NEWS

BY NITISH PAHWA HTTPS://SLATE.COM/TECHNOLOGY/2022/10/HURRICANE-IAN-RENEWABLE-ENERGY-FLORIDA-BABCOCK-RANCH-SOLAR.HTML   Week by week, thanks in large part to climate change, it seems we hear new stories of natural disasters and their horrific effects across the United States: hurricanes slamming Puerto Rico and Florida, droughts in the American Southwest, wildfires scorching the Pacific Northwest as well as punishing heat waves in Texas, incomprehensible flooding in Kentucky and Missouri and the Plains. All together, these […]

One RMIer recounts his experience braving Hurricane Ian and why the lights stayed on in his solar-powered sustainable community. October 5, 2022 By  Ryan Foelske My family and I survived our first hurricane. Hurricane Ian passed right over our head and pummeled the west cost of Florida with high winds for 6-10 hours. The storm ravaged […]

Written by Bonface Landi Babcock Ranch, a community in southwest Florida, is America’s first weather-resilient settlement that is fully powered by solar. The community has a lot to celebrate. It is the first settlement built with climate change threats in mind to protect its residents from hurricanes. The settlement uses more than 700,000 individual solar panels that […]

Homes in Babcock Ranch are built on higher ground, protected by retention ponds, and powered by 650,000 solar panels. By Jonathan Small October 6, 2022 As Hurricane Ian ravaged Florida last week, causing fatalities, destruction, and billions of dollars worth of damage, one south Florida town went relatively unscathed. Babcock Ranch, a community of 4,600 residents, reported no power outages, […]

by Kathryn Krawczyk October 5, 2022 👋 Hello and welcome to Energy News Weekly! This week, we discuss the latest climate change-driven disaster to hit the U.S., and what Hurricane Ian can tell us about the electric grid’s fate — and solar’s potential — as extreme weather becomes even more common. Crews work to clear a tree […]

By: Kristina Zagame Updated: October 6, 2022  Edited By: Karsten Neumeister An aerial view of Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered community in Florida. Jeffrey Greenberg / Education Images / Getty Images  Why you can trust us Hurricane Ian caused mass destruction to Southwest Florida, taking dozens of lives and leaving millions without power. But in the midst of devastation, […]

October 6, 20225:00 AM ET Heard on All Things Considered SCOTT NEUMAN   Babcock Ranch, in Florida, runs on solar power and was built to weather the worst storms. After Hurricane Ian, the community didn’t lose power or water, and it experienced minimal damage. Carlos Osorio for NPR BABCOCK RANCH, Florida — Like many others in […]

Cape Coral is a microcosm of Florida’s worst impulse: selling dream homes in a hurricane-prone flood zone. But people still want them.  By Michael Grunwald Five years ago, after Hurricane Irma pummeled Florida’s Gulf Coast, I rode a boat through the canals of Cape Coral, the “Waterfront Wonderland,” America’s fastest-growing city at the time. It was […]

by Ryan Erisman | Updated: October 3, 2022 Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered community located about 12 miles inland from Fort Myers in Southwest Florida, is in the headlines at places like CNN, The Atlantic, and more after Hurricane Ian. One of the fastest selling communities in the nation…they had 714 new home sales in 2021…Babcock Ranch is an […]

Teresa Martin Columnist Published 4:05 a.m. ET Oct. 4, 2022 Hurricane Ian — a ginormous storm with 150 mph sustained winds — flattened much of Florida a few days ago. We watched the dramatic images of flooded, wind-torn homes and shuddered in sympathy at dark windows and power outages. The force of nature! The inevitable destruction!  But […]

Its technology should have applications all over the country.  Babcock Ranch and Punta Gorda both survived Hurricane Ian with little damage, thanks to robust building codes and good planning.  Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 03 October 2022, 08:10 pm Florida’s Babcock Ranch is “America’s first solar-powered town,” and not only did it supply power to homes during […]

Hurricane Ian Was Its First Real Test.  Babcock Ranch and Punta Gorda both survived Hurricane Ian with little damage, thanks to robust building codes and good planning.  Babcock Ranch and Punta Gorda both survived Hurricane Ian with little damage, thanks to robust building codes and good planning. By Steve Hanley Published October 3, 2022 In […]

People use Babcock Ranch as a shelter. Nergis Firtina Created: Oct 03, 2022 Solar panels of Babcock Ranch.Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images  Have you ever heard of Babcock Ranch? Located only 12 miles (19.31 km) northeast of Fort Myers, Florida, Babcock Ranch calls itself “America’s first solar-powered town.” And this town has proven how durable it is. […]

One southwest Florida community completely powered by solar escaped with little damage. BY LI COHEN  OCTOBER 3, 2022 / 2:06 PM / CBS NEWS    Hurricane Ian’s impact on southwest Florida has been nothing short of devastating. But even as millions lost power, had their homes destroyed and were left in total disarray, one small community […]

By Rachel Ramirez, CNN Updated 11:53 AM EDT, Sun October 2, 2022 The Babcock Ranch solar array, which is run by Florida Power and Light. Jeff Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Images CNN —  Anthony Grande moved away from Fort Myers three years ago in large part because of the hurricane risk. He has lived in southwest Florida for […]

by Samantha Serbin  6:22 PM EDT, Fri August 05, 2022 PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Babcock Ranch High School is just days away from opening. Monday morning kids will be welcomed bright and early. The school is designed for grades 6-12. However, the first senior class won’t walk through the doors until next year. It’s a school unlike […]

Charter school a high-tech ‘living lab’ along with other twists on traditional education By DANIEL SUTPHIN Staff Writer   20 hrs ago Babcock High School officially opens Monday on the education campus at Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County along State Road 31.RENDERING PROVIDED BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock High School officially opens Monday. Until this school year, […]

REPORTER: ASHA PATEL WRITER: JOEY PELLEGRINO PUBLISHED: AUGUST 8, 2022 7:06 AM EDT  |   UPDATED: AUGUST 8, 2022 8:49 AM EDT https://www.winknews.com/2022/08/08/babcock-high-school-welcomes-its-first-class-on-monday/ BABCOCK RANCH Babcock High School welcomed its first students at the beginning of the school year on Monday morning. It was the grand opening for the new high school, located at 43301 Cypress Parkway […]

School will start Monday for nearly 800 students in Babcock Ranch, and about half of them will be in the new Babcock High School building. By: Chris Shaw Posted at 5:57 AM, Aug 08, 2022  and last updated 5:57 AM, Aug 08, 2022 BABCOCK RANCH, Fla — School will start Monday for nearly 800 students in Babcock Ranch, and about […]

DOWNLOAD PDF  July 18, 2022 By Gregg Logan, Managing Director , Karl Pischke, Principal MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES TOP 50 In Summary Total new home sales among the 50 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities declined by 18% in the first half of 2022 compared to the same time period last year. Supply chain issues and inadequate new home inventory have continued to pose problems for […]

By David Dorsey April 1, 2022 Gulfshore Business The three of the largest home builders in Southwest Florida are for the first time collaborating on creating more sustainable, energy-efficient homes as they look toward the future with the project happening at Babcock Ranch, off State Road 31 in southeast Charlotte County.   D.R. Horton, Lennar and […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR Special to Fort Myers News-Press BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. – Guests at the Babcock Ranch Art Show on March 11 to 13 can enjoy fresh air, fun and food while helping raise funds for a good cause. In addition to admiring the work of more than 40 artists, Babcock […]

By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer The Sun – Port Charlotte Feb 21, 2022   BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch is getting ready to cross the line into Lee County. Developers for the 18,000-acre community, which is mostly in western Charlotte County, are pursuing approval for another spine road connecting to new residential neighborhoods on the […]

By NANCY J. SEMON STAFF WRITER Dec 21, 2021 Updated Dec 21, 2021 BABCOCK RANCH — A Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute camera captured a pair of panthers mating at Babcock Ranch Preserve, inspiring hope that their pairing resulted in a litter. “Breeding north of the Caloosahatchee River is crucial to the long-term viability of the […]

by Samantha Serbin  8:50 PM EST, Wed January 19, 2022 CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – “It has to be ready for the Fall.” That’s the message Principal Shannon Treece has as a new high school is under construction in the Babcock Ranch community. Educators and parents in Charlotte County are ready for the school to open in […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR Special to Fort Myers News-Press BABCOCK RANCH – Kitson & Partners announced that Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town, has been recognized as the No. 14 top-selling master-planned community of 2021 by RCLCO Real Estate Advisors. The recognition reflects the record sales of more than 1,758 homes, […]

PUNTA GORDA, FL, UNITED STATES, December 9, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — More child care openings and more job opportunities will be available in Babcock Ranch and Port Charlotte Florida as Bloom Academy expands. “Program expansion like that happening at Bloom Founder’s Square means more options for working families- this is especially important with child care availability in relatively […]

November 11, 2021 COURTESY PHOTO The challenges of economic development in the face of a worldwide pandemic prompted the Florida Economic Development Council to add a new category to its annual awards program. The 2021 Pivot and Persist Award, created to honor economic development initiatives that best adapted and pressed forward amidst the crisis, was […]

Go south on State Road 31 in east Charlotte County, and you will happen upon a very new community in our county called Babcock Ranch. This community is located on about 17,700 acres, and, instead of growing like Topsy, it has been a community planned from the outset. Apparently, the plan is quite attractive, if […]

Gravina Smith Matte & Arnold Special to Naples Daily News Babcock Ranch Water Utilities was recently recognized by Water Resources Utility of the Future Today for innovative and forward-thinking practices in water reuse. The program honors water and wastewater treatment utilities leading the way in establishing sustainable, resilient and livable communities. Operated by Town & […]

Babcock Ranch is a community made up of nearly 20,000 homes with a population of roughly 50,000 and a whole lot of solar panels. Credit: Lisa Hall Author: Andrew Quintana (WTSP) Published: 11:10 PM EST January 5, 2022 Updated: 11:10 PM EST January 5, 2022   FLORIDA, USA — For years, there’s been a growing movement among environmentalists […]

Owner of Soul by Janette Dulaney does well at national baking competition By: Chris Shaw Posted at 8:14 AM, Sep 29, 2021 and last updated 8:21 AM, Sep 29, 2021 BABCOCK RANCH, Fla — You have to see this cake. In about a year, Janette Dulaney went from baking newbie to third-place winner at the Ultimate Sugar Show in […]

BUSINESS OBSERVERTHURSDAY, SEP. 30, 2021 3 days ago Other retailers at Crescent B Commons include restaurants,  hair and beauty salons and health care providers. by: Business Observer Staff BABCOCK RANCH — The first Publix in the first solar-powered town in the country is now open. The new grocery store opened Sept. 23 in the Crescent B Commons shopping center […]

Crescent B Commons is now 90 percent leased, with future tenants including Burger Fi, M’Xuma Tacos and U Yee Sushi. By Staff September 24, 2021 The new Publix at Babcock Ranch IMAGE: COURTESY PHOTO Publix, the first tenant at Crescent B Commons in Babcock Ranch, is now open, with other retail stores slated to open within the next few […]

A big idea worth noting  Mark R. Howard | 8/31/2021 https://www.floridatrend.com/article/32101/visions In Florida’s business world, it’s not hard to find successful people who are good at making money. The real standouts, however, are those who go about their business with some sense of higher purpose that manifests itself either in extraordinary service to their communities or […]

The grocery store and a high school are slated to open soon, giving residents of this fast-selling, master-planned community access to more essentials. The new high school in America’s first solar-powered town will offer students education on sustainability and renewable energy. IMAGE: COURTESY PHOTO Residents of fast-growing Babcock Ranch will soon have more essentials at their fingertips. Crescent […]

By Staff | Sep 21, 2021 The new Publix at Crescent B Commons at Babcock Ranch. The newly constructed Publix Super Market in the Crescent B Commons shopping center at Babcock Ranch is set to open Thursday. Publix will occupy 48,387 square feet and offer a drive-thru pharmacy, a lighted mezzanine for dining, and a liquor store. […]

BUSINESS OBSERVER TUESDAY, AUG. 24, 2021 Finn Farms is expected to begin generating revenue in the third quarter. by: Business Observer Staff BABCOCK RANCH — Finn Farms, a hydroponic grower inside Babcock Ranch, a master-planned, solar-powered community on the border of Lee and Charlotte counties, has been sold. Lake Worth-based Green Life Farms has acquired Finn Farms, […]

STAFF REPORT BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch has surpassed 1,500 homes sold, with more than 470 sold this year, the community’s developer announced this week. With sales up 61% for the first half of 2021, Babcock Ranch also jumped nine spots to number 25 on the list of the country’s 50 top-selling masterplanned communities of 2021 by […]

Aug 9th, 2021 The Utility of the Future Today program announced recognition for 39 utilities this year for recovering resources from wastewater, community engagement and innovation. The Utility of the Future Today program announced its recognitions of 39 water utilities across the nation for innovation and technology mastery. The Utility of the Future Today recognition […]

  Babcock Ranch High School could be ready in 2022. BUSINESS OBSERVERWEDNESDAY, JUL. 28, 2021 by: Business Observer Staff BABCOCK RANCH — The first high school in Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered town north of Fort Myers, is moving forward, now with the completed design. The state-of-the-art high school includes a 40,000 square foot multi-purpose field house, the […]

OUR POSITION: It may not be as grand as it started out to be, but the community building/ hurricane shelter at Babcock Ranch is a plus for the communities it will serve. Count the community building/hurricane shelter at Babcock Ranch as another victim of the pandemic.  When the project was pitched to the Florida Legislature, the proposal […]

by Samantha Serbin  5:03 AM EDT, Fri July 30, 2021 CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – A new shelter broke ground in Charlotte County as the peak of hurricane season approaches. Babcock Ranch includes the shelter within its new high school. By the next hurricane season officials at Babcock Ranch said there will be a shelter for about […]

Finn Farms begins production at Babcock Ranch     Reporter: Erika Jackson Writer: Jackie Winchester Published:June 21, 2021 5:33 PM EDT From seeds to your table, there’s a one-of-a-kind prototype greenhouse in Southwest Florida. “This is controlled environment agriculture at its best,” said Oskari Kariste, founder and CEO of Finn Farms at Babcock Ranch. What […]

Babcock Ranch began marketing new homes in 2017.  MONDAY, JUN. 28, 2021 by: Business Observer Staff BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered master-planned community in Charlotte and Lee counties, has passed a new milestone in home sales, with more than 1,000 closings. The community, according to a statement, now has 1,386 home sales and 1,027 closings. […]

July 22, 2021  Babcock Ranch has jumped up 10 spots in six months to the No. 24 position in the country’s 50 top-selling master planned communities of 2021 by RCLCO Real Estate Advisors. The recognition comes on the heels of Kitson & Partners’ recent announcement that Babcock Ranch has surpassed 1,400 new homes sold, with […]

By CHUCK BALLARO – | Jun 11, 2021    Overall property valuations for the Bayshore and North Fort Myers fire districts have finally returned to levels they were at before the Great Recession in 2008 with both once again reporting increases. The estimated tax rolls at Bayshore increased 6.29 percent, from $458,066,646 to $486,896,000, which brings the […]

Special to Naples Daily News June 13, 2021 Gravina Smith Matte & Arnold Special to Naples Daily News Pulte Homes, one of the nation’s most recognized and trusted brands in homebuilding for 70 years, has just announced Northridge at Babcock Ranch. This will be the newest Pulte Homes-branded community located in the desirable Babcock Ranch, […]

Apartments coming soon By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer Jun 13, 2021   A booming housing market has led Babcock Ranch to open up the next 4,021 acres for development sooner than expected. Staff from developer Kitson & Partners on Tuesday described to Charlotte County commissioners how the planned community is moving deeper into Charlotte County’s […]

By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer May 1, 2021 Updated May 1, 2021 Babcock Ranch is requesting local approval for $70 million in tax-exempt bonds to expand its water and sewer system. In a first step, Charlotte County’s Industrial Development Authority unanimously approved of the resolution Wednesday. County commissioners must also approve of the request. Then, the IDA […]

FEATURED Innovators share stories at Babcock Ranch By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer Apr 24, 2021 Updated Apr 24, 2021   Babcock Ranch founder Syd Kitson (center) hosted the Edison Awards on Earth Day. Here is sits with Lake Babcock in the background in a panel discussion with PBS moderator Miles O’Brien (right) and Black and Veatch President […]

April 15, 2021 <img aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-172352″ class=”wp-image-172352 size-large” src=”https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2021-04-15/31p1-1024×557.jpg” alt=”Attendees at the 2019 Edison Awards Gala. The awards recognizing innovation success are named after Thomas Alva Edison. COURTESY PHOTO” width=”1024″ srcset=”https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2021-04-15/31p1-1024×557.jpg 1024w, https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2021-04-15/31p1-300×163.jpg 300w, https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2021-04-15/31p1-768×418.jpg 768w, https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2021-04-15/31p1-1536×836.jpg 1536w, https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2021-04-15/31p1-2048×1114.jpg 2048w, https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2021-04-15/31p1-400×218.jpg 400w, https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2021-04-15/31p1-184×100.jpg 184w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” /> Attendees at the 2019 Edison Awards Gala. […]

Jennifer Holmgren, CEO LanzaTech, and Reinhold Schmieding, President and Founder Arthrex, received the distinguished 2021 Edison Achievement Award. FORT MYERS, Fla., April 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Edison Awards is pleased to announce the winners of its 34thannual program. The awards gala took place last night at the new Caloosa Sound Convention Center and was hosted by Miles O’Brien. This is […]

David Dorsey | Fort Myers News-Press  Innovators and entrepreneurs from across the country convened for the first time this week in the winter home of one of their inspirations, Thomas Edison.  The Edison Awards, established in 1987 and previously held in New York City, celebrated their achievements this week – for the first of at least […]

Apr 22, 2021  OUR POSITION: Today is celebrated worldwide as Earth Day and there is no better place or event that symbolizes what it’s all about than the Edison Best New Product Awards at Babcock Ranch.  Babcock Ranch, the first solar-powered city in the USA, is a prime example of what Earth Day is all […]

Submitted Special to Fort Myers News GATES Construction has completed construction of the new Cypress Lodge lakeside clubhouse and activities center located northeast of Founder’s Square in Babcock Ranch. A Florida Green Building Certified facility, Cypress Lodge offers an indoor lounge and a screened clubroom with a grand fireplace, seating, and a kitchenette. Outdoor amenities […]

By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer Apr 16, 2021 The community of Babcock Ranch is a finalist in the 2021 Edison Awards. The new solar power-centered master community that straddles Lee and Charlotte County joins more than 130 companies — big and small — that were nominated for the Edison Best Products Awards. Award winners in […]

Apr 13, 2021 6:25 PM EDT To watch the video, click link below: Small Florida community aims for energy independence Florida may be called the Sunshine State, but it is no stranger to the damaging impacts of climate change. Miles O’Brien profiles one small Florida community that is trying to take advantage of all that […]

From community solar installations to a push in some municipalities for all-electric building codes, interest in solar keeps growing By Eugene L. Meyer April 1, 2021 Proudly solar: Florida’s Babcock Ranch, “the most sustainable town in Florida.” | Photo: courtesy Babcock Ranch Babcock Ranch is a sprawling master planned community on 18,000 acres on Florida’s […]

Business Observer Saturday, Apr. 3, 2021 1 day ago The new high school in Babcock Ranch will be connected to an existing school. by: Business Observer Staff BABCOCK RANCH — DeAngelis Diamond, one of the largest construction firms in the region, has been chosen to build the Babcock Neighborhood School High School, a 39,000-square-foot charter […]

The full day of educational activities will take place at Babcock Ranch and will be powered by Florida Power & Light Company    NEWS PROVIDED BY Edison Awards; Florida Power & Light Company  Mar 24, 2021, 12:51 ET FORT MYERS, Fla., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Edison Awards is pleased to announce a solar-powered Earth Day event […]

BABCOCK RANCH, Fla — The story of one of Babcock Ranch’s newest restaurants begins with Bethany Hunt. And the fact that she wanted pizza. She really wanted pizza. Her story is the part of our SWFL Reinvented: Moving Forward series. Every Thursday, we bring you a new story about a local person who has changed the course of their […]

Bill Smith Fort Myers News-Press Rural residents pleaded Friday for the future of the Lee Civic Center on Bayshore Road in rural North Fort Myers, speaking on behalf of farmers, 4-H club members, and lovers of fresh meat and produce. Inspired by tales of doom for their rural lifestyle that has roiled social media in recent […]

Reporter: Andryanna Sheppard Writer: Jackie Winchester Published:March 3, 2021 5:43 PM EST View WINK news Video: Future of Lee Civic Center    Time is running out for the Lee County fair, as the North Fort Myers property it sits on is up for new management or even redevelopment. The county is exploring its options on […]

  David Dorsey Fort Myers News-Press   The Lee County government is shopping future uses for the Lee Civic Center at Bayshore Road and State Road 31 in North Fort Myers. One of the two proposals includes demolishing the 42-year-old building and redeveloping the 100-acre property. Kitson & Partners, the developers of Babcock Ranch, proposes transforming the […]

By: Rachel Loyd Posted at 6:49 PM, Mar 04, 2021  and last updated 4:53 PM, Mar 04, 2021  NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — To Lee County resident Michael Thompson, the land surrounding the Lee Civic Center is more than just a 100-acre plot. It’s bright lights and ferris wheels when the fair comes to town every year. But […]

February 10, 2021 BY LAURA TICHY-SMITH Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent Students at Babcock Neighborhood School and Babcock High School are playing in school-sponsored leagues for a new 21st century sport, and two BNS students even placed in the top 15 of a national championship competition last December. The new sport teaches life skills, offers college […]

Babcock Ranch Foundation shows commitment to all in the community … By Jeff Cull | on January 13, 2021 BY MARY WOZNIAK Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent   The Babcock Ranch Foundation is combining culture in the form of art with the culture of giving back to help make sure that children and families in need […]

February 10, 2021 This month, the industry’s most respected sources of real estate intelligence and insight recognized Babcock Ranch’s amazing growth and sales success as both RCLCO Real Estate Advisors and John Burns Real Estate Consulting ranked Babcock Ranch 34th among the country’s 50 top-selling master-planned communities of 2020. Babcock Ranch also leads John Burns […]

International competition honors game changing innovations  February 12, 2021 Contact: Lisa Hall (850) 508-7782 lhall@kitsonpartners.com BABCOCK RANCH, FL – Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town located in Southwest Florida, is among an elite group of finalists for the 2021 Edison Awards – an annual competition honoring the world’s top innovations and innovators. Established in 1987, […]

Lee-Collier-Charlotte Business Observer Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 1 day ago Babcock Ranch began marketing new homes in 2017. by: Business Observer Staff Babcock Ranch, a community in Charlotte and Lee counties billed as America’s first solar-powered town, has surpassed a major milestone: 1,000 homes sold. Northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31 […]

By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 16, 2020 Babcock Ranch has surpassed the 1,000 homes sold milestone, with 505 year-to-date contracts at America’s first solar-powered town. COURTESY IMAGE Babcock Ranch has surpassed the 1,000 homes sold milestone, with 505 year-todate contracts at America’s first solar-powered town. Additionally, construction continues at Crescent B Commons, the […]

12/15/2020 Kitson & Partners announced Babcock Ranch has surpassed the 1,000 homes sold milestone, with 505 year-to-date contracts at America’s first solar-powered town located just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31. Encompassing 18,000 acres, with 19,500 planned residences and 6,000,000 square feet of commercial space, Babcock Ranch achieved another major milestone […]

  Men & Women of the Year – Gulfshore Life Every region is defined by the people who populate it. Judging from this year’s class of Men & Women of the Year, Southwest Florida is defined by a unique mix of strivers and achievers all working in some way to make a positive impact on […]

FORT MYERS  Reporter: Lindsey Sablan Writer: Joey Pellegrino Published: November 30, 2020 9:25 AM EST Updated: November 30, 2020 8:20 PM EST View Wink News video below: Florida Universities grapple with how to adjust to Pandemic Since the fall semester started, there have been 459 cases of COVID-19 reported at Florida Gulf Coast University. Syd […]

BABCOCK RANCH  View video from Wink news: Hometown hero making a difference He played in the NFL, created his own town, and is now responsible for helping our public universities and businesses survive a pandemic. Our partners at Gulfshore Life just recognized Syd Kitson as one of its “Men of the Year.” The answer to success […]

WATCH WINK NEWS EXCLUSIVE HERE Using eco-friendly prairies and technology from Finland, one farm hopes to be the first of its kind in America. Finn Farms is going to be sustainable, innovative, and clean. “There are no emissions, we are using all organic materials, ” said Finn Farms founder Oskari Kariste. This new way of […]

Reporter: Erika Jackson Writer: Drew Hill Published: October 13, 2020 3:57 PM EDT Updated: October 13, 2020 5:21 PM EDT https://www.winknews.com/2020/10/13/first-of-its-kind-farm-set-to-call-babcock-ranch-home/ Using eco-friendly prairies and technology from Finland, one farm hopes to be the first of its kind in America. Finn Farms is going to be sustainable, innovative, and clean. “There are no emissions, we […]

BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2020) – Kitson & Partners has announced that Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town located just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, has earned Florida Green Building Coalition’s “Florida Green” Commercial Building certification for the structures composing downtown Founder’s Square. Slater’s Goods & Provisions, Bloom Academy, […]

Syd Kitson named to Floridapolitics.com 2020 edition of The INFLUENCE 100: The most influential people in Florida politics Click here for 2020 Edition of The Influence 100 

MEN & WOMEN OF THE YEAR BY GULFSHORE LIFE Every region is defined by the people who populate it. Judging from this year’s class of Men & Women of the Year, Southwest Florida is defined by a unique mix of strivers and achievers all working in some way to make a positive impact on the area—and […]

