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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 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.) – March brings warm days, sandy beaches, fishing, family fun, outdoor activities, exploring nature and a month filled with special events. Don’t miss spring training, Sanibel Shell Festival, Shrimp Festival on Fort Myers Beach and Taste of the Islands. Visit visitfortmyers.com and start planning.
Hot off the press
U.S. News Travel has ranked Sanibel Island #9 for Best Family Beach Vacations:
“Florida's Sanibel Island is a hit with kids for two reasons: The area's beaches offer calm waters that are perfect for play, and the ‘Sanibel Stoop’ will keep little ones occupied for hours as they search for shells and sand dollars on popular shelling beaches like Bowman's and Blind Pass. Families can also look for animals like alligators and shorebirds along the 4-mile-long Wildlife Drive in J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. If you're not yet convinced, remember that hotel deals are pretty easy to find here.”
Read in full at travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-family-beach-vacations-in-the-usa
Happening this month
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
Through March 23
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
Minnesota Twins
Through March 24
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Through March 8
“Roots ’n’ Rides: A Celebration of Tradition”
Mike Greenwell Regional Park (formerly the Lee County Civic Center Complex)
“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. Enjoy an array of talented performers throughout the event.
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
89th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March 5-7
Sanibel Community House
sanibelcommunityhouse.net/shell-festival
Fort Myers Beach annual Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival
March 7-8
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
CROW Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island
Restaurant Week
March 13-20
Participating island restaurants
tasteoftheislands.org
Taste of the Islands event
March 21
Sanibel City Hall
tasteoftheislands.org
Accommodations news
Pointe Estero Resort, Fort Myers Beach reopens
Following extensive renovations, the Fort Myers Beach property has reopened for visitors. Located on the south end of the beach, the refreshed accommodations, enhanced amenities and reimagined spaces include 60, one- and two-bedroom suites and two penthouse suites. Check details and make reservations at pointeestero.com
Happy 100th Birthday, Tarpon Lodge
A century of history and Old Florida charm, with views of Pine Island Sound, greet visitors for overnight stays and dining for lunch and dinner. Check out details at tarponlodge.com
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
Under construction
- Captiva Island Inn, opening late 2026
- HomeTowne Suites by Red Roof, Fort Myers, 2026
- Beachview Villas (former Beachview Cottages), Sanibel, spring 2026
- Lake Shadroe Resort & Marina, Cape Coral, early 2027
- Hampton Inn at Bell Tower, Fort Myers, early 2027
- Cambria Hotels, Fort Myers, late 2027
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
Gasparilla Inn and Club on Boca Grande named to Conde Nast Traveller list
Gasparilla Inn on Boca Grande has been named to the publication’s gold list 2026 for the Best Hotels in the World. The 1913 icon has Old Florida charm in a stunning beach setting. cntraveler.com/hotels/united-states/boca-grande/gasparilla-inn-club-boca-grande
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
Edison and Ford Winter Estates hosts vintage baseball game
It’s spring training in Lee County and all thoughts are on baseball! At 11 a.m. on March 21, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host its annual vintage "base ball" game at historic Terry Park in Fort Myers. The vintage team roster includes the Awkwards Vintage Base Ball of Central Florida, Bradenton Shamrocks Vintage Base Ball Club, and the Fort Myers Vagabonds Base Ball Club (the Fort Myers home team).
The game coincides with major league baseball spring training that is now locally played at JetBlue Park and the Lee Health Sports Complex. Terry Park was once the hub of baseball’s spring training, and where Thomas Edison visited.
Vintage base ball (baseball in the 1860s, was spelled with two words) is played by 1860s rules, which include using wooden bats, no gloves and lemon peel baseballs. Players will wear vintage uniforms and the umpires will call the shots the way they did during the time period.
Admission to the vintage base ball game at Terry Park will be $5 for adults; children 18 and under will be admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at Terry Park on game day. The park address is 3410 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers. edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/vintage-base-ball-game-at-terry-park-2
27th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
Set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Fort Myers Regional Library, fans of all ages will gather to meet their favorite authors, hear behind-the-scenes stories and get books signed at this free, outdoor community event.
This year’s author lineup includes 26 bestselling writers. Wally Lamb and Brad Thor are among the most anticipated adult authors, along with Rachel Gillig, Lisa Wingate, Kristin Harmel and many more. Recently added to the author lineup, teen and adult rom-com writer Lynn Painter, is back by popular demand after an appearance in 2024. Children will meet picture book and youth creators such as Dan Gutman, Greg Pizzoli and Stephen Shaskan. Check the festival’s mobile app, “SWFL Read Fest” and readfest.org for details.
