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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

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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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