Fort Myers-Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods is coming back strong 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. While it may not be the biggest airport in terms of area, (RSW) is currently the second-busiest single-runway airport in the country, with wait times of just 16 minutes and low pollution levels compared to other airports.
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.
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.
