Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association

09/01/2026

Construction Fraud Assistance Available at CDBIA’s “Show Me the License” Trade Show
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — Homeowners who are still dealing with the consequences of hiring an unlicensed construction company or who have paid for construction work that has not been completed will have an opportunity to get help at the upcoming CDBIA Show Me the License Home Building and Remodeling Trade Show.

The event will take place September 25–26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds and is free and open to the public.

If you have given money to a construction company and the work was never completed, or if permits were pulled but the project was left unfinished, experts will be available to help you understand what steps may need to be taken to seek recourse.

Representatives from several agencies will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance, including:
• State Attorney’s Office, 20th Judicial Circuit
• Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
• Charlotte County Community Development
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• Florida Department of Financial Services

The CDBIA encourages homeowners who may be experiencing issues related to construction fraud, unlicensed contractors or unfinished projects to attend this free event and take advantage of the resources available.

“This is an opportunity for homeowners to get answers directly from the agencies and professionals who can help them understand their options,” said CDBIA representatives. “We want homeowners to know they do not have to navigate these situations alone.”

The Show Me the License Home Building and Remodeling Trade Show also promotes the importance of hiring properly licensed and qualified contractors and educating consumers about protecting themselves when undertaking a construction or remodeling project.

The event is free and open to anyone.

Click here for more information Construction Fraud Assistance at Show Me The License Trade Show

08/31/2026

LOOK WHO’S IN THE SHOW!

We’re excited to welcome Integrity Electric to the 2026 Show Me the License Home Building & Remodeling Show!

Thank you, Integrity Electric of Charlotte County for supporting this year’s show we’re excited to have you be part of what’s shaping up to be our BEST SHOW YET!

September 25–26, 2026
10 AM–4 PM
Charlotte County Fairgrounds
2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

08/28/2026

Last Friday of the month and we join forces to work with Charlotte County Community Development

Building Industry Oversight Committee (BIOC) is a monthly meeting of construction industry leaders with vital government entities that help homeowners build the American dream so they can enjoy their slice of paradise.

This is a monthly meeting that helps keep the building industry, community development with planning & zoning, permitting and inspecting and utilities communicating to keep the flow of new construction as smooth as it can be, especially through these volatile times. This meeting is chaired by CDBIA President Shan Swelland, Swelland’s construction services.

Today we discussed scrub jays and the Habitat Conservation Plan unique to Charlotte County, permitting, hurricane repairs and unlicensed activity.

CCU mentioned they will be sending notices for unpaid water bills. There is assistance with a hardship program available by calling Charlotte County Human Services. If you are interested in supporting this fund, you can contact CCU to help assist some of the families that may need a handup.

The BIOC meeting helps us have conversations to make sure we are able work together for those who want to build and rebuild.

08/28/2026

This week we had the pleasure of visiting VaVia Dumpster Rental Sarasota , where we met franchise owners Sonja and Aaron Dickey. Since opening in March 2026, ViVia has become a familiar sight on job sites throughout our community.

VaVia offers 10 and 20 yard dumpster rentals for everything from new home construction and remodeling projects to roofing jobs, demolition, restoration work, and residential cleanouts. Whether you’re a contractor managing a busy job site or a homeowner tackling a garage, attic, or estate cleanout, VaVia has a dependable solution to help keep your project on track.

Sonja shared why their trucks are brown, they intentionally chose brown instead of bright colors because they blend in better on construction sites and give a cleaner, more professional appearance. It’s a small detail, but it reflects the thought and care they put into every aspect of their business.

When Sonja was asked what sets VaVia apart, the answer was simple… exceptional customer service. Their focus on dependable communication, quick turnaround times, attention to detail, and clean, professional equipment has helped them build strong relationships with customers from day one.

VaVia is also giving back to the community as the Presenting Sponsor of the German American Social Club of Sarasota’s Oktoberfest Picnic on October 25. If you’re looking for a fun local event, be sure to check out the event link in the comments!

Thank you, Sonja and Aaron, for taking the time to share your story and for the warm welcome. We’re excited to have VaVia Dumpster Rental Sarasota as part of the CDBIA family and look forward to watching your business continue to grow!

08/28/2026

LOOK WHO’S IN THE SHOW!

We’re excited to welcome GJC Window and Door to the 2026 Show Me the License Home Building & Remodeling Show!

