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People and Projects
Making Its Mark
EarthMark is building a luxury resort where tomato fields once stood in Ruskin.
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Until just a few years ago, 8,600-population Ruskin, 17 miles south of Tampa, was surrounded by tomato fields. Now, EarthMark Cos. has its sights set on turning the small town into a resort destination.
The Fort Myers developer hopes to capitalize on Ruskin’s natural setting, deep-water access to Tampa Bay, canals and marina facilities to create Little Harbor, aimed at second-home buyers and retirees.
“We are creating a new seaside village with a casual, Caribbean atmosphere and a rich selection of amenities,” says Tom Tosi, EarthMark’s Tampa Bay operations president. The project, which is under construction, is EarthMark’s biggest.
When completed in 2016, Little Harbor will have nearly 1,900 residences, two hotels, a village center and one of Tampa Bay’s largest marina operations. The 250-acre development will include a half-mile of beach, three miles of waterfront and an 80-acre natural preserve.
Home prices will range from the $200,000s to $3 million.
Harborside Inn, a 158-unit condo/hotel is scheduled for completion this month, following the renovation and condo/hotel conversion of The Resort and Club at Little Harbor, a 94-unit property.
On the residential side, Harbor Point Townhomes’ first phase of 154 units will be finished this summer.
