New development activity reflects Sembler’s longstanding focus on bringing essential retail to growing communities
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – For more than six decades, The Sembler Company has developed retail destinations designed around convenience, quality, and the needs of the communities they serve. In 2026, the St. Petersburg-based, family-owned commercial real estate company is continuing that legacy with an active development pipeline across some of Florida’s fastest-growing markets.
From breaking ground on new developments to securing industry-leading anchors such as Publix, Home Depot and Target, and advancing projects that will bring healthcare providers like Lee Health closer to the communities they serve, Sembler’s current activity reflects the company’s longstanding approach: identifying where growth is happening and delivering the retail, services and everyday conveniences residents need.
“Development has always been about more than building shopping centers for us. It’s about understanding where communities are headed, listening to what they need as they grow, and building spaces that strengthen the neighborhoods our projects serve” said Josh Beyer, Senior Vice President of Development. “The projects we are advancing today reflect the same thoughtful, market-driven approach that has guided Sembler for more than 60 years.”
Among Sembler’s active projects is West Port Marketplace in Port Charlotte, a Publix-anchored neighborhood shopping center that began construction in June. Positioned to serve the rapidly growing West Port community, the project is planned for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2027.
At Wellen Park in Venice, Sembler recently signed a lease with Publix to anchor Willowbrook Center, a new retail destination developed in partnership with Wellen Park and planned in the heart of one of the nation’s top-selling master-planned communities. The project will bring grocery, retail and additional services to the growing community and surrounding region.
Sembler is also advancing Calesa Market District, a planned grocery-anchored development in Ocala. Located in one of the area’s fastest-growing residential corridors, the project is surrounded by significant new housing development and expanding master-planned communities.
The company’s pipeline also includes Gateway Marketplacee and Creekside Marketplace in Fort Myers. Together, the projects represent nearly 500,000 square feet of planned retail, grocery, home improvement, medical office, restaurants and everyday services along the growing Daniels Parkway corridor.
Sembler has completed more than 160+ developments totaling over 30 million square feet throughout its history. Today, the company continues to leverage its experience across development and redevelopment, acquisition, leasing and property management to identify opportunities in growing markets.
“Florida continues to experience meaningful growth, but every community is different,” said Sean Davis, Chief Operating Officer, “Our team’s experience allows us to understand each market and develop projects that make sense for the community, our retail partners and the long-term success of the property.”
As Sembler continues to advance its development pipeline, the company remains focused on the fundamentals that have shaped its business since 1962: relationships, market knowledge and creating retail destinations built to serve communities for the long term.
About The Sembler Company
Founded in 1962, The Sembler Company is a family-owned and -operated retail real estate company that offers a full roster of services including development and redevelopment, acquisition, leasing and property management. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., the company has completed more than 350 developments totaling over 30 million square feet. For more information visit sembler.com.
