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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2024
CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500
What’s New from Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches
and Neighborhoods
Spring training, shell festivals, shrimp festival, accommodations reopen
LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – Planning an upcoming visit to our islands, beaches and neighborhoods? Be sure to check out the new 2024 Visitor Guide for everything you need to make unforgettable vacation memories. tinyurl.com/VisitorGuide2024
Don’t miss this month!
Spring training continues with the Boston Red Sox through March 24 and the Minnesota Twins through March 26. Whether it’s your first game or you’re a seasoned fan, there’s nothing like being outside enjoying beautiful weather and feeling the excitement of a day at the ballpark.
Boston Red Sox
Through March 24
mlb.com/redsox/schedule/2024-02
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins
Through March 26
mlb.com/twins/schedule/2024-02
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
See you at the midway for fun and entertainment through March 10
In addition to rides, games, livestock, food and just plain fun, you won’t want to miss the exciting lineup of entertainment at the Southwest Florida Ag Expo running through March 10. It all takes place at the Lee County Civic Center Complex in North Fort Myers.
The Ben Allen Band, a country group from Southwest Florida and sixth-place finisher on NBC’s “The Voice,” along with Sheena Brook, a national recording artist from Season 12 of “The Voice,” are just two of the top headliners that will perform at the Ag Expo. For complete details of the shows and entertainers visit swflagexpo.com
Ag Expo entertainment lineup:
• Ben Allen Band, 7-10 p.m. March 1
• Pure Country of SWFL, 7-10 p.m. March 2
• Almost There, 4-5:30 p.m. March 3
• The Freecoasters, noon-3 p.m. March 3
• Swipe Right, 7-10 p.m. March 3
• Deb & the Dynamics, 5-8 p.m. March 4
• Sheena Brook, 7:30-9 p.m. March 5
• Renegade, 5-7 p.m. March 5; 5-5:45 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. March 6; 5-7 p.m. March 7
• The Del Prados, 3:30-5 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. March 6
• Unforgiven Band, 8-10 p.m. March 8
• Mariachi Guadalupano SWFL, 1-3 p.m. March 10
The Marshall Tucker Band at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
The 2024 Rockin’ on the River Concert Series continues with The Marshall Tucker Band taking the stage at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers on March 26. Fans can expect to hear the band’s arena-rock smash hits, including “Can’t You See” and “Heard It in a Love Song,” that continue to resonate with fans of all ages. They will be joined by The Georgia Thunderbolts, considered to be the rising stars of Southern rock. Check caloosasoundamp.com for info and tickets.
Mark your calendar for these special events
88th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March 7-9
Community House
Sanibel Shell Show, Fort Myers
March 8-9
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort
Fort Myers Beach annual Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival
March 9-10
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers
March 12-16
Plan ahead
Catch the Silver King: Tarpon Tournaments
It happened in Tarpon Bay on March 19, 1885, and Southwest Florida was changed forever.
A mighty silver-sided tarpon was captured on a rod and reel for the first time on record. Southwest Florida became the epicenter of a new sport that generated interest around the globe. Celebrities and presidents were lured (no pun intended) to the area to catch the silver king. As a result, the area became a major tourist destination. Anglers still come in search of the silver king of gamefish beginning each April. This year, three tarpon tournaments (catch and release) take place in May. Check each website for details on participation and sponsorships.
12th Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island
May 10
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the location of the first recorded tarpon caught on rod and reel in 1885. To celebrate the historical moment and Southwest Florida’s history of fishing, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society & Doc Ford’s began the “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament. All of the support raised from sponsors goes directly into the vital work at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
South Seas Tarpon Tournament, Captiva Island
May 17
South Seas is hosting its first South Seas Tarpon Tournament, partnering with Folds of Honor. The non-profit organization provides life-changing scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled military and first responders.
World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande
May 22-23
Lee County boasts one of the most tarpon-frenzied bodies of water in the world: namely Boca Grande Pass. The area’s oldest Tarpon tournament, it focuses on conservation, education and sportsmanship, working on projects that teach future generations to protect and love nature.
