NORTH NAPLES — Since she was a little girl, Pippa Steinhart has loved target sports.
"As a kid, I used to go to sleep-away camp and some of my favorite activities that I would always sign up for first were riflery and archery," she recalled. "I've always liked target anything."
It's that enthusiasm that's behind her plan to open an indoor gun range in an industrial zone off Mercantile Avenue, near Livingston Road. She's worked on the project for three years and expects to open by March.
Meanwhile, another Naples resident is gunning to open an indoor range off Vanderbilt Beach Road, near Airport-Pulling Road next to Agave Southwestern Grill, by August. His would be much larger — a two-story building with 25 shooting lanes.
Steinhart's range, with eight lanes, will be targeted more toward women, she said.
"A monopoly is not necessarily a good thing. Choices are good," said Steinhart, 59, who moved to Naples in 2008. "There is room for both of us. We are going to be very different."
Both ranges will include retail stores and shooting simulators.
Now, the closest indoor range is in Fort Myers. There are a few outdoor ranges in Collier County, but public use is limited.
Steinhart, a former nurse, has leaned on a friend, an avid marksman, to guide her through the process of opening her range.
"I retired two years ago from health-care," she said. "I find that retirement is not as much fun as it's cracked up to be. I've always worked and I'm comfortable with management. I have been in management for the majority of my career years anyway."
Her range will span 5,600 square feet and include a classroom for teaching all levels of shooters.
She hoped to open the range by Christmas of this year.
The hangup has been permitting, she said. She bought the building in June for $489,000 and got a partial permit a few weeks ago that allowed her contractor to start retrofitting the building, formerly the home of a high-end European kitchen showroom.
Her business, at 4651 Mercantile Ave., is called Naples Gun Range & Emporium LLC. She has two silent partners.
Fast facts
Rob Marcum, an owner of Lotus Gunworks LLC, will call his range The Alamo. It will be his third. He has one in Stuart on Florida's east coast and another in Louisville, Ky.
Rob Marcum, an owner of Lotus Gunworks LLC, will call his range The Alamo. It will be his third. He has one in Stuart on Florida's east coast and another in Louisville, Ky.
"We have been quite successful," he said.
The range in Naples will be his largest at 26,000 square feet. That will include 6,000 square feet of retail, a VIP area for club members and conference rooms for meetings and other events.
"We hope to forge relationships with law enforcement, with security officers," Marcum said. "We would be reaching out to all of them and offering them special discounts to do their training there."
Everyone he's talked to about his plan has been overwhelmingly supportive, he said.
"I think people understand what a nice job we are doing on our building," said Marcum, who is in his 60s. "Our building is over the top. It's as nice as any building in that area. It will not be a seedy gun store."
On the first floor, the range will have 19 handgun lanes with competition targets. There will be six rifle lanes on the second story.
He expects the range to help surrounding businesses.
In Stuart, he bought a shopping center anchored by a West Marine store and that store's business has increased 42 percent since the gun range opened there, he said.
He purchased the land for his newest range for nearly $786,800 in September. The land is 0.26 acres at 2390 Vanderbilt Beach Road. The zoning allows the use, but plans for the new building are still under review by county staff and Marcum awaits a permit to start construction.
"It's a multimillion-dollar investment to build one of these," he said.
Fast facts
There are several indoor ranges in Lee County including Fowler Firearms & Gun Range and Shoot Straight. The Lee Sheriff's Office also operates one that's open to the public.The Collier County Sheriff's Office has an outdoor range, off 70th Avenue N.E. in Golden Gate Estates. It's used for training, but it's open to the public at times.
Marcum has a background in manufacturing. In 2008, he sold a family manufacturing business, TopWorx, headquartered in Kentucky. But he has no interest in retirement.
Like Steinhart, he sees room for two indoor gun ranges in Collier County.
"It's great that she's there and the combination of us having 33 lanes I think that it will make Naples more of a destination to get involved in the shooting sports," Marcum said.
There are several indoor ranges in Lee County including Fowler Firearms & Gun Range and Shoot Straight. The Lee Sheriff's Office also operates one that's open to the public.The Collier County Sheriff's Office has an outdoor range, off 70th Avenue N.E. in Golden Gate Estates. It's used for training, but it's open to the public at times.
"People are interested in it," said Michelle Batten, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office. "People keep checking our website to see when it's open."
In 2010, the county staff received a request for a meeting about the possibility of opening another outdoor range off 70th Avenue N.E., but that meeting was canceled on Jan. 18, 2011, and there has been no further activity since, said Margie Hapke, a county government spokeswoman.
