FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2024 CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500
What’s New from Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods Island Hopper headliners announced, National Seashell Day and Juneteenth Celebration
LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – With special events, reopenings of favorite restaurants and attractions, new openings and more, this summer is packed with fun. For vacation planning to our islands, beaches and neighborhoods, check out the 2024 Visitor Guide for everything you need to assist in making vacation memories. tinyurl.com/VisitorGuide2024
Plan ahead Scotty McCreery to headline 10th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, recently named one of the Top 5 music fests by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, celebrates its 10-year anniversary with 10 days of outstanding performances, Sept. 20-29.
This year’s headliner is BMI singer-songwriter Scotty McCreery, whose hit song, “Cab in a Solo,” currently tops the country radio singles chart, according to Mediabase. On Sept. 29, McCreery will wrap up Island Hopper with a pool party performance at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.
In addition, Island Hopper also welcomes five-time Grammy nominee and BMI singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele. On Sept. 26, Steele will join the Gulf Coast Symphony in a live performance at the Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers.
Island Hopper gives fans the opportunity to see singer-songwriters perform in smaller venues with a tropical setting as the backdrop. Catch a live Island Hopper performance at these four locations around the Fort Myers area:
- Captiva Island, Sept. 20-22
- Cape Coral, Sept. 23-24
- Downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 25-26
- Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 27-29
While most Island Hopper performances are free, the McCreery and Steele performances, along with a few experiences, will be ticketed. Look for these events to go on sale this month. For the full lineup and ticket information, visit IslandHopperFest.com or download the Island Hopper app.
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is presented by BMI, iHeart Radio’s Cat Country 107.1, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. Follow the festival hashtag #islandhopperfest as well as Instagram and Facebook.
Happening this month Juneteenth Community Celebration, June 15, in Fort Myers The Lee County Black History Society, Dunbar Festival Committee and the African Coalition of Southwest Florida are partnering to host the 12th Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration at Roberto Clemente Park on June 15. The free festival recognizes African American celebration marking the end of slavery in the U.S. The family-oriented event focuses on community and includes stage performances, music, arts and crafts, food and refreshments.
Juneteenth, which has been celebrated since the late 1800s, was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. The holiday is generally observed on or around June 19, the day that slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned that they had been freed, more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. leecountyblackhistorysociety.org/events
National Seashell Day, June 20 Our visitors know the joy of searching through seashells to find that perfect lightning whelk or alphabet cone. These natural treasures are a part of the seashells that wash onto our shores every day of the year.
With nearly 50 miles of beaches and over 400 species of seashells that often cover the white sands, there’s no other place quite like Fort Myers for shell hunting. People come from all over the world to search for unbroken seashells on our shores. In fact, Sanibel Island is known as the “Seashell Capital of the World” because of its unique east-west orientation that brings countless seashells in pristine condition to its white-sand beaches. visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day
Sea turtle nesting season runs through Oct. 31 Sea turtle nesting season is underway and runs through Oct. 31. And like our visitors, who return year after year to enjoy our beautiful beaches, the loggerheads return to the same beach time after time to deposit their eggs. For more information about sea turtle nesting season and how you can help, contact the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) sccf.org/what-we-do/protect-wildlife/sea-turtle-program or Turtle Time, Inc. at turtletime.org
Tips to protect our wildlife Shield your lighting so that it is not visible from the beach. Sea turtles go toward the light instead of heading for the water.
When enjoying our beaches, take a bag and remove any litter that you may find on your walk. Balloons, plastic bags, foam and other non-degradable pollutants can cause the deaths of sea turtles if mistaken for food. Enjoy your fun at the beach but be sure to fill any holes when you leave.
Observe a nesting sea turtle from a distance. Don’t shine lights on or around her or she may abandon her effort to nest. Forgo taking photos or using smartphones and stay far away where she cannot see you as she crawls back to the water.
