The Fort Myers area is recovering and rebuilding from the impact of Hurricane Ian. For information about accommodations and attractions that are currently open, please go to VisitFortMyers.com/open.
As information is rapidly changing and there may be limited availability, hours and amenities, please check with the individual businesses on their status.
Support hospitality workers
Those who work in the hospitality industry to make sure our visitors have a great vacation experience are hurting. Many have lost homes, jobs, cars and more. Many of our guests from all over the world have contacted us asking for ways they can assist in their recovery.
Your contributions to the SWFL Relief Fund will directly support hospitality workers on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva islands, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande and the outer islands, and in Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres. www.SupportFortMyers.org Nov. 2 Songwriters for Southwest Florida to benefit hospitality workers
BMI and IHeartMedia will present Songwriters for Southwest Florida, a concert benefiting hospitality workers in Lee County, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville. Many songwriters have pledged their support to a community that they feel has given so much to them during their time at the annual 10-day Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. The benefit concert will feature BMI songwriters who have performed at the festival since its inception. Among those contributing to the night’s line-up: Aaron Barker, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Sheena Brook, Brooke Eden, Tim James, Paul McDonald, Frank Myers, Danny Myrick, Maggie Rose, Stephanie Quayle and Maia Sharp.
New Shellcast podcast episode: Sanibel Island Causeway opens ahead of schedule
Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith and John Lai, president and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, talk about the Oct. 19 reopening of the Sanibel Causeway, restoring access to residents and construction crews just three weeks after Hurricane Ian. The Causeway’s reopening marks a significant milestone in Lee County’s recovery from the Category 4 hurricane that hit the Southwest Florida on Sept. 28. Recorded Oct. 20. Shellcast is the award-winning podcast of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at youtube.com/watch?v=IxaDwVt-mlk&t=19s
Hotel reopenings
The Marriott Sanibel Harbour in Fort Myers reopened Oct. 28.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village plans to reopen Nov 1.
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs will reopen Nov. 7.
Attractions and entertainment
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Estates in Fort Myers has opened and on Nov. 11 will host the acoustic ensemble, Appalachian Road Show, for the first Rhythm on the River concert of the season. The group performs bluegrass and folk music, as well as original songs. The event will take place on the Ford lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
The 86-year-old attraction in Bonita Springs, has opened.
Rockin’ on the River continues
Luminary Hotel & Co. and the Rockin’ on the River free concert series continues at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, the series will run through December with two concerts: country music legend Lorrie Morgan, Nov. 21; and a holiday show by contemporary swing revivalists Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Dec. 12.
