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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 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 almost summer 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.
Reasons to celebrate this month
Celebrate National Seashell Day with gifts from the sea
There’s nothing quite like the joy of walking on a beach and searching through seashells to find that perfect lightning whelk, alphabet cone or the prize: a junonia. These natural treasures have inspired us each year to dedicate June 20, also the first day of summer, as National Seashell Day to celebrate the seashells that wash onto our shores every day of the year.
With more than 50 miles of award-winning beaches and over 400 species of seashells that often cover the white sands, there’s no other place quite like the Fort Myers area for shell hunting. Visitors 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.
In addition to Sanibel Island, shell seekers also visit Fort Myers Beach, Captiva Island, Bonita Beach and Lovers Key. Cayo Costa State Park and North Captiva Island are available by boat. visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day
Another way to celebrate National Seashell Day this month is the reopening of Phase 1 of the Great Hall of Shells at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel Island.
Following a full redesign and reinstallation of its shell exhibits, the space features extraordinary shells from all over the world that are highlights selected from the Museum’s collection of nearly 600,000 shells. Themes of these exhibits include global biodiversity, shapes and colors, and time and evolution, and special focuses on groups including cones, cowries, volutes, murexes, scallops and carrier shells.
Phase 2 exhibits for the new Great Hall of Shells are under construction and will open later this summer. They include exhibits of Southwest Florida shells, world record-sized shells, land snails, fossils, shells in human creativity and culture, the Calusa, and conservation and environmental issues as they relate to mollusks. shellmuseum.org
Causeway Islands Park reopens to visitors
Causeway Islands Park has reopened with its first phase of amenities. The long-awaited reopening of the beach park on the Sanibel Causeway gives visitors a chance to again enjoy the shoreline. The park had been closed due to the essential rebuilding activities by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which used the site during the critical process of rebuilding the Sanibel Causeway to make it more resilient.
Planned improvements in Phase Two include structured parking areas, restrooms on Islands A and B, beach access and ADA accommodations, outdoor showers, site drainage and irrigation systems, shade structures and landscaping. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and completion is anticipated in 2026, weather permitting. leegov.com/parks/beaches/causeway
Sea turtle nesting season and how we can all help
We continue to witness 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. 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 from nesting areas.
Plan ahead
Chris Young headlines Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept. 19-28
Multi-platinum BMI singer-songwriter and global entertainer Chris Young will headline Island Hopper Songwriter Fest's closing concert with a pool party performance on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.
That said, 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
Reopenings
South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island
The island resort has reopened its amenities including pools, restaurants, golf and fitness. Villa-style accommodations are available with a plans for a hotel in the works. A new water feature is scheduled for a December opening. Check out the latest news at southseas.com
Best Western Plus Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach
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
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
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
Explore and win prizes with Parks, Perks & Points
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and Lee County Parks & Recreation have partnered to give visitors new ways to kick off summer fun and win great prizes.
Parks, Points & Perks encourages exploration of area parks, beaches, preserves, recreation centers, events and much more throughout our islands, beaches and neighborhoods. Running now through May 2026, the free pass makes it easy to visit favorite spots or discover new adventures.
Participants have a range of family-friendly locations to visit that include Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Lakes Park in Fort Myers; Dog Beach in Bonita Springs; Phillips Park in Bokeelia and Bowditch Point Park in Fort Myers Beach. More than 30 sites are included.
- Go to visitfortmyers.com/ParksPass and sign up.
- Pass will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email.
- Select your location, plan a visit and start having fun.
- Visit any location in the pass and earn 20 points when you check in.
- Special monthly events give you the chance to add up even more points.
- Earn rewards like a drawstring backpack, and unlock choices for memberships, parking passes or recreation center access.
- Check in at 20 locations on the pass, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a grand prize, a two-night stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops and a Family Fun Day at Lakes Park with train tickets and gift cards for bikes, boat rentals and concessions.
Check out area webcams
We hope you will visit soon but until then, drop in with a live view of each area of our destination. visitfortmyers.com/webcams
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum reopens
The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum is open and welcomes visitors to stroll through its exhibits and to enjoy the stunning views. facebook.com/PortBocaGrandeLighthouseMuseum
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
Lovers Key State Park summer programs
Join free (with paid parking) programs each week this month at Lovers Key State Park.
- June 6: Estuary walk
- June 13: Shorebird stroll
- June 17: Munchin’ Manatees
- June 20: Walk on the wildside
- June 21: Park ranger creature feature
Reservations required at: loverskey.eventbrite.com
Free summer programs at the Refuge, Sanibel Island
The free J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge summer programs schedule begins June 2 and runs through Aug. 2, three days each week. Programs are designed for children, but all ages are welcome. dingdarlingsociety.org/seasonal-programs or 239-472-1100.
- Monday: Ranger's choice @ the Roost
Join a Refuge ranger in the exploration/discussion of topics from native wildlife to the history of Sanibel pirates.
- Wednesday: Ranger-led Wildlife Drive caravan
Participants will follow a ranger onto the Drive in their own vehicles.
- Saturday: Nature craft @ the Roost
Bring your littles and explore the wonderful world of Florida wildlife with an interactive story and corresponding craft.
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.
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
- Veterans 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
Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar opens in Fort Myers
Located in Bell Tower, this new, upscale dining experience with a casual vibe, includes a rooftop bar that is open Wednesday through Saturday with live music. Contemporary American cuisine is served against the backdrop of Versace wallpaper and plush leather booths. tap42.com/locations/fort-myers
Lazy Flamingo on Sanibel Island reopens
With its original menu of conch fritters, peel-n-eat shrimp, fish tacos and grouper, along with its favorite garlic bread, the restaurant is open! lazyflamingo.com
It’s official: Key Lime Bistro on Captiva Island has reopened
And yes, it’s still serving its iconic Keyline pie! Located in the center of Old Captiva on Andy Rosse Lane, this island favorite welcomed locals and visitors for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with indoor or outdoor dining and live music. keylimebistrocaptiva.com
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
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
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New air service at RSW
Breeze Airways
- Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina (GSP), weekly
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
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
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Fall Festival, Fort Myers
Oct. 18
edisonfordwinterestates.org
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
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Autumn Garden Festival, Fort Myers
Nov. 22-23
edisonfordwinterestates.org
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 7
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
14th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island
May tba
dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament
World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande
May tba
bocagrandechamber.com/worlds-richest-tarpon-tournament
16th annual Fort Myers Film Festival
May 14-18
fortmyersfilmfestival.com
Alliance for the Arts, Fringe Fort Myers
May tba
artinlee.org/experience/fringe
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights, Fort Myers
50th anniversary
Nov. 28-Jan. 4, 2026
edisonfordwinterestates.org
40th Sanibel Island Holiday Luminary Stroll
Dec. 5 on Sanibel Island; Dec. 6 on Captiva Island
sanibel-captiva.org
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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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