Other outdoor ranges in Collier are for gun club members only.
"We try not to compete against anybody. We are just trying to stay the way we are," said Lou Zalesnak, owner of the private LouLand Gun Club in Port of the Islands between Naples and Everglades City. "Members come out with handguns and rifles. It's kind of like a sport. It's like golfing."
Mike Christoff, a former Marco Island police officer who once operated a mobile indoor gun range in Collier County, said only time will tell if there's enough demand to support two new ranges. He was forced to close his range, called Mobile Tactics, last year after a fire sparked in his trailer. There was so much damage he doesn't know whether he will ever reopen, especially now with competition heating up.
His trailer mostly stayed parked and he did most of his business at 470 Commercial Blvd.
"If there's more places to enjoy the sport, then maybe more and more people will actually be involved," he said. "Only the market will dictate whether it will allow for two. We will see."
2013 Winged Foot nominees
Color Collier Healthy Run 2013
Missing Persons in Collier
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 110
Hollywoody writes:
Awesome! Im there!
glennhamilton writes:
I can't wait!! I've thought to myself since 2006, there has to be a demand for an indoor or outdoor shooting range. Firearms are very popular in Florida and new places to shoot that are customer friendly and priced reasonable will be a winner!!!
Some intelligent sw Fl residents have thought this through and I hope this will make business sense to them.
ChuckMarshall writes:
Both of these new indoor Collier gun ranges will get plenty of customers.
Aqua writes:
I have been waiting for the right circumstances to learn to use a handgun. This sounds promising.
Dbess writes:
Can't wait and hope it's affordable because Punta Gorda is a long drive!
Exposer writes:
Maybe some enterprising entrepreneur will create a Cowboy and Indians range or a Bonnie & Clyde range where gun owners can practice their skills? That could almost be as much fun as recreating Civil War battles hoping for a different result.
Then there is the matter of style. Gun owners could wear their six shooters on their hips and strut like John Wayne. That would really be "sexy". The opportunities are limitless for those with the right aspirations.
Spock_is_logical writes:
It would be even better if they brought in live armadillos for moving target practice.
CooperLover writes:
Can you get a brain transplant there?
Been_around writes:
So sorry that you are so down on new business development in Naples...
Also....the people involved with these projects and the people who will be using the facilities are the type of people YOU don't want to associate with. They are NOT members of the 'sheeple' of these great United States....They are members of the 'PEOPLE' of these great United States that don't look to the government to run their life and tell them what to do and how to behave. They know their rights and they will stick up for them until you pry their gun from their 'cold stiff hand'.......
LONG LIVE THE U. S. A. ....... NOT THE U. S. S. A. ........
Been_around writes:
Well.....how about bringing in some of the 'SHEEPLE' for tartget practice....then they could practice 'RUNNING' from our government when the government is enforcing marshall law....and shooting anyone who resists.....
Exposer writes:
Who said anything about being against new business in Naples? And who is against associating with people with weapon mindsets? Heck, the number of snowbirds alone proves that is not an impediment.
It would appear that your patriotic zeal has clouded your vision of the premises and situation. Maybe if you took a trip to Gettysburg and reconnoitered the terrain there it would give you a better perspective? Don't forget to take your guns though.
Been_around writes:
No....but you could get a frontal lobotomy if you would please move just a bit down range.....
Been_around writes:
Your tongue-in-cheek comment speaks volumes....don't try to disguise it.....you now are in a catch-22.....as my comment about you being against business development was tounge-in-cheek too.....To bad that all of these people are adding to the millions and millions and millions of legal gun usages that will never be front page news and sensationalized by the liberal media......
naplesnative73 writes:
The last thing I want to do is bring the horrible tragic in our conversation but maybe it is the best idea. If there are few of "six shooter" strut like John Wayne around at Va school that day, those innocent childrens may still alive today.
Exposer writes:
Oh my, the conspiracy you describe is foreboding and to a degree an explanation of what is transpiring. As far as the tongue and cheek is concerned, all I can say is open wide and say AHHH.
Exposer writes:
Then too, if they had changed the name of your Va school to Dodge City or Tombstone, that might have made a difference also.
TSOL writes:
Awesome news, I currently either have to drive all the way up to Ft. Myers to shoot at Fowler, I like the range & the guys there just a very LOOOOONG drive to shoot for an hour or I have to drive down to Pt. of the Islands also about 45 min.