Accommodations news
South Seas, Captiva Island
Visit southseas.com for reservations. Resort amenities that are open include Sunset Beach, Yacht Harbour Marina, trolley service and Bayview pool complex with more scheduled for spring and fall openings.
Fins Up! Beach Club opens at Margaritaville Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach
Resort guests and day pass holders enjoy the amenities of this action-packed aquatic playground situated on the Gulf of Mexico and Matanzas Bay.
Sanibel Moorings Resort reopens
The Sanibel Island resort has reopened half of its one- two- and three-bedroom condo suites on the Gulf of Mexico. Each unit includes a living room, dining area, full kitchen and a large, private screened lanai. sanibelmoorings.com
DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower shops in Fort Myers
The 224-room hotel opened with major renovations to the hotel’s lobby, 6,196 square feet of meeting space. Shoeless Joe’s Sports Cafe and deck are being completed. The hotel features refreshed guest rooms, a fitness center and a heated outdoor tropical pool. hilton.com/en/hotels/fmybtdt-doubletree-fort-myers-at-bell-tower-shops
Attractions news and more
Sun Saver Passport: Dine, Play, Shop, Sip
This popular, digital savings pass provides instant access to a variety of deals and experiences from area attractions, restaurants and more across four categories: Dine, Play, Shop and Sip. Sign-up is simple and free. Passports are instantly delivered to phones via text and email. And there is an option for users to save the pass on their home screen for one-tap access. Sign up now to start saving. visitfortmyers.com/sun-saver-passport
Cape Coral Quest 2.0: Win prizes and explore
Start exploring with the latest pass to earn discounts and rewards in Cape Coral. Known for its unique shopping opportunities, restaurants, and more than 400 miles of canal waterways, the area is full of vibrant culture. Each participating location has a four-digit code somewhere on the property. Answer 20 riddles to be entered to win the grand prize: a two-night stay at The Westin Cape Coral with daily breakfast. Enter all 30 codes and you’ll earn a 2024 Sunsplash Season Pass! Get your pass, check out details and tips at visitfortmyers.com/cape-coral-quest and start participating on any mobile device.
Wonder Gardens offers walks, animal encounters
Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs is offering several new tours and activities that provide additional insight into the history, animals, plant connections and more at the historic attraction.
Wild Wonders Animal Encounters and guided walks are offered at an additional charge to regular admission. Weekly Habitat Chats are free for visitors.
Through these firsthand experiences, the attraction hopes to deepen understanding of the way animals, plants and people relate with experiences that offer information and insight beyond self-guided tours. These experiences include Wonder Walk Guided tours, Mindfulness Walks and Wild Wonder Animal Encounters that allow guests to meet and feed the sulcata tortoise, the third largest tortoise species in the world, and rainbow and coconut lorikeets.
Calusa Blueway speaker series, North Fort Myers
The Calusa Blueway is one of the natural treasures of our area. Learn more about the 190-mile, marked paddling trail with a series of free Blueway-related programs set for 6:30 p.m. on March 12 and 26 at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center. For directions and topics: visitfortmyers.com/event/calusa-blueway-speaker-series/5470. Trail information is at calusablueway.com
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New air service at RSW
Silver Airways Key West (EYW)-weekly, starting April 18
Frontier Airlines Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)-weekly, starting April 22, San Juan, PR (SJU)-weekly, starting June 2
For more information, visit flyrsw.com
Restaurants/dining news
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs has opened the newly renovated and reimaged, Tanglewood-A Southern Kitchen. Innovative dishes include entrees such as the soft-shell crab po boy, “surf & swine” seared scallops with candied pork belly, a bayou etouffee and chicken and waffles and alligator jambalaya. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-regency-coconut-point-resort-and-spa/naprn/dining
It’s open! Rooftop at Riverside has opened its much-anticipated food truck park in downtown Bonita Springs. With a two-story bar, unique Southwest Florida dining, the new venue is situated between historic landmarks, public parks and the Imperial River. eatdrinkparadise.com
Grandma Dot’s on Sanibel Island has reopened and is service lunch and dinner daily. sanibelmarina.com
In the news
Travel + Leisure calls Bonita Springs an undiscovered gem in Florida and says visitors “can expect uncrowded beaches, beautiful golf courses and quirky roadside attractions.”
travelandleisure.com/bonita-springs-florida-8426663
Forbes highlights Sanibel Island as "the seashell capital of the world," emphasizing its 15 miles of beaches with bike paths and diverse wildlife refuges. http://tinyurl.com/forbes-sanibel
The Boston Globe includes what to expect during a visit and the recent openings including Margaritaville Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach and the reopening of Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina and more. “Fort Myers, post-hurricane: What can visitors expect?”
