01 Jun 2013
USS Mohawk provides centerpiece of exciting dive destination, milestone celebrations, beach renourishment, Hertz headquarters relocation, nationally-recognized festivals and more!
LEE COUNTY, FL – Ready, set, mark your calendars and plan a vacation! The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida continues to provide new experiences this summer and fall for visitors to Florida's unspoiled island sanctuary. For more information, visit www.fortmyerssanibel.com.
Coast Guard Cutter USS Mohawk to display underwater art gallery
Lee County's famous artificial reef will soon become an underwater art gallery. Austrian photographer, Andreas Franke, plans to hang a series of photographs on the reef that will create a temporary art exhibit that is accessible only to divers. Assisting on the project will be the Lee County Division of Marine Sciences along with Joe Weatherby, a founder of Reefmakers, LLC, a Key West-based company that specializes in sinking ships on artificial reefs. In October, the images will be removed and put on display at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts.
The Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk, in full fighting trim, offers an exceptional diving experience with the warship's replica guns, huge smokestack, crow's nest, bridge, deckhouse and massive propeller accessible for exploration. Trained and equipped divers descend the smokestack into the Mohawk's enormous engine room to the giant engine's inner parts and reduction gear. Located in 90 feet of water, roughly 28 nautical miles off Sanibel Island on Florida's southwest coast, the Mohawk is swarmed with fish inside and out. Divers report many species of fish, sea turtles and bull sharks and have spotted whale sharks, the world's largest living fish with a maximum size of about 65 feet.
Hertz announces headquarters relocation to southwest Florida
Hertz announced May 7 that it will move its headquarters to southwest Florida. The car rental company will relocate its worldwide headquarters from Park Ridge, N.J., to Estero near Fort Myers, and expects that the new $50.5 million headquarters will be completed in early 2015. The company is consolidating the corporate offices of Hertz and Dollar Thrifty in the new location. "Florida is the center of the U.S. travel and tourism industry,” said Hertz CEO Mark Frissora. “This move enables us to be closer to leisure and business customers, as well as many travel and association partners.”
The planned showcase site in Estero will include the corporate headquarters, two retail operations, a car dealership and a car rental store.
Beginning this year, up to 700 jobs will be relocated to Florida over a two-year period, Hertz said. Hertz was founded in Chicago in 1918. It will become the 16th Fortune 500 company to be based in Florida.
Three beach renourishment projects are being launched this summer that include:
- Captiva and northern Sanibel: 6.4 miles of beaches from Redfish Pass to Bowman's Beach. Work is expected to begin in early August and be completed by year's end.
- Gasparilla Island/Boca Grande: 3.1 miles of shoreline from 17th Street to Boca Grande Pass. Work is expected to span Labor Day to Thanksgiving.
- Lovers Key and Bonita Beach: A mile at Bonita Beach and a mile at Lovers Key State Park will begin in September and be completed in early 2014.
In addition, a $1 million Blind Pass project has just been completed. The pass straddles the north end of Sanibel and south tip of Captiva and was dredged for environmental purposes. The dredged sand was used to nourish a half-mile of critically eroded shoreline on northern Sanibel. Taking care of its beaches is a priority for Lee County, which has 4.7 million visitors a year. Renourishment projects such as these ensure the beauty of the beaches, as well as their environmental health for protected species such as sea turtles and nesting shorebirds.
Notable milestones in 2013
- Plans are underway for the 100th birthday celebration of thehistoric Gasparilla Inn & Club on Boca Grande. The historic resort will celebrate its centennial anniversary starting October 2013. Visitors experience “old Florida” at this classic resort with a championship Pete Dye Golf Course and a 250-slip marina that is home base for some of the best tarpon fishing in the world. The Gasparilla Inn & Club has been a premier destination on Florida's Gulf Coast since 1913 and is the hub on Gasparilla Island. The resort is a member of Historic Hotels of America (HHA) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP). www.the-gasparilla-inn.com.
