August 2025
CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500

LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – There's a lot to celebrate this month. Sanibel Island's first new hotel to be built in 40 years has announced an opening date. A Captiva Island treasure has reopened after three years of renovations. A Gasparilla Island gem has been named the No.1 resort in Florida. A pool that mimics the waves of the ocean has opened in Cape Coral. A Bonita Springs resort is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to its meeting space. And if you are looking for a way to get close to nature, wet walks begin on Aug. 16.

Shalimar Beach Resort, Sanibel Island, plans a fall opening
Shalimar Beach Resort is planning a soft opening on Sept. 28 as the first Sanibel Island resort to be completely rebuilt, post-Hurricane Ian. The new construction, 33-room resort will offer Gulf-front studios, one- and two-bedroom villas. Reservations are available for stays beginning October 2025. shalimar.com

The first new hotel to open on Sanibel in 40 years, the property was built with hurricane resiliency in mind: impact doors, windows, walls, roof structure. Buildings are 6 feet above the base flood elevation. More than 500 concrete pilings are installed below the foundation. With a sensitivity to the natural environment, turtle lighting has been installed for protection during nesting season.

The Bubble Room on Captiva Island is back!
Bubble Bread, model trains, holiday lights and memories are back. The iconic Bubble Room Restaurant has opened after three years of renovations following Hurricane Ian and delays from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The restored restaurant retains its vintage, nostalgic charm and famous desserts. Open for lunch and dinner. https://bubbleroomrestaurant.com

Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, named No. 1 in Florida
Travel + Leisure readers named the Gasparilla Inn the No. 1 Florida Resort for 2025. As part of its World's Best Awards from reader surveys, the publication says, “The property has retained a distinct Old Florida charm that date back to the inn's opening in 1913.”

As one reader shared, “There truly is no place like The Gasparilla Inn. Its unique character and historic charm create an elegant atmosphere that is fast disappearing from most, if not all, other hotels and resorts.” Click here to read the article. 

Surf's up in Cape Coral
Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral has opened Paradise Cove, a $4 million wave pool. The 12,000-square-foot pool features seven wave patterns and varying intensities. In addition, a 16-foot movie screen will be added for "dive-in movies" and other events. sunsplashwaterpark.com

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs, renovations
A multimillion-dollar renovation of meeting and event space is underway at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. With completion this fall, the renovation complements recent updates to its rooms, waterpark and restaurants.

With ocean blues, deep lush greens and sandy beige accents, the meeting space will be updated with new carpeting, wall coverings and artwork. Lighting will feature an extravagant mesh chandelier reminiscent of a brilliant conch shell in the Estero Ballroom and lighting installations with opalescent glasswork and silver accents throughout the additional spaces. The Calusa Ballroom Terrace renovations include redesigned landscaping providing settings reminiscent of a tropical garden. hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/naprn-hyatt-regency-coconut-point-resort-and-spa

Get wet at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers
You can't get much closer to nature than the wet walks at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. The walks begin Aug. 16 and run through Oct. 25. Participants are allowed into parts of the Slough that are normally off-limits and experience these beautiful wetlands with trained guides along a trail that is safe and has welcomed thousands of walkers for more than 50 years.

This season's schedule has a total of 14 regular wet walks, two meditation wet walks, two themed wet walks, plus two wet walks geared toward families with children ages 8 to 11. (The minimum age for all other wet walks is 12.) Check information, dates, pricing and make reservations at sloughpreserve.org/wet-walk-season-2025

Don't miss: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept. 19-28
The award-winning Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns for its 11th year with dozens of BMI songwriters set to play against the tropical island backdrop of Fort Myers' islands, beaches and neighborhoods. Singer-songwriters who have penned hits for such artists as Eric Church, Faith Hill, Grand Funk Railroad, Harry Connick Jr., Jake Owen, Jason Aldean and LoCash will perform at multiple venues, Sept. 19-28.

Presented by BMI, iHeartMedia, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience the stories and personalities of the songwriters in intimate island settings. Check https://www.island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com/deals for special Island Hopper deals at area accommodations and attractions.

While most Island Hopper shows are free, make plans now to grab your tickets for a unique and up-close performance by the greatest BMI singer-songwriters from Nashville and beyond.

Experiences include:

Sept. 20: BMI singer-songwriter Frank Myers will perform with Cut the Chord String Quartet and Jimmy Nichols at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva Island.

Sept. 21: Captiva Cruises will host a Songwriter Sunset Cruise. Take in breathtaking views of the Gulf coast while listening to live music from BMI singer-songwriters Ruby Amanfu and Sam Ashworth.

Sept. 22: LOCASH will take the Island Hopper stage in Cape Coral at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. Their most recent hit, “Hometown Home,” peaked on the Billboard Country Airplay chart at No. 1. Book the Island Hopper room package deal at islandhopperfest.com to receive tickets included in your stay.

Sept. 23: Take the Songwriter Sunset Cruise with BMI singer-songwriter Allan Bradford aboard the Silver King Watertaxi at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral. Limited tickets available. Hotel guests receive free admission. Limited seats available.