France Radio Broadcast October 20, 2020 (Translation below) par Benjamin Fontaine  publié le 20 octobre 2020 à 6h06 https://www.franceinter.fr/babcock-ranch-la-premiere-ville-verte-americaine-fonctionne-a-l-energie-solaire   En 2017, une bulle verte a vu le jour au cœur de la Floride. La ville de Babcock Ranch est sortie de terre pour accueillir des Américains en quête d’une vie plus proche de la nature. Babcock Ranch est alimentée […]

Oct 27, 2020,02:24pm EDT Background:  The ideas in this article were significantly sharpened by a panel on  “Life After Covid-19” held by Florida Polytechnic University’s Executive Leadership Initiative (ELI). Special thanks to Syd Kitson for explaining the vision behind Babcock Ranch. Climate change has been on the forefront of the public consciousness for many decades. […]

1st of it’s kind farm set to call Babcock Ranch Home Using eco-friendly prairies and technology from Finland, one farm hopes to be the first of its kind in America. Finn Farms is going to be sustainable, innovative, and clean. “There are no emissions, we are using all organic materials, ” said Finn Farms founder […]

Laura Layden Naples Daily News Friday October 2, 2020 New home sales have surged in Southwest Florida. After taking a brief pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, sales have been brisker than usual, even setting records in some communities, such as Ave Maria, east of Naples. Babcock Ranch, near the Lee-Charlotte county line, is also […]

Crescent B Commons is 65% leased. by: Business Observer Staff BABCOCK RANCH — Infrastructure work is underway at Crescent B Commons, a Publix-anchored 82,640-square-foot shopping center at a new entrance to Babcock Ranch The center is being built about one mile south of the existing entrance on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, according to a statement, and […]

By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer Aug 21, 2020 Aug 21, 2020 Updated Aug 22, 2020 The population at Babcock Ranch has grown by about 435 people since last November to an estimated 1,545 people.  A worldwide pandemic does not appear to be slowing development in this planned community, Babcock spokeswoman Lisa Hall told the Sun this week.   […]

3 Aug, 2020 Babcock Ranch Featured in Sarasota Magazine’s Neighborhood Guide Babcock Ranch is featured in Sarasota Magazine’s Neighborhood Guide: “High-Tech Babcock Ranch Rises in Southeast Charlotte County.” The guide takes a closer look at the Babcock Ranch vision, initiatives, technology and neighborhoods. Click here to view Babcock Ranch’s feature in Sarasota Magazine’s Neighborhood Guide

19 Aug, 2020 Infrastructure work commences at Crescent B Commons shopping center at Babcock Ranch: Vertical construction scheduled to begin fourth quarter 2020 BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (Aug. 18, 2020) – Infrastructure work is now underway at Crescent B Commons, the Publix-anchored 82,640-square-foot shopping center at a new entrance to Babcock Ranch being constructed about one […]

  Brad HunterContributor Real Estate   Florida has had some well-publicized challenges lately, but homebuilders statewide are seeing a continued rebound of demand from buyers that surprises even them. Building company executives and owners I’ve spoken with have used words like “wild” and “amazing” to describe home sales activity in May, June, and July. Yes, […]

Building has begun in earnest in this master-planned community.  By Ilene Denton  8/3/2020 at 10:38am The three-bedroom, three-bath Avila model from AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg, part of the Lake Babcock Estates neighborhood. With 550 homes sold and an additional 150 under contract as of July 1, 2020, it’s fair to say that building is well under […]

The NBC Nightly Films piece that was originally released as a series of separate segments, is now posted as a single segment, with only an ad at the beginning and then playing straight through for a little over 30 minutes Babcock Ranch Solar City  

An Interview with Syd Kitson, CEO & Chairman of Kitson and Partners  

June 24, 2020 By CHUCK BALLARO (news@breezenewspapers.com) , North Fort Myers Neighbor   With Babcock Ranch growing rapidly and the old truck route leading there still two lanes, it isn’t getting any easier to make your way down State Road 31. However, a long-awaited traffic light at 31 and North River Road/Old Bayshore Road is expected to […]

Lakewood Ranch, Wellen Park among top sellers nationwide…. July 7, 2020 Despite the challenges of the coronavirus-induced economic downturn, two master-planned communities in Southwest Florida again ranked among the fastest sellers in the nation. Lakewood Ranch finished second and Wellen Park landed in third place in the midyear 2020 home sales scorecard from real estate […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR Special to Naples Daily News July 18, 2020 BABCOCK RANCH – Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town located just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, achieved another major sales milestone when it was named to the RCLCO Real Estate Advisors’ Top 50 list […]

Lee-Collier-Charlotte Business Observer Friday, Jun. 12, 2020 3 weeks ago by: Business Observer Staff NAPLES — Stock Custom Homes, a Naples-based luxury homebuilder, has reported robust sales of $52 million through the first five months of this year. The division of Stock Development also is preparing to open new models in Quail West, such as […]

Pulte Homes uses a Tesla Powerwall stored energy system for a new home in Babcock Ranch.  SARASOTA-MANATEE BUSINESS OBSERVER FRIDAY, JUN. 26, 2020 4 days ago   Sarasota-Manatee Business Observer Friday, Jun. 26, 2020 1 week ago Builder uses Tesla system to help power area new home Pulte Homes uses a Tesla Powerwall stored energy system for […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR Special to Naples Daily News BABCOCK RANCH — Pulte Homes is taking a lead from America’s first solar-powered town with an innovative, first-of-its-kind solar home in Babcock Ranch.  Pulte Homes’ new Summerwood home design is now complete and available for viewing in the Lake Babcock neighborhood. The […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, Special to Naples Daily News Published 6:00 a.m. ET June 6, 2020 BABCOCK RANCH – Kitson & Partners, developers of Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town located just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, has reported 700 new home contracts through the end of […]

By DANIEL SUTPHIN Staff Writer Jun 20, 2020 Updated Jun 20, 20 BABCOCK RANCH — Construction is underway on a new tower and residential lodge at Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County. Both the “Lake Babcock Lookout” tower and Cypress Lodge are expected to be completed and opened this fall. “The tower is another iconic structure for our town […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, Special to Naples Daily NewsPublished 6:15 a.m. ET April 25, 2020 Kitson & Partners, developers of Babcock Ranch, reported 107 first-quarter new home sales, marking a 40 percent year-over-year increase for America’s first solar-powered town. Babcock Ranch home sales totaled 31 in March alone, propelling the town […]

June 11, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–No longer just a place to connect with friends, post photos and videos and share status updates, social media is now serving a new function for users looking for their dream home. One of the nation’s largest homebuilders, PulteGroup (NYSE: PHM) is leveraging live Facebook events […]

ADVERTORIAL By Staff | on June 11, 2020 According to Brian Stock, CEO of Stock Development, homes in highly-amenitized communities are selling fast and the supply of new homes is limited. Stock Development is having a phenomenal sales year. Through May, the company netted 147 new home sales worth $210 million. “At the beginning of the Covid-19 in mid-March, […]

Residents began moving into Babcock Ranch in early 2018. by: Business Observer Staff Business Observer Tuesday, Jun. 2, 2020 1 week ago BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch has surpassed 700 new home contracts through the end of May. Babcock Ranch, billed as America’s first solar-powered town, is northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31. […]

The Babcock Neighborhood School experience By Jeff Cull | on June 10, 2020 BY ROGER WILLIAMS Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent Shannon Treece, principal at the growing Babcock Neighborhood School, had never seen anything quite like the near 10-week challenge that concluded the spring semester of the 2020 school year that ended the last week in May. Neither had the […]

By Jeff Cull | on June 10, 2020 SPECIAL TO BABCOCK RANCH Peri and Dwight Schwabrow are not shy about how happy they are to be living at Babcock Ranch. CHRIS TILLEY / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH When you think of retirees, do you imagine people spending their time on the front porch in rocking chairs, reminiscing about the good […]

By Jeff Cull | on June 10, 2020 WCI’s three-bedroom, three-bath Rosewood model in Babcock Ranch’s Lake Timber neighborhood offers 2,231 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Within the home’s open floor plan, interior designer CJ Annand masterfully blended rustic details including rubbed brass lighting fixtures, natural textures and wood accents. The model features selections from Fine Furniture […]

By Jeff Cull | on June 10, 2020 Within Lake Babcock Estates, the grand 2,873-square-foot Avila model from AR Homes complements the Babcock Ranch lifestyle, indoors and out. The Avila’s low country, coastal farmhouse style is enhanced by designer Sharon Freeman’s interiors that mingle traditional and transitional décor with natural touches. The colors that appear throughout the three-bedroom, three-bath […]

  Publix to anchor Crescent B Commons, scheduled to open in 2021 By Jeff Cull | on May 13, 2020 BY LAURA TICHY-SMITH Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent Homes at Babcock Ranch appeal to young millennials, families, empty nesters and retirees alike. Prices range from the low $200,000s to more than $1.5 million. BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH IMAGE KITSON & PARTNERS, […]

  By Jeff Cull | on June 10, 2020 BY LAURA TICHY-SMITH Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent Babcock Ranch is unique among its surrounding cities, with wide open spaces for outdoor recreation. BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH COURTESY IMAGE In the best of times, where you live makes a tremendous impact upon your lifestyle. But where you live in uncertain times can […]

By Jeff Cull | on June 10, 2020 BY EVAN WILLIAMS Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent The town of Babcock Ranch is on track to reach a total population of some 50,000 people. RICHARD KINLEY / COURTESY PHOTO With its balmy winters and year-round outdoor opportunities, Southwest Florida is a popular draw for countless Americans looking for a new place […]

Charles Runnells, Fort Myers News-Press Published 12:00 p.m. ET May 7, 2020 | Updated 10:10 a.m. ET May 8, 2020 Looking for something fun to do while social distancing during the coronavirus? Here are our top 10 things to do online this weekend and beyond — from a Tiny Theatre in a closet to a virtual […]

Fort Myers News-Press Published 7:00 a.m. ET May 8, 2020 | No prom? No problem, with a mom like Jorie Maddi It looks like a standard prom portrait: King and queen in tie and tiara, sashed and grinning under an arch of balloons with disco lights sprinkling the ceiling. But peer a little closer, and […]

The company-wide program provides mortgage-free homes to U.S. military veterans and their families. By Lydia Lee In March of last year, Sgt. Howard Appleby was on a tour of Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered master-planned community in southwestern Florida. Turning a corner, he saw an open lot with a billboard with his name on it and a […]

Reporter: Melinda Lee Writer: Briana Harvath Published: May 8, 2020 2:32 PM EDT Updated: May 8, 2020 5:50 PM EDT Click Link to watch video:https://www.winknews.com/2020/05/08/swfl-seamstress-behind-5000-masks-made-for-those-in-need/ More than 5,000 masks made by one community, because one Babcock Ranch woman wanted to “sew” her support for those in need. “It’s just nice to know that I’m making […]

Mat 7, 2020 Tucked into a corner of Southwest Florida about a half-hour from Fort Myers, Babcock Ranch is what developer Syd Kitson calls the most sustainable community in America and the first solar -powered town in the country. Click on link to view videos:  https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-films  

Reporter: Erika Jackson Published: April 21, 2020 3:43 PM EDT Updated: April 21, 2020 8:15 PM EDT SWFL developer on reopen Florida task force exec. committee seeks measured approach   It’s going to take time to get restaurants, hotels, and the rest of Florida’s economy back on its feet. Governor Ron DeSantis is taking input […]

Tuesday, April 21st 2020, 4:27 PM EDT by Claire Lavezzorio Syd Kitson, the mastermind behind America’s first solar-powered town, is now on a new mission to revitalize Florida. Kitson is one of 22 handpicked by Governor Ron DeSantis to be a part of his Re-Open Florida Task Force Executive Committee. “How we’re going to open […]

The News Service of Florida Apr 21, 2020, 8:43am   Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee With hundreds of thousands of workers filing unemployment claims and businesses shuttered across the state, a task force created by Gov. Ron DeSantis began discussing ways Monday to revive the state’s economy from the coronavirus crisis. Officials from businesses such […]

© 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved Photograph by Carlton Ward, Jr. Read Caption A male Florida panther in Babcock Ranch State Preserve. Males have home ranges of up to 200 square miles and will defend their turf against other males in deadly fights. Photograph by Carlton […]

By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer April 13, 2020 This map shows areas where developers of Babcock Ranch will be working with the state to widen State Road 31 and improve intersections in Charlotte and Lee counties. Babcock Ranch wants to dramatically increase the amount of homes and commercial space in its first phase of development. […]

By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer Apr 18, 2020   What looks like a jigsaw puzzle is actually the growing development in Babcock Ranch. The newest approval was for the area to the north — a section of Babcock National built by Lennar Homes. Charlotte County government West Port is moving ahead with vast clearing of […]

Babcock National is a 18-hole Gordon Lewis-designed course. by: Business Observer Staff March 10, 2020 Babcock Ranch, billed as America’s first solar-powered town, has something new to get residents charged up: a golf course. Babcock National Golf & Country Club, a new Lennar lifestyle community within Babcock Ranch, celebrated the opening of its 18-hole Gordon […]

Friday, March 6, 2020 Kitson & Partners, developer of Babcock Ranch, has announced that Publix will anchor Crescent B Commons, an 82,540-square-foot shopping center under construction at a new entrance to Babcock Ranch being built about one mile south of the existing entrance on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31. The estimated opening date for Crescent […]

BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (March 5, 2020) – Kitson & Partners, developer of Babcock Ranch, has announced that Publix will anchor Crescent B Commons, an 82,540-square-foot shopping center under construction at a new entrance to Babcock Ranch being constructed about one mile south of the existing entrance on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31. The estimated opening […]

David Dorsey, Fort Myers News-Press  Published 2:44 p.m. ET March 5, 2020            Babcock Ranch, the planned community for about 50,000 residents but with fewer than 500 homes built so far, has made official the construction of a new Publix that will open in early 2021. Publix will anchor a new, 82,540-square-foot shopping center, to […]

Lavanya Sunkara  Babcock Ranch   Babcock Ranch   In a world still clamoring for coal and drilling for oil, the power of the sun seems to have gone by the wayside. Yet, a small town in southern Florida is keeping its lights on with renewable energy, showing how a community can successfully live sustainably. Babcock Ranch, America’s […]

A town built to harness the power of the sun. Babcock ranch recently celebrated it’s second anniversary as the first fully solar city in America. Here is a link to watch a feature story that aired Thursday 2/20/20 and again on Sunday 2/23/20 on the Fox station in Orlando: https://www.fox35orlando.com/video/657724

By: Shari Armstrong Here is the link to video: https://www.fox4now.com/news/4-in-your-corner/technology-helping-students-in-southwest-florida   LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Babcock Neighborhood School Mr. CJ McFarlane and his trusted sidekick roam the hallways at Babcock Neighborhood School in Babcock Ranch. Temi (pronounced Timmy) is a personal robot making deliveries, telling jokes and keeping students entertained. “The same technology you have running in […]

BY STEPHANIE OSMANSKI Posted 2 weeks ago (Jan. 17, 2020)   When I was younger, it felt like we lived in the car — excuse me, van. We were a family of four, and still, we drove the heck out of an eight-passenger van. We’d leave for long trips to Pennsylvania (three-and-a-half hours from our home […]

Translated from Spanish ~ Traveling in an electric car has been one of the best things I have ever experienced, and not only because of the experience of driving a car that does not require gasoline, but because the trip itself completely changed my relationship with the environment. A few days ago, I thought I […]

A two-day Chevy Bolt test drive from Miami to Naples to Babcock Ranch resulted in no sacrifices January 29, 2020 BY MYLES KORNBLATT Florida Weekly Automotive Writer THE RELIABLE RANGE OF ELECTRIC CARS HAS LEAPFROGGED OVER the last few years. The standard used to be whether you could make it to the office on battery […]

1/30/20, Sun Newspapers OUR POSITION: Let’s give credit when credit is due and applaud Florida Power & Light for its aggressive approach to harnessing solar energy. We never hesitate to criticize Florida Power and Light utility for what sometimes appears to be a greedy business model. So it is only fair we heap some praise […]

January 15, 2020 BY RUSTY PRAY Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent At 2,185 square feet, the Osprey is Meritage Homes’ largest one-story model. BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH COURTESY IMAGES It’s a natural fit. Meritage Homes, a builder with an eye toward conservation and sustainability, found a home in May 2019 when it purchased 81 lots at Babcock […]

January 15, 2020 Syd Kitson SPECIAL TO BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH Real estate developer Syd Kitson was elected last week as chairman of the Florida Board of Governors, succeeding outgoing Chairman Ned Lautenbach. The board is the 17-member governing body for the State University System of Florida. Fourteen board members are appointed by the Florida governor […]

January 16, 2020 Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town located just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/S.R 31, is hosting the Festival of Kites from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, in Jack Peeples Park — rain or shine. This family friendly event features a day of fun and free kite kits […]

Posted: 6:55 AM, Jan 22, 2020 Click link below to watch news video: https://www.fox4now.com/tasteseeswfl/babcock-ranch-brings-festival-of-kites-to-charlotte-county Updated: 8:13 AM, Jan 22, 2020 By: Noelani Mathews PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Babcock Ranch is preparing to celebrate their Festival of Kites on Saturday. The event is taking place at their newly enhanced Jack Peeples Park, Playground, and Nature Trail. Organizers say the […]

Staff Report  Jan 17, 2020 Updated Jan 19, 2020 Babcock Ranch solar town could one day offer 50 miles of trails for the public to enjoy.On Tuesday, 4.2 miles of trails within that system will open to the public. Following a brief dedication ceremony, Dr. Bill Hammond will lead an inaugural nature walk along the southern section […]

Jan 22, 2020 Updated Jan 22, 2020 Charlotte Sun A gathering Tuesday honored Dr. Bill Hammond with the opening of 4.2 miles of a public trail system he helped to create in Babcock Ranch. The “Dr. Bill Hammond Trails” are part of a public trail system that will eventually stretch for 50 miles within the boundaries of […]

Previously published: April 10, 2019 BY EVAN WILLIAMS Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent The shops in Crescent B Commons will compliment rather than compete with those in Founder’s Square. BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH The Crescent B brand is traveling a lot farther than the ranchers who once burned it into the hide of Cracker cows on Babcock […]

By Jeff Cull | on November 13, 2019 BY EVAN WILLIAMS ewilliams@babcockranchtelegraph.com A NEW LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE AND ACTIVITIES CENTER FOR BABCOCK Ranch residents, Cypress Lodge, is slated to begin construction late this year and to open up next fall or winter. Like the town itself and many of its buildings, it is a nod to […]

Dave G. Houser Wednesday, November 06, 2019 About 12,000 years ago, the Neolithic Revolution marked the transition in human history from nomadic hunting and gathering to settling in permanent communities. In all probability, from that time forward mankind has fantasized about a city of the future. Plato’s Atlantis was the source of inspiration for numerous literary and […]

Real estate developers, Kitson & Partners, have set a new standard for sustainable living. Their groundbreaking model of a 100 percent solar-powered town in South Florida called Babcock Ranch, is touted to be the largest self-sustaining community in the country. Real estate developers, Kitson & Partners, have set a new standard for sustainable living. Their […]

Business Observer Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 1 week ago Amy Wicks, 37 Engineer, Kimley-Horn & Associates by: Mark Gordon Managing Editor Amy Wicks has been at the forefront of solving Florida’s myriad water quality issues long before it became a noted problem and, of late, a political debate. With a master’s degree in environmental engineering from […]

Observer Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 3 days ago by: Mark Gordon Managing Editor Tyler Kitson long wanted to follow his father’s career path. But at first, that wasn’t going to be real estate. That’s where his dad, Syd Kitson, is now one of the most prominent developers in Florida and leads the charge of what’s […]

By John Hielscher Staff Writer Posted Sep 17, 2019 Builders broke ground on 1,706 single-family homes during the April-June period in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. New home starts rebounded during the second quarter in Southwest Florida after a slow start to 2019. Builders broke ground on 1,706 local single-family homes during the April-June period, a 28% increase […]

By DANIEL SUTPHIN and ALEXANDRA HERRERA Staff Writers Sep 24, 2019 A move to Charlotte County must be a smart one — or at least a popular one — because a lot of people are doing it. The Punta Gorda metropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Charlotte County, recently took the number three spot […]

FLORIDA TREND 9/17/2019  (click on link to see featured image of Babcock Ranch)https://www.floridatrend.com/article/27847/growth-opportunities Beth Luberecki | 9/17/2019 Lee County Ranked No. 7 in the nation for top metropolitan areas in percentage growth from 2010 to 2018 Lee County Projected to reach 1 million people in the next eight to 15 years 338,706 Workforce members 37% Residents with A.S. […]

Consistently mentioned among the most-admired executives in the state, Kitson has patiently led the development of Florida’s first solar-powered city, Babcock Ranch, which involved the largest land preservation acquisition in state history. A former guard for the Green Bay Packers, Kitson has served as chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and is the incoming […]

Florida Trend has published it’s annual list of the “Florida 500” – the most influential business leaders in the Sunshine State.    You can access the full 2019 edition of “Florida 500” here:  https://floridatrend500.com/?_ga=2.203018129.1807091358.1568710903-1618686059.1558013454 Editor’s Letter   A Few Observations … My favorite part of producing the Florida 500 is reading the answers to the questionnaire […]

The state has approved three toll roads through wild, sparsely inhabited areas, which could hurt wildlife and a rural way of life. BY DOUGLAS MAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY CARLTON WARD JR.  ((use link: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/08/florida-toll-road-threatens-wildlife-panthers/ to view great photography of panthers at the Babcock Ranch preserve that accompanies this National Geographic feature)) PUBLISHED AUGUST 26, 2019 LABELLE, FLORIDA Southwest Florida is […]

By BRIANNA KWASNIK Staff Writer Jul 28, 2019 Updated Jul 28, 2019 Students at Babcock Ranch Neighborhood School will head back to school Thursday to a campus with a renewed purpose. The charter school, located in the Babcock Ranch community straddling Charlotte and Lee counties, recently dropped from an A grade to a C, according […]

Reporter: Breana Ross Published: July 26, 2019 5:16 PM EDT Updated: July 27, 2019 11:14 AM EDT U.S. Army Sergeant Howard Appleby of Cape Coral and his family received a mortgage-free home at a dedication ceremony Friday. PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program and Operation “Finally Home” unveiled a newly completed mortgage-free home to U.S. Army […]

By BRIANNA KWASNIK Staff Writer | Jul 26, 2019 Updated Jul 26, 2019 BABCOCK RANCH — Kiyomi Appleby ran to find her room in her family’s new home. Kiyomi, who turns 5 today, is having a weekend filled with all things new. Her family moved into their new home Friday morning – where she has a new room […]

Al Dougherty named COO of Babcock Ranch; will continue in role of COO-Communities for Kitson & Partners. Friday, Jul. 12, 2019 by: Business Observer Staff BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners COO-Communities Al Dougherty has expanded his role with the company as COO of Babcock Ranch, the country’s first solar-powered town under development in northeast Lee and […]

Reporter: Erika Jackson Writer: Jack Lowenstein Published: July 11, 2019 4:26 PM EDT Updated: July 11, 2019 6:12 PM EDT With Family No. 500 getting ready to move to Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County, a focus on safety is key. But the closest fire station is outside the community at Station 9 along State Road […]

on July 25, 2019 KITSON Kitson & Partners has named real estate industry professional Tyler Kitson as president of Talis Park, the luxury master-planned community in Naples offering championship golf, a unique club experience, and new estate, waterfront and condominium homes. Mr. Kitson oversees all aspects of management and operations at Talis Park, leading a […]

Posted: 9:39 AM, Jul 24, 2019 By: Lauren Petrelli   PUNTA GORDA, Fla.– Inside Babcock Neighborhood School in Charlotte County, you’ll find Principal Shannon Treece fixing dinosaur costumes, listening to poems, and greeting students. “Making the move into administration is definitely where I found my passion,” said Principal Shannon Treece. Treece said she always loved playing teacher as a […]

By Staff Report Posted Jul 12, 2019 at 12:59 PMUpdated Jul 12, 2019 at 4:27 PM     Al Dougherty has been named chief operations officer for Babcock Ranch, the southeastern Charlotte County development touted as the nation’s first solar-powered town. Dougherty will continue as COO-communities for Kitson & Partners, the developer of Babcock Ranch, where he has managed planning, land development and construction for the […]

The political clout and incentives of the state’s big power companies have discouraged installation of rooftop solar panels. By Ivan Penn July 7, 2019 PETERSBURG, Fla. — Florida calls itself the Sunshine State. But when it comes to the use of solar power, it trails 19 states, including not-so-sunny Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Maryland. […]

It will be Charlotte County’s only Red Cross approved hurricane shelter. Monday, June 24th 2019, 6:03 PM EDT by Claire Lavezzorio Updated: Monday, June 24th 2019, 6:49 PM EDT BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. – The state is committing to improving storm safety for Floridians. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill dedicating $8 million toward construction of […]

Gabe Stern, Fort Myers News-Press Published 6:00 a.m. ET June 25, 2019 | ((this story was also picked up today in Politico Briefs) During hurricane season a few years from now, Southwest Florida residents will have another shelter they can turn to. A part of Florida’s appropriations budget was $8 million for a new hurricane shelter […]

By LIZ HARDAWAY Staff Writer Jun 21, 2019   PUNTA GORDA — The Southwest Florida Regional Emergency Shelter is included in the $90.98 billion state budget that Governor Ron DeSantis approved. Rep. Michael Grant (R-Port Charlotte) originally proposed the shelter, asking for $8 million from the general revenue fund. The shelter will be built at […]