- The Veranda in downtown Fort Myers, is celebrating 35 years by giving away $11,200 with monthly drawings through Oct. 31, 2013. Dinner patrons may enter a monthly drawing for a $350 gift certificate. On Nov. 1, 2013, the Veranda will also draw for a grand prize from all previous entrants for a $3,500 house account at the restaurant. The restaurant will also be donating $350 to a different food-related local charity each month and $3,500 of in-kind services. For reservations and information 239-332-2065 or www.verandarestaurant.com.
Celebrating 30 years:
- The Lee County Visitor & Convention and Bureau was established in 1983 to maintain and build year-round tourism in Lee County. To achieve this goal, the VCB works closely with the local industry to increase domestic and international visitation through integrated programs targeting key markets. One-in-five people in Lee County are employed in tourism. www.leevcb.com. Tourist tax collections for calendar year 1984 were $1.9 million. For fiscal year 2011-2012, tourist tax collections were $26.5 million.
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) opened in 1983 to serve a five-county area andprovides nonstop service to more than 42 domestic and international destinations including service to Canada and Germany. The airport has served more than 147 million passengers during the last 30 years. With 19 air carriers serving RSW with nonstop service to 40 destinations, including Düsseldorf, Germany and Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, Canada, there are connection possibilities through some of the largest hubs in the world. RSW generates a regional economic impact of more than $3.8 billion annually and in 2012, more than 7.3 million passengers traveled through making it one of the 50 busiest airports in the nation for passenger traffic. For more information: www.flylcpa.com.
- Chico's began as a small boutique in 1983, selling Mexican folk art and cotton sweaters on Sanibel Island. The shop's friendly environment and unique styles connected with customers in a special way that quickly evolved into over 700 Chico's boutiques nationwide, a monthly catalog and round-the-clock shopping. www.chicos.com.
Celebrating five years
- In 2008, Angelina's Ristorante opened in Bonita Springs as southwest Florida's
premier Italian dining experience.www.angelinasofbonitasprings.com.
Apps enhance visitor experience
iNature Trail is first of its kind at J. N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge
If you have a smart phone that downloads apps, you're ready to experience the latest innovation at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.
Designed to get techies outside, the Refuge iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive has two
components, one for kids and one for adults. This is the first interactive trail of its kind in
the 550-plus national wildlife refuge system. www.fws.gov/dingdarling.
The Florida Park Service launched a PocketRanger® mobile app for iPhones and Androids. The interactive guide allows visitors to plan their next adventure in local state parks including Cayo Costa State Park, Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Koreshan State Historic Site, Lovers Key State Park, and Mound Key State Archaeological State Park. It features photos,maps, park information, activity, and location search tools. 850-245-2112 or www.floridastateparks.org.
Attractions
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island unveiled its Living With Dinosaurs exhibit in the refuge's free Education Center. The exhibit displays the articulated skeleton of the American crocodile that lived for many years on the refuge and died three years ago. A hands-on touch screen examines the lives of the crocodiles and alligators that have been roaming the world since prehistoric times.
239-472-1100 or www.fws.gov/dingdarling.
At Lee County's 16 sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, new brown and white signs with the image of a swallow-tailed kite, now point the way for birding enthusiasts. The trail is part of a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that spans a 2,000-mile trail to promote bird and wildlife viewing and conservation. www.floridabirdingtrail.com.
In honor of Clara Bryant Ford's recent (April 11) birthday, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers began the installation of a historic rose garden at The Mangoes, the winter home of Henry and Clara Ford. Clara loved roses and had more than 350 varieties and 10,000 plants at their Michigan estate. The unveiling of the garden will be held in July in honor of Henry Ford's 150th birthday. 239-334-7419 or www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.
Accommodations
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers was recently included in the Top 100 of Conde Nast Traveler's Top 270 U.S. Spas list compiled from readers polls. 305-663-3543 or www.sanibelmarriott.com.
Smart Meetings magazine recently awarded the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs its 2012 Platinum Choice Award. As one of only nine Florida resorts to receive the distinction this year, the recently renovated 454-room resort was selected for demonstrating excellence in service, facilities, amenities, and accommodations. Only 100 Platinum Choice awards were chosen from thousands of qualifying candidates, with winners being selected by readers, the magazine's editorial staff, and a panel of industry experts. 239-390-4280 or www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com.
