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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2026
CONTACTS: 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 a new year and time to start planning a getaway to the Fort Myers area. A chance to unwind and reconnect while enjoying warm days, sandy beaches, fishing, family fun, sun and blue skies, outdoor activities, exploring nature and a month filled with special events. Visit visitfortmyers.com and start planning today!
Happening this month
Tour de Cape Jan. 17-19, Cape Coral
In its 34th year, Cape Coral Parks and Recreation hosts Tour de Cape with fun and challenges for everyone. There is a 5K, a mini kid’s ride and 15-, 30-, 62- and 100-mile bike tours. Visit tourdecape.net for details and registration.
Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 24-25
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater
Embrace the magic of Celtic tradition at this much-anticipated festival. The 22nd anniversary event returns with a full weekend of Celtic vibes, heritage and Guinness.
fortmyers.gov/2123/Celtic-Festival
Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 30-Feb. 1
Enjoy foods cooked fresh onsite. Seafood is from Florida’s coastal waters, a sustainable and renewable resource. Listen to live musical performances on stage by some of Florida’s and the region’s top musical talents. paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-seafood-music-festival
Plan ahead
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 26-March 8
“Roots ’n’ Rides: A Celebration of Tradition”
The Southwest Florida Ag Expo continues to honor the region’s agricultural roots while offering entertainment, midway rides, livestock shows and family activities for all ages. For a schedule of events, special promotions, ticketing and parking information, visit swflagexpo.com or follow the SWFL Ag Expo on Facebook at facebook.com/swflagexpo.
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
Feb. 20-March 23
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
Minnesota Twins
Feb. 20-March 24
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
Accommodations news
Welcome back: Casa Ybel and Thistle Lodge on Sanibel Island
After three years, the luxury all-suite resort has reopened following extensive renovations. Beginning a new chapter on Sanibel, the beachfront property is accepting reservations for accommodations. casaybelresort.com
Visit Fort Myers partners with Kind Traveler
Visit Fort Myers is proud to be the first Florida destination to partner with Kind Traveler, an acclaimed innovator in sustainable travel. Participating hotels and their nonprofit partners offer a chance for visitors to give back with a portion of their booking going to a local organization that supports sustainable travel. Check accommodations and their nonprofit partners at visitfortmyers.com/kind-traveler
South Seas opens Captiva Landing
South Seas recently celebrated the opening of Captiva Landing, its new 2.5-acre aqua adventure. The resort’s newest family-friendly attraction features six waterslides, thrilling tipping buckets, a lazy river, splash zones, cabana/lounge areas, food and beverage offerings, an arcade, a kids’ nature club and more. Captiva Landing is available to registered South Seas guests and Club Captiva owners. southseas.com
White Pelican Villas plans to open in early 2026
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts purchased the property formerly known as Beachview Cottages, a 22-unit condo property that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Plans are underway to rebrand the new build as White Pelican Villas, with 22 units in three buildings tied together with a shared, covered walkway. The resort is farther back from the beach and plans to open in early 2026. sanibelcaptivabeachresorts.com
Attractions news
Rhythm on the River at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host a jazz concert on Jan 31, featuring Liz "Honey" Heath and a five-piece band. The concert will take place on the historic Ford lawn along the Caloosahatchee River. As part of the Rhythm on the River concert series, guests enjoy a beautiful river view and sunset. Check details and ticket options at EdisonFord.org
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
New 2026 programs include:
Shelling and beach walks
Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 1, April 12
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, Sanibel Island
Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Strolls
Jan. 18, Feb. 3, March 2
Lighthouse Beach, Sanibel Island
Third Thursdays
Jan. 22, Feb. 19, March 19, April 16
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Sanibel Island
Check for details and registration at shellmuseum.org
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum has reopened
Following beach renourishment and repairs, this popular attraction is open. And along with the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, the popular climbs have returned. Climb one or both of these historic treasures and experience beautiful views while exploring a historic lighthouse. Reservations are required. Check dates and times at bips.org/calendar
Lovers Key State Park free programs
Take a “Walk on the Wildside” and other free programs this month at Lovers Key State Park. Check topics and signup at loverskey.eventbrite.com
Guided Walks with CREW in Bonita Springs
Take a guided bird walk, learn about edible and medicinal plants, walk the White Trail and more this month with CREW. Each year, more than 100,000 people visit CREW Trust’s four trail systems to explore more than forty miles of marked hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as outdoor pavilions, primitive campsites, elevated boardwalks, and observation platforms. crewtrust.eventbrite.com
Explore Sanibel Island's Wild Mile
Visit the area’s extraordinary natural attractions with this exclusive mobile pass, including:
- CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
- J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
- Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
- And much more. Simply check in at each location to earn points and prizes.
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, Points & Perks
The Lee County VCB 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.
