Charlotte County Industrial Development Drives Growth

December 9th, 2025

Charlotte County industrial development reached an exciting milestone with the groundbreaking of Duffie North, a new 10-acre, two-building industrial project at the Punta Gorda Airport Commerce Center. The development, led by the Shriteh Family in partnership with GCM Contracting Solutions, will deliver more than 100,000 square feet of modern warehouse and flex space,supporting the county’s growing workforce and expanding industrial economy.

The groundbreaking brought together local leaders, business partners, and community members. Beyond celebrating construction, the event highlighted the Shriteh Family’s deep connection to Charlotte County through a generous $30,000 charitable donation to Awaken Outreach Center and Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity.

Charlotte County industrial development at Punta Gorda Airport

Duffie North is strategically positioned inside the Punta Gorda Airport Commerce Center,one of the region’s most in-demand hubs for industrial development. As companies expand operations throughout Southwest Florida, they increasingly seek high-clearance warehouse space close to workforce, logistics infrastructure, and reliable transportation.

The two buildings,each roughly 54,000 square feet,will offer flexible, customizable layouts for logistics, manufacturing, distribution, and aviation-support industries. A centralized truck court allows efficient circulation for modern logistics operations, and the grey-shell design lets tenants build out the exact space they need.

According to project partners, Duffie North will support 200+ new jobs upon buildout, strengthening Charlotte County’s long-term economic base. For residents, that means more opportunities for career growth close to home.

Why Charlotte County industrial development is accelerating

Charlotte County’s strategic location is one of the biggest drivers of industrial demand. Businesses operating here can access Tampa Bay, Fort Myers–Naples, and Orlando within practical drive times, making Punta Gorda a uniquely efficient distribution point. The Airport Commerce Center’s proximity to I-75 and PGD’s expanding aviation activity further enhances connectivity for regional and national logistics operations.

Equally important is the county’s approach to smart, well-planned growth. Industrial projects are intentionally concentrated in zones,such as Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park and the Airport Commerce Center,where infrastructure, zoning, and transportation are already aligned for industrial use. This strategy protects residential areas while giving employers a clear, streamlined path for expansion.

As Director Kay Tracy noted during the program, projects like Duffie North strengthen the county’s long-term tax base, supporting schools, public safety, emergency services, and quality-of-life investments that benefit all residents.

People-centered progress: Jobs and community impact

Charlotte County industrial development isn’t just about buildings,it’s about people. As Duffie North attracts employers to the area, residents will see new roles in operations, maintenance, logistics, administration, and management. These jobs create upward mobility and help retain local talent, especially graduates from regional training programs and technical schools.

Equally noteworthy is the project’s philanthropic spirit. The Shriteh Family’s $30,000 contribution to local nonprofits reinforces their commitment to strengthening families and expanding access to essential services in the community they’ve called home for more than 25 years.

What Duffie North means for Charlotte County’s future

Duffie North represents more than a construction project,it signals that Charlotte County industrial development is entering a new era of growth, collaboration, and opportunity. With modern industrial space, efficient logistics access, and a skilled workforce pipeline, the county is becoming one of Southwest Florida’s most competitive locations for emerging and established industries.

The Shriteh Family, GCM Contracting Solutions, Charlotte County leadership, and Punta Gorda Airport have collectively set the stage for long-term industrial success. As demand continues to rise, projects like Duffie North position Charlotte County to attract high-value employers, support quality job creation, and strengthen the community for decades to come.