Pete Williamson

Now Williamson, 26, has opened his own dive shop, Capt. Pete's Discount Scuba, at 714 Pine Island Road near Nicholas Parkway.

The 1,200-square-foot store provides scuba instruction, equipment, travel and service.He also has plans to open a "super-store" at 4391 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, by early next year.

"It's always been my dream to work in the industry," Williamson said."And the only way to be in charge of my destiny is to be an owner."

Williamson opened the dive shop in June, but has been working at other dive shops in the area.He grew up in Lee County and has an associate degree in English from Edison Community College and was attending classes at Florida Gulf Coast University when he got an offer to manage a dive shop.

"I got the offer and I took it," Williamson said."It was sort of a natural progression for me and to work in the area where I grew up."

Williamson is a member of the National Association of Underwater Instructors and has a U.S. Coast Guard master's license.

"I have dove in 20 different countries and have thousands of dives under my belt," Williamson said.He also writes columns for trade publications.

He is assisted by Chris Eck, 18, who is a master scuba diver working toward becoming an instructor.Eck has worked with Williamson for 21/2 years.
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"We do more travel than any other dive shop in the area," Williamson said.

There are plans for upcoming dive trips to the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Keys.

Beginning and advanced certification classes are available for those 12 and older as well as specialized classes in NAUI nitrox certification, cave and cavern, advanced rescue and master diving.Check out dives are performed in Pompano Beach.

"I like to keep my customers diving and that's what it's all about," Williamson said.

Rental equipment, gear service and air fills are available for certified divers.

"I want this to be the premier dive shop in Lee County," Williamson said.