Thank you, GJC Window & Door for supporting this year’s show we’re excited to have you be part of what’s shaping up to be our BEST SHOW YET!

September 25–26, 2026
10 AM–4 PM
Charlotte County Fairgrounds
2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

08/26/2026

CDBIA Leaders started their morning at the AC Freeman House to help move some furniture.

These are some of the little steps needed for the great leaps and bounds many have made and inch us closer to the opening day for the Freeman House.

Thank you Thornberry Custom Builders, Inc, Swelland’s construction services , Boyette and Miller Construction & Dev., Inc , LTD Contracting LLC , Kuykendall Roofing, Inc. , Just Counters & other stuff , Florida Engineering , Z Interior Decorations and our CDBIA Leadership for all their support for this project!

08/23/2026

08/21/2026

LOOK WHO’S IN THE SHOW!

We’re excited to welcome Birch's Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. to the 2026 Show Me the License Home Building & Remodeling Show!

Thank you, Birch's Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.
for supporting this year’s show we’re excited to have you be part of what’s shaping up to be our BEST SHOW YET!

September 25–26, 2026
10 AM–4 PM
Charlotte County Fairgrounds
2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

08/21/2026

Dorina Drops In… IVA Environmental Services

This week Dorina had the opportunity to stop by IVA Environmental Services to learn more about the company and the important work they do across Florida.

For more than 20 years, IVA Environmental Services has been helping homeowners, developers, municipalities, and government agencies navigate environmental regulations while protecting Florida’s unique wildlife and natural resources. From environmental assessments and permitting to wetlands, protected species, and ecological consulting, their team works to identify challenges early so projects can move forward with confidence.

One thing thats especially interesting is that environmental consulting isn’t just about relocating a gopher tortoise. Every property presents its own unique environmental considerations, and IVA looks at the entire project to provide practical solutions while remaining committed to conservation.

When they were asked what surprises people most about their industry, they explained that their team is made up of passionate conservationists who believe responsible growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Their goal is to help clients develop projects the right way while protecting Florida’s incredible natural resources.

The staff spokesperson shared that while excavating tortoise burrows, the team unexpectedly encountered several diamondback rattlesnakes. One ecologist laughed and said, “That’s the first and the last time I ever want to touch a diamondback!”

They also shared that one of the greatest benefits of being a CDBIA member has been the relationships they’ve built. The association has given them a true sense of community and the opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about helping our region grow responsibly.

Thank you, IVA for taking the time to share you story. It was a pleasure learning about your team and the valuable work you’re doing to protect Florida while helping our communities continue to grow.

08/21/2026

We are live!

Let's chat about building in Charlotte County.

Tune in this morning to the CDBIA Building Industry Hour with Ken Lovejoy on 1580am from 7:30am-8:30am for the CDBIA Building Industry Hour.

Today's guest is Ben Bailey, Charlotte County Director of Community Development and Building Official.

We will chat about the building industry, planning and zoning and updates on hurricane-related damage.

Call in with questions or comments at 941-206-1580.

If you're outside the listening area, go to your iheart app or www.iheartradio.com and search for "WCCF News talk Radio"

About Ben Bailey
Ben Bailey currently serves as the Community Development Director for Charlotte County which oversees all aspects land development within the County. Before becoming the Director, Ben served as Charlotte County’s Building Official for five years where he managing the permitting and contractor licensing divisions. Before coming to Charlotte County, Ben served as the Deputy Building Official for the City of Fort Myers managing their permitting and inspections division. Born and raised in Southeast Michigan, Ben pursued the study of architecture at Malone University and ITT Tech before starting his construction company in 1995.
Since then he’s accumulated over 30 years in the construction industry which has led him to successful careers in both the private and public sectors. Ben holds seventeen certifications and licenses for building code enforcement and currently serves as a State Director for the Building Official Association of Florida (BOAF) as well as Chapter Director of the Gulf Coast Building Officials Association of Florida. Ben has been recognized for his service within the industry by being awarded the Gulf Coast Building Official of the Year in 2014 while working with the City of Fort Myers and awarded again in 2018 with Charlotte County and is a 2025 graduate of Leadership Charlotte.

Ben has been a resident of Charlotte County for 20 years where he enjoys the spending time with his family, kayaking, traveling and mentoring his three teenage daughters.