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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2025
CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500
What’s New from Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – It’s spring in Southwest Florida! Visit and experience our award-winning beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, warm days, blue skies, island hopping, paddling trails, fishing, nature, arts and culture, family adventures and waterfront dining. Everything you need to make unforgettable memories is here. Visit the new 2025 Visitor Digital Guide to plan a vacation to our tropical paradise.
Don’t miss this month
Explore Sanibel Island's Wild Mile
Visit the area’s extraordinary natural attractions with this mobile-exclusive pass, including:
Sign-up is easy and free. Your Sanibel Wild Mile pass will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email. Also save it on your home screen for one-tap access. Sign up now and get ready for a fascinating look at nature during your visit. visitfortmyers.com/digital-passes/sanibel-wild-mile
‘Ding’ Darling Day Conservation Carnival, Fort Myers
Conservation Carnival returns to Lakes Park in Fort Myers to celebrate “Ding” Darling Day on April 26. The fourth annual, free, family event at Lakes Park, also honors Earth Day. Highlights include the Roving Ranger, Hoverball Archery, Celebrity Dunk Tank, climbing wall, crafts, birding, face-painting and a snow-cone truck. dingdarlingday.com
Norman Love Easter Collection
The Fort Myers-based, award-winning chocolatier has unveiled his 2025 Easter Collection. From the sweet, sun-kissed essence of ripe strawberries to a zesty burst of lemon and silky cream, the limited-edition collection features 10 elegant, egg-shaped chocolates. Available online and in Norman Love Confections salons in Fort Myers and Estero. normanloveconfections.com/easter-chocolates
Accommodations news
Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina, Captiva Island, reopens
Popular since its opening in 1977, the vacation and fishing spot with direct access to Pine Island Sound, is welcoming visitors. With 14 historic cottages decorated in nautical and seashell themes, the property includes a fueling station, boat rentals, store and everything visitors need for a vacation in this treasured spot of Captiva Island’s history. jensensmarina.com
Water Taxi service is back: Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral to Fort Myers Beach
Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village has resumed its popular water taxi service from Tarpon Point Marina to Fort Myers Beach (Snug Harbor). The roundtrip transportation is provided by Silver King Dolphin Beach Taxi; it is complimentary for resort guests and available for a charge to non-guests.
DoubleTree by Hilton, Bell Tower in Fort Myers, has reopened following two years of renovations. The former Crowne Plaza Hotel announced its transformation in 2023, introducing the first DoubleTree by Hilton location in Fort Myers. hilton.com/en/hotels/fmybtdt-doubletree-fort-myers-at-bell-tower-shops
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Gulf Coast, has opened a 126-suite property at I-75 and the Alico exit. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rswsp-towneplace-suites-fort-myers-gulf-coast/overview
Comfort Suites/Mainstay Extended Stay in Fort Myers opened off I-75 on Luckett Road. choicehotels.com/florida/fort-myers/mainstay-hotels
The Gasparilla Inn on Boca Grande has reopened. the-gasparilla-inn.com
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel Island has reopened. Daycation resort passes are available for a limited time. Turtles Tiki Bar, Shima Sushi Bar and Sea Breeze Bar are also open. Visit sundialresort.com/play/sundial-daycation for the latest details and reservation information.
Sanibel Inn on Sanibel Island has reopened. Check theinnsofsanibel.com/the-inns/sanibel-inn for details.
Shalimar Beach Resort on Sanibel Island plans a fall opening of its new, 33-unit property on 360 feet of beachfront. Reservations are being taken for stays beginning Oct. 1. shalimar.com
Attractions news
Lovers Key State Park explores history and wildlife
- April 4: Miniature shell painting. 9 a.m. Cost: $59 and includes park entry.
- April 5: Beach and estuary walk. 10 a.m. Free with park entry.
- April 11: Seashell walk. 10 a.m. Free with park entry.
- April 16: Fishing clinic. 10 a.m. Free with park entry.
- April 18: A walk on the wildside. 10 a.m. Free with park entry.