Sept. 24: Julianne Ankley and Tim McGeary will perform at the Luminary Hotel & Co.'s Island Hopper Dinner Experience in downtown Fort Myers.

Sept. 24: Americana Community Music Association (ACMA) Showcase at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers will feature a variety of performances including Robert Bidney, Kim Mayfield, Bill Metts, Roy Schneider and Ray Cerbone.

Sept. 25: Essex County will return to perform at Luminary Hotel & Co.'s Island Hopper Dinner Experience in downtown Fort Myers.

Sept. 27: Canvas and Chords lets you immerse yourself in the sounds of BMI singer-songwriters Danny Myrick and Katrina Cain at Alair Custom Homes on Fort Myers Beach while local island artist Lacy McClary paints a custom work of art. Ticket proceeds will support SWFL Reefs.

Sept. 28: Multi-platinum BMI singer-songwriter and Grammy-nominated Chris Young will wrap up Island Hopper with a pool-party performance at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. Young has more than 9 billion global streams and 14 career No. 1 singles.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, named one of the Top 5 music fests by USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, gives fans the opportunity to see singer-songwriters perform in smaller venues with a tropical setting as the backdrop.

More than 60 singer-songwriters will perform over 80 performances during the 10-day music fest. Be sure to catch a live performance at these four locations around the Fort Myers area:

• Captiva Island, Sept. 19-21
• Cape Coral, Sept. 22-23
• Downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 24-25
• Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 26-28

For the full lineup and ticket information, visit IslandHopperFest.com or download the Island Hopper app.  Follow the festival hashtag #islandhopperfest as well as Instagram and Facebook.

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 and hotel plans are 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

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
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.

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 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

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

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. visitfortmyers.com/murals

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
  

Dining & entertainment
Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina opens in Cape Coral
Located at the base of the Cape Coral Bridge, the waterfront park features 10 on-site food trucks, a full-service bar, shaded seating options, 30 boat slips, a fuel dock, Ship Store and views of the Caloosahatchee River. Offering outdoor fun and entertainment, Slipaway offers daily live music and special events throughout the year. Visit slipawaycape.com

The Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach is back
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

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

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
NEW TO RSW! Allegiant

• Allentown, Pennsylvania (ABE), starting Nov. 13
• Appleton, Wisconsin (ATW), starting Nov. 21
• Des Moines (DSM), starting Nov. 21

Frontier Airlines

• Atlanta (ATL), weekly

Southwest Airlines

• Orlando-McCoy (MC), daily starting
• Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), weekly, starting Nov. 2

Porter Airlines

• Toronto, Canada (YYZ), weekly, now year-round

American Airlines

• Phoenix (PHX), daily, limited holiday service, operating Nov. 17-Dec.3 & Dec. 19-Jan. 6, 2026

Delta Air Lines

• Salt Lake City (SLC), weekly, starting Dec. 20

Sun Country

• Appleton, WI (ATW), weekly, starting Jan. 30, 2026
  
  

For more information, visit flylcpa.com

In the news
Caribbean vibe and no passport required
Southern Living selected 19 Florida beaches that could pass for the Caribbean. And we are happy to see three selections from our area: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and Cayo Costa. The article mentions shelling on Sanibel, off-the-grid Cayo Costa and the artsy vibe on Captiva. Click here to read the article and take a trip without your passport!

Bradenton Times: Fort Myers Beach is Back
During a recent visit, the Bradenton Times wrote that “a recent weekend getaway to Fort Myers Beach made me feel as though it may be Southwest Florida's best-kept secret. With a fresh beach renourishment and a revitalized downtown on the mainland, this local paradise makes for a fun-filled staycation.”
Mitch Maley went on to write that "with gorgeous beaches, a vibrant arts scene and surprisingly good cuisine and nightlife, I found it to be one of the very best values on the Gulf Coast for a staycation getaway."
https://tinyurl.com/bradentoncoverage

2025 annual festivals and event
Wet walk at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers
Schedule runs now through Oct. 25.
sloughpreserve.org/wet-walk-season-2025

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
Nov. 14-15
bigarts.org/event/inaugural-fall-film-festival

35th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship, Fort Myers Beach
Nov. 20-24
fmbsandsculpting.com

Cape Coral Holiday Boat-a-Long
Dec. 20
Bimini Basin
capecoral.gov/department/parks_and_recreationhome/

Holiday Nights on the Lawn, Cape Coral
Cape Coral City Hall
Nov. 28 and 29
capecoral.gov/department/parks_and_recreationhome/

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Autumn Garden Festival, Fort Myers
Nov. 22-23
edisonfordwinterestates.org

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

Murder Mystery Dinner Train, “Holiday Havoc,” Fort Myers
Dec. 22-24
semgulf.com/events

Santa's Dolphin and Wildlife and Christmas Eve Sunset Cruise
Adventures in Paradise
Dec. 24 (check times)
adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises

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 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

“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

National Seashell Day
June 20
visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day

30th annual MangoMania
July 12
Winn Dixie Plaza, St. James City 
pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania

 

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. Visit the new 2025 Visitor Digital Guide to plan a vacation to our tropical paradise.