BCOCK RANCH, Fla. (June 24, 2019) – The state appropriations bill signed Friday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis demonstrates the state’s commitment to improving storm safety for Floridians: The 2019-2020 budget provides a total $2.9 billion for hurricane preparedness and recovery statewide, including $8 million toward construction of the Southwest Florida Hurricane Evacuation Center at […]

By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer Jun 12, 2019 Updated Jun 14, 2019 The next phase of Babcock Ranch is in the works as Babcock Holdings LLC requested approval for a mile-long new spine road to reach 10 new development tracts. “As in Babcock, all things are large,” Charlotte County Planner Steven Ellis said to the Planning and […]

Babcock Holdings LLC donated the modular structure and will lease the land By BETSY CALVERT STAFF WRITER The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is coming to Babcock Ranch. The lease on the department’s new substation starts July 1, and the Sheriff’s Office hopes to be operational by late July or early August, CCSO public information officer […]

Following is story that aired on TF1, the largest French language news outlet.  Original air date was 3/10/2019. English translation is below the French version.  JT 20H – L’une des villes les plus vertes du monde, se trouve en Floride. Elle a été construite il y a quatre ans sur les terres d’un ancien ranch. […]

5/22/2019 Mark Kelly anchor  WPBF news Click on following link to view interview with Syd Kitson: https://www.wpbf.com/article/a-brand-new-florida-town-built-for-the-future/27555217 Anchor Mark Kelly takes us to the brand new community here in Florida that promises to be the town of the future, and we meet the South Floridians who are already moving there. PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — There’s […]

 BABCOCK RANCH   A major hurricane shelter could be coming to a much-needed area for people in Charlotte County. While there is no Red Cross approved shelters to take cover when a strong storm hits, Babcock Ranch might change that. But first, one commissioner said the people behind the project are not going through the […]

On average, a Florida homeowner pays $118 per month for electricity. Tuesday, May 7th 2019, 6:43 PM EDT by Claire Lavezzorio Updated: Wednesday, May 8th 2019, 6:01 AM EDT BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. – Is the sun’s energy worth it for you? On average, a Florida homeowner pays $118 per month for electricity. However, some homeowners […]

May 5, 2019 OUR POSITION: Any controversy over its initial handling aside, a regional hurricane shelter at Babcock Ranch will be a potential life-saving asset for Charlotte County. Barring an unlikely veto from Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Legislature has approved $8 million for a regional hurricane shelter at Babcock Ranch. Despite some misgivings and criticism, that’s […]

Self-driving buses have already logged hundreds of hours in Southwest Florida’s Babcock Ranch. Thursday, May 2nd 2019, 9:00 PM EDT by Ben Henry Click Link to watch video.  https://www.abc-7.com/clip/14815166/driverless-cars-getting-closer-to-hitting-florida-roads TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – It could happen as early as this week, and if it does, our streets could look like a scene from a futuristic movie. Governor […]

By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer It seemed like a long shot, but $8 million in state funding for a hurricane shelter at Babcock Ranch has survived the Florida legislature’s budget negotiations. Legislators on Tuesday agreed on a $90 billion-plus fiscal 2020 budget, including the shelter line item. They will not take a final vote until […]

By: Amber Brooks | Posted: April 9, 2019 The Scoop: Environmental visionaries designed Babcock Ranch to be a solar-powered, tech-savvy, and family-friendly town that fosters sustainable growth adjacent to thousands of acres of preservation land. Hundreds of couples have chosen to make their home in this master-planned community just north of Fort Myers in Southwest Florida. After over […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, Special to Naples Daily News Published 6:20 a.m. ET March 9, 2019         Crescent B Commons shopping center, will be anchored by a major grocery store. (Photo: Submitted) Kitson & Partners has announced plans for Crescent B Commons, an 85,600-square-foot shopping center anchored by a major grocery store at […]

Tani Hurley Public Relations, Special to Naples Daily News   Luxury home builder Florida Lifestyle Homes has introduced a new design, the Lily Rose, at Babcock Ranch, a new eco-centric town being built in Charlotte County east of Fort Myers off State Road 31. The Lily Rose features an exterior reminiscent of Southwest Florida architecture […]

By BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer April 4, 2019 The battle continues between Charlotte County Commissioner Joe Tiseo and Rep. Mike Grant (R-Port Charlotte) over an $8 million legislative request to build a hurricane shelter at Babcock Ranch. Tiseo on Thursday sent an email to Grant and about 35 members of the state Legislature asking Grant […]

By Becky Bracken | Apr 2, 2019 realtor.com Modern farmhouse has become a wildly popular design aesthetic, thanks in no small part to the tireless evangelism from renovation gurus Joanna and Chip Gaines. It’s their thing! New homes and renovated spaces alike now combine clean, modern spaces with comfortable touches of rustic appeal. These days, large […]

Posted: 10:32 AM, Mar 30, 2019 Updated: 10:32 AM, Mar 30, 2019 By: Allyssa Dickert     Organizations and community rally together to surprise Southwest Florida family with a mortgage free home.     BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. — Life is not a race, but indeed a journey is the motto the Appleby family lives by. […]

Babcock Ranch has a multi-page spread in the April edition of Harbor Style Magazine. For those who want to view the whole magazine online, here’s the link: http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/publication/?i=575189&ver=html5&p=78#{“page”:78,”issue_id”:575189}

Annabelle Tometich, Fort Myers News-Press March 19, 2019 Food trucks, live music coming soon to Babcock Ranch. Roy’s gets a new look in Bonita, and Nathan’s Famous brings a hot-dog qualifier to Cape Coral. All the news that’s fit to eat in A La Carte. Food Truck Fridays are coming to Babcock Ranch. The all solar-powered […]

Babcock Ranch: One year later

Reporter: John-Carlos Estrada https://www.winknews.com/2019/03/29/veterans-family-surprised-with-mortgage-free-home-in-babcock-ranch/ Published: March 29, 2019 10:09 PM EDT Updated: March 29, 2019 10:58 PM EDT A veteran who has PTSD is moving to Babcock Ranch with his wife and their children. It was a hometown heroes’ welcome. It was a total shock for the family of six. The Appleby family’s move to […]

Real Estate Running on the sun As environmental calamities rock Florida’s coast, an inland community seeks to live in harmony with nature. Kaia Freeman, 4, chases after her brother Jordan, 13, in Founder’s Square in Babcock Ranch. The 18,000-acre development is billed as the nation’s first solar-powered town. (Photos by Eve Edelheit for The Washington […]

There are currently no Red Cross-approved storm shelters in Charlotte County. Wednesday, February 27th 2019, 5:43 PM EST by Claire Lavezzorio PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – There are currently no Red Cross-approved storm shelters in Charlotte County. That deficit makes it very difficult for some people who can’t leave the area to find a safe place during hurricane season. […]

By BRIANNA KWASNIK STAFF WRITER Sometimes competition isn’t all about who wins and who loses. It’s the experience of seeing hard work come to life, and spending time with friends.That’s how the seventh-graders in science and engineering at BabcockRanch Neighborhood School explained competing with remote-operated underwater vehicles. The students spent a month and a half constructing their robots […]

March 1, 2019 Pine Island Eagle Babcock Ranch is planning a second community entrance and a shopping center. Kitson & Partners announced Friday plans for Crescent B Commons, an 85,600-square-foot shopping center to be anchored by a “major grocery store.” Crescent B Commons will be located at a new entrance to constructed about a mile […]

FPL ran this video during the Super Bowl. Click link to view:  FPL Solar Journey

February 13, 2019 BY EVAN WILLIAMS Babcock Ranch Telegraph Correspondent Food trucks set up around Founder’s Square awaiting patrons. VANDY MAJOR / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH Sizzling batter, smoking brisket: A Friday night block party’s incense emanated from mobile vendors, lacing the brisk air in downtown Founder’s Square and drawing a crowd that came bundled up […]

Monday, February 25, 2019 NOT ENOUGH SHELTER HERE By ANDREA PRAEGITZER / ASSISTANT EDITOR There are no certified Red Cross hurricane shelters in Charlotte County, but a bill filed this month in the Florida House of Representatives could change that. The bill, HB 3139, from Rep. Mike Grant (R-Port Charlotte) seeks $8 million from the […]

By Jeff Cull | on January 16, 2019 BY EVAN WILLIAMS Syd Kitson and Dr. Larry Antonucci cut the ribbon at the opening of the Lee Physician Group primary care clinic at Babcock Ranch. VANDY MAJOR / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH Finding a family doctor is a key step for most people moving to a new […]

By: Clark Howard Updated: Jan 17, 2019 – 7:11 PM Click link below to watch video. https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/first-solar-powered-town-in-america-considered-the-way-of-the-future-/905044341 FLORIDA – Channel 2’s consumer adviser, Clark Howard, is passionate about solar power. So, when he heard about Babcock Ranch, the first solar-powered town in America, he needed to see it for himself. Located 30 minutes northwest of […]

Wednesday Jan. 16,2019 Adds lots in the Florida community’s newest neighborhood. Pulte Homes is expanding its footprint in the Babcock Ranch, Florida master plan with the purchase of additional home sites in the town’s newest neighborhood, Lake Babcock. Pulte recently completed the purchase of new home sites within the new 323-home Lake Babcock neighborhood, which offers larger […]

2019-01-07 Jennifer Shuttleworth SAE updates J3016 Levels of Automated Driving graphic to reflect evolving standard. SAE International recently unveiled a new visual chart (below, and in gallery) that is designed to clarify and simplify its J3016 “Levels of Driving Automation” standard for consumers. The J3016 standard defines six levels of driving automation, from SAE Level […]

By DANIEL SUTPHIN Staff Writer Jan 6, 2019 Updated Jan 6, 2019 Kingsway club members Rick Bailey and Gordon “Moe” Devries on the 9th green last month at Kingsway Country Club. By DANIEL SUTPHIN/Staff Writer Kingsway club member John Peterman teeing off. See page 5 for where to golf in your area. SUN PHOTO BY […]

Charlotte Sun (Published: 8-Jan 2019, Received: 10:41:34) The rock or the jelly doughnut. Which would you prefer to eat? That was the question posed by Victor Dover of Dover Kohl & Partners at the “Journey to the Future: Let’s learn together” conference. The informational event, held at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on Monday, featured multiple presenters, along with keynote […]

Special to Fort Myers News-PressPublished 6:22 a.m. ET Jan. 5, 2019 Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, Special to Fort Myers News-Press Published 6:22 a.m. ET Jan. 5, 2019 The front-porch lifestyle at Babcock Ranch is proving popular with homebuyers.(Photo: Submitted)   Babcock Ranch – the world’s first solar-powered town located just northeast […]

2019-01-05 | THE BANNER Guest Columnist – Syd Kitson With the world’s 17th-largest economy, Florida is already woven into the global marketplace like never before. Not only do we welcome more than 116 million visitors each year, but Florida currently accounts for approximately 25 to 30 percent of U.S. exports to many emerging Latin American […]

By Staff report Saturday Posted Jan 5, 2019 at 2:01 AM Babcock Ranch has surpassed the 250-home sold milestone, with 254 new home contracts recorded through the middle of December. The world’s first solar-powered town is located just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31. “Homebuyers are attracted by our commitment to sustainability, technology, health and wellness […]

December 17, 2018 By MELISSA?BILL (news@breezenewspapers.com) , Lehigh Acres Citizen            Lee County Board of County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday to discuss an agreement to purchase the nearly 600-acre “GS-10” parcel in Lehigh Acres. The acquisition and development of the former mine areas known as Section 10 will be considered by board members during […]

Fox 4 Morning News at 5am 12/14/2018 5:36:30 AM Take a ride in a self- driving car in the Babcock Ranch community. Learn more, click link below to watch video. Babcock Ranch on WFTX-FTM (FOX) – Fort Myers, FL

Fox 4 News at Six 12/13/2018 6:35:24 PM Babcock Ranch is hosting demonstrations of self-driving car in community. Click on link below to watch video. Babcock Ranch on WFTX-FTM (FOX) – Fort Myers, FL

The Now 12/13/2018 5:36:59 PM SAE Demo Days Have the chance to ride in a self-driving car at the Babcock Ranch community. the development .. which bills itself as ranch community. Click on the link to watch the video. Babcock Ranch on WFTX-FTM (FOX) – Fort Myers, FL  

Reporter: Gina Tomlinson Published: December 12, 2018 5:28 PM EST Updated: December 12, 2018 8:14 PM EST People hopped inside brand new self-driving cars at Babcock Ranch Wednesday to see what the future of driving might look like. The technology that runs these driver-less cars is very similar to the technology behind the self-driving school […]

Laura Layden, Naples Daily News Smarter buildings and more electric cars. Millions more people and yet a crushing need for talent. Those are all part of the picture that emerged of the near future as dozens of business, industry, community and elected leaders from around the state gathered for the Florida Growth & Infrastructure Summit […]

By LIZ HARDAWAY Staff Writer Dec 13, 2018 Updated 11 min ago A tablet was present to direct the vehicle to “start/pause/stop a specific mission” it’s supposed to drive, said Perrone Robotics chief marketing officer, Dave Hofert. “We can use the screen to look at sensor data including GPS, Lidar, and radar and we can […]

Wednesday, December 12th 2018, 6:34 PM EST by Claire Lavezzorio The first, all-solar-powered community in the nation is working on another first: bringing self-driving cars to its streets. Babcock Ranch already has self-driving buses run by the company Transdev, that came under fire by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.The first, all-solar-powered community in the […]

Editorial Board, Naples Daily News, USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA We’re often told to think globally, act locally. Rarely is that advice more relevant than it is when the discussion turns to climate change. The release last month of the federal government’s Fourth National Climate Assessment frames it. The Earth is getting warmer. While warming […]

North Port Sun (Published: 1-Dec 2018) OUR POSITION: Charlotte County’s loss is Babcock Ranch’s gain when it comes to Economic Development Director Lucienne Pears. Syd Kitson would have been a good Texas Ranger. You know, the guys who always get their man. In this case, however, it was a woman. When Lucienne Pears announced she would leave her post as Charlotte County […]

Bill Smith, Fort Myers News-Press Lee County and the developer of Babcock Ranch have broken off talks over the sale of a 1,500-acre parcel near the sprawling development near the Lee County-Charlotte County line. Commissioners voted 3-2 to terminate the ongoing negotiations with Babcock Property Holdings on the recommendation of County Manager Roger Desjarlais. Babcock […]

BY BETSY CALVERT Staff Writer Nov 25, 2018 An open field view is seen from the front porch of a home under construction, in Babcock Ranch, Florida. From the official website: “Babcock Ranch will ultimately include 19,500 homes and 6 million square feet of commercial space.” SUN PHOTOS BY JERRY BEARD Ernie and Karen von […]

By LIZ HARDAWAY Staff Writer Dec 6, 2018   Babcock Ranch residents will have more health-care options closer to home. The Lee Physician Group Clinic is opening today in the emerging solar community. Operated by Lee Health, a public, nonprofit health care system out of Lee County, the clinic will be able to provide routine […]

America’s first solar city now has its own doctors. Thursday, December 6th 2018, 5:38 PM EST by Claire Lavezzorio America’s first solar city now has its own doctors. In a partnership with Lee Health, Babcock Ranch now offers physicians in addition to its Healthy Living Center, which opened about eight months ago. And you don’t […]

Demonstration at Babcock Ranch in Florida – Public Invited To Ride in A Self-Driving Car Proper testing of autonomous technology is crucial to the success of self-driving vehicles. And, the public’s acceptance and comfort is key to that testing.” – SAE International Chief Product Officer, Frank Menchaca FORT MYERS, Fla. (PRWEB)December 03, 2018 For three […]

People are starting to move into Babcock Ranch, an ambitious development in Florida more than a decade in the making. With a solar field and self-driving shuttles, it’s a suburb that its creators hope will be revolutionary. In an attempt to “do it the right way,” developer Syd Kitson is building Babcock Ranch, an 18,000-acre […]

By Ryan Morris – November 14, 2018 It’s being hailed as the city of the future. Babcock Ranch is a town in Florida that is being hailed as America’s first ever city that is completely powered by solar panels—and it is quickly shaping up to be an eco-friendly role model for the rest of the […]

By Mark Buckshon – November 23, 2018 FGBC president Jeremy Nelson (left), exectutive director C.J. Davila and developer Syd Kitson of Kitson & Partners, developers of Babcock Ranch. (Photo by Nancy Beecher) Southwest Florida’s Babcock Ranch, with sustainability designed into the entire fabric of the community, has been certified a Platinum “Florida Green” community by […]

Building a completely solar-powered town is a challenge, even in very sunny Florida. And not just for technical reasons. Getting average buyers to go green sometimes means having to compromise. Babcock Ranch looks like any other comfortable Floridian town. Bright homes with pitched roofs, wooden panels and large front porches form neat neighborhoods on a […]

by Florida Green | posted in: Homepage | 0 Developer Syd Kitson of Kitson & Partners recognized at group’s annual meeting Florida Green Building Coalition President Jeremy Nelson (left), Executive Director C.J. Davila and Developer Syd Kitson of Kitson & Partners, developers of Babcock Ranch. (Photo by Nancy Beecher) ORLANDO, Fla. – Southwest Florida’s Babcock […]

Friday, November 9th 2018, 6:41 PM EST by Annie Hubbell Ditching the phone for a deck of cards — a Southwest Florida gaming company is now partnering with schools to help families with a digital detox. http://www.abc-7.com/story/39455511/new-family-card-game-helps-bring-conversation-to-the-dinner-table   Rehab Gaming USA created the game “Rehab, A Family’s Release,” to bring the conversation back to the […]

Here is a link to watch the PBS Newshour feature story on Babcock Ranch: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/can-an-entire-town-run-on-solar Below is the full transcript: HARI SREENIVASAN: When we think of the source of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global climate change, transportation and industry are likely the first things that come to mind. In reality, 40 percent of those […]

Whalen Public Relations, Special to the Naples Daily News Published 6:24 a.m. ET Nov. 10, 2018         Stock Development is hosting the November Stock Tour of Homes event this weekend. The Stock Tour of Homes runs Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11 from noon to 5 p.m. For full details, visit the company’s website at www.stockdevelopment.com/Tour. “With 22 models […]

By Earle Kimel / Staff Writer  https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20181109/braves-spring-training-complex-will-be-game-changer-for-north-port-analyst-says   NORTH PORT — Mike Dunn, vice president of Florida Operations for the Atlanta Braves, always generates excitement when he talks to local groups about the ongoing construction on the team’s new $140 million spring training facility in the West Villages. That alone made him a natural to give the […]

St. Louis Post Dispatch Nov 9, 2018 The technology to power driverless vehicles is here, and greater tests of autonomous vehicles are already hitting the roadways. As autonomous vehicles are spread around and the popularity of car-share programs rise, housing analysts are calling on the death of the garage in residential homes. Babcock Ranch, located […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Contact: Danielle Tocco, Vice President Communications,Lennar Corporation Danielle.Tocco@lennar.com / Direct Line: 949.789.1633 New Golf and Country Club Community Coming Soon to Southwest Florida’s Babcock Ranch BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (October X, 2018) — Lennar (NYSE: LEN and LEN.B), the nation’s leading homebuilder, today announced plans to develop Babcock National, a stunning new golf and […]

Babcock National will follow builder’s country club model By Jeff Cull | on October 10, 2018    BY EVAN WILLIAMS  ewilliams@babcockranchtelegraph.com   Babcock National golf and country club community on Lake Babcock will be similar in concept to Lennar’s Bonita National golf and country club. BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH COURTESY IMAGE             […]

The self-driving school bus is a big hit with the kids and the parents. By Scott Sowers Posted on: October 11, 2018 Kids at Babcock Ranch are trying out an autonomous school bus. Babcock Ranch, located north of Ft. Meyers, Fl., continues to establish itself as the country’s first solar city and an early adopter […]

By Andrea Stetson, Special to The News-PressPublished 6:30 a.m. ET Oct. 13, 2018 | Updated 4:28 p.m. ET Oct. 13, 2018 It looks like a massive construction zone on the streets in Babcock Ranch where Pulte and Lennar are building. Dozens of homes are under construction and homeowners continue to move into completed houses. At Babcock Ranch it […]

October 05, 2018 Lennar (NYSE: LEN and LEN.B) today announced plans to develop Babcock National, a new golf and country club community in the premiere master-planned community of Babcock Ranch in Florida. Situated on the northeast side of Founders Square across Lake Babcock, the new Babcock National will offer a wide array of home designs […]

October 08, 2018 Lennar Corporation (LEN – Free Report) announced that it will develop a new golf and country club community, Babcock National, situated northeast of Founders Square across Lake Babcock. The community will be located in the master-planned development in southwest Florida, Babcock Ranch. Through Babcock National, Lennar will offer 18 home designs, a mix of multi-family […]

October 07, 2018 12:40PM Lennar will build a mix of condos and houses priced from the $200,000s at its Babcock National community, part of a master-planned town that will draw energy from a 440-acre field of solar panels   Miami-based Lennar announced plans to develop its second residential community at the master-planned Babcock Ranch development […]

Thyrie Bland, Fort Myers News-Press Published 3:01 p.m. ET Oct. 5, 2018 | Updated 4:24 p.m. ET Oct. 5, 2018  The future is here: Driverless shuttle transports students to school at Babcock Ranch Andrew West, News-Press The wheels on the shuttle go round and round even when nobody is driving it. A self-driving, electric […]

【Summary】Transdev has been managing driverless shuttles in the city since January. The pilot involving autonomous school buses is expected to turn into a full-service operation by 2019. Michael Cheng    Sep 28, 2018 6:00 AM PT author: Michael Cheng Autonomous vehicles are being developed to transport different types of cargo, objects, as well as individuals. From […]

by Ken Pyle, Managing Editor • September 29, 2018 • 0 Comments http://viodi.com/2018/09/29/viodi-view-09-29-18/   The recent announcement from Babcock Ranch – the Florida planned community, which aspires to be an environmentally friendly and technologically advanced city of 50,000 people – regarding its pilot of an autonomous school bus hints at how automation will have an impact on almost all facets […]

Author By Jason Plautz @Jason_Plautz Published  Sept. 20, 2018 Dive Brief: Babcock Ranch, FL will run the world’s first on-road tests of an autonomous school shuttle from Transdev this fall, according to a release from the company. The yellow shuttle will transport up to 12 children and will operate from a designated pick-up spot on […]

Friday, September 21, 2018 1:00 PM by Debbie Hanson As I stood along the shoreline and sipped on my organic Chiapas dark roast, the sun started to peek over the eastern edge of Lake Babcock. The pine flatwoods off in the distance seemed to cradle the bright golden rays as they glimmered down from the […]

The first U.S. solar town draws its energy from solar fields in southwest Florida and the world’s largest solar battery storage facility.  Patricia Sheridan   psheridan@post-gazette.com Fall 2018 BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. — People aren’t the only ones soaking up the Florida sunshine. About 440 acres of solar panels are helping to power the first solar town […]

09/17/2018 Florida Crossroads Florida gets more sunshine every day than most states, but a number of other states – including New Jersey and North Carolina – far surpass Florida in solar energy generation.  Florida produces less than 1% of its electricity using solar energy.  In this edition of Florida Crossroads, we look at the factors […]

By KAYLA GLEASON Staff Writer Sep 6, 2018 A student boards an autonomous bus at Babcock Ranch. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TRANSDEV An autonomous school bus and autonomous public transportation at Babcock Ranch. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TRANSDEV BABCOCK RANCH — In another leap to become a city of tomorrow right here in Charlotte County, Babcock Ranch […]

September, 13,2018 THE FLORIDA 500 Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Florida 500, a special section that highlights the 500 most influential executives in different economic sectors throughout the state. This immense, year-long research initiative by the editors of Florida Trend has resulted in a personal, engaging look at the states most influential business […]

  Business Observer Friday, Sep. 7, 2018 5 days ago by: Andrew Warfield Lee-Collier Editor While consulting with Syd Kitson of Kitson Development at the beginning of Babcock Ranch, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a charter education advocate who sits on the Babcock Ranch Advisory Board, insisted on the best say to start a town: […]

Babcock Ranch, Fla., Aug. 31, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Highlights Transdev, a global leader in mobility solutions, will operate school shuttle service starting this fall with an autonomous vehicle, the first in the world. Transdev is the mobility provider for Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solar-powered community located just northeast of Fort Myers, Fla. The […]

Former Gov. Jeb Bush joined Syd Kitson, elected officials and community and education leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Babcock Neighborhood School in Babcock Ranch. The school, completed two years ahead of schedule to meet growing demand after BNS’ initial year of operation, features a project-based learning curriculum that earned the school […]

MONDAY, AUG. 20, 2018 1 week ago Before the first home was completed in Babcock Ranch, the first community school opened. Then work immediately began on its replacement. by: Business Observer taff Having risen from a field of dirt to a completed school in a mere seven months, class is now in session at the second Babcock Neighborhood School […]

| on August 15, 2018 BY EVAN WILLIAMS ewilliams@floridaweekly.com Dr. Larry Antonucci, Syd Kitson and Jeb Bush talk at the grand opening of the 43,000-square-foot kindergarten through eighth grade Babcock Neighborhood School. COURTESY PHOTO More than doubling its enrollment in 2018, Babcock Neighborhood School outgrew its first building in downtown Founder’s Square only a year […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, Special to Naples Daily News Published 6:19 a.m. ET Aug. 4, 2018 Lennar’s Sylvester model in Trail’s Edge at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch, Southwest Florida’s unique eco-centric, solar-powered town on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, announced the new, single-family Sylvester model by Lennar is […]

Monday, August 6th 2018, 8:54 am EDT by Health Matters Updated: Monday, August 6th 2018, 8:55 am EDT Babcock Ranch is the first community of its kind. The Healthy Life Center in the community offers members a place to focus on their health. “On the second floor of our Babcock Ranch location you’ll find the […]