- April 19: Junior ranger creature feature. 10 a.m. Free with park entry.
- April 22: Munchin’ manatees. 10 a.m. Free with park entry.
Space is limited for all events and reservations are required. Visit the Friends of Lovers Key’s Eventbrite page: https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events
Visit the McCollum Hall public art installation, Fort Myers
Learn something interesting about one of our community’s most colorful public art installation projects at Dunbar-McCollum Hall mural wall in Fort Myers. Take a walk through the most recent Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Industry Partner Spotlight with Fort Myers Mural Society executive director Shari Shifrin and plan a visit soon. Both the history and the project are colorful. youtube.com/watch?v=V4Dv4S7CneU
Gasparilla Island Lighthouse climbs
Take part in the popular Barrier Island Park Society history tour climbs and take 134 steps to the top for a beautiful view. Visit bips.org/event-details/climb-the-gasparilla-island-lighthouse-9 for dates and details.
Koreshan Nights Concert Series, Estero
Enjoy historic Koreshan State Park after dark on March 15. Check details and tickets at friendsofkoreshan.org/Special-Events
Tarpon Bay Explorers resumes fishing charters, Sanibel Island
Tarpon Bay Explorers, the concession to Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, has resumed fishing charter operations. With new boats, the fishing charters stay within the 950 acres of Tarpon Bay and accommodate up to six people. Participants may expect to find trout, redfish and snook, along with other back bay species of fish along with wildlife sightings. tarponbayexplorers.com
Manatee Park offers free Sunday garden tours, Fort Myers
Manatee Park, a seasonal location for viewing non-captive Florida manatees, offers visitors a peek at these gentle creatures. When the manatees visit the park in search of warm water during the cooler days in winter (December through March), they are attracted by the warm water from the nearby Florida Power and Light Power Plant that is created as a byproduct of cooling off its equipment.
Visitors may also enjoy a free garden tour of the Manatee Park butterfly garden and habitats at 9 a.m. every Sunday through March. The tour includes walking the ADA accessible paths through the restored native plant habitats and butterfly gardens. A volunteer naturalist will lead the tour and participants will learn about the park’s history, its butterfly gardens and the native flora and fauna that reside in some of Florida’s habitats. The tour is free with paid parking. leegov.com/parks/parks/manateepark
Brightwater Lagoon opens in North Fort Myers
The five-acre water attraction includes a floating obstacle course at this tropical oasis. Check details at metrolagoons.com/lagoon/brightwater
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village open through April 30
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is open each Tuesday through Saturday. Founded in 1984, the Village welcomes visitors during its 40th year of preserving, sharing and celebrating Sanibel’s history. The tour experience includes an orientation video and historic buildings displaying numerous artifacts. The story of Sanibel Island is told from the Calusa and Spanish eras to the early pioneer families who settled on the island in the 1800s. Nine historic buildings were moved from their original sites and each has been restored. sanibelmuseum.org
Visit six Florida state parks in Lee County
Gasparilla Island State Park, Boca Grande
The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored Port Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. It houses a museum that is open to the public. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing and viewing nature are popular activities along with shelling beautiful beaches. Beach wheelchairs are available. Details: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/gasparilla-island-state-park
Koreshan State Park, Estero
The Koreshan Unity Settlement, a nationally registered historic district, offers an opportunity to learn about these interesting and idealistic pioneers. Guided tours are available throughout the year of the landscaped grounds and 11 restored buildings. Nature trails meander along the Estero River for fishing, boating, canoeing. The campground's 60 secluded sites have water, power hook-ups. Twelve sites by the Estero River are designated tent camping. ADA campsites are available. Glamping is available in luxury safari tents. Details: visitfortmyers.com/listing/koreshan-state-park/42037
Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Estero
Native Americans known as the Calusa were a non-agricultural hunting and gathering chiefdom that dominated the waters of Southwest Florida. Located in Estero Bay, the park is accessible only by boat and there are no facilities. Interpretive displays along the trail crossing the island help visitors discover the history of the island. Check details and boat launch locations: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/mound-key-archaeological-state-park
Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach
Once a collection of secluded barrier islands, Lovers Key is a destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. The two-mile stretch of beach is popular for shelling, picnicking, fishing, and swimming. The Welcome and Discovery Center is an educational hub for curious park goers to learn more about the ecosystems, history, and recreational opportunities available at the park. Check for times, current openings and activities: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/lovers-key-state-park
Cayo Costa State Park, Cayo Costa
Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa features nine miles of undeveloped, pristine shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing and birdwatching. Shorebirds are numerous, and you may also spot manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles offshore. Details: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/cayo-costa-state-park
Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Estero
Enjoy miles of hiking trails through the preserve and viewing the variety of wildlife and native vegetation that the park protects. The bay is home to the bald eagle, gopher tortoise and fiddler crab and more. The trails are rugged and seasonally flood in some areas. Sturdy footwear, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended. The preserve is accessible from two land locations: the Winkler Point entrance at 17981 Winkler Road in Fort Myers and the Estero River Scrub entrance at 4940 Broadway Ave. W. in Estero. Details: visitfortmyers.com/listing/estero-bay-preserve-state-park/39904
Neighborhood Mural Program
Highlighting what makes each area of the destination special, visitors are enjoying the experience of a neighborhood mural program. The placemaking initiative by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau is done in partnership with the Fort Myers Mural Society. The project gives visitors a chance to interact with the murals’ designs by taking and sharing photos.
The locations of this latest mural project include:
- The side of Eagle’s Nest Restaurant on Pine Island
- A double mural on both sides of the entrance doors into the North Fort Myers Recreation Center
- Lakes Park in Fort Myers for a series of murals in the children’s garden
- The side of the Community Redevelopment Agency building at 1231 Lafayette St., Cape Coral
- The side of the Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce building on Sanibel Island
Learn more about the mural program in the Fort Myers area: visitfortmyers.com/murals
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
Dining & entertainment
Sugarshack Downtown in Bonita Springs
Sugarshack Downtown began in 2014 on the back deck of a small Bonita Springs house, where it became a successful music channel. Fast-forward to today and the popular downtown Bonita Springs restaurant/concert spot features food, drinks and a packed calendar of local, regional and national entertainment.
The 20,000-square-foot venue is developed around a 1941 building across from Riverside Park and combines local history with live music and community gatherings. Visitors enjoy indoor dining and covered outdoor dining, along with two bars and an outdoor stage along with plenty of space for private parties. Check the music schedule and menus at sugarshackdowntown.com
Island favorite, the Bubble Room on Captiva Island currently plans to reopen this spring with more details coming soon. Meanwhile, Boops by the Bubble Room and the Bubble Room Emporium are open daily. facebook.com/p/The-Bubble-Room-Restaurant-100057449859096
Escondido Lounge speakeasy opens in downtown Fort Myers and Cape Coral
Shhhhh. There’s a secret in downtown Fort Myers and in Cape Coral. Escondido (means “hidden”) Lounge, a hidden bar/lounge/speakeasy inspired by the elegance and intrigue of Prohibition-era speakeasies, blends the rich history of the 1920s with a modern, upscale twist. Check them out. escondidolounge.com
Progress at the Mucky Duck and kudos
Progress being made at the Mucky Duck on Captiva Island as the owners continue to recover from back-to-back hurricanes last fall. This is a local favorite and top sunset-watching spot for visitors who are looking forward to returning to the waterfront hangout for drinks, food, entertainment and happy beach vibes.
And although this local favorite is not yet open and we look forward to an opening date announcement soon, this local treasure was just named No. 7 out of 10 winners on Southern Living’s Best Beach Bars list. southernliving.com/best-beach-bars-2025-8786753
Calling country music fans: Shenandoah’s Extra Mile tour comes to Fort Myers
On May 11, Shenandoah performs at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers.