All you loony libs who are upset about 2 new gun ranges opening up in Naples here's a suggestion for you DON'T GO to them and we'll stay out of you tofu hot spots, free housing give away's and Obama phone sign ups Okay? However should you decide to go I think you will be very disappointed as you will have to loose your stereotype of gun owners you will find that the VAST majority of us aren't toothless, uneducated, hillbillies. Heck some of you Libs may actually enjoy shooting if you ever tried it.
Been_around writes:
Yes....can't you read it now......
EXTRA.....EXTRA.....THIS WEEKEND OVER 200 LEGITIMATE CITIZENS OF THESE GREAT UNITED STATES (AND LEGAL GUN OWNERS) GATHERED IN A TRADITIONAL SHOOT-OFF TO RAISE MONEY FOR A CHARITY OF THEIR CHOICE.....AMAZINGLY, 10,000 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION WERE FIRED AT TARGETS CONSISTING OF PICTURES OF VARIOUS CELEBRITIES THAT ARE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE SOCIALIZATION OF THESE GREAT UNITED STATES....AND NOT ONE PERSON WAS KILLED.....IT IS UTTERLY AMAZING FOLKS HOW THESE LEGAL USES OF GUNS ARE SHOWING THE WORLD THAT THE CRAZY, MANIACAL, ISOLATED INSTANCES OF GUN MISUSE FOR SHOOTING PEOPLE ARE JUST THAT.....CRAZY, MANIACAL, ISOLATED INSTANCES AND THAT THE PEOPLE THAT PERPETRATE SUCH INSTANCES, IN FACT, ARE THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES FOR THESE ACTS AND NOT THE GUNS NOR THE TYPE OF GUN THAT WAS USED.
Wow....that makes so much sense.....but then again, it does not lend itself to being front page news because it is normal....and any legislation against a normal act is legislation for the minority.....
Exposer writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
citizenH writes:
This IS great news.... and I suggest all you avid gun fans take your guns and you all have a shoot out at each other!
Str8shooter writes:
Collier County Has needed a decent gun range since the Sports Park range was closed, These new ranges will be good for handgun shooting but a rifle and shotgun range would be a great addition. Too bad the County is not interested in building one at Pepper Ranch in Immokalee. The area could use the extra traffic and possible business. DamYankee & Agua, check out the folks I did my NRA training with. They are local and very thorough: www.swflpersonalprotection.com
just_makin_it writes:
Great news! I just invested in my first handgun an was worried about places to practice! I'll be customer number one!
theataman writes:
"He who warned, uh, the British that they weren't gonna be takin' away our arms, uh, by ringing those bells, and um, makin' sure as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free, and we were going to be armed." --Sarah Palin
naplesnative73 writes:
That is even a better idea, if it was Dodge City or Tombstone Shool. All those childrens are still alive today. I don't know about you or any one, my wife, my childrens and my family are the most important part of my life, I will do any thing,repeat "ANY THING" to protect and keep them to see their next birthday party. Can you say the same?
CooperLover writes:
I take it you have a very small gun!
Exposer writes:
Well, Dodge City and Tombstone may have had a good marshal. Did anyone ever get shot in those towns? As far as next birthdays are concerned, I have better ideas about a gift for them besides making the house a fortress or arming them all for contingencies. No plans to build a bomb shelter in the backyard either.
beerbong writes:
Read the article,there are at least two indoor ranges in Lee County. And none of it is affordable ammo has gone out of sight. Several years ago I would go shooting and shoot at least 1,000 rounds, no way I can do that now. Hope they do not force you to buy the ammo from them. Just charge for the range time. Because they double the price of the ammo. At one time I was using what is called cow boy ammo for practice. They are light loads but the are fine for practice. And were 2 to 3 dollars per box of 50 cheaper than standard loads. And a lot cheaper than protection loads. Hope they all are successful.
beerbong writes:
Exposer: you are a bit off subject, nothing was said about Dodge City or Tombstone or schools.
Exposer writes:
No, your comprehension skills are just a bit dull. Attention deficit is an awful thing.
citizenH writes:
Shoot 'em up - Bang Bang - what a blast you will have!
Yahoos running wild.... what could be more fun?
Diamond87 writes:
Exposer, you are cracking me up! Great posts, very humorous.
