Lee commercial building rises

FORT MYERS — The value of commercial-building permits pulled in Lee County rose in May compared with the same month a year ago.

Builders pulled commercial permits valued at $5.4 million in Lee County in May compared with $1 million in May 2011, according to the Lee County Community Development Department.

Builders also pulled building permits for 16 multifamily units in Lee County in May, compared with just two permits in the same month one year ago.

Meanwhile, residential building permits slowed last month. Homebuilders pulled 45 permits to build single-family homes in Lee County in May, a 13% drop from the 52 permits they pulled the same month a year ago.