Following an extensive renovation, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village opened as Starwood's first Westin property in southwest Florida. The resort, previously known as The Resort at Marina Village, has equipped all 263 guestrooms and suites with the Westin Heavenly® Bed, the brand's Heavenly® Shower and Heavenly® Robe, and White Tea Aloe bath amenities. After further renovations, the hotel will also offer a Westin Kids Club and convert its 4,000-foot spa to a Westin Heavenly Spa. 239-541-5000 or www.westincapecoral.com.
Dining and retail
Award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier, Norman Love, will offer summer cooking classes for kids 10-14 years. Classes will be taught 1-4 p.m. in the pastry kitchen at Artisan Gelato next door to the Norman Love Confections Chocolate Salon in Fort Myers and include: June 29: Cupcake Critters; July 13: Seaside Cookies; July 27: Rice Crispy; August 10:Cupcake Picnic. Cost is $75 per child and includes a gelato snack break and chef hat. 239-561-7215 or www.normanloveconfections.com.
Sweet Magnolias Coffee House & Marketplace recently opened in downtown Cape Coral, offering coffee, protein shakes, sandwiches, and pastries, plus homemade crafts and furniture. Sales support single mothers locally and in Haiti. 239-245-1794 or www.sweetmagnoliascoffeehouse.com.
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates has opened the Edison Ford Shoppe at Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. The shop features handcrafted and local items, information on how to visit The Estates, and an area for regular programs, author talks and book signings, artist demonstrations, food tastings, and hands-on activities for children and families. 239-334-7419 or www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.
Two new restaurants on Sanibel Island have opened: Fresh Taqueria 239-579-0114 or www.freshtaqueria.com) serves traditional and signature tacos and tapas for lunch and dinner; Rosie's Café & Grill (239-579-0807), operated by the owners of the former Rosie's Deli, has opened for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the space previously occupied by Hungry Heron.
Angelina's Ristorante in Bonita Springs received the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, the magazine's second-highest honor bestowed upon only 878 restaurants
nationwide. Local winners of the magazine's Award of Excellence include Bayfront
Bistro and Shoals on Fort Myers Beach, Blue Water Bistro and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
in Estero, Chops City Grill in Bonita Springs, Keylime Bistro on Captiva Island, Sunshine Grille on Captiva Island and in Fort Myers, and the Pink Elephant and The Temptation Restaurant in Boca Grande. www.winespectator.com.
The Hut Restaurant and Peace Tropical Gardens in Buckingham completed a year-long, multimillion-dollar restoration including a major remodeling of the building, new kitchen, covered boardwalks, bridges over the pond, and pathways around the waterfall. Four distinct dining venues have been created, including The Hut, The Shanty, The Lean-To Lounge, and The Shack Out Back. 239-225-0907 or www.hutrestaurant.com.
Le Macaron French Pastries opened at Miromar Outlets. The shop features authentic French recipes for an assortment of macaroons, house-made gelatos, espresso, cappuccino, croissants, and more. It will also showcase William Dean Artisan Chocolates. 239-390-7720 or www.miromaroutlets.com.
True Tours offer visitors a chance to learn more about the downtown Fort Myers area's history, architecture, public art, revitalization and even haunted history with its walking tours. The 75-minute history walking tour takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and combines stories of local history and antidotes of the founding fathers. 239-945-0405 or www.truetours.net.
Art Walk in the River District, Downtown Fort Myers, takes place the first Friday of each month 6-10 p.m. An opportunity for art buyers and art enthusiasts to meet artists at their galleries during show openings, the events end with an after party. www.fortmyersartwalk.com.
Shopping
Congress Jewelers recently opened Sealife by Congress, a boutique devoted to the jewelry collection that is the foundation of the family-owned business on Sanibel Island. The collection features sand dollars, shells, dolphins, starfish, and other marine creatures, as well as the original Sanibel Sandals. The entire Sealife by Congress line is designed and manufactured on Sanibel. 239-275-5758 or www.congressjewelers.com.
