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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.) – It’s spring in Southwest Florida! Visit and experience our award-winning Gulf 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 visitfortmyers.com to begin planning.
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
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
CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) on Sanibel Island celebrated its first step in a journey to once again rehabilitate sea turtles with Harkey Sea Turtle Complex, which replaces a facility at 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road demolished by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
With funding provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and donors, the new state-of-the-art facility has larger tanks, heaters and chillers, ionization filters, and other features to elevate the care of turtle patients.
The nearly $3 million facility will also include cameras to allow the CROW team to evaluate and the public to witness firsthand the sea turtles’ recovery process. crowclinic.org
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
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
Mucky Duck on Captiva Island has reopened. Visitors can return to one of their favorite waterfront hangouts for drinks, food, entertainment and happy beach vibes. Following back-to-back hurricanes and extensive repairs, including a new kitchen, the popular neighborhood pub at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is back. muckyduck.com
Courtside Steakhouse reopens at Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa
After major renovations from Hurricane Ian in 2022, Courtside Steakhouse has reopened. Serving dinner, the resort’s stand-alone signature restaurant, adjacent to its spa, serves black angus beef from Nebraska. Its 22-ounce, bone-in ribeye is famous for serious steak-lovers, while seafood fans tout its miso-glazed sea bass. marriott.com
New on Sanibel Island: Edgar’s Steakhouse opens at the Dunes
Located at the Dune’s Golf and Tennis Club, Sanibel’s newest steakhouse features premium steaks and fresh seafood. Perfect for special occasions in a beautiful setting. sanibeldunesresort.com
Cheers to two new breweries
Resurgence Brewing has opened on Exchange Lane near Lee County Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers (resurgencebrewing.com) and Anarchy Ale Works is open on Palm Beach Boulevard in Alva (anarchyaleworks.com). These two new additions bring the total of breweries located in Lee County to 13, according to the website Drink Local Florida (http://drinklocalflorida.com/breweries-lee.html).
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. Facebook page
Beach House opens at 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
Frontier Airlines
- NEW Indianapolis (IND) seasonal, weekly, started March 27
JetBlue Airways
- NEW Islip-Long Island (ISP), weekly
- NEW Buffalo (BUF), weekly started March 26
Southwest Airlines
- NEW Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), weekly
- NEW Austin (AUS), weekly, through 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
Gasparilla Inn and Club on Boca Grande named to Conde Nast Traveler 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
Travel + Leisure names Koreshan State Park to 12 best list
Travel writer Carrie Honaker included Koreshan State Park in a roundup in Travel + Leisure’s “12 Best Florida State Parks.” The article, “According to Someone Who Has Lived in the Sunshine State for 32 Years,” details the history of the park, and what guests can enjoy:
“Once home to the Koreshan Unity Settlement, a utopian community founded in the late 1800s, the park preserves 11 restored buildings and landscaped grounds that tell the story of pioneers who lived, worked, and thrived along the Estero River.” travelandleisure.com/best-florida-state-parks-11914869
Southern Living recognizes our area
Recognition as reader-voted favorites in Southern Living in three major categories:
Annual festivals and events
21st annual “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture Series
Through April 16
dingdarlingsociety.org
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
Shelling and beach walks
April 12
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, Sanibel Island
shellmuseum.org
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Third Thursdays
April 16
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 21
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
38th Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 5
fortmyersbeach.org
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
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
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 25-March 7
Mike Greenwell Regional Park
swflagexpo.com
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
February-March tba
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
February-March tba
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
90th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March tba
Sanibel Community House
sanibelcommunityhouse.net/shell-festival
28th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March tba
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
readfest.org
Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
March 13-14
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Taste of the Islands event
March tba
Sanibel City Hall
tasteoftheislands.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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