By ELIZABETH BEHRMAN | Tribune staff Published: March 13, 2013 Updated: March 13, 2013 - 6:00 AM

To Mark Newkirk, the Davis Islands business district is a land of untapped opportunity.

The two-block stretch of Davis Boulevard is home to restaurants, a gift shop, a pet boutique, a dry cleaner, a cigar shop and other businesses.

"There's so much that the island has to offer," said Newkirk, owner of Fountain Square restaurant -- a little something for everyone, even.

There is just one problem: "People have no idea," he said.

There are at least 100 shops and offices on Davis Islands, although neither the Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce nor the city of Tampa knows exactly how many.

The business district's restaurants are popular lunch spots for professionals from downtown and Tampa General Hospital, which is at the north end of the community. According to recent census data, Davis Islands is home to about 5,000 residents.

But people who don't live on the islands don't realize all the opportunities the islands provide, Newkirk said. With more marketing and networking, business owners could grow the district into a popular family destination, he said.

For some business owners, the district lacks variety.

Business is good for Liz Wessel, owner of Serendipity Accents and Gifts, which has been on Davis Islands for 20 years. But most of her customers live on the islands, and her shop is one of the only retailers in the neighborhood.

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Business owners believe Davis Islands could be a destination