The Open Door Shoppes on Hendry is the newest retail addition to downtown Fort Myers' Historic River District. The shop offers local artisans and dealers of unique treasures and trinkets the opportunity to showcase their products. 239-226-1220.
Park news
Lee County Parks & Recreation has made improvements to Sanibel Causeway Island A, the popular island along the causeway that is closest to the bridge, enabling those who use wheelchairs to enjoy the beach.
The east end of Island A now has a Mobi-Mat, which is a roll-out surface that makes beaches accessible to people in wheelchairs. An ADA-accessible picnic table and landscape enhancements also went into the area. For information about the Causeway beach or other beaches, visit www.leeparks.org.
Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, previouslypart of the state's largestWorld War IImilitary airfield, is the area's newest green space. The 3,000-plus-acre Conservation 20/20 preserve between Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres provides wildlife habitat as well as a place for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers. The area includes a 1.8-mile nature trail, two wetland observation decks and picnic areas. 239-707-3325 or www.conservation2020.org/pages/preservedetails.aspx?projid=28.
Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers is getting a new look as it undergoes a $2.4 million project to improve the quality of water that flows into Estero Bay and to extend a wetlands area at the north end of the park. Soon to be completed, the park will have more foraging habitat for wading birds and cleaner water for all wildlife. More than 700,000 visitors each year relax, exercise and explore Lakes Park with several miles of paved and unpaved trails, boardwalks, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, picnicking, bird watching and a fragrance garden. 239-533-7575 or www.leeparks.org.
Lovers Key State Park on Fort Myers Beach and Gasparilla State Park in Boca Grande have been named among the top 10 visited state parks in Florida by the Florida State Department of Environmental Protection. Nearly $2.5 million has been spent at Gasparilla for beach renourishment and restrooms, while nearly $3.4 million was spent for park development, bridges, multiuse trails, tram, bayside park and beach renourishment at Lovers Key. www.floridastateparks.org.
Kudos
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island has received the first place Gulf Guardian Award from the EPA. The awards are given as part of the EPA's Gulf of Mexico program to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico in ways consistent with the economic well-being of the region. The 12.5-acre campus includes a 4,800-square-foot hospital where ill and injured animals receive care and the 4,800-square-foot Healing Winds Visitor Education Center. www.crowclinic.org.
Sanibel Island is one of the happiest! Coastal Living readers voted Sanibel Island one of the top three “happiest seaside towns” in America for 2013. The magazine's editors unveiled their list of the 10 “Happiest Seaside Towns” in the February 2013 issue and invited America to vote for their favorite. Consumers voted hourly from Jan. 10 to Feb. 28. It's no secret at the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) that Sanibel Island makes people happy.
“Who wouldn't be happy walking along world-renowned beaches, looking for shells, watching dolphins surf in the waves and pelicans dive for their breakfast,” said Tamara Pigott, VCB executive director. “The accommodations, attractions and restaurants make our residents and visitors very happy.” coastalliving.com/happytowns2013.
TripAdvisor awarded Sanibel Island with a 2013 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Islands award. The awards recognize 100 islands around the world. Sanibel landed in the top 10 favorite island destinations. Visit www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Islands for the complete list of 2013 Travelers' Choice Islands. 239-338-3500 or www.leevcb.com.
The American Society for Shore and Beach Preservation recently named Captiva Island as the Best Florida Gulf Coast Beach in 2012. The award was based on votes from beach lovers around the world. 239-472-2472 or www.mycepd.com.
Upcoming special events and festivals
17th annual MangoMania
Tropical Fruit Fair, Cape Coral/Pine Island
July 13-14, 2013
German-American Social Club
2101 Pine Island Road
239-283-4842
The mango is the star attraction for two days each summer on PineIsland. Go wild for fruit as you sample locally-grown delicacies at this annual affair, an unusual celebration of all the tropical fruit grown on the island, which includes lychee, carambola, longan, papaya, and “chocolate pudding fruit.” Fruit, exotic fruit trees, and fruit-related products are available for purchase. The festival also offers live music, kid's activities and rides. Check website for hours and details.