Natalie Delgadillo, Governing – McClatchy On Aug 6, 2018 Syd Kitson is an ex-NFL guard for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. He’s also a real estate developer and the hopeful, optimistic developer of Babcock Ranch in Florida, the first almost entirely solar-powered town in the country. Kitson has been planning the development […]

4 hours ago by Tamika Cody As the 2018-2019 school year gets back into full swing, Babcock Ranch Neighborhood School is opening its doors to a new way of learning. The new school will focus on project-based learning, PBL. In a PBL setting, students work on a project over an extended period, possibly for one […]

By KAYLA GLEASON STAFF WRITER Former Florida governor Jeb Bush visited the brand-new Babcock Neighborhood School campus just days before the start of the new academic year. Bush — a member of the Kitson & Partners advisory board, the group responsible for Babcock’s development — toured classrooms and met teachers and staff just hours before […]

8 August, 2018   BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (Aug. 8, 2018) – Former Gov. Jeb Bush joined Syd Kitson, elected officials, and community and education leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Babcock Neighborhood School in Babcock Ranch. The school, completed two years ahead of schedule to meet growing demand after BNS’s initial year […]

by Lucy Tobias While growing up, my passions ebbed and flowed – in second grade, horses galloped across my landscape always with me riding out front. By fourth grade being a ballerina took center stage. Did you dream dreams as a kid of what you’d like to be grown up? Yep. Thought so. But even […]

By Steve Hanley Cleantechnica Tucked into a corner of Southwest Florida about a half-hour from Fort Myers, Babcock Ranch is what developer Syd Kitson calls the most sustainable new community in America. It started when Kitson, a former NFL player, purchased the 91,000 acre ranch in 2006. He immediately struck a deal to sell 73,000 […]

Whalen Public Relations, Special to Naples Daily News Published 6:30 a.m. ET July 14, 2018 Stock has completed new inventory homes. Shown is the Bartow at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: DIANA TODOROVA) Stock Signature Homes is showing off its best this summer with the completion of new inventory homes throughout Southwest Florida. “With 30 models in 11 […]

The buyer has arranged for Palm Beach Gardens-based Kitson & Partners to build a mixed-use complex on the 30-acre downtown property July 14, 2018 04:05PM Southside Generating Station site that the Jacksonville Electric Authority sold (Credit: Jacksonville Daily Record) A municipal electric utility got $18.6 million for selling a 30-acre riverfront site in Jacksonville, where […]

Luciana Grosso     July 15, 2018  11:45 am   (translated from Italian to English) An image from above of the solar city created by Syd Kitson – Babcock Ranch / Youtube A utopian city in Florida is about to be born : a city surrounded by greenery, where everything will be completely sustainable. Where food will come only from organic crops and […]

July 15th, 2018 by Steve Hanley Tucked into a corner of Southwest Florida about a half-hour from Fort Myers, Babcock Ranch is what developer Syd Kitson calls the most sustainable new community in America. It started when Kitson, a former NFL player, purchased the 91,000 acre ranch in 2006. He immediately struck a deal to […]

by Gillian Neimark July 11, 2018 Just 15 miles northeast of Fort Myers, Florida, a massive array of glinting solar panels — 350,000 of them — stretch across land the size of 200 football fields. This futuristic array heralds the dawn of America’s all solar-powered city: Babcock Ranch. The new planned community, which just began to see […]

RELEASE DATE:                                CONTACT: Lisa Hall   June 29, 2018                                                          850.508.7782                                                                                 lisa@hallmediastrategies.com Babcock Neighborhood School best in class School in solar-powered town earns an A on its first state report card Babcock Ranch, Florida – From the day that Babcock Neighborhood School (BNS) first opened its doors, there’s been little doubt that the school’s project-based curriculum was inspiring a passion for […]

Yann Leriche In a new town in Southwest Florida, we are all about to discover what happens when you build an entire 21st Century Mobility Ecosystem from scratch. And the results could shape how people access transit services for decades to come. This month in the solar-powered, sustainable community of Babcock Ranch, Transdev will begin […]

Monday, June 25th 2018, 10:54 am EDT by Health Matters Updated: Monday, June 25th 2018, 10:55 am EDT From the equipment to the health experts, the new Healthy Life Center at Babcock Ranch is starting the new town with a clear vision of health and wellness.  “It’s part of our mission. Our mission is to […]

Published on Jun 25, 2018 Click visits “featuring Babcock Ranch as the “host” location for this episode”, America’s first sustainable solar-powered town, dives into a hurricane simulator, and looks at drones helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

June 9th, 2018 at 11:30 am Developers hope Babcock Ranch will become America’s first self-sustaining city; Phil Keating reports on the progress. Video America’s first solar community coming to life in Florida Developers hope Babcock Ranch will become America’s first self-sustaining city; Phil Keating reports on the progress. Jasmin Day is pregnant and when her […]

Short clip from yesterday at Babcock Ranch. Enjoy! ?#mavicpro . . . #babcockranch #swfl #paradise #aerialphotography #videography #cinematography #dji #drone #dronestagram #instadrone A post shared by FlyHigh Imagery (@flyhighimagery) on Jun 10, 2018 at 4:26am PDT

Jun. 07, 2018 – 2:09 – Developers hope Babcock Ranch will become America’s first self-sustaining city; Phil Keating reports on the progress. http://video.foxnews.com/v/5794757122001/?#sp=show-clips

Flamingo Magazine  by MICHAEL ADNO | MAY 28, 2018 While Florida, with its abundance of the necessary natural resource, is poised to become a leader in solar energy, it still lags behind the rest of the country. One man wants to change that. Solar visionary and Babcock Ranch founder Syd Kitson overlooking the solar field he erected in […]

Both our new town and the Preserve are featured in the latest episode of “The Shark Brothers” – a program produced in partnership with the Punta Gorda Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Here’s a link to access the full program -now that it has aired locally, they are pushing it out via their social media channels. […]

May 30, 2018 Be sure to click on the link below to view the story airing internationally on Al Jazeera english language outlets. Babcock Ranch aims to be first solar-powered town in US Development near Fort Myers in Florida, with more than 340,000 solar panels, aspires to be a model of sustainability. Sustainable living is […]

FORT MYERS, Fla. – June 4, 2018 – Syd Kitson is an ex-NFL guard for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. He’s also a real estate developer and the hopeful, optimistic developer of Babcock Ranch, the first almost entirely solar-powered town in the country. Kitson has been planning the development of this southwest […]

Baruch FeigenbaumGuest Columnist , June 6/2018 Self-driving vehicles promise to revolutionize the way we travel and get around. However, true driverless cars will not be commonplace in the next few years. Thus, a big issue is going to be how federal transportation regulators and Florida’s officials approach public safety without strangling the evolution and development […]

By Phil Keating | Fox News  June 6, 2018 America’s first solar community coming to life in Florida (click link above) Developers hope Babcock Ranch will become America’s first self-sustaining city; Phil Keating reports on the progress. Jasmin Day is pregnant and when her girl or boy is born later this year—she’s keeping the gender […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, Special to Naples Daily News Published 6:14 a.m. ET May 19, 2018 Palmetto model at Babcock Ranch in neighborhood of Trail’s Edge(Photo: Submitted) Lennar Homes has introduced its new Trail’s Edge neighborhood featuring five Wi-Fi Certified models at Babcock Ranch, the world’s first solar-powered town located just northeast of Fort […]

By Andrea Stetson, Special to The News-PressPublished 6:07 a.m. ET May 19, 2018 All Lennar homes at Babcock will be Amazon smart homes.(Photo: Andrea Stetson/Special to The News-Press) When Josh Day moves into his new home at Babcock Ranch at the end of the month, he will be one of the first to have an […]

Our food and wine editor picks her best bites and drinks of the past year. By Dorothea Hunter Sönne Best news for downtown Naples food lovers: The same group behind the enduringly popular The Bay House and The Turtle Club have launched The Claw Bar in the Bellasera hotel on U.S. 41—longtime Bay House head […]

Our editors highlight the people who made the Gulfshore great over the last year. By Staff Best moves: It’s official: Babcock Ranch (left) has gone from developer Syd Kitson’s dream to somebody’s actual home. The first residents, the Kinleys and the Avecks, moved in after the holidays. Best No-show: Southwest Florida became all aflutter when […]

Can a New ‘Solar City’ Make Suburbia Green? Richard Luscombe May 3, 2018 People are starting to move into Babcock Ranch, an ambitious development in Florida more than a decade in the making. With a solar field and self-driving shuttles, it’s a suburb that its creators hope will be revolutionary. BABCOCK RANCH, FLORIDA—Like a lot […]

Posted on: May 08, 2018 Adobe Stock/Elenathewise Florida’s Babcock Ranch is billing itself as the the country’s first solar-powered city, says CityLab contributor Richard Luscombe. Property developer Syd Kitson already has 440 acres of solar panels at the community, which he envisions consisting of 19,500 homes with a downtown, schools, restaurants, shopping and leisure facilities, […]

Handel, CHANDEL@NEWS.COM Published 9:30 a.m. ET May 8, 2018     Babcock Ranch, Lee Health Leaders in a friendly power competition        A friendly competition between Babcock Ranch developer Syd Kitson and Lee Health president and CEO was part of opening ceremonies at The Ranch’s Healthy Living Center Craig Handel Lee Health president and CEO Larry […]

Targeted News Service (Published: 29-Apr 2018 23:04, Received: 23:47:23) By Targeted News Service   TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 27 — The Florida Chamber of Commerce issued the following news: The Florida Chamber of Commerce today announced a new chapter in Florida’s leadership in autonomous vehicles: Autonomous Florida. This innovative program will build on the business community’s successes to position Florida as the state to research, deploy, […]

By ANDREA PRAEGITZER STAFF WRITER-Charlotte Sun   As two CEOs exercised on bikes Tuesday at the emerging town of Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County, they did more than burn calories. On one of the bikes was Syd Kitson, chairman & CEO of Kitson & Partners, which is developing the new Babcock Ranch community off of […]

Richard Luscombe  May 3, 2018 People are starting to move into Babcock Ranch, an ambitious development in Florida more than a decade in the making. With a solar field and self-driving shuttles, it’s a suburb that its creators hope will be revolutionary. BABCOCK RANCH, FLORIDA—Like a lot of Floridians, Syd Kitson loves the sun. But his […]

Bill Smith, BSMITH@NEWS-PRESS.COMPublished 6:26 p.m. ET April 24, 2018 | Updated 6:58 p.m. ET April 24, 2018 Making good on promises made at a series of community meetings, the developer of Babcock Ranch has offered to sell 2,250 coveted acres to Lee County’s 20/20 program. Kitson and Partners LLC has filed an application to sell […]

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, Special to The News-PressPublished 6:30 a.m. ET April 14, 2018 BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch, the world’s first solar-powered town on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, is offering tours of the FPL Babcock Ranch Solar Energy Center Saturday mornings through May. The tours are free, though advance […]

Casey Logan, CLOGAN@NEWS-PRESS.COMPublished 11:57 a.m. ET April 13, 2018 | Updated 3:42 p.m. ET April 13, 2018 Shift Coffee Bar serves nitrogen-infused cold brew “The Price is Right” would have been proud. It was a night of showcases, with Southwest Florida’s budding startup community the top draw, with nearly 40 businesses on display and a […]

April 2, 2018 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – One brand-new Florida town has taken its first steps toward becoming completely solar powered. Babcock Ranch, just north of Ft. Myers, already has residents moving in and businesses looking to get in on the action. The town’s developers hope its success will keep the federal government from imposing high […]

Casey Logan, CLOGAN@NEWS-PRESS.COMPublished 8:45 a.m. ET April 2, 2018 March 10 was a big day, as the town offered a “hometown grand opening” that the developer estimates attracted 8,000 people. Folks piled onto a bus in the overcast afternoon, with monitors playing a Florida Power & Light video on a loop touting the Babcock Ranch […]

Casey Logan, CLOGAN@NEWS-PRESS.COMPublished 8:45 a.m. ET April 2, 2018 Babcock Neighborhood School is filled to capacity and has attracted a high percentage of Lee County students. Parents says they signed their kids up for the school because of the green, STEAM curriculum. Andrea Melendez/news-press.com Babcock Ranch, Southwest Florida’s emerging solar city, attracted lots of attention […]

Babcock Ranch es la primera ciudad ecológica que se abastece solo con energía solar. Por TELEMUNDO 51 Publicado jueves 29 de marzo de 2018 Babcock Ranch está considerada “la ciudad del futuro”, por su condición de ser la primera en todo el país que se abastecerá únicamente de energía solar. La granja solar se extiende […]

Posted By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection on Mon, Apr 2, 2018 at 10:45 am One brand-new Florida town has taken its first steps toward becoming completely solar powered. Babcock Ranch, just north of Fort Myers, already has residents moving in and businesses looking to get in on the action. The town’s developers hope its […]

Reporter: Kristi Gross Writer: Erica Brown Published: April 2, 2018 5:35 PM EDT The Healthy Life Center at Babcock Ranch is where health, technology and sustainability meet. “So far it’s everything I’ve kind of been interested in being apart of,” said Richard Kinely, one of the first homeowners to move into Babcock Ranch. Kinely is […]

Thursday, 22 March 2018 By Dawn Baetsen, president of D.E. Baetsen & Associates LLC The race for automotive market share is intense, while the race for mobility dominance is inspiring and spectacular. The mobility culture disrupts the automotive industry in every aspect. We are at a crossroads where the world needs efficient, safety-first movement by […]

Could Babcock Ranch, Florida, become a template for green developers? Travis Hoium (TMFFlushDraw) Mar 22, 2018 at 9:06AM One of the most common attacks on solar energy — and renewable energy more broadly — has been that it doesn’t produce a consistent flow of electricity 24/7, and is therefore unsuitable to power a large percentage […]

Published on March 22, 2018 by Kevin Randolph Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) recently announced that it incorporated advanced battery storage into the operations of its Babcock Ranch Solar Energy Center in Charlotte County, Florida. © Shutterstock The project is the largest solar-plus-storage system built in the United States to date, FPL said. It […]

Babcock Ranch was featured in Bloomberg Businessweek! Read the full article by following the link below. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-03-23/this-florida-city-is-100-solar-powered

By Allison Colburn  – Reporter – Real Estate & Economic Development, Jacksonville Business Journal Mar 22, 2018, 4:48pm The development company behind the nation’s first solar-powered town, Kitson & Partners, has been hired to execute the development plan for The District. Elements of Jacksonville LLC, lead by Peter Rummell and Michael Munz, announced the decision Thursday. They did not disclose terms […]

Posted Mar 18, 2018 at 7:06 AM Saving, generating and storing energy is the plan at Babcock Ranch, “the nation’s first solar-powered city,” in southeastern Charlotte County. Developer Syd Kitson’s 18,000-acre green utopia is coming together according to plan, in partnership with FPL, which has set up a huge farm of solar-energy panels, and a number of house-building companies, which […]

Reporter: Kristi Gross Published: March 9, 2018 3:18 PM EDT Updated: March 9, 2018 4:18 PM EDT Babcock Ranch is taking solar energy to a new level, unveiling the first solar to battery storage system in the country. “We’ll be able to improve the predictability and the reliability of solar energy to the grid,” said […]

By Quincy J Walters • Mar 12, 2018 Utility company Florida Power & Light unveiled a new component to their solar field in Punta Gorda  for members of the media Friday . FPL is saying it’s one of the biggest of its kind in the country. On a newly built, 35-foot observation tower, you can […]

March 12 (Renewables Now) – A 10-MW/40 MWh battery storage facility will work in combination with Florida Power & Light Co’s (FLP’s) 74.5-MW Babcock Ranch solar park in Florida, the utility said on Friday. FLP, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Inc (NYSE:NEE), explained that the battery system will dispatch power to the grid to compensate […]

Posted: Mar 10, 2018 7:28 PM <em class=”wnDate”>Saturday, March 10, 2018 7:28 PM EST</em>Updated: Mar 10, 2018 7:32 PM EST <em class=”wnDate”>Saturday, March 10, 2018 7:32 PM EST</em> By Joe Putrelo, Reporter A Southwest Florida dream, more than a decade in the making, is a reality at last. Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County, the only […]

By Quincy J Walters • Mar 12, 2018 Florida Power & Light Unveils Solar Engery Center Expansion By Quincy J Walters • Mar 12, 2018 A glimpse of FPL’s 440 acre solar field in Punta Gorda. Quincy J Walters / WGCU News Utility company Florida Power & Light unveiled a new component to their solar […]

By WENG Newsroom on March 12, 2018 in Latest News America’s first-ever, all-solar powered town celebrated its grand opening on Saturday. Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County was the brainchild of owner Syd Kitson. Over the weekend, he and FPL officials unveiled a solar facility that stories and produces enough electricity to power 15,000 homes per […]

Development near Fort Myers, Florida is being built for sustainability from the ground up. by Katya Zimmer / Mar.07.2018 / 10:22 AM ET by Katarina Zimmer / Mar.07.2018 / 10:22 AM ET The green homes start around $190,000 for a three-bedroom family home, and range over $750,000 for some 3,000 square feet larger homes.Babcock Ranch /   On a […]

And You Can Live There For Less Than $200K Babcock Ranch – It’s being called the city of the future. By Marisa Spyker In a state nicknamed after sunshine, Floridians—and loads of tourists—bank on the sun for many things: warmth, Vitamin D, the perfect weather for lazy-day beach lounging. And in the new community of […]

By Sophie Chapman . Feb 13, 2018, 7:27AM Syd Kitson, the former NFL player has developed the US’ first solar town, dubbed Babcock Ranch. The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys player purchased a large mass of land 30 miles from Fort Myers in 2005. The majority of the land was sold to local government […]

Marie Donlon 12 February 2018 As the reality of fully autonomous vehicles draws nearer, housing developer Syd Kitson is at work readying his eco-friendly smart city for driverless technology. Located in Florida, Kitson’s Babcock Ranch already includes a solar farm addressing the town’s energy needs, rain gardens, an irrigation system using recycled water, restaurants, stores, a school […]

      Solar energy   United States   Environment   Energy To inhabit a 100% sustainable city, free of polluting emissions, organic and functional through solar energy, sounds like an ecological utopia or the scenario of a science fiction movie. However, this idea could be possible thanks to the initiative of a former football player, who […]

Friday 2 February 2018 by Harmen Pelders A Floridan town aims to get families to go from owning two, to one, to no cars at all. Eventually the inhabitants (to-be) might even get rid of their driving licence altogether. With the development of its autonomous shuttle network Babcock Ranch premiers as a town and sets […]

Last updated 12/02/2018 | 16:45 If you speak French!  Francetvinfo  did a very comprehensive look at our new town – beautiful videography, and of course our beautiful first residents, students and parents at our school, visitors enjoying our downtown, TransDev autonomous vehicle, etc… Read the full story which has the video (narrated in French) – it runs just […]

David Millward, us correspondent, babcock ranch, florida   12 FEBRUARY 2018 • 6:00AM By his own admission, Syd Kitson’s  50-game American football career was a modest one. He spent four years with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys before injuries took their toll. But while sporting fame eluded him, Mr Kitson has made his mark by […]

Feb. 10, 2018 4:24 PM ET|About: First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund (FPL), NEE Summary – Cutting-edge battery technology captures surplus energy generated by solar panels when sun’s rays are strongest. – First large-scale application of the promising new technology at a solar power plant in the U.S. DESOTO COUNTY, Fla., Feb. 9, […]

By Brian Spaen 2/09/2018 Babcock Ranch is a new town in Florida that’s going to run 100 percent on solar power. At first glance, it’s not very different from your typical community. For example, it has restaurants, stores, a school, and thousands of households. The solar power, of course, is what makes it so unique. […]

By Bruce Lieberman Thursday, February 8, 2018 A brand-new town is going green from the ground up. Kitson: “Our goal has been to create the most sustainable new town in America.” Twelve years ago, developer Syd Kitson bought a Florida ranch about five times the size of Manhattan. He sold most of it to the […]

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that the Babcock Ranch autonomous shuttle was designed by transit company Transdev. In fact, the shuttle was designed by EasyMile and is operated by Transdev. By Diane Daniel By Diane Daniel February 1 A model home at Babcock Ranch, billed as the country’s first solar-powered town, in […]

Future residents help launch a great hometown tradition By Staff | on December 07, 2017   Above: Kindergarten students from Babcock Neighborhood School kicked off the holiday music performances under the Band Shell. Right: Children perched on Santa’s knee to share their wish lists. Far Right: Clydesdale horses posed for photos at Founder’s Square after […]

Architectural Metal Flashings Earns Florida Product Approval Rating Architectural Metal Flashings, LLC (AMF) Becomes Preferred Manufacturer for World’s First All-Solar Community January 16, 2018 A brave, new town is rising in Southwest Florida. The first home models are open at Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County—the world’s first solar-powered town—and the eco-centric community will be years […]

| January 24, 2018 BY CHELLE KOSTER WALTON Florida Weekly Correspondent Prior to 2008, Richard Johnson, co-owner of Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel Island, was paying $22,000 a month on electricity for the store. “My bill for (December) was only $8,200,” he said. What happened in the ensuing 10 years, to bring about such an extreme […]

January 26, 2018 Laura Keller BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners named Laura Keller as senior vice president of marketing and sales for Babcock Ranch, the master-planned community and solar-powered town that straddles the border of Charlotte and Lee counties. Keller will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic marketing plan for Babcock Ranch, […]

Posted: Jan 26, 2018 6:09 PM <em class=”wnDate”>Friday, January 26, 2018 6:09 PM EST</em>Updated: Jan 26, 2018 6:30 PM EST <em class=”wnDate”>Friday, January 26, 2018 6:30 PM EST</em> By Devin Turk, Reporter President Trump’s new solar tariffs seem to be making a substantial impact in the Southwest Florida region. Dominick Zito has been in the […]

FacebookTwitterGoogle+EmailCopy LinkFacebook MessengerPrintFriendlyShare Top: The Babcock Ranch Health & Wellness Center anchors the east side of Founder’s Square. Middle Left: Lee Health will offer exercise classes as part of the Health & Wellness memberships available to Babcock Ranch residents and neighbors from surrounding areas. Middle Right: Fitness is fun for the whole family at Babcock […]

Reporter: Chris Grisby Writer: WINK News Published: January 23, 2018 7:35 PM EST Southwest Florida’s solar-powered city, Babcock Ranch, is benefiting from the power of the sun. Its solar panels are made in South Korea — something President Donald Trump is discouraging with a new tariff. Trump’s move Tuesday to tax imported solar cells is […]

By ANDREA MILLER,  Jan 22, 2018, 4:21 PM ET Richard and Robin Kinley are among the retirees who move to Florida every year.  However, this couple gets to watch the sunset every night over a lake that’s named after them — Lake Kinley. The sustainable Babcock Ranch, just north of Fort Myers, Florida, was built to […]

The brainchild of former football star and developer Syd Kitson is getting attention as a potential model for forward-thinking cities. BY DANIEL SHOER ROTH, MIAMI HERALD / JANUARY 11, 2018 (TNS) — BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. — The city of the future will not be the cold metal domes or Mars settlements of science fiction movies. It will […]

FRANK GLUCK, FGLUCK@NEWS-PRESS.COMPublished 4:43 p.m. ET Jan. 11, 2018 | Updated 5:59 p.m. ET Jan. 11, 2018   Lee Health and Babcock Ranch have sealed a deal to give the public hospital system exclusive rights to perform medical services in the new, ecologically minded community northeast of Fort Myers. The deal, which the hospital system’s elected governing […]

By Daniel Shoer Roth / Miami Herald Posted Jan 14, 2018 at 12:03 PM    BABCOCK RANCH — The city of the future will not be the cold metal domes or Mars settlements of science fiction movies. It will be a community of 19,500 homes surrounded by thousands of acres of green space and capable of producing its own energy […]

Published: January 12, 2018 6:26 PM EST Driverless shuttles were test driven today in America’s only solar city. This comes one week after the first owners moved into their solar home in Babcock Ranch. Passengers in these shuttles say they’re taking everything pretty slowly, but add that this technology might just be the future of […]

CBS This Morning Click on the Read More Link to view the segment that reached the 3.9 million viewers of CBS This Morning today – be sure to watch, and use the social media links to share!! 16, 2018, 7:40 AM| Families are starting to move into what is being called America’s first solar-powered town. Babcock […]

Posted: Jan 16, 2018 7:59 AM EST <em class=”wnDate”>Tuesday, January 16, 2018 7:59 AM EST</em>Updated: Jan 16, 2018 7:59 AM EST <em class=”wnDate”>Tuesday, January 16, 2018 7:59 AM EST</em>  CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – There are only 65 automated shuttles in the world, and now Babcock Ranch is home to one of them. The driverless vehicles is […]

By Harold Bubil Real Estate Editor Emeritus Sunday Posted Jan 14, 2018 at 6:46 AM Richard and Robin Kinley are first residents of 17,500-acre master-planned community of Babcock Ranch BABCOCK RANCH To the locals near Southwest Florida’s bays and beaches, Babcock Ranch seems “way out there” — 30 minutes southeast of downtown Punta Gorda and 20 northeast of Fort Myers. […]

By Andrea Stetson, Special to The News-PressPublished 11:41 a.m. ET Jan. 10, 2018 | Updated 12:10 p.m. ET Jan. 10, 2018 Richard and Robin Kinley are the first residents to move into Babcock Ranch. Being first comes with lots of perks. They had a lake named after them. They received Babcock Ranch bicycles and there were several ceremonies […]