Guns won't protect anyone from a government takeover. That's a small minded excuse for someone who simply doesn't want their rights taken away. I can understand people not wanting rights taken away. I was never fascinated with guns though. I would rather have a flame thrower or a rocket launcher. A tank would be pretty fun. Hand grenades are cool. I'd really like to have a light saber! That would come in real handy trimming hedges.
gwterry1 writes:
SWEET!! Can't wait.
beerbong writes:
The article was about business opening up. And I try to not make things personal. Grow up.
Diamond87 writes:
naplesnative73 writes:
in response to Exposer:
Then too, if they had changed the name of your Va school to Dodge City or Tombstone, that might have made a difference also.
That is even a better idea, if it was Dodge City or Tombstone Shool. All those childrens are still alive today. I don't know about you or any one, my wife, my childrens and my family are the most important part of my life, I will do any thing,repeat "ANY THING" to protect and keep them to see their next birthday party. Can you say the same?
...
You would do anything? Would you put years of learning and training martial arts to protect your family? I'm pretty sure you wouldn't. I'm pretty sure that if someone invaded your home with the addresses of your relatives in hand you would put your gun down. You're a fool. Do you and your family sleep with bullet proof vests on? Does your house have a security system? We get it, you love your family and hate the thought of them being harmed. Do your family a favor and get yourself a can of tear gas so you don't kill anyone. I'm sure they'd like you to be at home for the birthday parties.
GadsdenGirl writes:
This will be awesome!! The 20+ mile drive to Port of the Isles is a pain in the butt. I'll be able to practice much more often with a range in such close proximity to home. Great news!!!
puckdog writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
cutthecrap writes:
What a great idea! More guns and shooting! Pretty soon we'll have our very own elementary school masacre! Yessiree, just keep promoting these healthy, productive hobbies folks.
erock writes:
This is great news. I hope they both promote the shooting sports and educate people on responsible gun ownership. The more responsible gun owners we have, the better off we are.
elf writes:
I would think everyone would agree it is great to have a place where legal gun owners can learn to use their weapons correctly and accurately. I know I would rather practice here in Naples then have to drive the 40 miles to Ft Myers every couple weeks and spend my money up there. The guns are here to stay whether folks like it or not and since they are, it is better law abiding citizens have the proper training with them. The criminals will always have guns. Felons aren't allowed to purchase guns but always seem to have them. If I'm attacked, I will have a fighting chance. I am female, a hunter and a vet and have been trained with weapons, but with out places to practice we all loose. I was military before being military was considered cool and I will still protect those needing protection. The range will just help me be proficient if I ever need to use my weapons.
badgerfan writes:
LETS SEE............We learned cigarettes caused cancer so we had a program against the ills of smoking....we have laws against drunk driving...BUT...with guns and the knowledge that homes that have guns are more likely to have a death by guns we think it's a great idea!
Intelligent civilized nations like Great Britain, japan, Australia, Germany, France etc look at us like we are mentally deranged...
THIS MAKES NO SENSE......none.........
ZeroTolerance writes:
The Best News of the Year! Awesome!
Whine Liberals Whine!
Exposer writes:
And the response was to comments made related to the story. You seem to have missed that part, but that is not surprising. That is especially the case when the exchanges don't meet with your approval. Wake up!
NeezDutz writes:
Since guns are still allowed to be owned by regular citizens, i would think you would be in favor of the legal owners educating themselves on how to handle a firearm. instead of the first being an intruder
malcolmlandry writes:
All of this legal use of firearms is not only making the liberals unhappy. Pretty soon your average african thug will be afraid to pull a gun on the average taxpayer. That is just racist no matter how you look at it.
SteveHart writes:
Guns exist for one purpose and one purpose only: to kill. To embrace guns is to enable more death and destruction.
Exposer writes:
A trained law officer might be a better option. I don't have a problem training gun users anymore than driver education. Indeed that is mandated now as it should be. Intruders are difficult to anticipate and the related potential for accidental gun usage isn't the same as repairing your car after an accident.
Jimmying writes:
Oh no, not another one.
Exposer writes:
Don't forget to wear your KKK costume or Colonial attire with the leggings when you buy your membership. That should get you a discount.
Jimmying writes:
You guys are living in some kind of imaginary world with your fear of the government. You ARE the government. There is not going to be any kind of uprising unless you make it happen. So please don't. I want to live in a safe community. I don't want to be afraid to walk my dog past your house at night because you threatened to shoot any dog that goes on your lawn. You are the problem. Not the government.
Exposer writes:
Amen.
Want to participate in the conversation? Become a subscriber today. Subscribers can read and comment on any story, anytime. Non-subscribers will only be able to view comments on select stories.