| Fort Myers-Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods is coming back strong from Hurricane Ian, with daily reopening’s on the road to recovery. Although the landscape may look different, Fort Myers is working hard to rebuild as businesses continue to return. Each is a significant milestone as the destination looks forward to welcoming visitors back to make new memories.
Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) was recently named the best airport in the U.S. by Travel Lens.
Important icons to the destination are being restored or rebuilt. The Sanibel Lighthouse, built in 1884, is still standing tall with the relighting of the structure planned in the near future. The Bokeelia Fishing Pier gate was rescued from the water by Pine Island, and plans are underway to restore it.
The Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins return to Fort Myers for spring training beginning in late February. Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs and the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach have opened to visitors. Many Lee County parks are open and welcoming visitors.
Captiva Cruises operates a reduced cruise schedule from McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva Island and Boca Grande. Cabbage Key is open, and guests can still have a cheeseburger and leave a dollar on the wall. Shelling tours, dolphin sunset tours, and kayaking are available through local outfitters.
As rebuilding continues, the latest figures indicate that 68.4% of Lee County accommodations are now open, with 9,801 rooms. Check the list of openings at visitfortmyers.com/open.
 The Sanibel Island Lighthouse near Fort Myers, Florida. JESSE ADAIR/UNSPLASH PHOTO RESORT NEWS
Resort properties have reopened and are welcoming guests and meeting groups:
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa, Fort Myers
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Fort Myers Beach
Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, Cape Coral
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs
Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, Captiva Island
Coming soon
Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach plans a fall 2023 opening.
South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island plans to open in September 2023.
CULINARY & DINING
The Mucky Duck reopens
A famous sunset spot for locals and visitors, the Mucky Duck on Captiva Island has reopened, serving cold beer and fresh seafood. A favorite gathering spot in the heart of the island with an island beach vibe and beautiful views.
Taste of the Bubble Room
Closed temporarily, the iconic Bubble Room on Captiva Island restaurant teamed up with the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre for a temporary pop-up shop to offer a taste of its famous orange crunch cake and red velvet, the moist chocolate, and the white Christmas cake.
Key Lime Bistro on Boca Grande
The Key Lime Bistro on Captiva Island is temporarily closed due to repairs. However, if visitors crave its famous Key Lime pie, a new location in the historic train depot on Boca Grande recently opened as the Key Lime Bistro Boca Grande and Loose Caboose Ice Cream.
Shipping containers transform into a beach bar
On Fort Myers Beach, a bigger and better bar will replace La Ola Surfside Restaurant. The new beach bar will be made from two shipping containers opening to a deck, includes space for entertainment, a full-service bar, and restrooms.
MORE INFO
Please go to www.visitfortmyers.com for the latest information on recovery efforts and openings. |