Accommodations news ’Tween Waters to host music-filled weekend The 6th annual Captivaville, a music-filled weekend with six singer/songwriters, is set for June 14-16 at ’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island. Book accommodations (the event is free for guests) now and join Sheena Brook, Brian Sutherland, Dean Alexander, Emma Zink, Megan Linville, Danny Myrick, Kristin Forbes, Katie Lyon and Claire Liparulo for the weekend. tween-waters.com/captivaville
Take a Culinary Journey with Chef Edward Lee on June 4 Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers. The evening workshop celebrates the release of the James Beard Award-winning “Bourbon Land.” Participants will be immersed in the world of bourbon as Chef Lee takes you on a flavorful journey through his new book, paying tribute to the iconic Kentucky spirit with original recipes, Kentucky Bourbon history, industry profiles and more.
Experience the magic of Chef Lee's cooking firsthand with a 90-minute live demo showcasing four delectable dishes straight from the pages of “Bourbon Land.” Each dish will be expertly paired with Four Roses bourbon to enhance the dining experience. Reservations: luminaryhotel.com/events/a-culinary-journey-with-chef-edward-lee
New 12-hole golf course opens at South Seas South Seas on Captiva Island has opened its 12-hole golf short course, The Clutch (named after a turtle’s nest). The walking course is designed by Beau Welling and pairs natural beauty, strategic challenges and a family-friendly atmosphere. Designed for players of all ages and skill levels, the course caters to a wide spectrum of abilities and enhances the enjoyment of the game for everyone. The course is available to members and resort guests with a confirmed reservation during their dates of stay. southseas.com/the-clutch
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs ranked as the 17th top pool hotel in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hotel” awards. The awards are based on an evaluation of rankings from awards, hotel class, and guest ratings. travel.usnews.com/hotels/pools-florida-r59
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 at 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. margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-fort-myers-beach
Sanibel Moorings Resort, Sanibel Island 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, fitness center and heated outdoor tropical pool. hilton.com/en/hotels/fmybtdt-doubletree-fort-myers-at-bell-tower-shops
Dining/entertainment news Popular Lighthouse Café of Sanibel has reopened in a new location and is serving its “World’s Best Breakfast,” and lunch daily. On the island since 1968, it now has outdoor seating, some of the same servers and the treasured vintage lighthouse photos from the previous location. The same sweet and savory dishes are on the menu along with daily specials. lighthousecafe.com
Bay Street Yard opens in downtown Fort Myers Bay Street Yard, a destination for live entertainment, craft beers, artisan beverages and food trucks, has opened at 2136 Bay St. in downtown Fort Myers. The new venue features two full-service bars, food trucks serving up tailored menu options, seating for over 300 people and a second level with VIP seating, and accommodations for private functions of up to 451 people. With an emphasis on entertainment, a covered stage will feature live performances. BayStreetYard.com
The Yucatan Bar and Grill has reopened its popular spot in Matlacha. Popular with locals and tourists, the waterfront restaurant serves up a menu of island cuisine, live music and fun. yucatanwaterfront.com
One of the oldest restaurants on Pine Island, the Waterfront Restaurant and Marina has reopened in St. James City. Accessible by water or land, the restaurant overlooks a scenic canal and is known for its seafood and sunsets. waterfrontrestaurantmarina.com
Serving waffles and more, Let’s Waffle has opened in Cape Coral. Serving “love at first bite,” with sweet, savory, heart-shaped waffles. letswaffleflorida.com
Recently opened Wickies Lighthouse restaurant at 362 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island, is a venture between the owners of two iconic island restaurants, the soon-to-be-rebuilt Island Cow and Mad Hatter. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a full bar and signature drinks. The owners also own and operate the adjacent Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine. wickieslighthouserestaurant.com and themagicbussanibel.com
Fort Myers Brewing Company won the silver medal at the esteemed 2024 World Beer Cup, the apex of global beer competitions. Securing the award in the chocolate beer category for its indulgent chocolate stout, the brewery was recently named Best Large Brewery in Florida.
