A growing community in Abaco has created at least 35 new jobs through the establishment of new businesses ahead of the peak boating season.

 Schooner Bay, which includes a large protected harbor, recently opened its gas dock and will open a general store in the coming days. Meanwhile, a $2 million bed and breakfast is slated to break ground this summer.

 "That is a significant building," said James Malcolm, head of marketing and sales for Schooner Bay. "It is a couple million dollars to build and includes seven rooms. It is a four-star property on the harborfront."

 Guardian Business understands that the primary investor behind the bed and breakfast is a Bahamian homeowner at Schooner.

 The eventual opening of the hotel will serve as yet another amenity for the community.

Blackfly Lodge, a multimillion-dollar attraction, recently opened up at the mouth of the harbor and reports strong occupancy throughout the summer.

A restaurant, Cabana Beach Club, organic farm, conch shack, housekeeping services and the Schooner Bay Institute are other buildings and services now online at Schooner, all of which have created in excess of 35 jobs.

Combined with the growing commerce, of course, is residential construction.

 By the end of the year, Schooner expects to have dozens of completed homes. The development has launched a formal rental service for existing houses.

 "Between now and the middle of August, I have 200 cottage nights on the books. The vacation side has come to life. People are here and spending money," Malcolm said.

Schooner is also working on landscaping through the development and will plant 100 coconut trees this week through the village.

In the coming months, the community hopes to cash in on boat traffic coming through Abaco now that it has an active gas dock and general store. A fishing tournament is scheduled for next week and the harbor receives a steady flow of vessels.

Malcolm noted how jobs at Schooner are increasingly moving beyond construction and becoming "diversified". The 35 employment opportunities at Schooner could easily double by this time next year as more business come online and people discover the community.

"We are seeing economic activity. Having this general flow of boat traffic is great. Boaters can buy fuel and do a little shopping. Every Saturday we have a harbor hour, where people can take photos with their fish and have a few drinks and eat conch salad. It has really developed a sense of place."

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian