Rediscover Fort Myers Islands, Beaches, and Neighborhoods this spring.
Fort Myers and the surrounding area have much to celebrate with businesses and state parks reopening daily.
Visitors can once again take a day trip to Cabbage Key to enjoy the famous “cheeseburger in paradise” at their open-air restaurant or travel by car to one of the bridged islands, including Boca Grande, Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island.
As the destination progresses in its recovery efforts, a brand-new digital visitors guide will inspire future travel while providing valuable information on things to see and do throughout Fort Myers’ Islands, Beaches, and Neighborhoods.
As information is rapidly changing and there may be limited availability, hours, and amenities, please check with the individual businesses on their status.
Several beach parks in Lee County have reopened to the public, including Lynn Hall Memorial Park, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, Bonita Beach Park, and Bonita Beach.
Voluntourism opportunities for visitors
While there has been incredible progress in such a short period, there are still ways to help the destination.
Beach cleanups, tree plantings, sorting through relief supplies, and providing data on wildlife are some of the many ways to assist in the ongoing recovery efforts.
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties is dedicated to improving the quality of life for participating communities.
Voluntourism opportunities include helping unload and sort supplies, helping Sanibel’s and Captiva’s senior residents clean their homes, and providing emergency construction and repairs. volunteer.unitedwaylee.org/need/index
The American Red Cross is calling for volunteers throughout the county to aid in disaster action and other support.
To sign up for shifts throughout Lee County, visitors should go to redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.
Help the Fort Myers Beach community by volunteering in the chamber’s “Roxie” Visitor Information Center located at Times Square.
Cape Coral’s Rotary Park Environmental Center is inviting volunteers to help clean up nature trails and assist with other local environmental projects.
Turtle nesting season
May brings the beginning of turtle nesting season, which runs through Oct. 31.
It’s essential to remember what we can do to help young turtles survive. They don’t have an easy journey, and we must help protect this threatened species.
A few facts:
- Sea turtles are among the world’s oldest creatures. The seven species found today have existed for about 110 million years.
- Most familiar to the area is the loggerhead sea turtle, which lives to be 40-60 years old. They are big – they weigh 250-400 pounds.
Tips for turtle nesting season:
- Shield lighting so that it is not visible from anywhere on the beach. Turtles go toward the light instead of heading for the water.
- When enjoying the beaches, take a bag and remove any litter 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 and be sure to fill any holes when the day ends.
For more information about turtle nesting season and how to help, contact the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) at sccf.org/our-work/sea-turtles or Turtle Time, Inc. at turtletime.org.
Returning and Reopening
Tarpon Bay Explorers resumed its narrated tram tours on Wildlife Drive at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Reservations at tarponbayexplorers.com
Sanibel’s weekly guided beach walks at the Island Inn are back.
Tours led by Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation and Sanibel Sea School are from 9-10:30 a.m. each Wednesday.
Sanibel Island offers world-class beach combing, birding, and wildlife-watching opportunities.
Join knowledgeable marine science educators for a casual guided beach walk to explore what’s washed ashore.
Look for fascinating animals and learn about shell biology.
A guide will happily answer any questions along the way.
Reservations for the public are $20 and must be made in advance at sanibelseaschool.org/atyourresort
The Barrier Island Parks Society, Inc. has completed repairs to the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse,and it has reopened.
With magnificent views of Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico, climbs and other programs are available at bips.org/programs.
Fort Myers Film Festival
The 13th annual Fort Myers Film Festival will be held May 17-21 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and other venues throughout the area.
Screenings will take place for 77 official selections that feature films from all over the world, with a focus on local and environmental films.
Famous artist moving to downtown Fort Myers
Matlacha artist Leoma Lovegrove plans to move into a new gallery and studio in Downtown Fort Myers.
Work has started at the Dean Building, 1415 Dean St., next to Ford’s Garage.
Former Smokin’ Oyster Bar chef opens a restaurant on Pine Island
Fort Myers Beach chef Reid Freeman and his wife Natasha have opened Street Eatz & Ale restaurant in Bokeelia on Pine Island.
Attractions and Entertainment
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Nature Free Wellness Week May 3-9
As part of National Mental Health Month, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island will celebrate Nature Wellness Week 2023.
The second annual event occurs May 3 through 9 at refuge venues and throughout the community, including Lakes Park and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers.
Highlights of the week will range from nature-healing lectures by nationally noted speakers and a Food Forest Wellness Fest at FGCU to mindfulness walks on Wildlife Drive and Boot Camp.
Guest lecturers include Dr. Geraldine Oades-Sese, child resilience psychologist, and Dr. Joe Blanda, healing-through-nature advocate.
Visit dingwellness.com for details.
Rockin’ good time at the Red, White & Tunes Festival
The fun begins at 1 p.m. May 28 at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in Downtown Fort Myers.
Enjoy a kickoff to the Memorial Day weekend with food, fun, music, and more.
Music includes the Winters Brothers Band, Carter Smith, Roxx Revolt & the Velvets, and Jaded Aerosmith Tribute.
Sun Saver Passport: Dine, Play, Shop, Sip
This popular digital savings pass provides instant access to a variety of deals and experiences from area attractions, restaurants, and more across four categories – Dine, Play, Shop, and Sip.
Sign-up is simple and free.
Passports are instantly delivered to phones via text and email.
And there is an option for users to save the pass on their home screen for one-tap access.
Sign up now to start saving.
Cape Coral Quest: Win prizes and explore
Download the Cape Coral Quest app for a fun way to explore the area and a chance to win prizes through Nov. 30.
Follow the directions at visitfortmyers.com/cape-coral-quest to collect a Cape Coral Quest Pass to participate on any mobile device.
Offshore Sailing School Family Cruising Course
Offshore Sailing School offers a new Family Cruising Course Package at ’Tween Waters Island Resort on Captiva Island.
Check out the details, along with other sailing packages, at offshoresailing.com/news-specials/specials.