By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 27, 2017   Top: The iconic Lake House at the entrance to Babcock Ranch sets the architectural tone. Above Left: FPL’s Babcock Ranch Solar Energy Center generates more clean, renewable energy than the town will consume. Right: Founders Square – to be completed in March – has been […]

CASEY LOGAN, CLOGAN@NEWS-PRESS.COM Published 7:45 a.m. ET Dec. 26, 2017 | Updated 8:00 a.m. ET Dec. 26, 2017 curriculum. Andrea Melendez/news-press.com Santa Claus, depicted by town ambassador Rick Vorell, sits in the shade of a Christmas tree on a warm December day as he awaits a visit from schoolchildren. In the background, construction work is […]

Dec 08, 2017 08:46PM ● Published by Melanie Heisinger Early December 2017, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the city of Fort Myers IMAG – History & Science Center, co-hosted the 6th Annual Solar Energy Cook-Off. Students from grades K-12 worked together in teams to design and build a solar cooker, demonstrating the utility […]

Florida Lifestyle Homes has added a mobile, and environmentally sound, sales incentive. Florida Lifestyle Homes is zapping the buyer of its top line two-story Lauren model in Babcock Ranch, just north of Fort Myers: The home will come equipped with a brand new electric car for the garage. “When we started looking at the types […]

by Justin Martin December 7, 2017 Judges look on as local businesses make their pitch at a previous VenturePitch SWFL event. © Naples Herald Entrepreneurs will compete for up to $50,000 of investment funding in a “Shark Tank” style competition held as part of 2018 VenturePitch at Babcock Ranch in April. Contestants have until February […]

By Clare Trapasso | Dec 7, 2017   mercedes-benz.com; iStock; realtor.com The revolution is coming—and it’s driving itself. As autonomous cars make their autobahn-paced transition from fanciful, emerging technology to mainstream reality, they’re expected to leave a forever-altered world in their rear-view mirrors. And it isn’t just highways and commutes that will be transformed—it’s also the homes and towns […]

  By Joe Rinzel, special to the Tampa Bay Times Published: November 16, 2017 There is a new city being developed in southeast Florida near Babcock Ranch where some 50,000 residents will have access to one of the first driverless taxi networks in the country. This is yet another example of how Florida is now an […]

Submitted by Tami Hurley Public Relations  Publishes 6:09 am ET Nov. 25, 2017 An artist’s conception of Florida Lifestyle Homes’ new Sydney model at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Submitted) Florida Lifestyle Homes has introduced the Sidney, a new custom home design nearing completion at Babcock Ranch, a new eco-centric town being developed in Charlotte County, east of Fort […]

Syd Kitson, Chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, Sophia Mendelsohn, Head of Sustainability at JetBlue Airways, and Malcolm Woolf, Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs at Advanced Energy Economy, discuss how corporations can invest in sustainable and natural resources for their companies and how to reduce energy consumption in big business. November […]

Submitted by Hall+Media Strategies Published 6:03 a.m. ET Nov. 18, 2017 Model homes in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch are open daily for tours.(Photo: Submitted)   BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch is serving up plenty of reasons to spend some time at in the solar-powered city over the next few weeks. In addition to […]

  (Washington Post Live) The business of sustainability with Syd Kitson, Sophia Mendelsohn and Malcolm Woolf Read More Syd Kitson, Chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, Sophia Mendelsohn, Head of Sustainability at JetBlue Airways, and Malcolm Woolf, Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs at Advanced Energy Economy, look at how businesses can […]

A World in Balance: Solutions for Sustainability Humans are changing the Earth in unprecedented ways. Global population growth, changes in behavior and migration, and new trends in industry and technology may leave lasting impacts on natural resources and the environment. On November 16, The Washington Post brought together business leaders and experts in the sustainability […]

 FRANK GLUCK, FGLUCK@NEWS-PRESS.COM Published 7:20 p.m. ET Nov. 9, 2017 | Updated 7:38 p.m. ET Nov. 9, 2017 Representatives from several building and development companies joined Babcock Ranch developers to assess their territory and provide an overview of home styles and features they will be incorporating into the very first neighborhood. Ricardo Rolon / news-press.com […]

By: Business Observer November 06, 2017 BABCOCK RANCH — More than 1,000 people attended a showcase event over the weekend for Babcock Ranch, the master-planned community and solar-powered town that straddles the border of Charlotte and Lee counties. Dubbed “Make the Move,” Babcock Ranch officials say the launch of two new neighborhoods, from Lennar and Pulte, […]

October 26, 2017 Photo: Babcock Ranch has installed a lightning-protection system on its property.   Babcock Ranch, the community under construction on a parcel that straddles the Lee County-Charlotte County line, aims to be both the nation’s first solar-powered city and the first to have its own lightning-protection system. The system, made by Sunrise-based Thor […]

November 6, 2017                     MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Hall  /  lhall@kitsonpartners.com  /  850.508.7782                                                                                                                                     “Make the Move” sales event nets multiple contracts   Babcock Ranch, Fla. – The launch of two new neighborhoods with home prices starting in the $190s is spurring rapid growth for Babcock Ranch. The innovative new solar-powered town opened pre-construction sales of homes by Lennar and […]

Founder’s Square provides great places to meet your neighbors By Florida Weekly Staff | on October 31, 2017   Top: Slater’s Goods & Provisions is more than a general store – the attached ice cream and coffee shop is a great place to meet your neighbors. Below: The Lakehouse at Lake Timber provides indoor and […]

Solar Powers Babcock Ranch Posted on October 18, 2017 The innovative community of Babcock Ranch includes an impressive collection of homes, businesses and amenities, but its what’s behind the scenes that’s just as notable. With a real commitment to the force of solar energy, even some new additions to the world’s only ‘solar powered town’ […]

By Jeff Cull | on October 18, 2017 BY EVAN WILLIAMS ewilliams@babcockranchtelegraph.com The Lakehouse at Babcock Ranch is a neighborhood clubhouse that is set to open in November. PHOTOS BY VANDY MAJOR / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH When it opens near the beginning of November, The Lakehouse at Babcock Ranch will be a neighborhood clubhouse and […]

By Jeff Cull | on October 18, 2017 BY NANCI THEORET ntheoret@babcockranchtelegraph.com Stock Development’s Crystal model, above, The Taylor By Florida Lifestyle Homes, far left, and a rendering of Fox Premier Builders’ Timberbuilt Cabin model, left. COURTESY PHOTOS What it’s like to live at Babcock Ranch is no longer a guessing game. Now offering 12 […]

PAMELA McCABE, PMCCABE@NEWS-PRESS.COM Published 7:46 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 2017 | Updated 9:48 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 2017 Babcock Neighborhood School is filled to capacity and has attracted a high percentage of Lee County students. Parents says they signed their kids up for the school because of the green, STEAM curriculum. Andrea Melendez/news-press.com In the […]

By Florida Weekly Staff | on October 18, 2017   Top: The new town is designed to be an environmentally-friendly neighbor for the Babcock Ranch Preserve. Immediately below: Classic-styled homes are powered by the sun and wired for the future. Below: The general store at Babcock Ranch, “Slaters Goods and Provisions,” is a place to […]

  October 15, 2017 01:00PM The Atlanta-based builder and Miami-based Lennar will construct the lowest-priced homes at the 18,000-acre, solar-powered development Atlanta-based home builder PulteGroup plans to build at least 137 houses at Babcock Ranch, a master-planned development near Fort Myers that will run mainly on solar power. Pulte and Miami-based Lennar Corp. will build […]

The News-Press October 12,2017 Pulte is getting ready to build its first spec house in the inaugural Lake Timber neighborhood in Babcock Ranch, Fla. The company’s Arbordale floor plan – a three bed, two bath, 1,980 square foot home – will be presented unfurnished. Pulte is slated to construct six new homes in Lake Timber […]

Eco-friendly town will have the nation’s first AV network By Florida Weekly Staff | on October 11, 2017   Top: The self-driving shuttles will be running regular routes from Founder’s Square starting in November. Above: The initial route will run to model homes in the Lake Timber neighborhood from Woodlea Hall located at Founder’s Square. […]

By Andrea Stetson, Special to The News-Press Published 7:01 a.m. ET Oct. 7, 2017 This is one of the spec homes Pulte is building at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Submitted)   Pulte is getting ready to build its first inventory home in Babcock Ranch. It’s just the beginning of their plan to build more than 135 homes […]

10.10.17 Babcock Ranch, a planned, sustainable community in Florida, wants to help its residents ditch their cars. “As we planned the community, it was with that in mind–someday, we’re not going to need these parking lots.” [Photo: Babcock Ranch] By Adele Peters  3 minute Read Later this year, if someone moves into a house in […]

Published on September 28, 2017 in Apolitical/Top Headlines by Guest Author Storms are a fact of life for the 20-plus million that call ourselves Floridians. Mother Nature reminded us of this when Hurricane Irma made her one-two punch – the first major hurricane to make landfall in Florida since Wilma in 2005. Before and after […]

Submitted by Hall+Strategies Inc. Published 6:05 a.m. ET Oct. 7, 2017 Classic cars, music, food and fun are on tap for Saturday, Oct. 14 at Founders Square.(Photo: Submitted) BABACOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch is swinging into the fall season with a full calendar of events and activities. From soccer camps and road races to seasonal celebrations and a […]

October 05, 2017 Babcock Ranch is swinging into the fall season with a full calendar of events and activities. From soccer camps and road races to seasonal celebrations and a “Classic Car Cruise In”, the activities at Founder’s Square provide opportunities for people from all around the region to be part of the active, engaged […]

October 9, 2017 — Chicago Transdev, the global leader in multi-modal mobility solutions, together with development group Kitson & Partners, today announce the opening of the first autonomous shuttle network in North America scheduled to begin operations in November 2017. Babcock Ranch, a new town under construction in Southwest Florida, will start running multiple Transdev-operated […]

September 27, 2017 BY BOB MASSEY bmassey@floridaweekly.com   When Hurricane Irma’s eye passed over Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a brief reprieve from battering winds and driving rain before returning to its previous state of rage, Lauri Caron ventured into the compound to assess the damage. She had chosen to remain on the property with her […]

Charlotte Sun 9/21 By ANDREA PRAEGITZER Staff Writer Ten years ago, a commitment of about $3 million and 70 acres of land at Babcock Ranch was extended to Florida Gulf Coast University. And today, the offer still stands, said Syd Kitson, chairman & CEO of Kitson & Partners, the new town’s maker. Kitson has served […]

Charlotte Sun 9/27 By GARY ROBERTS STAFF WRITER EAST OF PUNTA GORDA — Due to a last-minute change in course, Hurricane Irma moved east of Charlotte County’s population centers, sparing most residents the worst of her wrath. But her new path took Irma directly through Babcock Ranch, an innocent newborn when it came to defending […]

Florida Weekly September 29, 2017   Located away from the coast on some of the highest ground in Southwest Florida, Babcock Ranch was designed with resiliency in mind. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, a survey of storm impacts at Babcock Ranch is strong evidence of the benefits of Florida’s enhanced building codes and the […]

September 29, 2017 PUNTA GORDA, Fla.  A town powered by solar energy fared well during Hurricane Irma. Babcock Ranch uses the solar panels to keep the lights on. Rick Vorell, Babcock Ranch town ambassador said, “People that have been coming in you can see the stress when they talk about going through the storms and having […]

SARASOTA, FLORIDA, September 27, 2017 – The Palm Beach Gardens-based Kitson & Partners has recently added Parkside as another neighborhood in its 17,000-acre Babcock Ranch project in Charlotte County, which is touted as the world’s first solar-powered city. National homebuilding giant Pulte Homes is the designated builder for Parkside’s plat of 150 home sites. In […]

September 27, 2017 Above: Located on some of the highest ground in the area, homes and businesses built to meet or exceed Florida’s enhanced building code requirements stood up to the storm. Left: “Filter marshes” are an attractive and environmentally friendly part of the comprehensive storm-water management system at Babcock Ranch. Below: A week after […]

September 13, 2017 Babcock Ranch, a new solar powered town being developed by Kitson & Partners in Charlotte County off Florida State Road 31, hosted 330 University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) Extension Agents for a luncheon and individualized in-service training. UF/ IFAS is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing […]

  August 30, 2017 Above: Farm-to-table produce and herbs from the Lake Timber neighborhood garden now served at the Table & Tap restaurant at Babcock Ranch will be available to customers at the Slater’s Goods & Provisions market nearing completion in the new town’s Downtown District. Far Left: Chef David Rashty continues to develop menu […]

BOLTING ACROSS THE STATE By Tod Caviness  As electric cars forge ahead into the mainstream, we test drive the latest offering — the Chevy Bolt EV — on a road trip from Miami to the west coast and through Central Florida to Orlando The future isn’t easy to see sometimes. My mother, for one, nearly […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Published 5:44 a.m. ET Aug. 19, 2017 Homes by Towne’s 2,545-square-foot West Indies style Sungold model is one of the furnished model homes open for viewing at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: BOB DENNION) BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that furnished models by Homes by Towne, Stock Development, Florida Lifestyle Homes, and […]

Solar-powered town seeks to attract families with high-quality education  Months before the first residents of Babcock Ranch start settling, the nation’s first solar-powered town is delivering on the promise of putting education first. Babcock Neighborhood School (BNS) opened August 10th at full capacity in Kindergarten through grade six. For developer Syd Kitson, it is the […]

Larry Printz, Tribune News Service Published 10:17 p.m. ET Aug. 16, 2017 Chevrolet’s new electric car is a milestone in the segment, setting the bar for range, price, features and comfort. The Bolt EV has electric-car looks but drives a lot like a regular car — with just a few exceptions. Watch the video for […]

2017-08-09 / Real Estate News Pulte Homes joins the select ranks of homebuilders in solar-powered town Babcock’s architecture was inspired by original Florida homes and pre-World War II neighborhoods in Southwest Florida. Parkside at BabcockRanch will be in the area marked Phase 1B2, southeast of Founder’s Square. The new Pulte neighborhood is within easy walking […]

Babcock Ranch Submitted by Kitson & Partners Published 10:35 a.m. ET Aug. 7, 2017 General Motors marked the Florida debut of the Bolt EV with a road trip from Miami to Babcock Ranch on July 21.(Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH – General Motors marked the Florida debut of the Bolt EV with a road trip from Miami […]

by Kitson & Partners Published 6:16 a.m. ET Aug. 5, 2017   The Arbordale by Pulte Homes at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH – An agreement between Kitson & Partners and Pulte Homes will bring one of the nation’s leading builders to Babcock Ranch. Pulte will be building a new neighborhood, Parkside at Babcock Ranch, just […]

CASEY LOGAN, CLOGAN@NEWS-PRESS.COM Published 7:00 a.m. ET Aug. 4, 2017 | Updated 7:59 a.m. ET Aug. 4, 2017 It may be early August, but Babcock Ranch is preparing for season, the time of year home sales spike as snowbirds and visitors flood Southwest Florida. Pulte Homes is joining the ranks of builders in the solar-powered […]

2017-08-02 / Top News Pulte Homes, one of the nation’s leading builders, is partnering with Kitson & Partners to construct more than 150 homes at Babcock Ranch.Pulte will be introducing a variety of floor plans at prices that should be attractive to young families and empty-nesters — all within walking distance to restaurants, shops and […]

2017-07-26 / Real Estate News An artist’s rendering of Castle Harbour Homes’ furnished Fort Davenport model. The home is set for completion in January in the Lake Timber neighborhood. COURTESY IMAGES Fort Myers-based Castle Harbour Homes has begun construction of its first furnished model homes in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch. The award-winning […]

7/26/2017 Real Estate News Fort Myers Florida Weekly Above: For first-time and returning visitors to Babcock Ranch, a tour of the Discovery Center situated on the first floor of Woodlea Hall at Founder’s Square in the town’s downtown district is a must-see first stop.  Above: Babcock Ranch’s town ambassadors navigate a non-linear touchscreen presentation in […]

  July 24, 2017           Lisa Hall   850.508.7782           lhall@kitsonpartners.com Cross-state test drive features overnight recharge in solar-powered town BABCOCK RANCH, FL – General Motors marked the Florida debut of the Bolt EV with a road trip from Miami to Southwest Florida on Friday, July 21st. Named 2017 North American Car of the Year, the Bolt EV […]

Submitted by Hall+Media Strategies Inc. Published 5:41 a.m. ET July 22, 2017 With its prairie style-meets-modern architecture, the two-story BNS building features large 800-square-foot classrooms designed for students to move around.(Photo: Submitted)  BABCOCK RANCH — The morning of August 10 heralds an historic milestone at Babcock Ranch. It’s the day the new town’s first residents will point […]

Posted: Jul 21, 2017 6:49 PM EDT <em class=”wnDate”>Friday, July 21, 2017 6:49 PM EDT</em>Updated: Jul 21, 2017 7:27 PM EDT <em class=”wnDate”>Friday, July 21, 2017 7:27 PM EDT</em> By Bryan Anderson, Reporter bryan.anderson@nbc-2.com  http://www.nbc-2.com/clip/13514568/charlotte-county-community-dubbed-city-of-the-future CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – You’ll find solar trees throughout the heart of Babcock Ranch, and electric vehicle charging stations in […]

2017-07-19 / Real Estate News School located at the heart of new town will open at full capacity Above: With its prairie style-meets-modern architecture, the two-story BNS building features large 800-square-foot classrooms designed for students to move around. Left and below: Learning opportunities at Babcock Ranch extend far beyond the classroom. A field-trip in mid-July introduced teachers […]

The News-Press Editorial Board, mailbag@news-press.comPublished 5:00 p.m. ET July 7, 2017 They are all framing and building communities – but in their own ways. Syd Kitson, Francis Rooney and Derrick Diggs were named The News-Press People to Watch for 2017 because of the challenges and opportunities awaiting them. The News-Press editorial board is reviewing their work […]

Submitted by Caffrey & AssociatesPublished 5:34 a.m. ET July 15, 2017 (Photo: Picasa) BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that construction of the Lake House neighborhood center within the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch will be complete by the end of this month. Babcock Ranch is a new 18,000-acre eco-centric, solar powered town being developed […]

Submitted by Caffrey & AssociatesPublished 4:31 a.m. ET July 8, 2017 (Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that Stock Development has completed construction of its furnished Bartow model at Babcock Ranch, a new 18,000-acre eco-centric, solar powered town being developed by Kitson, east of Fort Myers off State Road 31 in Charlotte County, north of […]

2017-07-12 / Top News Babcock Ranch’s ‘dream school’ welcomes students this August BY NANCI THEORET ntheoret@babcockranchtelegraph.com The new Babcock Neighborhood School will open next month with 156 students. MICHELE BAUBLIS’ THREE SONS, AS WELL AS THE other 153 students enrolled in the inaugural class at Babcock Neighborhood School, will learn about solar energy, experience Florida’s […]

July 10, 2017 BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that Stock Development has completed construction of its furnished Bartow model at Babcock Ranch, a new 18,000-acre eco-centric, solar powered town being developed by Kitson, east of Fort Myers off State Road 31 in Charlotte County, north of the Lee Civic Center. Located in Lake Timber, the town’s […]

Submitted by HALL + Media Strategies Published 4:37 a.m. ET July 1, 2017 | Updated 4:37 a.m. ET July 1, 2017 BABCOCK RANCH — Each June as the hurricane season gets underway, Floridians are reminded that the dream of living close to the coast comes with a certain amount of risk. When storms take aim at […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Published 4:34 a.m. ET June 24, 2017 | Updated 4:34 a.m. ET June 24, 2017 Florida Lifestyle Homes’ furnished Lauren model is open for viewing in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that Florida Lifestyle Homes’ furnished Lauren model is now open for […]

2017-06-28 / Real Estate News Each June as the hurricane season gets underway Floridians are reminded that the dream of living close to the coast comes with a certain amount of risk. When storms take aim at southwest Florida and evacuation orders are issued, residents of Babcock Ranch will find themselves at a distinct advantage. […]

Written by Jeanne Roberts Published: 26 June 2017 They will come, suggests the 1989 baseball-oriented movie, “Field of Dreams”, starring Kevin Costner. That’s certainly what real estate firm Kitson & Partners must have thought when they first purchased 18,000 acres of Florida Gulf shore properties, later named Babcock Ranch, and then started to build an […]

Posted by The Coastal Star on June 28, 2017 at 1:00pm Construction crew members plan for the demolition of several buildings in the Plaza del Mar shopping center to make room for construction of a Publix grocery. Businesses in the mall will remain open during the projected year-long process. Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star By Dan […]

AUTHOR Joe Dyton PUBLISHED June 21, 2017 Dive Brief: Miami-based builder Lennar had its best quarter for new-home orders in a decade during Q2 2017, increasing 12% year-over-year and driven by growth in community count and activity within, according to the company. Home-sales revenues rose 18% from a year ago to $2.9 billion in Q2. Deliveries […]

A solar-powered town on the sleepy Gulf Coast attracts its first residents. Matt Hickman  June 20, 2017, 4:35 p.m.    Babcock Ranch, a nature preserve-buffering mini-city powered by a massive on-site solar farm, is taking shape on the rural outskirts of Charlotte County, Florida. (Photo: Babcock Ranch/Kitson & Partners) Florida’s Gulf Coast is a weirdly […]

By Jeff Ostrowski June 19, 2017      Kitson & Partners broke ground Monday on its redevelopment of the Plaza del Mar shopping center in Manalapan. The makeover includes a 28,000-square foot Publix, the small footprint the grocer has opened in downtown Lake Worth and at CityPlace in West Palm Beach. The new store is scheduled to […]

By Lisa Hall, Hall Media Strategies June 19, 2017 Palm Beach Gardens – Kitson & Partners (K&P) is pleased to announce the ground breaking for the redevelopment of the Plaza del Mar shopping center in Manalapan, Florida.  A focal point of the construction got underway on Monday, June 19.  When complete, this boutique shopping center […]

June 19, 2017 BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that Naples-based Fox Premier Builders is nearing completion of its Camden and Cabin furnished models in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch. Both models are expected to be completed this month. Babcock Ranch is a new 18,000-acre eco-centric, solar powered town being developed by […]

16 Jun, 2017   Wilmington, NC – ideal-LIVING magazine announces the 2nd Annual “The Best of the Best” in towns and residential communities in its Summer 2017 edition. These awards will also be posted at www.ideal-LIVING.com/2017BestoftheBest. “Given the very positive response last year to our first ‘Best of the Best‘ feature,” said ideal-LIVING Editor and […]

By SOMMER BROKAW June 18,2017 STAFF WRITER   BABCOCK RANCH — A charter school in the new solar-powered town of Babcock Ranch is coming to life. Principal Shannon Treece has hired eight teachers for the school’s first 156 students in grades K-6, who are expected to walk through the doors Aug. 10. A temporary building […]

2017-06-14 / Real Estate News Top: The two-story, 2,001 square feet under air Cabin residence is one of two furnished models by Fox Premier Builders expected to be completed by the end of this month in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch.  The West Indies style Sungold residence is one of four furnished models […]

Babcock Ranch grows organically with Chef Rashty By SUE WADE He was the only possible choice, really. When Babcock Ranch food and beverage director Matt Seiler was in a position to hire an executive chef for the all-new, eco-friendly, sustainable solar city, the stack of resumes consisted of one. Seiler had recognized at once how […]

Press release Published 5:00 a.m. ET June 11, 2017 | Updated 10:14 a.m. ET June 13, 2017   Babcock Ranch is inviting everyone to twice a week free live music performances at the band shell at Founder’s Square.(Photo: Picasa) The classic styled homes with inviting front porches along broad sidewalks at Babcock Ranch harken back […]

PATRICIA BORNS , pborns@news-press.com Published 4:22 p.m. ET June 7, 2017 | Updated 9:11 a.m. ET June 8, 2017 As much as Mann might wish, nothing can change the fact that Babcock is a new urbanist development plopped in a back-in-time rural area.     A concept drawing envisions the Discovery Center, one of the […]

TRICIA BORNS , pborns@news-press.com Published 4:22 p.m. ET June 7, 2017 | Updated 9:11 a.m. ET June 8, 2017 Syd Kitson discusses his vision for the future Babcock community. Ricardo Rolon / news-press.com A concept drawing envisions the build out of the Timber Lake neighborhood of Babcock Ranch, a new solar city coming out of […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 3:52 a.m. ET June 3, 2017 Babcock Ranch is inviting everyone to twice a week free live music performances at the band shell at Founder’s Square.(Photo: Picasa) BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch, the solar powered town being built by Kitson & Partners in Charlotte County off State Road 31, north […]

BY  Andrea Stetson, Special to The News-Press 4:43 a.m. ET June 3, 2017 The Sterling model at Babcock Ranch is designed to look like a farmhouse.(Photo: Andrea Stetson/Special to The News-Press) Model homes throughout Southwest Florida tend to look alike. There is the contemporary, light, modern look with light colors broken up by splashes of […]

Submitted by Hall+Media Strategies Inc. May 27, 2017   BABCOCK RANCH — From miles of trails, lakes and an activities calendar jam-packed with weekly, quarterly and annual events, the new eco-centric town of Babcock Ranch provides boundless opportunities for residents and visitors to immerse themselves in an active, healthy lifestyle. Located off State Road 31, […]

Artis Henderson, Special to The News-Press 6:00 a.m. ET May 24, 2017 Chef David Rashty of the new Table & Tap at Babcock Ranch shares some of his favorite places to eat around Southwest Florida. David Rashty is the executive chef for Table & Tap at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Annabelle Tometich/The News-Press)  Chef David Rashty of […]

Submitted by Hall+Media Strategies Inc. 4:05 a.m. ET May 20, 2017 The band shell on the edge of Lake Babcock is a great place to make friends while getting fit.(Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH — From miles of trails, lakes and an activities calendar jam-packed with weekly, quarterly and annual events, the new eco-centric town of […]