24th Annual J.N. "Ding" Darling Days, Sanibel Island
Oct. 20-26, 2013
239-472-1100
www.dingdarlingdays.com
"Ding" Darling Days include a week of eco-activities with free refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, kids activities, Federal Duck Stamp artist presentation, art day, family day and more. Birding and kayaking tours, environmental speakers, a nature photography contest, and the Junior Duck Stamp Awards will fill the week with environmental activities for all ages. The festival celebrates the birthday of the refuge's namesake, conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jay N. "Ding" Darling. The event kicks off with Family Fun Day on Oct. 20. For detailed schedule, visit website.
28th Annual Oktoberfest, Cape Coral
Oct. 18-20 and 25-27, 2013
German-American Club
239-283-1400
www.capecoraloktoberfest.com
Hosted by the German-American Club, this huge celebration includes German culture, food, music and dancing. Highlights include authentic live entertainment with large musical groups from Germany, along with enough German food and beer to make anyone do the “Chicken Dance.” Call or check website for schedule and ticket information.
8th Annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, countywide
Nov. 1-3, 2013
239-533-7275
www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com
Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, the festival showcases the 190-mile Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail, which helps stand-up paddle boarders,
kayakers and canoeists explore southwest Florida's waterfront communities. This signature eco event includes a family fun race, a kayak fishing tournament, paddling clinics and demonstrations, seminars, wildlife activities, archaeological events, guided tours, and more. Call or check website for schedule and ticket information.
31st Annual Taste of the Town, JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Nov. 3, 2013
239-277-1197
This annual favorite charity fundraiser sponsored by the Junior League of Fort Myers, brings together “tastes” from local restaurants, music, children's entertainment and more to its first new venue in 20 years: JetBlue Park. Guests will sample delicious food and enjoy local bands on the grounds. Event entry costs $5. Children under the age of 12 are free. This year marks the 31st Taste of the Town event, which began in the early 1980s as a public picnic, called “The French Picnic,” in which Junior League members prepared and served all the food. Since then, Taste of the Town has developed into a locally anticipated event, bringing an average of 10,000 guests from all over southwest Florida. Funds raised contribute directly to the Junior League's volunteer programs to fight childhood obesity, support at-risk youth and provide local mini-grants.
Cape Coral CoCoNut Festival, Cape Coral
Nov. 8-10, 2013
239-573-3121
www.cocofest.com
Sun Splash Family Water Park
400 Santa Barbara Blvd.
The Cape Coral CoCoNut Festival celebrates Cape Coral's reputation in the Lee County area for coconuts, multi-cultural food, boating, fishing and wildlife. The festival will feature a national musical act, gymnastic entertainment, carnival rides, water-ski shows, tropical food, contests, coconut crafts, fireworks, and more. Visit site for schedule.
Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island
Nov. 10, 2013
239-472-3644
Taste of the Islands is back for its 32nd year to celebrate three Sanibel signatures –community, cuisine and the wildlife organization CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of
Wildlife). Local restaurants will descend on Sanibel Community Park with their most decadent delicacies from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and duke it out to earn top honors for their dishes from judges and the crowd. Live entertainment.
27th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championships, Fort Myers Beach
Nov. 22-Dec. 1, 2013
239-454-7500
Presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, the 2013 American Sand Sculpting Championship continues its tradition as one of the most popular, family-friendly events in Florida. It attracts an estimated 50,000 attendees over the 10-day event. With name entertainment, this island-wide festival has been named one of 20 recommended events for November in the southeastern United States by the Southeast Tourism Society. Now in its 27th year, the event owes much of its success to the area's abundant natural resources, particularly the soft, sugar-white sands of Fort Myers Beach, which are considered the best in the world for sand sculpting events. This year's festival will feature 16 of the world's best master sculptors along with Florida state and amateur sculptors. These artists will unite on Fort Myers Beach to create their imaginatively stunning works of art.
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For the latest information on the area's many accommodation choices, event and activities, visit www.FortMyers-Sanibel.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres. A media kit and images are available upon request.
CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Francesca Donlan (239) 338-3500
