic Coast Line railway station opens in Fort Myers
-
1924
The Tamiami Trail bridge across the Caloosahatchee River is completed
-
1925
Lee County hosts its first Spring Training with the Philadelphia Athletics
-
1927
Page Field is built as a civil airport
-
1928
Tamiami Trail officially opens, connecting Tampa with Miami via Lee County
-
1962
Edison Junior College (now Florida SouthWestern State College) holds its first classes
-
1963
Sanibel Causeway opens, connecting Sanibel to the mainland
-
1964
Cape Coral bridge opens, connecting Fort Myers area to Cape Coral
-
1968
Everglades Parkway (now Alligator Alley) is completed, connecting the region to Miami
-
1970
City of Cape Coral is incorporated
-
1974
Sanibel is Incorporated
-
1975
Industrial Development Authority Founded
-
1983
Southwest Florida Regional Airport (Now Southwest Florida International Airport) opens
-
1991
Incorporation of Horizon Council
-
1992
Alligator Alley is widened and incorporated into Interstate 75
-
1995
Town of Fort Myers Beach is incorporated
-
1997
Florida Gulf Coast University holds its first classes
-
1999
City of Bonita Springs is incorporated
-
2014
Village of Estero is Incorporated