The World Beer Cup winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of 280 beer judges representing 37 countries, evaluating 9,300 entries from 2,060 breweries across 50 nations. fmbrew.com
Three new restaurants coming to Coconut Point, Estero, this fall After relocating his original Fort Myers Beach restaurants, Fresh Catch Bistro and Junkanoo Below Deck, to a new location on Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach, Franco Russo recently launched Stone’s Throw restaurant, as well as co-launched Hooked Island Grill in Cape Coral. The new Estero location of Fresh Catch will include an expanded menu to include burgers and pastas along with seafood favorites. freshcatchbistro.com
PJK Neighborhood Chinese Restaurant specializes in scratch-made coastal Chinese with fresh specialty dishes that showcase a mix of traditional and modern Asian flavors. Its menu includes exclusive entrees, small plates, wok classics, dim sum and craft cocktails. pjkchinese.com
Third restaurant scheduled for fall at Coconut Point is Real Seafood Co., specializing in a full range of seafood including such as grouper, sea bass, salmon, perch, blue crab, clams, oysters, shrimp, scallops and Maine lobster, as well as a raw bar, steaks and chicken. In addition to dinner entrees, the upscale restaurant’s menu includes shared plates, soups, salads and desserts. realseafoodcorestaurant.com
Attractions news Off the Leash Charters is offering sunset cruises on Tuesday and Wednesday along with private charters on the picturesque Caloosahatchee River. Pick up points are North Fort Myers and downtown Fort Myers with alternate locations available. Guests bring food and beverage and enjoy lounge seating, drinking water, ice-filled cooler and restroom. Details and reservations: offtheleashcharters.com
Steve and Doris Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School has returned to sailing instruction at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. Celebrating its 60th anniversary year, Offshore Sailing School instructors will teach basic sailing lessons, 3-day Learn to Sail certification courses, as well as its popular Fast Track® to Catamaran Cruising 7-day course, combining learning to sail aboard a Colgate 26 sailboat and training aboard a big yacht, such as a Leopard 40 catamaran.
The sailing school offers the same courses on Captiva Island at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa aboard a Colgate 26 and 40’ monohull yacht. Coastal and Offshore Passage Making courses are also offered at these Southwest Florida resort locations. Team building and corporate group sailing and racing events are available at both locations aboard a fleet of Colgate 26 sailboats. offshoresailing.com
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium reopens The museum has reopened its Living Gallery of Aquariums with a mix of mollusks, corals, fish, and other marine life species that were featured pre-hurricane. And there is also much that is new for visitors to enjoy. The surrounding exhibits have been significantly expanded to dive deeper into the biology and behavior of mollusks, the dynamics of their ecosystems, and challenges and successes of their conservation. Species of marine life on exhibit include two-spot octopus, flamingo tongue, disco clam, giant clam, queen conch and others. Select other species, such as the giant pacific octopus, will be added in the near future. shellmuseum.org
“Ding” Darling” is #3 in USA Today Reader’s Choice J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island came in third in the top 10 in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best National Wildlife Refuge. 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-national-wildlife-refuge-2024
Sanibel Island’s popular Macintosh Books has reopened in heart of the Islands shopping center. Originally opened in 1960, the new location offers more space for books, stationery and events. macintoshbooks.com
Calusa Blueway Challenge Take the Calusa Blueway Challenge and celebrate 20 years of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail by checking in at locations along the trail for a chance to win prizes. Earn points as you paddle and check in at attractions, restaurants, parks and nature spots along the trail. Paddle on your own, experience a guided tour, shop at a local business or grab a bite to eat as you explore the 200-mile marked trail that meanders through the back-bay estuaries, rivers, and shorelines of Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. Complete a certain number of check-ins on the pass to be entered to win a Body Glove iSUP Performer 11’ or a two-night stay at Tarpon Lodge. Details and sign up: visitfortmyers.com/CalusaBluewayChallenge
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 at Marina Village 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.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news Breeze Airways has announced its latest crew base in Fort Myers, marking its third hub out of Florida. In October, Breeze will launch twice-weekly service from Manchester, New Hampshire.; Newburgh, New York; Lansing, Michigan; Scranton, Pennsylvania; and Bangor, Maine. The airline offers more than a dozen year-round flights to Southwest Florida International Airport.