By: Kevin McQuaid | Commercial Real Estate Editor May 12, 2017 Syd Kitson began work on Babcock Ranch, an 18,000-acre town in Charlotte and Lee counties, more than a decade ago. The project was sidelined by the recession, but today it is among several showcase real estate communities moving forward in Charlotte County. For years, […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:05 a.m. ET May 13, 2017 Babcock Ranch has started planting its first neighborhood garden. The garden is centrally located in one of the Lake Timber neighborhood’s green spaces.(Photo: Submitted)   BABCOCK RANCH — As construction of buildings in the Downtown District and new residences in the Lake Timber neighborhood […]

2017-05-10 / Real Estate News BY EVAN WILLIAMS ewilliams@floridaweekly.com The town ambassadors, Paige Rausch, Janis Bowles, Rick Vorell and Jennifer Laritz COURTESY PHOTO From the land of sunshine and sustainable technology, four ambassadors welcome visitors who stop by Babcock Ranch to find out more about the solar-powered community which is in the works. Their embassy, […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:04 a.m. ET May 6, 2017   The Sterling is one of four move-in ready unfurnished Homes by Towne residences poised to begin construction in Lake Timber at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that Sarasota-based Homes by Towne is poised to begin construction of four […]

BILL SMITH , BSMITH@NEWS-PRESS.COM Published 2:56 p.m. ET May 1, 2017 | Updated 5:55 a.m. ET May 2, 2017 Cars that drop you at work then head home to take the kids to school are among scenarios that roadbuilders are looking at as self-driving vehicles make their way from the drawing board to the showroom […]

Submitted by Hall+Media Strategies Inc. 4:05 a.m. ET April 29, 2017 Located on the boardwalk along the edge of Lake Babcock, Table & Tap was the first building to be completed at Founder’s Square.(Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH — Everywhere you go at Babcock Ranch, you’ll meet people who are passionate about their role in creating […]

The News-Press Published 8:59 a.m. ET April 26, 2017 | Updated 9:07 a.m. ET April 26, 2017 Babcock Ranch(Photo: Babcock Ranch)  Babcock Ranch, Fla. – Everywhere you go at Babcock Ranch, you’ll meet people who are passionate about their role in creating a whole new way of living.  You’ll see the vision for this solar-powered, […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:08 a.m. ET April 22, 2017 Babcock Ranch, the new town being built by Kitson & Partners in Charlotte County, is inviting everyone to a twice a week free live music performances at the band shell at Founder’s Square. (Photo: Picasa) BABCOCK RANCH — Babcock Ranch, the solar powered town […]

rwilliams@floridaweekly.com April 20, 2017 Fiber isn’t just fast, it’s future-proof as well — two very different things equally important. Each reality is now apparent at Babcock Ranch in the vital new partnership of CenturyLink and Kitson & Partners, creators of the nation’s greenest, biggest solar-powered city. “When people think of broadband, they usually just relate it […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:07 a.m. ET April 22, 2017 Kitson & Partners announced that Florida Lifestyle Homes is poised to complete its furnished Taylor model in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that Florida Lifestyle Homes is poised to complete its furnished Taylor model […]

Andrea Stetson, Special to The News-Press Published 4:06 a.m. ET April 22, 2017 | Updated 2:34 p.m. ET April 22, 2017 The Sungold is one of the models that Homes By Towne has open for viewing at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Andrea Stetson/Special to The News-Press) There’s a big perk to being the first person to purchase […]

By Southwest Florida ForksApr 21, 2017 Babcock Ranch Punta Gorda FL Babcock Ranch (BR) is a residential and commercial development in Southwest Florida consisting of approximately 18,000 acres. Half of this area will be devoted to greenways, lakes and parks and less than 10 percent for commercial use; the remainder will used for residential development. BR also has […]

PATRICIA BORNS , pborns@news-press.com Published 5:44 p.m. ET April 19, 2017 | Updated 4 hours ago Photo by Jack Hardman/The News-Press. Perfect Game generates millions for the Lee County economy. The county is looking to see if it is feasible to build more fields to expand Perfect Game’s foot print. Andres Santana, of Miami FL, […]

PAMELA McCABE and THYRIE BLAND , The News-Press Published 11:02 a.m. ET April 8, 2017 | Updated 9:52 p.m. ET April 8, 2017 The Babcock Neighborhood School has hired its first principal. Shannon Treece, who is the principal at Oasis High School in Cape Coral, has been picked for the K-through-8 charter’s top job. She was selected from  more […]

Strength & Conditioning Starts May 30, 2017   10:30 am – 11:30 pm   42850 Crescent Loop Babcock Ranch, FL 33982 Strength and Conditioning class that incorporates muscular strength and endurance, that includes upper body, lower body exercises as well as core.  Utilizing Exercise bands, and floor mats. Please bring your own mat and/or hand […]

Fitness at The Ranch (Sat) Starts May 20, 2017   9:00 am – 11:30 pm   42850 Crescent Loop Babcock Ranch, FL 33982 Come join us at Babcock Ranch for some AM fitness! Now starting every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Ages 14 & up. […]

Paddle Board Yoga June 17, 2017   11:00 am – 12:30 pm   42850 Crescent Loop Babcock Ranch, FL 33982 Ever wanted to learn to Paddle Board and at the same time try Yoga on a Paddle board? If so, now is your opportunity. Professional teaching and instruction on large based Paddleboards.  Life jackets, ankle […]

Tuesday Night Live – April 18th, 2017   5:30 pm – 8:30 pm   42850 Crescent Loop Babcock Ranch, FL 33982 Every Tuesday night there will be live programming at the band shell. Music featured will be multi-genre, extensive repertoire. Come out and enjoy some live music at Babcock Ranch! Music starts at 5:30 p.m. […]

Run At The Ranch Starts June 14, 2017   6:30 am – 7:30 am   42850 Crescent Loop Babcock Ranch, FL 33982 Every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Join us in our weekly morning run across Babcock Ranch. Learn the land and experience natural Southwest Florida. Ages 14 & up. Registration is required. […]

 Yoga & Meditation Starts May 20, 2017   10:30 am – 11:00 am   42850 Crescent Loop Babcock Ranch, FL 33982 Join us every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for Meditation & Yoga Immediately following you can participate in Paddle Board Yoga from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration Required. Registration is FREE. […]

Saturday Concert Series Starts May 20, 2017   4:30 pm – 7:30 pm   42850 Crescent Loop Babcock Ranch, FL 33982 Saturday night there will be live programming at the band shell. Saturday evenings will have live music from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Music featured will be to be determined. Come out and enjoy some […]

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY/ April 4, 2017  Lennar is joining the roster of builders at Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solar-powered town. Kitson & Partners announced an agreement for a mix of twin-villas and single-family homes at price points within reach for a broader range of homebuyers. “The neighborhood located southeast of Founders Square, adjacent to our […]

April 7, 2017 BABCOCK RANCH — Even though it is literally just beginning to come out of the ground, a visit to Babcock Ranch, the new solar powered town being built by Kitson & Partners in Charlotte County, off State Road 31 just north of the Lee County Civic Center, is seemingly equal parts a trip […]

April 7, 2017 Just a few weeks after officially opening to the public, Founder’s Square at Babcock Ranch is springing to life. From morning exercise classes to brisk business at the lakefront “Table & Tap”, the daily buzz of activity in this new town being built by Kitson & Partners in Charlotte County gives the […]

April 4, 2017 Breeze staff reports , Cape Coral Daily Breeze         Babcock Neighborhood School has hired Shannon Treece, the principal of Oasis High School, to lead its new K-6th grade charter school set to open in August. Treece was selected from among 164 applicants to serve as the school’s first principal and she will […]

French Wire April 4, 2017 Dans un pays où le pétrole est roi, concevoir une ville verte qui fonctionne entièrement aux énergies renouvelables n’était pas un projet évident. Et pourtant, la ville de Babcock Ranch est déjà en train de sortir de terre. Cette ville nouvelle, fondée en Floride par un promoteur immobilier, compte accueillir […]

By SOMMER BROKAW / STAFF WRITE, CHARLOTTE COUNTY April 4, 2017 Babcock Neighborhood School recently named Shannon Treece, 39, as the first principal of the new charter school. The charter school is located on Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solarpowered town off State Road 31 in Charlotte County. Developer Kitson and Partners retained Collaborative Educational Network, a […]

April 4, 2017 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin, Fort Myers Beach Observer Babcock Neighborhood School has hired Shannon Treece, the principal of Oasis High School, to lead its new K-6th grade charter school set to open in August. Treece was selected from among 164 applicants to serve as the school’s first principal and she will spearhead […]

By Mindy Sylvester Real Estate Agent with MVP Realty March 27, 2017 10:37 AM ​Babcock Ranch, Florida just added Lennar homes to the other 5 big name builders.  Lennar Homes is a Miami-based builder that will take part in 180 homes in the Babcock Ranch, FL community. Lennar plans to build twin-villa homes and single […]

 PRESS RELEASE DATE:  April 3, 2017   CONTACT: Lisa Hall       850.508.7782 lisa@hallmediastrategies.com Shannon Treece brings wealth of experience to innovative “Green STEAM” school Babcock Ranch, Florida – Babcock Neighborhood School (BNS) today announced selection of veteran school administrator and teacher Shannon Treece as principal of the new public charter school that will be opening with Kindergarten through 6th […]

AFP Relaxnews Updated: March 27, 2017, 10:40 AM IST With a farm-to-table restaurant, driverless shuttles, homes built with the latest green techniques and a massive solar farm to offset energy use, Florida’s first sustainable town is now open for business. The buzz about Babcock Ranch, an eco-friendly city of the future and the largest development […]

The News-Press Published 1:23 p.m. ET March 22, 2017 | Updated 2:29 p.m. ET March 30, 2017 Babcock Ranch Aerial(Photo: Picasa) SOLAR POWER A POWERFUL  ATTRACTION FOR BABCOCK RANCH Over the past year, the nation’s most innovative, sustainable new community has been taking root just beyond the front gates of Babcock Ranch. Master Developer Kitson […]

The Miami-based company plans to build twin-villa and single-family homes at Babcock Ranch March 26, 2017 12:00PM Rendering of Babcock Ranch Miami-based Lennar will build 180 homes at Babcock Ranch, a master-planned development near Fort Myers that will run mainly on solar power. Lennar plans to build twin-villa homes priced at about $180,000 and single-family […]

By Zayan Guedim – March 23, 2017 Initiated by a former football player, Florida boasts the first eco-friendly planned community, which is fully powered by solar energy. Currently in search of residents, Babcock Ranch will host a community of 50,000 people. As photovoltaic technologies grew in the 2000s, the idea of a solar-powered city gained momentum. Many […]

Fri Mar 24, 2017 1:48AM PressTv User Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered community in southwest Florida. (Via Babcockranch Website) An environmentalist’s utopia has become possible as an Eco-friendly Florida town opens for business. Babcock Ranch city is a planned community with an area of nearly 70 square kilometers. It has all things green, from a farm-to-table […]

By Zayan Guedim – March 23, 2017 Babcock Ranch Aerial Map | Babcockranch.com Initiated by a former football player, Florida boasts the first eco-friendly planned community, which is fully powered by solar energy. Currently in search of residents, Babcock Ranch will host a community of 50,000 people. As photovoltaic technologies grew in the 2000s, the […]

Fri Mar 24, 2017 1:48AM PressTv User Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered community in southwest Florida. (Via Babcockranch Website) An environmentalist’s utopia has become possible as an Eco-friendly Florida town opens for business. Babcock Ranch city is a planned community with an area of nearly 70 square kilometers. It has all things green, from a farm-to-table […]

By Joe Barks | January 31st, 2017 Talis Park Golf Club, Naples, Fla. A new multi-purpose clubhouse/community concept with a unique interaction of indoor and outdoor space has been added to a distinctive golf course to enliven the rebranded Naples, Fla., property. In December 2003, Kevin Shields stared out at a treeless, 465-acre property on […]

International attention – this from a tech pub in Italy March 18, 2017 Alimentata completamente da fonti rinnovabili, Babcock Ranch utilizzerà solo ed esclusivamente energia solare per abitazioni e servizi pubblici di Jessica Fabiano Una cittadina completamente sostenibile, alimentata interamente da energia solare prodotta da una centrale elettrica di 443 acri, senza costi di utilità aggiuntivi […]

March 22, 2017 by Kerry Sheridan (Agence France Presse) With a farm-to-table restaurant, driverless shuttles, homes built with the latest green techniques and a massive solar farm to offset energy use, Florida’s first sustainable town is now open for business. The buzz about Babcock Ranch, an eco-friendly city of the future and the largest development […]

2017-03-22 / Real Estate News The new Lennar neighborhood will be in the area marked Phase 2A, just south of the community park. COURTESY PHOTO Lennar is joining the roster of builders at Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solar-powered town. Kitson & Partners announced an agreement for a mix of twin-villas and single-family homes at […]

2017-03-22 / Real Estate News A crowd of 15,000 to 20,000 attended the first public event at Babcock Ranch, a two-day festival March 11 and 12. The crowd far exceeded what organizers had predicted. “We knew people were excited about the concept of a sustainable, solar-powered town where people can reconnect with the environment and […]

The News-Press Published 9:21 a.m. ET March 15, 2017 | Updated 9:40 a.m. ET March 15, 2017 In Roman times, the term “Civitas” referred to the law that bound a social body together, bestowing responsibilities on each individual on the one hand, and the rights of citizenship on the other.  In effect, that law created […]

Babcock Ranch is open to the public this weekend for the Founder’s Festival Founder’s Festival to showcase Babcock Ranch  By ANDREW JAROSH STAFF WRITER On Wednesday, workers were erecting both buildings across the street from Woodlea Hall, Babcock’s first civic building and the town’s information center. Other construction, including home building, dotted the nation’s first solar-powered town. Those wanting a closeup of Babcock Ranch will have […]

Posted March 16, 2017 Florida development history was made last weekend at Babcock Ranch in southeastern Charlotte County. In a scene that was reminiscent of the real estate promotional events of the 1920s Florida Land Boom, about 20,000 people attended the two-day Founders Fest event, which gave the public its first look at the first […]

By: Business Observer March 15, 2017 Babcock Ranch — Miami-based Lennar, the second largest homebuilder in the country, has joined the roster of builders at Babcock Ranch. The builder will handle a mix of twin villas and single-family homes, according to a statement in the master-planned community. Twin villas at Lennar’s Babcock Ranch neighborhood will start […]

John HACKWORTH March 13, 2017 COMMENTARY EDITOR Syd Kitson sat at his desk, a picture window behind his second-story office offering a portrait of an evolving landscape. It was just a couple of days before the Founder’s Festival open house at Babcock Ranch in eastern Charlotte County. It would be the best opportunity yet for […]

ANNABELLE TOMETICH , ATOMETICH@NEWS-PRESS.COM Published 11:00 a.m. ET March 14, 2017 Table & Tap is open at the still-under-construction Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County, and already this middle-of-nowhere restaurant is drawing in diners. The new Table & Tap overlooks Lake Babcock at Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County, just north of the Lee County line.(Photo: Special to […]

Thousands get first look at new town in the making March 13, 2017 By VALARIE HARRING (vharring@breezenewspapers.com) , Cape Coral Daily Breeze Runners rockin’ Nikes beneath the lakefront bandshell as they accept awards. Tots chasing bubbles across a manicured lawn dotted with picnic tables. Couples sipping beverages at an al fresco cafe overlooking the water […]

“This isn’t just some quirky thing for yuppies.” By Marlene Cimons Source: Babcock Ranch It was love at first sight for Richard and Robin Kinley. But it took a sunset to seal the deal. The Kinleys, both 59 and living in Atlanta, visited southwest Florida in January to look at Babcock Ranch, a planned community that […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:03 a.m. ET March 4, 2017 Base priced at $414,000, the Sungold model is the first of four furnished models being built in Lake Timber by Homes by Towne.(Photo: Submitted)  BABCOCK RANCH — Master Developer Kitson & Partners announced that furnished model residences by Homes by Towne and Stock Development […]

2017-03-08 / Real Estate News Above: Babcock Ranch is a new eco-centric town under construction by Kitson & Partners in Charlotte County just 20 minutes east of Fort Myers off Florida State Road 31. Babcock Ranch is the first solar powered town in the world. Left: Visitors to the Founder’s Festival at Babcock Ranch will […]

March 10, 2017   PUNTA GORDA, Fla. The future of solar is shining bright at Babcock Ranch. Since December, solar-powered community has opened its first civic building, retail store and farm-to-table restaurant. “I like the idea of it being sustainable with solar,” said potential resident Ray Slipatchuk. “I think it’s about time that Florida had a […]

March 2/2017 CenturyLink Inc. and Kitson & Partners announced they will provide one of the fastest residential internet speeds available in the U.S. to residents of the new, solar-powered town of Babcock Ranch, now under construction in Southwest Florida. CenturyLink will be the exclusive broadband provider in Babcock Ranch, delivering gigabit internet service over its fiber network to every […]

By ANDREW JAROSH  3/10/2017 STAFF WRITER Two key features of the Town of Babcock Ranch — a charter school and grocery store — are on track for a July opening. Work is progressing on Slater’s Goods & Provisions, featuring a coffee shop, takeout items and an ice cream shop, and the kindergarten through eighth-grade Babcock […]

By GARY ROBERTS  3/12/2017 STAFF WRITER BABCOCK RANCH — At this weekend’s Founder’s Festival, celebrating the startup of Babcock Ranch, Tiffany Kern enjoyed a tour of the emerging community, but it took some effort. Competing in the 5K Sun Run, she took the scenic Sunset Trail, encircling a lake and fishing pier, crossing a bridge, […]

PATRICIA BORNS , pborns@news-press.com Published 5:11 p.m. ET March 10, 2017 | Updated 10:21 p.m. ET March 10, 2017 A battery-powered, electric Easymile autonomous vehicle goes for a shake-down drive — minus a driver — on the interior roads of Babcock Ranch north of Lee County, Florida on Friday afternoon.(Photo: Patricia Borns/The News-Press)  Vasilas Karavidas maneuvers […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:08 a.m. ET Feb. 25, 201 BABCOCK RANCH — Master Developer Kitson & Partners is inviting the public to come enjoy the progress being made at Babcock Ranch during a two-day Founder’s Festival event on Saturday, March 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 12 from noon to 6 p.m. The opening […]

2/23/2017 Public invited to enjoy progress at Babcock Ranch during Founder’s Festival & Sun Run March 11th and 12th, 2017 Above: Babcock Ranch is a new eco-centric town being built by Kitson & Partners in Charlotte County just 20 minutes east of Fort Myers off Florida State Road 31. Babcock Ranch is the first solar […]

By Eric Draper, Executive director, Audubon Florida 4:58 p.m. ET Feb. 13, 2017 Eric Draper Executive Director Audubon Florida(Photo: Courtesy) A for-sale sign on Immokalee Road near Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary caught my attention a few years ago. The seller offered a square mile of land zoned for 250 houses on land where cattle were […]

February 03, 2017 The honor went to Richard and Robin Kinley from Acworth, Ga. The couple signed the first contract for a home to be built in Babcock Ranch, an 18,000-acre solar-powered town 20 miles east of Fort Myers in Charlotte County. The Kinleys should be settling into their new home inside the development’s Lake […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:07 a.m. ET Feb. 4, 2017 Founder’s Square will serve as a central gathering place and the site of community events and celebrations at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Picasa)  BABCOCK RANCH — The band shell that will host concerts has been completed. On the opposite side of the green, a splash pad is […]

Ray Sandrock Charlotte County staff from the Community Development and Public Safety departments and Legislative Affairs and Public Information offices met with officials at Babcock Ranch Friday for their latest monthly update. The meeting featured a tour of the residential and commercial areas currently under construction. Topics of discussion included development and planning timelines, permitting, certificates […]

2017-02-02 / Real Estate News The band shell that will host concerts for those gathered on an inviting green has been completed. On the opposite side of the green, a splash pad is nearly finished and waiting to hear the playful laughter of children of all ages. Benches that offer inviting places to relax, read, […]

PAMELA McCABE , PMCCABE@NEWS-PRESS.COM Hands-on activities. Access to outdoor classrooms. The ability to fly drones, keep bees and learn how a nearby solar farm powers an entire city. These factors — and many more — captured the attention of the Stark family in Fort Myers Shores, and had parents Beth and Steve racing to beat Tuesday’s application […]

llian Idle 11:02 PM, Jan 22, 2017 8:49 AM, Jan 23, 2017   CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A new town in Southwest Florida is changing people’s expectations on how to live. Babcock Ranch off Highway 31 near Ft. Myers is using solar energy to become a greener community. Babcock Ranch said when all said and done […]

First home sold at Babcock Ranch The News-Press staff Published 11:36 a.m. ET Jan. 19, 2017 | Caption to come(Photo: Kitson & Partners) The first home of the nearly 20,000 planned for Babcock Ranch development in Charlotte County has sold. Master Developer Kitson & Partners announced that Sarasota-based Homes By Towne has processed the first […]

Jan 16, 2017 08:24 CET by Ivan Shumkov Solar power system. Author: Mountain/ \Ash. License: Creative Commons, Attribution 2.0 Generic. January 16 (SeeNews) – Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) on Friday unveiled plans to add more than 298 MW of solar capacity in its home state in 2017, having just plugged in three photovoltaic […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:08 a.m. ET Jan. 14, 2017 New models will open in Lake Timber at Babcock Ranch in February. Lake Timber’s choice of lakefront, porch home, cottage, town home, and condominium residences will line streetscapes dotted with parks. BABCOCK RANCH — Master developer Kitson & Partners announced that furnished model homes […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:08 a.m. ET Jan. 7, 2017 As construction of Phase I of the Downtown District and furnished model residences in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch continues to progress as planned, Master Developer Kitson & Partners’ unique brand of place making is becoming evident.(Photo: Submitted)   BABCOCK RANCH —  As […]

C.T. Bowen, Pasco Times Columnist Monday, January 9, 2017 11:00am TRINITY — The Mitchell 54 West project, envisioned as a town center and a pedestrian-friendly gathering space amid shops, restaurants, movie screens and 800 homes, is adding a new component to bolster economic development. The 330-acre site at the southwest corner of State Road 54 […]

January 6, 2017 It took a lot of planning, patience, money and vision to get to where Babcock Ranch is now. It also took a lot of faith on the part of developer Syd Kitson, of Kitson & Partners. But after a decade-long delay caused by the Great Recession and the housing bust, buildings are […]

January 5, 2017 SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY As construction of Phase I of the downtown district and furnished models in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch continue to progress as planned, master developer Kitson & Partners’ unique brand of place-making is becoming evident. A new town being built by Kitson in Charlotte County, Babcock […]

1/1/2017 By Sue Wade One four-way stop sign stands idle at an intersection leading to a downtown-in-progress. Two one-ways lean lazily against each other, waiting to be given a job after more roads are paved. Birds sing, undisturbed by the rumbling of jackhammers and earthmoving equipment. Tenderly transplanted native cabbage palms and grasses are beginning to take root […]

By GARY ROBERTS Staff Writer Charlotte Sun – 12/3/2016 PUNTA GORDA — Speaking to hundreds at the April groundbreaking of Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solar-poweredcity, developer Syd Kitson welcomed the excited throng through a door into the future. Beneath a clear blue sky and a boundless horizon, Kitson talked about a vision, 10 years in […]

After a long delay, Babcock Ranch is becoming a reality – with big implications for Southwest Florida’s smallest coastal county. 1/3/2017 By Harold Bubil Real estate editor PUNTA GORDA – It took a lot of planning, patience, money and vision to get to where Babcock Ranch is now. It also took a lot of faith on […]

Submitted December 29, 2016 Babcock Neighborhood School COURTESY PHOTO Prospective students, parents and community partners recently joined with Kitson & Partners to celebrate the launch of construction of Babcock Neighborhood School. The new public charter school just began accepting applications over the Thanksgiving weekend, and more than 45 students have already requested enrollment for the 2017-18 […]

PATRICIA BORNS , pborns@news-press.com Submitted Jan. 01, 2017 Syd Kitson Position: CEO of Kitson & Partners Background: Played guard for the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys Babcock goal: To be a model community for other developers Why is Kitson & Partners CEO Syd Kitson one to watch in 2017? How long do you have? In December, the Palm Beach Gardens-based developer […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:03 a.m. EST December 3, 2016 Construction of the Babcock Ranch Downtown District’s Woodlea Hall and the Table and Tap restaurant fronting Lake Babcock is on schedule for completion by Feb. 1, 2017.(Photo: Picasa) BABCOCK RANCH — As Homes by Towne, Stock Development, Fox Premier Builders and Florida Lifestyle Homes continue to […]

PAMELA McCABE , PMCCABE@NEWS-PRESS.COM 5:06 p.m. EST December 12, 2016 Children were asked to tend gardens as part of the groundbreaking ceremony for Babcock Neighborhood School, a K-through-eight charter school that will open next fall in the eco-city.(Photo: Special to The News-Press) A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday at the site of the future Babcock […]

MICHAEL MOLINE Dec.9, 2016 Sydney Kitson, a former professional football player turned developer, has secured a one-month appointment to the Board of Governors of Florida’s State University System. Gov. Rick Scott announced the appointment Thursday, subject to Senate confirmation. Kitson will complete what’s left of former governor Morteza “Mori” Hosseini’s term. Hosseini stepped down in March to become a […]

(WBBH-Script) Babcock ranch’s first charter school is under construction and its first students are expected to learn there in the fall. Ground was broken Monday on a public charter school that will become the only school within 10 miles of the new Babcock Ranch community. It will cover prekindergarten through eighth grade, and enrollment is […]