Murals tell the story of area’s unique culture and history
Discover vibrant murals throughout our islands, beaches and neighborhoods, each offering amazing photo ops, interactive fun and a fascinating look at our unique culture and history. These murals were created in partnership with the Fort Myers Mural Society, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving local history and fostering community pride through artistic expression. Check them out here and put them on your list for your next visit. visitfortmyers.com/murals
Manatee Park
Manatee Park is a favorite place to go as a seasonal location for viewing non-captive Florida manatees, it offers 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 its equipment.
And visitors also enjoy walking through the Manatee Park butterfly garden. The tour includes the ADA accessible paths through the restored native plant habitats. Find more details here and watch the Manatee Park webcam: leegov.com/parks/parks/manateepark
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
State of the Slough, Mound House & the Calusa are included in the speaker series at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Check details, dates and make reservations at www.sloughpreserve.org/guest-speakers-2026
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
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
Check the fun and free weekly programs this month.
dingdarlingsociety.org/calendar
Walks with CREW in Bonita Springs
Check out the walks and programs offered this month at CREW in Bonita Springs. 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 and win prizes with Parks, Points & Perks
The Lee County VCB and Lee County Parks & Recreation has 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
- NEW Allentown, Pennsylvania (ABE), weekly
- NEW Appleton, Wisconsin (ATW), weekly
- NEW Des Moines (DSM), weekly
American Airlines
- NEW Phoenix (PHX), seasonal daily service through April 6
Breeze Airways
- NEW Albany, NY (ALB), weekly
- NEW Rochester, NY (ROC), weekly
Delta Air Lines
- NEW Salt Lake City (SLC), daily
JetBlue Airways
- NEW Islip-Long Island (ISP), weekly
- NEW Buffalo (BUF), weekly starting March 26
Southwest Airlines
- NEW Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), weekly
- NEW Austin (AUS), weekly, March 7-April 4
Sun Country
- NEW Appleton (ATW), weekly
United Airlines
- Los Angeles (LAX), weekly
- San Francisco (SFO), weekly
In the news
The New York Times places to travel in 2026
Sanibel and Captiva Islands included in The New York Times article about 52 places to travel in 2026. Jennifer Reed writes about the “Post-hurricane comeback story in the Gulf,” mentioning the Bubble Room, Shalimar Beach Resort, Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and She Sells Sea Shells. She also notes that “now open” signs describe the celebratory mood. nytimes.com/interactive/2026/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2026.html
Annual festivals and events
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Through March 8
“Roots ’n’ Rides: A Celebration of Tradition”
Mike Greenwell Regional Park
swflagexpo.com
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
Through March 23
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
Through March 24
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
Free weekly programs at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
Through April 6
dingdarlingsociety.org
21st annual “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture Series
Through April 16
dingdarlingsociety.org
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
Restaurant Week
March 13-20
Participating island restaurants
tasteoftheislands.org
Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14
fortmyersbeach.org
Bonita Springs National Art Festivals series
March 14-15
Riverside Park, downtown Bonita Springs
artsbonita.org/artfest
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers
March 15-21
echonet.org
Get The Led Out
March 19
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
caloosasoundamp.com
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Third Thursdays
March 19, April 16
shellmuseum.org
Taste of the Islands event
March 21
Sanibel City Hall
tasteoftheislands.org
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
Shelling and beach walks
April 12
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, Sanibel Island
shellmuseum.org
11th annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival
April 16
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
3rd annual South Seas Tarpon Tournament, Captiva Island
May 22
Followed by Golf Scramble, May 23
southseas.com/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
Oct. 17-19 & 24-26
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
2027 Festivals and Events
42nd annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
January tba
capecoralartfestival.com
36thth Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
January tba
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net
Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival, downtown Fort Myers
January tba
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater
fortmyers.gov/2123/Celtic-Festival
ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Feb. 5-7
artfestfortmyers.com
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife 9th Annual Ground Owl Day
February tba
Pelican Baseball Complex
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/events/2026/ground-owl-day
89th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
February tba
Downtown Fort Myers
edisonfestival.org
25th annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
February tba
Rotary Park Environmental Center
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2
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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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