Check tickets and details: tixr.com/groups/caloosasoundamp/events/shenandoah-the-extra-mile-tour-135730
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New air service at RSW
Spirit Airlines
- Charlotte (CLT), daily, limited service through April 8
Breeze Airways
- Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina (GSP), weekly, starting May 1
Frontier Airlines
- Atlanta (ATL), weekly, starting June 12
Southwest Airlines
- Orlando-McCoy (MC), daily starting Aug. 5
Porter Airlines
- Toronto, Canada (YYZ), weekly, now year-round.
For more information, visit flyrsw.com
In the news
Southern Living: Sanibel and Captiva islands
Southern Living has ranked Sanibel Island No. 6 in its list of 50 Best Beach Towns in the South 2025.
“It’s easy to see how Sanibel Island, a Florida barrier island known for its pristine beaches, near-perfect weather, and abundance of seashells, made our list of the 50 Best Beach Towns in the South 2025. Bracketed by the Gulf on one side and the San Carlos Bay on the other, this sliver of paradise boasts 17,000 acres of tropical landscape surrounded by sandy beaches. And despite its proximity to a handful of major cities, it feels like a world away from hustle and bustle. After crossing the Sanibel Causeway bridge from Fort Myers, you can say goodbye to stoplights, high-rises, and big-chain grocery stores. Here, things move a little more slowly and a lot more deliberately.” southernliving.com/best-beach-for-shelling-florida-sanibel-island-11688637
And Captiva Island is named No. 25 on the list. Check details: southernliving.com/best-beach-towns-2025-8774443
2025 annual festivals and events
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium 2025 Season Lectures
ShellMuseum.org/in-person-lectures
- April 3: “The Rise, Fall, and Renewal of New York Harbor’s Oysters,” by Mark Kurlansky, author.
Concerts in the Park, Cape Coral
April 3
Cape Coral Yacht Club
capeconcerts.com
10th annual Bonita Springs Film Festival
April 17
Prado Stadium
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org
36th annual “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival, Fort Myers
April 26
Lakes Park
dingdarlingday.com
13th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island
May 9
dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament
World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande
May 14-15
bocagrandechamber.com/worlds-richest-tarpon-tournament/
15th annual Fort Myers Film Festival
May 14-18
fortmyersfilmfestival.com
Alliance for the Arts, Fringe Fort Myers
May 29-June 1
artinlee.org/experience/fringe
National Seashell Day
June 20
visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day
29th annual MangoMania
July tba
pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Sept. 19-28
island-hopperfest.com
FITMIX FEST, downtown Fort Myers
September tba
fitmixfest.com
40th Cape Coral Oktoberfest
Oct. 17-19 and 24-26
German-American Social Club
capecoraloktoberfest.com
Sanibel Island Writers Conference
November tba
Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers
fgcu.edu/siwc
BIG ARTS 2024 Film Festival, Sanibel Island
November tba
bigarts.org/event/inaugural-fall-film-festival
35th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship, Fort Myers Beach
November tba
fmbsandsculpting.com
2026 annual festivals and events
Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers
January tba
paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-seafood-music-festival
41st annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
Jan. 10-11
capecoralartfestival.com
34th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
January tba
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net
ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Feb. 6-8
artfestfortmyers.com
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 26-March 8
Lee County Civic Center Complex
swflagexpo.com
88th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
February tba
edisonfestival.org
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
February/March 2026
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
February/March 2026
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
24th annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
February tba
Rotary Park Environmental Center
Rotary Park
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2
Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
March tba
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
27th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March tba
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
readfest.org
CROW Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island
March tba
tasteoftheislands.org
Sanibel Shell Show, Fort Myers
March tba
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort
sanibelshellclub.com/6306-2
89th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March tba
Community House
tinyurl.com/shellfest88
Fort Myers Beach annual Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival
March tba
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Fort Myers River Festival, downtown Fort Myers
March tba
paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-river-music-festival
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers
March tba
echonet.org/events/global-food-and-farm-festival
4th annual SWFL Mural Fest, Fort Myers
March tba
artsembleunderground.com/swfl-muralfest
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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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