Real Estate Briefs

Citizens insurance adds policies

After a large drop the previous week, the number of Floridians insured by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. inched up last week.

Citizens had 1,037,811 policies as of Friday, up from 1,035,534 policies a week earlier but down from 1,271,907 policies two weeks earlier, according to data posted on its website.

The large drop during the previous week coincided with nine private insurers having regulatory approval to assume Citizens policies as part of what is known as a "depopulation" program. The depopulation program is a key strategy as state leaders try to shrink Citizens, which in recent years became Florida's largest property insurer because of financial problems in the private market.

Citizens, which was created as an insurer of last resort, reached as many as 1.412 million policies last year before seeing the number reduced because of earlier depopulation rounds. State leaders want to minimize the number of policies in Citizens, at least in part because of financial risks if the state gets hit by a major hurricane or multiple hurricanes. If Citizens wouldn't have enough money to pay claims, policyholders throughout the state — including possibly non-Citizens policyholders — could have to pay what are known as "assessments" to cover the costs.

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Studio CGU begins renovation on La Mer Condominium

Studio CGU, a Naples-based construction firm, recently began a renovation project on La Mer Condominium on Gulf Shore Boulevard in Naples.

The beachfront condo, which was built 45 years ago, experienced damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 to the building's ground floor; electrical, generator and mechanical systems. The renovation project includes rebuilding and relocating their entire electrical infrastructure system above flood level and updating various aspects of the building to provide a more resilient building for the current and future residence.

"Our goal for La Mer's renovation project is to provide the condo with a much-needed update to the mechanical systems and structure for the building to be better prepared for future storm events and provide peace of mind for the residents," said Andrew Twetan, president of Studio CGU.

Studio CGU is part of the Connor & Gaskins Unlimited Family of Companies that duplicates the same innovation and creative problem solving that is associated with Connor & Gaskins Unlimited. As the parent company continues its focus on larger vertical work, Studio CGU provides the same team and hands-on involvement with commercial projects, including new builds and renovations, tenant improvements and construction management.

Studio CGU's main office is located at 1998 Trade Center Way, Naples, FL 34109. For more information about Studio CGU and its services, visit CGUnlimited.com/Studio-CGU.

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Bonita Del Sol unveils three model homes

New home sales are underway and three fully furnished model homes are now open in Bonita Del Sol, offering homebuyers a preview inside Pulte Homes' new community with a central Bonita Springs address.

Bonita Del Sol, between Imperial Parkway and Old U.S. 41, offers 248 new-construction single-family homes, private amenities and a premier location only seven miles from Gulf of Mexico beaches.

The professionally decorated models highlight craftsman architecture and 15 brand-new home designs from Pulte. New homes for sale in Bonita Del Sol offer two to seven bedrooms, priced from the low-$400,000s, low-maintenance living, personalization options and no CDD fees.

"We look forward to introducing more homebuyers to Bonita Del Sol, which is close to everything Bonita Springs and Naples have to offer," said Josh Graeve, president of PulteGroup's Southwest Florida Division. "The community's location, its lifestyle, Pulte's reputation and our innovative consumer-inspired floor plans really resonate with buyers."

The models illustrate Bonita Del Sol's three collections of homes – the Scenic, Distinctive and Echelon series – available on homesites overlooking lakes, including a 36.5-acre lake, plus landscaping.

The homes feature flexible open-concept floor plans blending gathering room, café and kitchen and elevating outdoor living on covered lanais. The home designs also include extra storage space, two-and three-car garages and professional-style kitchens with freestanding islands and spacious pantries. Owner's suites offer walk-in closets and private spa-inspired bathrooms with dual sink vanities, glass-enclosed showers and linen closets. For more details, visit www.Pulte.com/BonitaDelSol. ¦