Matador Network writes about “The Best Things To Do in Fort Myers, Plus Where To Eat and Stay.” Highlights: guided boat tours to Cayo Costa State Park, an exploration of J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a guided kayak tour at Lovers Key State Park and Nautical Tiki Tours, dining and island gems.
Annual festivals and events
"Ding" Darling Lecture Series, Sanibel Island
March 7, 14 and 21
dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/lecture-series
Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Stroll, Sanibel Island
Lighthouse Beach
March 10
With a marine biologist from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium shellmuseum.org/sunrise-stroll
Bonita Springs National Art Festival
March 2-3
artcenterbonita.org/artfest
25th Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March 2
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
88th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March 7-9
Community House
sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/87th-annual-sanibel-shell-festival/2024-03-08
Sanibel Shell Show, Fort Myers
March 8-9
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort
sanibelshellclub.com/6306-2
Fort Myers Beach annual Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival
March 9-10
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Through March 10
Lee County Civic Center Complex
swflagexpo.com
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers
March 12-16
echonet.org/events/global-food-and-towardwardl
Calusa Blueway speaker series, North Fort Myers
March 12 and March 26 at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center
visitfortmyers.com/event/calusa-blueway-speaker-series/5470
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium lecture series, Sanibel Island
March 20, April 11 at Sanibel Community House
ShellMuseum.org/in-person-lectures
Sounds of Jazz & Blues, Cape Coral
March 23
Coral Oaks Golf Course
capeconcerts.com
Sounds of the Sand, Bell Tower, Fort Myers
March 23-23
To support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge education efforts
dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/sounds-of-the-sand
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
Through March 26
mlb.com/redsox/schedule/2024-02
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins
Through March 26
mlb.com/twins/schedule/2024-02
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
Concert in the Park, Cape Coral
April 4
Four Freedoms Park
capeconcerts.com
Clyde and Niki Butcher photography presentation
April 4
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
clydebutcher.com
35th Annual “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival
April 20
dingdarlingday.com
Culture Fest, Cape Coral
April 27
Cultural Park
capeculturefest.com
12th Annual “Ding” Darling and Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament
May 10
dingdarlingtarpontourney.com
South Seas Tarpon Tournament, Captiva Island
May 17
World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande
May 22-23
14th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival
May 22-26
fortmyersfilmfestival.com
Fringe Fort Myers
June 6-9
artinlee.org/experience/fringe
National Seashell Day
June 21
visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day
Red, White & BOOM! In Cape Coral
July 4
capeboom.com
MangoMania
July TBA
Pine Island
pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Sept. 20-29
island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com
FITMIX FEST, downtown Fort Myers
Sept. 27-29
fitmixfest.com
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge “Art in the Wild”
Oct. 19
dingartinthewild.com
Cape Coral Oktoberfest
October TBA
capecoraloktoberfest.com
Sanibel Island Writers Conference
November TBA
fgcu.edu/siwc
Holiday Luminary and kick-off to Sanibel Island 50th anniversary
Dec. 6-7
Sanibel and Captiva islands
13-month celebration of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary.
sanibel-island.sanibel-captiva.org
40th Annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
January 2025
capecoralartfestival.com
Bacon Jam
January 2025
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
bscevent.com/bacon-jam-fort-myers
34th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
January 2025
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net
ArtFest Fort Myers, Downtown River District
Feb. 1-2
Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
February 2025
23rd Annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
Wildlife and Environmental Expo
February 2025
Rotary Park
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, North Fort Myers, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres. For more information, go to visitfortmyers.com
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