PAMELA McCABE , PMCCABE@NEWS-PRESS.COM5:06 p.m. EST December 12, 2016 A  groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday at the site of the future Babcock Neighborhood School, a K-through-eight charter in the solar-powered eco-city.The blended residential and business development is being built just north of the Lee-Charlotte county line, near State Road 31. Although the school will sit on the Charlotte side of […]

By SOMMER BROKAW Staff Writer CHARLOTTE COUNTY — Babcock Ranch developer Syd Kitson said he dreamed of developing “the first solar-powered town in America” over a decade ago. Now he’s excited about starting to see it come to fruition with the groundbreaking ceremony for the town’s school. “There’s nothing more meaningful to me than seeing […]

PATRICIA BORNS , pborns@news-press.com 8:20 a.m. EST November 28, 2016 Matt Seiler, food and beverage director for Babcock Ranch, stands at the site of Table and Tap on Monday, October 21, 2016 in south Charlotte County. The new locally-sourced, farm-to-table restaurant has a target opening date in early February, in time for Valentine’s Day.(Photo: Patricia […]

BABCOCK RANCH — Master Developer Kitson & Partners announced that the Babcock Neighborhood School (BNS) that will open next fall in the town of Babcock Ranch is now accepting K-8 applications for the 2017-2018 school year. Babcock Ranch is a new 18,000-acre eco-centric, solar powered town being developed by Kitson east of Fort Myers, off State Road […]

November 23,2016 The Babcock Neighborhood School that will open next fall in the town of Babcock Ranch is accepting K-8 applications for the 2017-2018 school year. Babcock Ranch is a new 18,000-acre eco-centric, solar-powered town being developed by Kitson & Partners 20 minutes east of Fort Myers off State Road 31 in Charlotte County. Construction of furnished models in Lake Timber, the […]

Posted on: November 08, 2016                                                          Babcock Ranch has a lens on what will be important and how By Jennifer Castenson Just a couple of decades ago, getting a driver’s license was a turning point in life. It changed one’s outlook, independence, and freedom. Today, the access to technology and the interconnectedness that it affords us […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:08 a.m. EST November 12, 2016 Plans have been finalized for Castle Harbour Homes’ Huckleberry model in Lake Timber at Babcock Ranch. Castle Harbour will be offering a minimum of four floor plans.(Photo: Submitted)  BABCOCK RANCH, Florida — Master developer Kitson & Partners announced that Fort Myers-based Castle Harbour Homes has […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 5:05 a.m. EDT November 5, 2016 Every residence at Babcock Ranch will be within a five-minute walk of a park.(Photo: Submitted)  BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners’ commitment to land preservation has been well-documented since it purchased the 91,000-acre Babcock Ranch property in July 2006 and simultaneously sold 73,000 acres to the state […]

Posted on: November 02, 2016 Courtesy Babcock Ranch When the town of Babcock Ranch is complete, it will comprise 19,500 residences and a total of 6 million square feet of commercial and community space. More than half of the total land will be dedicated for green spaces, lakes and nature trails. Ultimately, approximately 50,000 residents […]

news-press.com 10:30 a.m. EST November 12, 2016 Plans have been finalized for Castle Harbour Homes’ Huckleberry model that is slated to begin construction by the end of the year in Lake Timber at Babcock Ranch. Castle Harbour will be offering a minimum of four floor plans ranging from approximately 2,300 to nearly 3,000 square feet […]

HIVE Posted on: November 04, 2016 Babcock Ranch has a lens on what will be important and how By Jennifer Castenson Just a couple of decades ago, getting a driver’s license was a turning point in life. It changed one’s outlook, independence, and freedom. Today, the access to technology and the interconnectedness that it affords […]

Naples Daily News 10-30-2016 BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. — As Homes by Towne, Stock Development, Fox Premier Builders and Florida Lifestyle Homes continue to build new furnished model residences in the community’s Lake Timber neighborhood, master developer Kitson & Partners announced that infrastructure installation and construction of Phase I of the Downtown District continue to progress […]

By: Florida Chamber of Commerce November 3, 2016 For the last 100 years, the Florida Chamber has focused its agenda on one simple and powerful idea: free enterprise. We have made it our mission to unite with business leaders who believe in free enterprise principles, who have Florida’s long-term future in mind and who want […]

Florida Politics October 24,2016 Sydney W. Kitson will be the next chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce‘s board of directors. The news was first reported by POLITICO Florida on Tuesday. Chamber spokeswoman Edie Ousley confirmed Kitson’s election by his fellow board members. Kitson will serve one year as chair, beginning Nov. 1 and ending Oct. 31, 2017. According to his Chamber bio, […]

Naples News Staff Reporters, October 24,2016 Master developer Kitson & Partners announced that Florida Lifestyle Homes is poised to begin construction of two furnished lakefront model residences in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch at the end of this month. Construction of a third furnished model will begin shortly thereafter. Babcock Ranch is a […]

Naples Daily News Staff Reporters October 18, 2016 BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that Naples-based Fox Premier Builders has started construction of three furnished lakefront model residences in the Lake Timber neighborhood at Babcock Ranch, a new 18,000- acre eco-centric, solar powered town being developed by Kitson 20 minutes east of Fort Myers, […]

Naples Daily News – Staff Reporters October 18, 2016   BABCOCK RANCH — When Kitson & Partners’ Chairman and CEO Syd Kitson and a select group of town makers started planning the new town of Babcock Ranch more than 10 years ago, they established a set of core values that continue to provide the foundation […]

Charlotte Sun Staff Reporters Two events, two big steps forward on economic development. Saturday’s grand opening of the new Fuccillo Kia of Port Charlotte generated a huge amount of excitement. Charlotte County is now home to the largest of Billy Fuccillo’s four Florida Kia dealerships. The 70-acre site off U.S. 41 just south of the […]

PATRICIA BORNS , pborns@news-press.com 9:56 p.m. EDT October 10, 2016 From right, Syd Kitson, Chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, chats with Brian Bishop, of New Panel Homes, at one of the future home sites in Babcock’s first neighborhood under construction in Charlotte County. The developer filed an application last week to extend the […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates4:08 a.m. EDT October 15, 2016 BABCOCK RANCH — When Kitson & Partners’ Chairman and CEO Syd Kitson and a select group of town makers started planning the new town of Babcock Ranch more than 10 years ago, they established a set of core values that continue to provide the foundation for how the […]

Florida Politics Staff Reporters Sydney W. Kitson will be the next chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce‘s board of directors. The news was first reported by POLITICO Florida on Tuesday. Chamber spokeswoman Edie Ousley confirmed Kitson’s election by his fellow board members. Kitson will serve one year as chair, beginning Nov. 1 and ending Oct. 31, […]

September 30, 2016   FCCMA  News By Site MGR Charlotte County, Florida is embracing the sustainable and technologically advanced community of Babcock Ranch, being developed by Kitson & Partners. To allow contractors to skip the 90-minute roundtrip to the county’s building department, we have created an online permitting system. The spirit of Babcock Ranch is sustainability, innovation […]

UN Global sustainability initiative graphic

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 3:03 a.m. EDT September 18, 2016 The Babcock Ranch architectural style is derived from styles found in pre-World War II neighborhoods throughout Southwest Florida. Deep, open porches characteristic of these regional styles will be positioned tighter to the street and encourage social interaction and connectivity.(Photo: Contributed) Kitson & Partners Chairman […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:01 a.m. EDT September 24, 2016 The 3,076-square-foot under air Crystal is one of five furnished models being built by Stock Development at Babcock Ranch.(Photo: Submitted) BABCOCK RANCH — Kitson & Partners announced that Naples-based Stock Development has started construction of five furnished lakefront model residences in the Lake Timber neighborhood at […]

BABCOCK RANCH BLOG Posted on: September 21, 2016 Kitson & Partners Project planners for a large Florida MPC say they plan to introduce automated vehicles for use by its first-phase residents and businesses in 2017. This will make Babcock Ranch the first community of its type to offer driver-less cars to its residents while capturing […]

By Susan Salisbury – Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Posted: 5:05 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016 Florida Power & Light Co., which is the largest generator of solar power in Florida, announced Sept. 15 that it has completed the installation of half of the million new solar panels it plans to add by the end […]

 By John Kennedy – Palm Beach Post Capital Bureau Posted: 5:26 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 TALLAHASSEE — Florida in 2070 will be a state brimming with almost 34 million residents — 70 percent more than today – but it doesn’t have to be covered in concrete stemming from urban sprawl, a report released Thursdayshows. 1,000 Friends […]

FPL halfway to sunny goal of 1 million solar panels installed by year’s end   PETER SCHORSCH  5 days ago  Florida’s top utility is kicking its solar capacity into high gear, celebrating the halfway mark of an audacious goal of one million solar panels in operation by the end of 2016. Florida Power & Light, the […]

By Richard A. Kessler in Fort Worth Thursday, September 15 2016 / Updated: Thursday, September 15 2016 Babcock Ranch project under construction Florida Power & Light is halfway toward installing one million solar panels by the end of this year at three PV projects in the state totaling 74.5MW of nameplate capacity. The utility said the […]

By Staff report Sep 15, 2016 at 10:52 AM Florida Power & Light Co., which bills itself as the largest generator of solar power in Florida, said Thursday that it had completed the installation of half of the 1 million new solar panels it plans to add by the end of this year to power […]

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY Sept. 16, 2016 Above: A rendering of Lake Timber, the first neighborhood under development atBabcock Ranch, an 18,000-acre town being developed by Kitson & Partners 20 minutes east of Fort Myers off State Road 31 inCharlotte County.Sarasota-based Homes by Towne has started construction of the first residences at Babcock Ranch, the 18,000- […]

Staff Writer Sept. 16, 2016 A public charter school approved for Babcock Ranch will put education with a strong environmental focus within walking distance of the earliest settlers of the new solar-powered town. An application for the tuition-free public charter school was approved the Charlotte County School Board. Babcock Ranch Neighborhood School will begin accepting enrollment […]

Homes underway at Babcock Ranch By ANNE EASKER Staff Writer When the first residents move into Babcock Ranch early next year, they may be drawn from around the country — local Floridians as well as transplants from as far as Oregon, attracted to the eco-friendly, Old Florida lifestyle on which Babcock has staked its identity. […]

 PATRICIA BORNS Builders showed off their new home plans Monday at Syd Kitson’s embryonic Babcock city – plans in some cases as unique to Southwest Florida as the solar field that will power the community straddling Charlotte and Lee counties. The five builders who’ve staked a claim to the first 193 home lots had to agree […]

News Flash on WBBH Monday September 12, 11 am HOMEBUILDERS ARE STAKING THEIR CLAIMS AT BABCOCK RANCH IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY. IT’S BEING CALLED FLORIDA’S TOWN OF THE FUTURE. BABCOCK RANCH IS THE FIRST TOWN IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO BE POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY. CONSTRUCTION ON THE FUTURISTIC TOWN HAS ALREADY STARTED. THESE HOMES START […]

News Flash on WBBH Monday September 12, 6am news TODAY — HOMEBUILDERS WILL BE STAKING THEIR CLAIMS TO LOTS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S COMMUNITY OF THE FUTURE. BABCOCK RANCH IS ON THE CHARLOTTE-LEE COUNTY LINE. IT’S THE FIRST SOLAR POWERED TOWN IN THE COUNTRY. 450-ACRES OF PANELS WILL BE INSTALLED TO POWER IT. BUILDERS WILL BE […]

News Flash on WBBH Friday September 9, 11 am THE TOWN OF THE FUTURE JUST RECEIVED APPROVAL FOR ITS FIRST CHARTER SCHOOL. BABCOCK RANCH IS ON THE CHARLOTTE-LEE COUNTY LINE. IT’S THE FIRST SOLAR POWERED TOWN IN THE COUNTRY. 450-ACRES OF PANELS WILL BE INSTALLED TO POWER IT. THE BABCOCK NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL WILL BE TUITION […]

Posted: Sep 12, 2016 5:47 PM EDTUpdated: Sep 12, 2016 5:47 PM EDT By Tim Wronka, Charlotte County Reporter CHARLOTTE COUNTY – Florida’s city of the future is another step closer to reality. By early next year, some of the first residents will be living in Babcock Ranch, a solar powered town being built in Charlotte County. “This […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Sept. 10, 2016 BABCOCK RANCH — Master developer Kitson & Partners announced that Sarasota-based Homes by Towne has started construction of the first residences at Babcock Ranch, a new 18,000-acre eco-centric, solar powered town being developed by Kitson east of Fort Myers off State Road 31 in Charlotte County. Homes by Towne is building […]

Submitted by: THYRIE BLAND and PAMELA McCABE, PMCCABE@NEWS-PRESS.COM  September 5, 2016 Plans to build a K-through-8 schoolhouse in Babcock Ranch were approved by the Charlotte County school board Thursday. The school, called the Babcock Neighborhood School, is set to open next fall in the solar-powered eco-city, which is being built just north of the Lee-Charlotte county line near State Road 31. […]

Submitted by: Lisa Hall Sept. 09,2016  

RELEASE DATE:   September 8, 2016 CONTACT: Lisa Hall   lisa@hallmediastrategies.com / mailto:lisa@hallmediastrategies.com Charter application approved for first school at Babcock Ranch Babcock Neighborhood School preparing for Fall 2017 opening Babcock Ranch, Florida – A public charter school approved for Babcock Ranch puts world-class education with a strong environmental focus within walking distance of the earliest settlers of the […]

Submitted by: June Fletcher 12:02 p.m. EDT September 3, 2016 After a long recessionary dry spell, a flood of new homes inundated the Southwest Florida housing market over the past six years. Now the question becomes: Is this flood about to recede? “The new home market in Lee and Collier County has softened along with the […]

Naples, FL – August 2016 / Newsmaker Alert / In less than a year, residents will be living in homes on Babcock Ranch, the world’s first solar-powered town. Clive Daniel Home, the award-winning home furnishings retailer, is proud to have been selected by featured builder Stock Development to provide total interior design for one of […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 8:12 a.m. EDT August 29, 2016 Soco Interiors is creating the interior for Stock Signature Homes’ Aqualane furnished model in the Palm Beach Polo Golf and Country Club in Wellington.(Photo: Submitted) Stock Signature Homes, the luxury homebuilding division of Naples-based Stock Development, announced it will begin construction of the first […]

Discover the Sienna, a resort-style coach home that remains popular with buyers in Naples, Florida   Sienna Evening NAPLES, Fla. – Aug. 24, 2016 – PRLog — FrontDoor Communities is excited to announce that sales of resort-style coach homes continue to soar at Corsica at Talis Park in Naples, Florida. To discover these high demand […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 8:23 a.m. EDT August 22, 2016 Developer Kitson & Partners announced it is further enhancing the array of amenities it has designed and constructed to suit Talis Park’s health-oriented lifestyle. The North Naples community’s Casa Cortese that offers an outdoor lounge experience adjacent to the Talis Park Golf Club’s driving range […]

PATRICIA BORNS, pborns@news-press.com August 9, 2016 Babcock developer Syd Kitson met with Alva residents Monday evening to discuss his development plans for a roughly 6.5-mile area fronting State Road 31 in Lee County. Highlights of the plan, which extends his new town south from Charlotte County, center on 40 much-debated amateur sports baseball fields that Lee County […]

May 23, 2016 By Jack Crittenden Private clubhouses dominated Golf Inc.’s 2016 Clubhouse of the Year competition, which recognizes the best new and remodeled clubhouses that opened in 2015. Seven of the nine honorees this year are private or semi-private clubs. Private clubs have traditionally invested more into clubhouses, as they serve a wider function […]

An island clubhouse and Harbour Town take top honors in a year dominated by clubhouses designed to appeal to families and resort-style living. By Jack Crittenden Talis Park is not your father’s country club. Syd Kitson bought the private community out of receivership in 2011 and immediately set out to reposition it in the highly […]

BY EVAN WILLIAMS, ewilliams@babcockranchtelegraph.com July 13, 2016 Mike Acosta, Babcock Ranch’s director of utility operations. COURTESY OF BABCOCK RANCH Planners are aiming to make the Babcock Ranch community an oasis of water conservation and stewardship in Florida. At its heart: a new, state-of-the-art water and sewage treatment plant that will align with building, landscaping and […]

July 13, 2016 Syd Kitson, Chairman and CEO Kitson & Partners TOWN-MAKING REQUIRES DIVERSE skill sets, each of which contributes to the creation of a place where people will live, learn, work and play. It is a process that must be patient, committed to listening to the land, and mindful that the place being created […]

BY EVAN WILLIAMS, ewilliams@babcockranchtelegraph.com 7/13/2016 Rick Severance, 48, grew up in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, the oldest of three brothers, all athletic. Mr. Severance competed on the swimming and diving team at Florida State University. A marathon runner and triathlete, he puts in about 40 miles a week these days to stay in shape. […]

By ANNE EASKER Staff Writer “Here we are about to go vertical,” Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, said Tuesday, with shovel in hand over the construction site of downtown Babcock Ranch. “We picked up our permits and plats today and are ready to go.” It was a historic day as Kitson […]

PATRICIA BORNS, pborns@news-press.com 9:14 a.m. EDT June 29, 2016 Tuesday marked a quiet, official groundbreaking at the new solar city of Babcock as construction of its first downtown building – a farm-to-table restaurant – got underway Tuesday. With some permits in hand and more to come, the moment is a milestone for investors who patiently […]

Madeline Diamond Intern 07/07/2016 01:19 pm ET Developers in Florida are building a solar-powered town that would be one of America’s newest sustainable cities, and it could be complete by 2017. They’re building an eco-centric “town in the making” on 17,000 acres in southwest Florida. Babcock Ranch will feature homes, a downtown center and more. A 75-megawatt solar […]

Construction for first town center buildings to commence June 28, 2016 By VALARIE HARRING (vharring@breezenewspapers.com)          The glasses weren’t rose-tinted but the town square viewed through provided virtual reality goggles was cast with a distinct visionary blush: A large lakeside park with lush lawns, dock, boardwalk and band shell. Splash fountains and pedestrian-friendly trails winding […]

By: Business Observer July 01, 2016 Kitson & Partners is wasting no time since it unveiled plans for Babcock Ranch April 22. Heavy equipment is moving tons of dirt on the first phase of what will be a town of 19,500 homes and enough commercial space to fill 52 football fields on the Charlotte and Lee […]

Babcock Ranch will mark another milestone on Tuesday, June 28, as construction of the first downtown district buildings gets underway. By Staff, 6/24/2016 at 12:30pm Babcock Ranch will mark another milestone on Tuesday, June 28, as construction of the first downtown district buildings gets underway. Kitson & Partners chairman and CEO Syd Kitson will provide progress […]

THYRIE BLAND, TBLAND@NEWS-PRESS.COM 11:56 a.m. EDT June 17, 2016 The developer of America’s first solar town wants Florida Gulf Coast University to be a part of the community. Kitson and Partners, the real estate company developing Babcock Ranch, asked FGCU to be part of the Charlotte County project when it was conceived about 10 years ago and […]

by Gary Mooney June 16, 2016 The New Today: Babcock Ranch Lights Up Southwest Florida Horizon<img height=”1″ width=”1″ alt=”” style=”display:none” src=”https://www.facebook.com/tr?ev=6042082246158&cd[value]=0.00&cd[currency]=USD&noscript=1″/> When asked the best part of Babcock Ranch, John enthuses that “all the parts are cool and that’s what makes it so cool! You can just live here quietly, start a business or own […]

By Gary Mooney June 16, 2016 The New Today: Babcock Ranch Lights Up Southwest Florida Horizon<img height=”1″ width=”1″ alt=”” style=”display:none” src=”https://www.facebook.com/tr?ev=6042082246158&cd[value]=0.00&cd[currency]=USD&noscript=1″/> A fascinating aspect will be the construction of 42 baseball fields, one of the largest such complexes in Florida. John explains while that may seem unusual, it projects to attract roughly 200,000 players annually, […]

By Gary Mooney June 16, 2016 The New Today: Babcock Ranch Lights Up Southwest Florida Horizon Nature is everywhere. “As soon as you drive over the entry bridge, you experience a half-mile water feature, with oaks, pines, cabbage palms, and tree-lined streets,” John offers. In addition to the surrounding preserves, pocket parks and water recreation […]

By Gary Mooney June 16, 2016 The new city of Babcock Ranch, under early development just east of I-75 and on the border of Charlotte and Lee Counties, will eventually have 19,500 homes, with all power from its adjacent 443-acre solar field. When all 330,000 panels are up, they might just generate enough high voltage […]

By: Jean Gruss | Editor/Lee-Collier April 29, 2016 Few communities in Florida have earned the kind of positive national recognition as Seaside. The Florida Panhandle town, designed by Andres Duany and built from scratch near Destin, earned Time magazine’s development of the decade award in 1990 and the Urban Land Institute’s highest honor. Now, Palm […]

By Afp Published: 22:30 EST, 26 April 2016 | Updated: 22:30 EST, 26 April 2016 With deep pockets and an environmentalist’s zeal, retired American football player Syd Kitson dreamed up a plan to build the United States’ first solar-powered town on a vast swath of rural land in southwest Florida. Now, nearly a decade after […]

BABCOCK RANCH IS BACK ON TRACK World’s first solar-powered town, the largest development in the country, is under construction in Florida. By Jennifer Goodman   Phase one of Babcock Ranch is slated to open early next year. Imagine 19,500 homes powered exclusively by the sun, and not one of them with solar panels. That is the […]

Syd Kitson CEO and Chairman, Kitson & Partners May 12, 2016 Solar Power, Eco-Centric Ethos Fuel Babcock Ranch Cities around the world – from sprawling megalopolises to sleepy beach towns – are striving to make their public systems greener and more efficient, implementing everything from bus rapid transit to permeable sidewalks. It is impressive to […]

By Susan Salisbury – Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Posted: 12:00 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2016 Sydney Kitson is Chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, a Palm Beach Gardens-based real estate company specializing in the creation and development of master-planned communities such as Ibis Golf & Country Club in West Palm Beach and commercial […]

May 4th, 2016 by Steve Hanley Babcock Ranch is a new community near the shores of the Coloosahatchie River east of Fort Meyers, Florida. It is being designed to be as sustainable as possible and to accommodate autonomous cars. In fact, the developer expects self driving cars to serve as the town’s public transportation system. […]

By Antonio Fins – Palm Beach Post Staff Writer May 11, 2016 An up-from-the-ground Florida town powered by solar energy. With self-driving transportation. And locally-grown food. Sounds like a Walt Disney community of tomorrow vision, but it’s really being built by a Palm Beach Gardens-based developer and the Sunshine State’s largest utility. Last month, Kitson & Partners and Florida Power & […]

April 22, 2016 Can you imagine catching a game of amateur baseball in the rural open fields of northern Lee County? The developer of the Babcock Ranch community and Perfect Game, an Iowa-based baseball training, scouting and tournament company that holds tournaments in Lee County, are exploring the idea of donating about 300 acres to the county for the development of […]

April 22, 2016 The transportation bill signed by Gov. Rick Scott earlier this month explicitly allows riderless cars to hit public roads for research. A new Florida law puts the state at the helm of researching what may be transportation’s most futuristic technology: self-driving cars. The transportation bill signed by Gov. Rick Scott earlier this […]

Beginning new era of smart growth? April 22, 2016 Kelsey Ramírez Everything is about to change for a small area in Southwest Florida as Kitson & Partnersunveiled today their development of the world’s first solar powered town. Babcock Ranch, when finished, is not only the nation’s largest development currently underway, but will also be the first […]

VIDEO Q&A Syd Kitson, Chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners and incoming Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, discusses his real estate company’s signature planned community, Babcock Ranch Florida Trend magazine has posted a video interview with Syd Kitson which was taped earlier this month. You can watch the video via this link: […]

The Babcock Ranch development will be primarily powered by a $300 million solar array   BY BARBARA ELDREDGE  APR 22, 2016, 9:23A Construction is kicking off on a development hoping to become America’s first solar-powered city. Located in southwestern Florida just 13 miles from Fort Myers, the under-construction Babcock Ranch development is slated to encompass […]

ADELE PETERS 04.22.16 11:30 AM This New Super-Sustainable Town Will Run On Solar Power And Use Driverless Cars For Public Transit (video) When a massive ranch in Florida went up for sale 10 years ago, on a piece of land five times the size of Manhattan, the owners had offers from buyers around the world. But […]

2:20 PM, Apr 22, 2016 2:44 PM, Apr 22, 2016 New solar-powered city close to opening (video) CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been ten years in the making, and now, Southwest Florida’s ‘City of the Future’ is becoming a reality. The plan to essentially build a self-sustainable city on vacant land on Babcock Ranch near Punta […]

By Harold Bubil Published: Friday, April 22, 2016 at 3:08 p.m. Last Modified: Friday, April 22, 2016 at 5:43 p.m. Syd Kitson says he knew his dream of a building a new city in rural Charlotte County could come true when he first saw the 91,000-acre Babcock Ranch in 2004. After generations of stewardship, the […]

April 22, 2016 WATCH: Babcock Ranch grand reveal (video) BABCOCK RANCH, Fla.- In less than a year, residents will be living in homes on Babcock Ranch, the world’s first solar powered town. “It feels awesome, I’ll probably buy the first home!” said developer Syd Kitson who adds this day has been 10 years in the making. Once completed, the ranch will have nearly […]

Posted: April 22, 2016 By Patricia Borns, The News-Press Syd Kitson unveiled his plans behind the city of Babcock Ranch in Lee and Charlotte County. The city will be powered by the sun making the first city in the world to get all it’s power from solar panels. (Andrew West/The News-Press) Eleven years after the […]

