Bradenton’s Historic Pelot’s Pharmacy, Established 130 Years Ago, Now on the Market

Punta Gorda

Potential future owner of Tampa Bay Rays buys SWFL land

Recent developments suggest that the Tampa Bay Rays may potentially be entering a new era, as Patrick Zalupski, the owner of Dream Finders Homes, ventures into land acquisition in Punta Gorda. While the Rays are unlikely to build a new stadium here, Zalupski’s company has finalized the purchase of several vacant lots on Turnleaf Boulevard for $2.06 million. This area falls within Turnleaf, a 426-acre master-planned community currently being developed near Burnt Store Road, just off Interstate 75 and U.S. 41. Dream Finders is tasked with constructing approximately 1,735 homes in this new community. Zalupski is reportedly in the process of acquiring the Rays, a team valued at around $1.7 billion. Dream Finders, founded by Zalupski, operates across 220 communities in 10 states, boasting over 38,000 homes sold since its inception. In 2024, the company reported closing on 8,583 homes with a pre-tax income of $438 million. With control over nearly 55,000 lots, Zalupski’s estimated net worth stands at $1.4 billion according to Forbes.

Fort Myers

Radio station owner renovates studios

In Fort Myers, iHeartMedia has successfully renovated its studios in the Commonwealth Building on College Parkway. Vantage Construction Services completed the 3,722-square-foot project, referred to as the “studios of the future,” tailored for remote broadcasting. Enhanced features include soundproof doors, soundproof ceilings, and a layout with optimal acoustics. This updated hub will serve as a local broadcast center for iHeartMedia, which owns over 870 stations across 60 markets, including popular channels in Fort Myers like 105.5 The Beat and 95.3 The Beach.

Tampa

Prominent Lakeland commercial real estate firm grows

Saunders Real Estate, a well-known Lakeland-based commercial real estate firm, is expanding its operations into Tampa with a new office located on Westshore Boulevard specializing in a variety of property transactions. Managed by Matt Christian, the office will handle industrial, office, retail, agricultural, and more. The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for land investment and commercial leasing in Florida’s rapidly developing market. The company, which has seen substantial growth and partnered with SVN International before becoming independent, traces its origins back to Dean Saunders, who founded it in 1986.

Storage facility near port sells for $37.8 million

A notable transaction in East Tampa involves a 32-acre industrial outdoor storage facility at 1650 Hemlock St., which sold for $37.8 million to Chicago-based Green Courte Partners. The site is adjacent to Port Tampa Bay. Previously owned by Hendry Marine Industries, Inc., which purchased it in 2005 for $4 million, a portion of the facility will still be leased back to Hendry and fellow tenant Moran Environmental Recovery. Green Courte plans to redevelop 16 acres of the site for new industrial storage purposes.

Bradenton

Nearly century-old Manatee property up for sale

For sale is a historic building in Bradenton that houses Pelot’s Rexall Pharmacy, a business with a 130-year legacy. The property, located at 831 Manatee Ave. E., is up for sale by owner Philip Farley for $3 million, though it’s being redeveloped. The three-story building features multiple storefronts and attached parking. Although the Pelots do not own the property, the pharmacy remains in operation under Robert Pelot, who acquired it from his father. The building, nearly a century old, suffered substantial hurricane damage last year.

Across the region

$230 million financing package includes local properties

In a broader financial development, a $230 million recapitalization of a multifamily apartment portfolio, which includes properties in Port Richey, Fort Myers, and Brandon, is underway. This financing supported a revaluation process for the six-property portfolio, which totals 1,600 units owned by Slate Asset Management and ZMR Capital. Key partners include Newmark Group, who facilitated senior financing of $169 million through Fannie Mae.

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Key Information

• Punta Gorda: Patrick Zalupski’s Dream Finders Homes acquires SWFL land for $2.06 million.
• Fort Myers: iHeartMedia renovations completed for new Fort Myers studios.
• Tampa: Saunders Real Estate expands into Tampa, opening a new office on Westshore Boulevard.
• Bradenton: Historic Pelot’s Rexall Pharmacy building up for sale at $3 million.
• Regional News: $230 million financing for multifamily portfolio including local properties.