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
Dining & entertainment
Legno Italian Kitchen has opened on the south end of Fort Myers Beach in Santini Plaza. In addition to Italian cuisine from scratch, it hosts live music and standup comedy. legnoik.com
New! Beach House, South Seas, Captiva Island
Unwind and enjoy coastal charm at Beach House, South Seas’ new refined beachfront restaurant. From vibrant starters to indulgent desserts, the menu offers a rich tapestry of flavors inspired by land and sea. The opening of Beach House is part of the resort’s expanding culinary lineup, which also includes Redfish Grill, Scoops & Slices and Harborside. southseas.com
The Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach returns
After almost three years, The Beach Bar has reopened. With a new building that is a walk-up, open-air design that will withstand future storms, this island favorite is a huge part of the Fort Myers Beach recovery story. Another reason to celebrate and visit soon. Follow for updates: www.facebook.com/FMBthebeachbar
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New air service at RSW. For more information, visit flylcpa.com
Allegiant
- Allentown, Pennsylvania (ABE)
- Appleton, Wisconsin (ATW)
- Des Moines (DSM)
American Airlines
- Phoenix (PHX), daily through Jan. 6 and seasonal daily service Feb. 12-April 6
Breeze Airways
- Albany, NY (ALB), weekly
- Rochester, NY (ROC), weekly, starting Jan. 8
Delta Air Lines
- Salt Lake City (SLC), daily
JetBlue Airways
- Islip-Long Island (ISP), weekly
- Buffalo (BUF), weekly starting March 26
Porter Airlines
- Toronto, Canada (YYZ), weekly, now year-round
Southwest Airlines
- Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), weekly
- Austin (AUS), weekly, March 7-April 4
Sun Country
- Appleton (ATW), weekly, starting Jan. 30
United Airlines
- Los Angeles (LAX), weekly through March 2
- San Francisco (SFO), weekly through March 4
In the news
Retrace Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s footsteps on Sanibel and Captiva islands
Following her recent visit, Sallie Lewis of Garden & Gun magazine wrote about Anne Morrow Lindbergh and how 70 years after she published “Gift from the Sea,” her words still resonate for seashellers and solitude seekers in Florida and far beyond. Read about special places on the islands to visit. gardenandgun.com/feature/where-to-retrace-anne-morrow-lindberghs-footsteps-on-sanibel-and-captiva-islands
Annual festivals and events
Free weekly programs at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
Jan. 5-April 6
dingdarlingsociety.org
41st annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
Jan. 10-11
capecoralartfestival.com
Bonita Springs National Art Festivals series
Jan. 10-11, Feb. 7-8, March 14-15
Riverside Park, downtown Bonita Springs
artsbonita.org/artfest
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
Shelling and beach walks
Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 1, April 12
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, Sanibel Island
shellmuseum.org
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Strolls
Jan. 18, Feb. 3, March 2
Lighthouse Beach, Sanibel Island
shellmuseum.org
Yacht Rock Revue
Jan. 22
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
caloosasoundamp.com
21st annual “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture Series
Jan. 22-April 16
dingdarlingsociety.org
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Third Thursdays
Jan. 22, Feb. 19, March 19, April 16
shellmuseum.org
34th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
Jan. 23-25
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net
Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 24-25
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater
www.fortmyers.gov/2123/Celtic-Festival
Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 30-Feb. 1
paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-seafood-music-festival
Edison and Ford Winter Estates annual Antique Ford Car Show
Feb. 7
EdisonFord.org
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife 8th Annual Ground Owl Day
Feb 2
Pelican Baseball Complex
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/events/2026/ground-owl-day
ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Feb. 6-8
artfestfortmyers.com
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
Feb. 20-March 23
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
Feb. 20-March 24
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
88th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
Feb. 21
Downtown Fort Myers
edisonfestival.org
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 26-March 8
“Roots ’n’ Rides: A Celebration of Tradition”
Mike Greenwell Regional Park
swflagexpo.com
24th annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
Feb. 28
Rotary Park Environmental Center
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2
89th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March 5-7
Sanibel Community House
sanibelcommunityhouse.net/shell-festival
27th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March 7
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
readfest.org
Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
March 7-8
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Little River Band
March 13
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
caloosasoundamp.com
CROW Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island
March 13-21
tasteoftheislands.org
Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14
fortmyersbeach.org
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers
March 15-21
echonet.org
4th annual SWFL Mural Fest, Fort Myers
March tba
artsembleunderground.com/swfl-muralfest
Get The Led Out
March 19
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
caloosasoundamp.com
11th annual Bonita Springs Film Festival
April tba
Prado Stadium
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org
World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande
May 13-14
bocagrandechamber.com/worlds-richest-tarpon-tournament
16th annual Fort Myers Film Festival
May 14-18
fortmyersfilmfestival.com
14th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island
May 15
dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament
National Seashell Day
June 20
visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day
30th annual MangoMania
July 11
pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Sept. 18-27
island-hopperfest.com
41st Cape Coral Oktoberfest
October TBA
German-American Social Club
capecoraloktoberfest.com
Sanibel Island Writers Conference
November tba
FGCU
fgcu.edu/siwc
36th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship, Fort Myers Beach
Nov. 19-23
fmbsandsculpting.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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