Posted: Apr 22, 2016 6:58 PM EDT Updated: Apr 22, 2016 7:00 PM EDT Construction begins on solar town of Babcock Ranch (video) It’s been almost a decade since the town of Babcock Ranch, stretching across the line of Lee and Charlotte counties, has been in the works. On Friday, the renderings for the 17,603 acres of […]

By TARA CALLIGAN • 4.23.2016 Developers Kitson and Partners unveiled Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County today. It will be the first town in the nation primarily powered by solar energy, along with a few other surprises. A decade in the making, Babcock Ranch plans to marry a small, hometown feel with modern technology.  Construction has begun on 1,100 […]

From Cape Coral Daily Breeze By VALARIE HARRING April 23, 2016 The crowd of 600-plus fit no ready demographic – big-money investors, farmers, ranchers, staunch environmentalists and government officials by the score – but they all came to Babcock Ranch Friday to celebrate Earth Day with a “grand reveal” of what developers promise will be […]

Babcock Ranch Grand Reveal Broadcast Coverage 4.25.16 Below and attached is a list of the broadcast hits from last week – it includes coverage regarding the potential sports complex as well as the Grand Reveal ceremony. These clips are organized by station and then earliest air date to latest.   A big thank you to […]

Discovery News ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCES APR 25, 2016 03:00 PM ET // BY TRACY STAEDTER In Florida a new development is on track to become the country’s most sustainable community. The Babcock Ranch, on the Gulf side of the state east of Punta Gorda will feature a huge solar farm and public transportation that comes in the form of […]

Andrea Stetson, Special to The News-Press April 25, 2016 When the Babcock Ranch community is built, it won’t just be designed for today, it will be designed for the future. It will also be designed green. That’s because the “green lady” is guiding the way for Southwest Florida’s biggest new development project. Jennifer Languell, of […]

Robert Trigaux,   Times Business Columnist, April 22,2016 A bold plan to build a new town in southwest Florida designed to run on solar power — sidelined by the recession a decade ago — hit the restart button Friday morning with a celebratory event announcing Babcock Ranch is back in business. Located between Fort Myers […]

RealtyBiz News April 26, 2016 A real estate development firm from Florida is hoping to create the world’s first town that runs completely on solar power.  Kitson & Partners said the development will,, once completed, become the world’s first solar-powered town. The development is already notable for being the largest that’s currently under construction in […]

April 27, 2016 Construction is bustling at Florida’s first ‘sustainable town’ With deep pockets and an environmentalist’s zeal, retired American football player Syd Kitson dreamed up a plan to build the United States’ first solar-powered town on a vast swath of rural land in southwest Florida. Now, nearly a decade after he first purchased the […]

Plans allow for a public school, a downtown area with shops and restaurants, hiking trails and lakes for kayaking  AFP PUNTA GORDA, UNITED STATES: With deep pockets and an environmentalist’s zeal, retired American football player Syd Kitson dreamed up a plan to build the United States’ first solar-powered town on a vast swath of rural […]

This solar town in Florida welcomes autonomous cars John Beltz Snyder April 28, 2016 Near Fort Meyers, Florida, just miles from the Gulf of Mexico, a new town is under development with the environment at the forefront. Bordering the 73,000-acre Babcock Ranch Preserve and the 75,000-acre Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area, the town of Babcock Ranch will be […]

By Justin Worland April 28, 2016 ‘Babcock Ranch will exemplify what it means to be a town of the future’ Babcock Ranch may look like the many of the other burgeoning housing developments in southwest Florida. Thousands of acres of land in the development will soon be transformed into homes and offices for a population that […]

Cape Coral Daily Breeze April 29, 2016 By CHUCK BALLARO If the environment is healthy, so are its people, meaning lots of money coming into Southwest Florida. That was the message as more than 200 business and community leaders gathered at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs on Thursday for the second annual […]

Business Observer May 3, 2016 Ten years after he engineered the blockbuster purchase of Babcock Ranch, Syd Kitson and more than 600 of his closest friends recently celebrated the start of the 19,500-home project on the county line Charlotte and Lee. “Can you believe it?” Kitson told the crowd, which gave him a rousing standing […]

Charlotte Sun on April 28th Charlotte County commissioners, staff and I attended the Babcock Ranch “grand reveal” Friday. Developer Syd Kitson made special mention of the hard work and cooperation between his company and county officials past and present, especially our Community Development Department. Commission Chairman Bill Truex addressed the gathering of more than 640 guests […]

By Joe Carmichael   May 6,2016 Syd Kitson is a Green Bay Packer turned Dallas Cowboy turned Florida real-estate investor and city planner. For the past ten years, his firm has been working on Babcock Ranch, a planned community of 19,500 homes that will be the first American town solely dependent on solar energy when […]

 Charlotte Sun – INK IN MY VEINS The right environment David Dunn Rankin The world’s first solar city is sprouting in southern Charlotte County just 15 minutes from downtown Fort Myers. Quiet electric autonomous cars will pick you up at your home, drive you to downtown Babcock Ranch for dinner and park themselves. Then when […]

DAVID CURRY   May 8, 2016 Babcock Ranch, located eight miles east of Fort Myers, Florida, is a new sustainable smart town currently in development. Kitson & Partners are in charge and earlier this week suggested that autonomous vehicles would be the main mode of public transport. Similar to NuTonomy’s plans in Singapore, Kitson & Partners wants to have […]

Lorraine Chow , May 8, 2016 “Less than a year from today, the first residents will be settling into a whole new way of life—one that is conscientious, engaging and connected,” said Syd Kitson, the CEO of the development company Kitson & Partners, who has been working on this ambitious plan since 2006. The project was approved as part […]

Charlotte Sun – editorial from 4/28 OUR VIEW New model for development The Next Big Thing was officially feted last week during a “Grand Reveal” ceremony for Babcock Ranch, billed as both the nation’s first “solar town” and the nation’s largest single development currently under construction. Babcock Ranch is a little smaller than the island of Manhattan, […]

 Submitted by: Chad Gillis – NEWS-PRESS.COM February 5, 2016 The town will consists of 19,500 homes, 6 million square feet of commercial space and public amenities, like hiking trails and restaurants Rendering of Downtown Babcock Ranch development(Photo: Submitted photo)  Charlotte County will soon be home to a town that is being billed as the most environmentally sensitive […]

Submitted by Penelope Overton – news-press.com April 20, 2016 Can you imagine catching a game of amateur baseball in the rural open fields of northern Lee County? The developer of the Babcock Ranch community and Perfect Game, an Iowa-based baseball training, scouting and tournament company that holds tournaments in Lee County, are exploring the idea of donating about 300 […]

By BRENDA BARBOSA  / Sun Correspondent February 5, 2016 CHARLOTTE COUNTY — In the 10 years since former NFL player-turned-developer Syd Kitson sealed the deal on a sweeping stretch of pristine land straddling Charlotte and Lee counties, he never wavered from his vision to create the community of Babcock Ranch, an innovative solar city where thousands […]

RELEASE DATE:  February 5, 2016 by Lisa Hall of  Hall Media Strategies Site preparation work is well underway as Kitson & Partners prepares for the formal launch of Southwest Florida’s long-awaited new town Punta Gorda, Fla. – Kitson & Partners has set Earth Day 2016 as the official birth date for the new town of Babcock Ranch […]

February 5, 2016 By Reporter Kristin Sanchez BABCOCK RANCH, Fla.- Plans to transform Babcock Ranch, located along State Road 31 in Charlotte County, into the world’s first solar-powered town are in the works. The vision is to create nearly 20,000 homes and 6 million square feet of commercial space that will be powered purely by the sun. “To be […]

Development work at Babcock Ranch near Fort Myers. The developer of the massive Babcock Ranch development in Lee County says the solar plant is under construction, roads are being built and the first residents should move in next year. Babcock Ranch is slated for 19,500 houses. Florida Power & Light is building a solar plant […]

BY EVAN WILLIAMS IF OTHER AMBITIOUS REAL ESTATE developers in Florida are shooting for the moon, Kitson & Partner’s Babcock Ranch is aiming for the sun: a utopic, future-minded town of 19,500 homes and 50,000 people built from scratch and powered entirely by solar energy, with six million-square feet of retail and schools and electric […]

Submitted By Caffrey & Associates Posted: Dec. 13, 2015 Developer Kitson & Partners’ reported year-to-date land sales worth $31.58 million and new construction contracts valued at $104.227 million have been processed at Talis Park through Nov. 30, a total of $135.807 million. November marked the completion of the Vyne House clubhouse and a nearly three-acre […]

Published at: 2016-01-08 15:40 | Author: CIJ Florida  Kitson & Partners has secured a 10-year, 62,500-square-foot lease for its second Orlando-area location of Floor & Decor at Gateway Plaza in Sanford. Located 20 miles north of downtown Orlando, Gateway Plaza is a 214,489-square-foot retail center whose other anchor tenants are Bed, Bath & Beyond, Michaels, […]

By: Jean Gruss | Editor/Lee-Collier January 01, 2016 Syd Kitson says the rebound in the population growth puts Babcock Ranch on the map for 2016. Kitson & Partners, developers of Babcock Ranch Why 2016 is important: Babcock Ranch could be the newest nexus of development on the Gulf Coast. One of the biggest land deals […]

Submitted By Caffrey & Associates Posted: Jan. 03, 2016 In 2015, Kitson & Partners continued to execute a development strategy that in three short years has established Talis Park in North Naples as a preferred destination for luxury homebuyers. Kitson’s strategy is based on the premise that design and choice matter. The efficacy of that […]

By Tony Doris – Palm Beach Post Staff Writer WEST PALM BEACH — Push a call button and the car shows up at your door in 40 seconds. No steering wheel. No gas or brake pedal. No driver. Door opens, you sit down. + A vision of self-driving cars in the 1940s   “Take me to […]

BY EVAN WILLIAMS SYD KITSON VANDY MAJOR / FLORIDA WEEKLY If other ambitious real estate developers in Florida are shooting for the moon, Kitson & Partner’s Babcock Ranch is aiming for the sun: a utopic, future-minded town of 19,500 homes and 50,000 people built from scratch and powered entirely by solar energy, with six million-square […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates  Jul 26, 2015  With the construction of Phase II of the New Fashioned Vyne House clubhouse on schedule for completion by Nov. 1, the penthouse-style Residences at Vyne House are generating strong interest among homebuyers at Talis Park in North Naples. The Residences at Vyne House presents the ultimate In […]

Submitted by Lennon Communications Jul 26, 2015 Clive Daniel Home has been selected to provide total interior designs for three models for Stellar Living Homes in the North Naples community of Talis Park. All three models will feature interiors designed by Rebekah Errett-Pikosky and Jean Losier. Located in the Prato neighborhood, an enclave of 24 […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Jul 19, 2015 Developer Kitson & Partners is expanding the choices available to luxury homebuyers within the Talis Park gated golf course community in North Naples. Kitson introduced The Coach Homes at Corsica, a new luxury coach home product to be built by FrontDoor Communities, a leading homebuilder and community […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Jul 5, 2015 Talis Park announced that Stellar Living Homes has started construction of furnished model residences in the North Naples community’s Prato and Brightling neighborhoods. Each residence will showcase interiors designed and executed by Clive Daniel Home’s Rebekah Errett-Pikosky and Jean Losier. Stellar Living’s Cipriani model is one of […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Jun 28, 2015 Ten furnished and unfurnished Resident Ready homes are available in Talis Park’s Brightling, Il Corso, Seneca and Prato neighborhoods. Talis Park’s Resident Ready Program is designed to meet homebuyer demand for completed or nearly completed residences. Homes at every stage of the construction continuum are available, including […]

pr@conricpr.com Jun 24, 2015 Van Emmerik Custom Homes, Inc. is pleased to announce it has completed construction of the largest residence in the prestigious luxury living community of Talis Park in Naples, featuring an extreme level of customization, exquisite materials and artisanal craftsmanship to bring the grateful homeowners’ vision to life. In partnership with architect […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Jun 7, 2015 After completing a record-setting 1.4-acre estate homesite sale for $2.15 million in its Firenze grand estate home neighborhood, and finalizing the sale of the 2015 Golf Dream House in its Prato estate neighborhood, Talis Park announced that four furnished estate Showcase model residences have been started or […]

By Phil Ammann – Jun 3, 2015 Commerce named developer Sydney Kitson as Southwest Florida Regional Board chair.Kitson, who is CEO of private real estate development firm Kitson & Partners, will serve a one-year term as one of 12 individuals in the Regional Chair Program. “As an active business leader in the Southwest Florida region, I am […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates  May 31, 2015 Developer Kitson & Partners announced Phase II of the Vyne House Clubhouse, a new Sports Complex, and a south entry gate at Talis Park in North Naples are all on schedule for completion this fall. Kitson also announced the extension of Talis Park Drive, the community’s primary […]

By Laura Kinsler | Tribune Staff Published: May 22, 2015 NEW PORT RICHEY — Pasco commissioners reluctantly agreed to spend another $261,500 to extend the contract of the Washington, D.C., consulting firm assisting with the permit application for the Ridge Road Extension. Commissioners last year hired Dawson & Associates at a cost of $512,000 to […]

Submitted by Distinctive Properties May 17, 2015  Il Corso, the Watercourse neighborhood being developed within the resort-style community of Talis Park, has exceeded the 35 percent sold mark. According to Rod Soars, Watercourse’s sales manager, 11 of the neighborhood’s 30 detached luxury villas have been purchased. Watercourse consists of one- and two-story villa homes all […]

FGCU forum foresees building boom in Charlotte. By GARY ROBERTS –   STAFF WRITER May 16, 2015 FORT MYERS — A home-building explosion is about to ignite in Charlotte County, real estate experts said Friday at a “Future of Development” conference on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus.    Rick Dalton, executive vice president for KB […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates May 10, 2015 Talis Park, a gated golf course community being developed by Kitson & Partners in North Naples, processed 16 closed builder and end-user lot transactions, furnished model sales, and new home construction contracts worth $11.4 million in April. The April sales activity capped a four-month period in which […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates May 3, 2015   As Talis Park’s diverse array of single-family neighborhoods continue to generate record-setting sales and new construction activity, an increasing number of luxury homebuyers are choosing to enjoy the convenience, freedom, and simplicity of the carefree, maintenance-free lifestyle available in the North Naples community’s Carrara and Residences […]

DAN DELUCA, DDELUCA@NEWS-PRESS.COM May 1, 2015 By every measurable indicator, Charlotte County’s economy is on the upswing. Real estate? In the fourth quarter of 2014, the county had the state’s largest increase by percentage in single-home sales with 1,057 homes sold, a 25 percent rise from the previous quarter. Business growth? So far in 2015, […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Apr 27, 2015 Harbourside Custom Homes is poised to begin construction of its furnished Aviano model residence in Corsica, a new neighborhood within Talis Pthe award-winning gated golf course community in North Naples. Developer Kitson & Partners recently expanded the community’s single-family home site offering by releasing 12 of the […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Apr 19, 2015 Developer Kitson & Partners announced that purchasers of the penthouse style Residences at Vyne House to be built at Talis Park have the opportunity to select one of three interior design styles created by Lori Fountain, IDS of F.T. Design Inc. in Sarasota. The Residences at Vyne […]

Submitted by Gulfshore Homes Apr 19, 2015 Gulfshore Homes’ President Steven Watt announced they have selected and are working with Naples-based Garden Bleu to design the outdoor features and home landscaping plan for the Cielo model in the Seneca neighborhood of Talis Park in Naples. Garden Bleu President Edward Westwood and team designer Lin Lin, […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Apr 12, 2015 Talis Park, a gated golf course community being developed by Kitson & Partners in North Naples, reported processing 19 closed builder and end-user lot transactions, furnished model sales, and new home construction contracts worth $20.7 million in March. The transactions processed in March included a 1.4-acre estate […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Apr 5, 2015 Furnished models, by Fox Custom Builders and Gulfshore Homes under construction in Talis Park’s Seneca neighborhood, are on schedule for completion in May. Wrapped by the vistas of Talis Park’s golf course, Seneca’s 43 north and south facing lakefront homesites feature water and double or triple fairway […]

April 02, 2015 Brian Bandell Senior Reporter- South Florida Business Journal   Chicago-based Fat Papa’s, which specializes in hot dogs and Italian sausage, announced plans to open restaurants in Fort Lauderdale and Manalapan. Crossman and Co.’s Kim and John Fitzgerald  represented landlord Kitson & Partners in both deals. It owns both Galt Ocean Marketplace in […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Mar 29, 2015 Vogue Interiors announced designers Leslie Gebert, Allied Member, ASID, and Sheila Corasaniti, IDS, have completed an interior that exudes both sophisticated elegance and luxurious comfort for Harbourside Custom Homes’ Villa San Remo furnished model in Seneca at Talis Park. The interior design takes full advantage of the […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Mar 29, 2015 Talis Park, a gated golf course community being developed in North Naples by Kitson & Partners, offers the possibility of living in a parklike setting surrounded by gently undulating terrain, nature preserves and lakes, or in a maintenance-free environment within walking distance of the community’s amenity core. […]

By: Clay Cone Posted 3/21/15 Borelli Homes has broken ground on the first private residence in Firenze at Talis Park. The two-story residence, designed by Stofft Cooney Architects of Naples, will feature a coastal West Indies style. The home will offer nearly 10,500 square feet of air-conditioned living space and 14,600 total square feet with […]

By Laura Kinsler | Tribune Staff   Published: March 20, 2015 TRINITY — The development team from Kitson & Partners met with dozens of Trinity residents this week in an effort to assuage their concerns that a new shopping center and housing development on Mitchell Ranch would add to traffic and flooding problems in surrounding neighborhoods. […]

By ADAM KREGER    STAFF WRITER – Sun Herald CHARLOTTE — County officials have indicated they’ll soon sign off on an economic development incentive for Florida Power & Light, as the company could begin construction later this year on a massive solar farm in the Babcock Ranch area.    The incentive essentially would give FPL […]

Submitted Mar 15, 2015 York to host show, attendees welcomed Jim York, a local Realtor, is hosting a new real estate show that started in February. The show is every Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. through the end of the year. There will be a new guest who specializes in a relevant topic each […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Mar 15, 2015 Talis Park, a gated golf course community being developed by Kitson & Partners in North Naples, reported processing 18 closed builder and end-user lot transactions, furnished model sales, and new home construction contracts worth $19,492,766 in February. New homebuyer traffic continued to be up over 250 percent […]

Submitted by Gulfshore Homes Mar 15, 2015   Gulfshore Homes’ President Steven Watt selected Naples-based Pacifica Interior Design to design and furnish the Dorado, a new luxury custom model in the Prato neighborhood at Talis Park. Lusia “Lou” Shafran, principal designer and CEO of Pacifica Interior Design, will implement the interior design and furnishings for […]

By: Gulfshore Homes March 04, 2015 Gulfshore Homes’ president, Steven Watt announced that plans are finalized for a new luxury custom model, the Dorado in the Prato neighborhood of Talis Park in Naples. Designed by Stofft Cooney Architects, it is spacious at 6,336 square feet of air-conditioned living. The Dorado model includes four bedrooms, one […]

Special to The News-Press February 28, 2015         Haven’t been to Lee County’s Telegraph Creek Preserve in a while? Well when you do, you’ll notice a change. The public now has an additional way to access the preserve with the opening of a new public entrance. This Conservation 2020 preserve’s amenities include equestrian trails, hiking […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Feb 22, 2015   McGarvey Custom Homes has started construction of its 6,820-square-foot under air, two-story Astaire furnished estate model in Talis Park’s Prato neighborhood. With graceful estate homesites overlooking the Sea Dwarf Paspalum fairways of Talis Park Golf Club’s 14th and 15th holes, lakes, preserves and citrus orchards, the […]

Submitted by Weber Design Group Feb 22, 2015   Van Emmerik Custom Homes has completed construction of the largest home within Talis Park’s exclusive Prato estate neighborhood. With architecture and planning by Weber Design Group and interiors by Design West, this impressive residence is situated on an acre lot and offers some of the most […]

Construction begins on final retail component by Tiffany Razzano Tuesday February 19, 2015 Kitson executives who came out for the Feb. 19 groundbreaking include Tom Hoban, Al Dougherty, Gary Nelson, Tim Johnson, Matt Buehler and Ginny Feiner. Robert Bandes and Mike Hoovey from Bandes Construction Co., Inc. also attended. SEMINOLE – Kitson & Partners broke […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Feb 8, 2015 Harbourside Custom Homes’ furnished Villa San Remo model is now open for viewing and purchase in Talis Park’s Seneca neighborhood. Seneca is an enclave of 43 luxury residences offering Talis Park’s “In the Park” living experience. Wrapped by the vistas of Talis Park’s golf course, Seneca’s north […]

SEMINOLE February 19, 2015 Residents here can look forward to having the city’s first Jimmy Johns and Starbucks across from the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, according to Kitson & Partners. Kitson, based in Palm Beach Gardens, bought the 60 acres across from the medical center in 2010. Thus far, the property, which once […]

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Feb 1, 2015 The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes, has approved developer Kitson & Partners’ Residences at Vyne House project application and that purchase agreements are now being accepted for 14 luxury condominium residences adjacent to Talis Park’s Vyne House […]

 Submitted by Caffrey & Associates Feb 15, 2015 After reporting 95 closed homesite sales and 51 new construction contracts worth $102 million processed in 2014, the sales and new construction momentum at Talis Park has carried into the new year. The gated golf course community being developed by Kitson & Partners processed seven closed builder […]

By: Lisa Hall February 19, 2015                           Kitson & Partners to construct final retail component of the mixed-use infill development in Pinellas County Palm Beach Gardens – Palm Beach Gardens based developer Kitson & Partners today broke ground on the final retail component of the company’s large-scale mixed-use development project in Pinellas County, Florida.  The 9,110 sf […]

By Laura Kinsler | Tribune Staff TRINITY — West Pasco soon could get an outdoor shopping mall to rival The Shops at Wiregrass. Kitson & Partners this week unveiled a site plan for 330 acres of Mitchell Ranch at the southwest corner of State Road 54 and Little Road, giving Trinity area shoppers a hint […]

By Susan Salisbury Palm Beach Post Staff Writer – The planned Babcock Ranch development in Southwest Florida has taken a big step forward with an agreement that calls for Florida Power & Light Co. to be the sole provider of its electric service. Since 2006 Palm Beach Gardens-based Kitson & Partners, headed by Syd Kitson, has […]

By Josh Salman – Thursday, October 23, 2014   CHARLOTTE COUNTY – The developers of Babcock Ranch have reached a settlement with two utility providers, lifting one of the last roadblocks to breaking ground on the massive development. The settlement allows Florida Power & Light to serve the new city, which its developers still plan on […]

By Topher Forhecz  / WGCU  A Florida real estate developer is one step closer to creating a sustainable town after settling a dispute with energy companies over land. Developer Syd Kitson said he plans to build a solar-powered town on Babcock Ranch in Lee and Charlotte Counties. Kitson announced plans for his solar-powered town in 2009. […]

SMART GRID A Site Selection Web Exclusive, January 2015 Back at the Ranch A new town is about to pop up in southwestern Florida, and energy innovation is at its heart. The dream that is Babcock Ranch is inching closer to reality, thanks to a new utility agreement making FPL the sole power provider. All […]

Andrea Stetson, Special to the News-Press 12:08 a.m. EST January 25, 2015 John Hillman, head of sales and marketing for Talis Park, points out the new amenities planned for the clubhouse expansion.( Photo by Andrea Stetson/Special to The News-Press)  There’s no economic downturn at Talis Park, which had more than $100 million in sales in […]

TRINITY – The 330 acres in Pasco County owned by the Mitchell family has remained a ranch for generations even as the area around it developed. But now plans are in the works for an outdoor shopping center, movie theater and a community with 800 homes. It’s known as Mitchell 54 West. “I think it’s […]

PARRISH — Florida Power & Light plans to triple its current solar capacity — adding nearly 225 megawatts of new solar power — and Parrish is one of three sites central to the plans. FPL released details about its plans to build substantially more solar energy capacity. Before the end of 2016, FPL plans to […]

The owners of the Babcock Ranch development will give up their dream of operating an electric utility on their planned “city of tomorrow.” Instead, Florida Power & Light will provide the electricity to the 18,000-acre residential/commercial project on the eastern borders of Lee and Charlotte counties. In exchange for $11.3 million the Lee County Electric […]

JUNO BEACH, Fla., Oct. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), Babcock Ranch Community Independent Special District (ISD) and Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) today announced a settlement agreement that addresses the parties’ outstanding issues and provides a path forward for Babcock Ranch development. Part of the settlement includes Babcock Ranch ISD […]

TRINITY — A sprawling residential and commercial development on State Road 54 is more than a year from breaking ground, but the developer is releasing some details about the project, including a walkable courtyard rimmed by shops and restaurants. Kitson & Partners, out of Palm Beach Gardens, said it envisions “a unique lifestyle destination” combining […]

CHARLOTTE COUNTY – For nearly a decade, Syd Kitson has touted plans for a first-of-its-kind city powered solely by energy from the sun. Now, the real estate developer and former NFL offensive lineman says that for his ambitious vision to become a reality, he must be allowed to set up his own power utility at his […]

Re: “Solar power too costly for taxpayers,” A. John Birkle, July 17. It goes without saying that Mr. Birkle’s strong opinion about the cost of solar energy and about Babcock Ranch trying to maintain its right to run its own electric utility was shaped from a career spent in the fossil fuel based utility industry. […]

Syd Kitson says he needs to set up his own electric utility on the sprawling Babcock Ranch to build his solar-powered city of tomorrow. But the Lee County Electric Cooperative and its allies counter that Kitson’s dream would be bad policy and potentially bad for consumers— disrupting the long-term plans of existing utilities. At the request […]