New air service at RSW Frontier Airlines • San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) weekly, starting June 2 • Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) weekly JetBlue Airways Worcester (ORH) weekly, seasonal Spirit Airlines San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) weekly, year-round Breeze Airways • Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT) weekly, starting Oct. 2 • Stewart/Newburgh, New York (SWF) weekly, starting Oct. 2 • Lansing, Michigan (LAN) weekly, starting Oct. 3 • Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania (AVP) weekly, starting Oct. 3 • Bangor, Maine (BGR) weekly, starting Oct. 5 For more information, visit flyrsw.com
In the news Glen Turk of Midwest Golfing Magazine writes about The Clutch, a new 12-hole, walking course at South Seas on Captiva Island. Turk describers the new addition as “Presenting breathtaking coastal water and island views with world-class golf, The Clutch is a family-friendly short course offering a refreshing and fun-focused addition to the resort’s continued rebuilding efforts.” midwestgolfingmagazine.com/south-seas-announces-opening-of-the-clutch-on-captiva-island-florida
Travel+Leisure calls Cabbage Key “One of Florida’s Best Kept Secrets.” It describes it as “ideal for disconnecting and enjoying activities such as hiking the island’s trails, going on a fishing charter, climbing the water tower for views of the area, and spotting birds like ospreys. Kayaks are also available for rent, and the island has resident gopher tortoises to greet you. Plus, you don’t have to worry about traffic, as cars aren’t found on the island.” travelandleisure.com/cabbage-key-florida-island-8611511
Annual festivals and events National Seashell Day June 20 visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day
Juneteenth Community Celebration June 15 Roberto Clemente Park, Fort Myers leecountyblackhistorysociety.org/events
Downtown Fort Myers fireworks and concert Venice Symphony Jazz Band performs at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheatre July 4 myriverdistrict.com/events
Fort Myers Beach 4th of July parade, concerts and fireworks July 4 fortmyersbeach.org/events and fortmyersbeachfl.gov/1293/Special-Events
Cape Coral 4th of July Red, White & BOOM! July 4 capeboom.com
4th of July Star Spangled Bonita July 4 cityofbonitasprings.org/calendar
MangoMania July 13 Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church, Bokeelia, pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 20-29 island-hopperfest.com
FITMIX FEST, downtown Fort Myers Sept. 27-29 fitmixfest.com
Cape Coral Oktoberfest Oct. 18-20 and 25-27 capecoraloktoberfest.com
34th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship Fort Myers Beach Nov. 21-24 fortmyersbeach.org/sandsculpting-2024
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-captiva.org/50th-anniversary
40th annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place January 2025 capecoralartfestival.com
34th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral January 2025 Rotary Park tourdecape.net
ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers Feb. 1-2, 2025 artfestfortmyers.com
87th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers February 2025 edisonfestival.org
23rd annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral Wildlife and Environmental Expo February 2025 Rotary Park ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2
26th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers March 1, 2025 Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers readfest.org
88th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island March 2025 Community House sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/87th-annual-sanibel-shell-festival/2024-03-08
Sanibel Shell Show, Fort Myers March 2025 Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort sanibelshellclub.com/6306-2
Fort Myers Beach annual Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival March 8-9, 2025 fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Southwest Florida Ag Expo Feb. 27-March 9, 2025 Lee County Civic Center Complex swflagexpo.com
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers March 2025 echonet.org/events/global-food-and-farm-festival
Spring training Boston Red Sox February-March 2025 mlb.com/redsox/schedule/2024-02 JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins February-March 2025 mlb.com/twins/schedule/2024-02 Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
Concert in the Park, Cape Coral April 2025 Four Freedoms Park capeconcerts.com
Florida Lighthouse Day April 2025 Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum and Gasparilla Island Lighthouse bocagrandehappenings.org/events/its-florida-lighthouse-day
10th annual Bonita Springs Film Festival April 17, 2025 Prado Stadium bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org
36th annual “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival, Fort Myers April 2025 Lakes Park dingdarlingday.com
13th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island May 9, 2025 dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament
World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande May 2025 bocagrandechamber.com/worlds-richest-tarpon-tournament
15th annual Fort Myers Film Festival May 2025 fortmyersfilmfestival.com
Fringe Fort Myers May 2025 artinlee.org/experience/fringe
-30-
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.
|