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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 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.
Happening this month
Sea turtle nesting season and how we can all help
Each May, we witness the beginning of sea turtle nesting season, which 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. Our destination is known for its wildlife. That’s why sea turtle nesting season is so special to those of us who live here as well as to the visitors who travel from all over the world to experience it. This ritual is one of nature’s miracles.
Sea turtles are among the world’s oldest creatures. The seven species that can be found today have been on the earth for about 110 million years. Most common in our area is the loggerhead sea turtle, which lives to be 40-60 years old. They are big – they weigh 250-400 lbs.
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.
Turtle resources
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
If you would like to support or adopt a nest, please contact these organizations:
Plan ahead
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept. 19-28
It’s not too early to mark your calendar and begin planning for the 11th annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, with 80+ free performances by Broadcast Music, Inc.'s (BMI) best singer-songwriters. Hop from one beautiful setting to another throughout the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers and enjoy intimate shows where the talented performers not only share their songs, but also the stories behind them. The event is ranked as one of the top music festivals in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Visit islandhopperfest.com and download the app for upcoming announcements.
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest schedule:
- Captiva Island, Sept. 19-21
- Cape Coral, Sept. 22-23
- Downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 24-25
- Fort Myers Beach Sept. 26-28
Accommodations news
Best Western Plus Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach reopens
After a complete renovation, the 75-room, beachfront property has reopened. Suites, rooms, a private beach, complimentary breakfast, heated pool, watersports and pet-friendly accommodations are available. bwbeachresort.com
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
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
Explore Sanibel Island's Wild Mile
Visit the area’s extraordinary natural attractions with this exclusive mobile pass, including:
Sign-ups are 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
Big fun at Big City Kids, Bonita Springs
Perfect for a break from the beach or an afternoon shower! Drop by the ultimate indoor play space where kids explore, create and dream big. A mini city full of interactive play zones and a café for the parents to relax while the kiddos are having fun. Check out this new attraction at bigcitykidsfl.com
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 (VCB) 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.
Visit six Florida state parks in Lee County
Gasparilla Island State Park, Boca Grande
visitfortmyers.com/beaches/gasparilla-island-state-park
Koreshan State Park, Estero
visitfortmyers.com/listing/koreshan-state-park/42037
Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Estero
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/mound-key-archaeological-state-park
Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach
visitfortmyers.com/beaches/lovers-key-state-park
Cayo Costa State Park, Cayo Costa
visitfortmyers.com/beaches/cayo-costa-state-park
Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Estero
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 VCB 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.
Locations include:
- Estero Community Park
- Veteran's Park, Lehigh Acres
- 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
Dining & entertainment
Welcome back, Sweet Melissa’s!
For 14 years, Sweet Melissa’s was a favorite Sanibel Island until 2022 when a hurricane changed everything. Chef Melissa Donahue, a James Beard award nominee, has reopened her popular restaurant in south Fort Myers on Summerlin Avenue. The restaurant is once again welcoming visitors and locals with its memorable meals and vast wine list. sweetmelissasrestaurant.com
Cape Coral restaurant openings
Indian Breeze with traditional Indian favorites from exotic meats and freshly caught seafood to organic vegetables and authentic spices for new and exciting flavors. Owner Suman Chaniyil (Chef Sam) and his partner, Chef Sujith Nagarajan gained recognition for both of their Indian restaurants in Naples (Le Indya) and Fort Myers’ India’s Grill. Serving lunch and dinner. indianbreezeusa.com
The Cape Brazilian Grill offers a menu filled with traditional Brazilian favorites that are crafted to bring the warmth and richness of Brazilian cuisine from juicy steaks to mouth-watering sides. Every dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients and served with passion. Lunch and dinner. thecapebraziliangrill.com
Yonutz Ice Cream and Doughnuts serves up its famous smashed donuts and smashed milkshakes. With 40 flavors of mini, classic and deluxe doughnuts, ice cream, milkshakes, refreshers. yonutz.com
Swamp Cat Brewing opens in downtown Fort Myers
The owners hoped to find a building in need of some love, and they did just that in a former 1950s church on the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Fowler St. With the original wood tresses and church pews, there are 12 Swamp Cat beers on tap with food from three on-site vendors. It’s dog-friendly and includes an indoor/outdoor bar, stage for entertainment and the 5,000-square-foot beer garden. swampcatbrewing.com
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
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
- Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), weekly, starting Nov. 2
Porter Airlines
- Toronto, Canada (YYZ), weekly, now year-round
Delta Air Lines
- Salt Lake City (SLC), weekly, starting Dec. 20
For more information, visit flyrsw.com
2025 annual festivals and event
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 12
Winn Dixie Plaza, St. James City
pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Sept. 19-28
island-hopperfest.com
FITMIX FEST, downtown Fort Myers
Sept. 28
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
Nov. 20-24
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
Feb. 21
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 7
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
11th annual Bonita Springs Film Festival
April tba
Prado Stadium
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org
37th annual “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival, Fort Myers
April tba
Lakes Park
dingdarlingday.com
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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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