What’s open: Recovery update from Fort Myers

Fort Myers has updated the travel trade on the recovery and rebuilding from the impact of Hurricane Ian.

It says for businesses which have reopened, there may be limited availability, hours and amenities.

Support hospitality workers
Travelers can contribute to the SWFL Relief Fund to 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

Songwriters for Southwest Florida to benefit hospitality workers
BMI and IHeartMedia will present Songwriters for Southwest Florida, a concert benefiting hospitality workers in Lee CountyWednesday, November 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 October 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.  youtube.com/watch?v=IxaDwVt-mlk&t=19s

Lee Parks open multiple locations
Following assessments by Lee County Parks and Recreation, multiple locations are now open. Check leeparks.org for a list, hours and amenities.

Hotel reopenings
The Marriott Sanibel Harbour in Fort Myers reopened October 28. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rswsb-marriott-sanibel-harbour-resort-and-spa/overview

The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village plans to reopen November 1. westincapecoral.com

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs will reopen November 7. hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-regency-coconut-point-resort-and-spa/naprn

Attractions and entertainment

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Estates in Fort Myers has opened and on November 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. edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/rhythm-on-the-river-3

Wonder Gardens
The 86-year-old attraction in Bonita Springs, has opened. wondergardens.org

College basketball: Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off tickets on sale
Returning Thanksgiving week, the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off is back (men’s division Nov. 21-23), along with the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off (Nov. 25-27) at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Visit www.fortmyerstipoff.com

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. Visit CaloosaSoundAmp.com for ticket information.

Airport news

New air service at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
American: Austin (AUS) daily, limited holiday service Dec. 15-Jan.9, 2023
Sun Country Airlines: Eau Claire EAU) weekly beginning Dec. 19.
Avelo Airlines: Kalamazoo (AZO) and Lansing (LAN) weekly beginning Nov. 11. Raleigh/Durham (RAL) weekly beginning Nov. 10. Binghamton (BGM) begins Nov. 16.
WestJet: nonstop service from Ottawa (YOW) through April 29, 2023, with twice-weekly service.
WestJet twice-daily service from Toronto (YYZ) through April 29, 2023.
Air Canada nonstop from Montreal (YUL) with twice-a-week service. Nov. 24-Dec. 18 will be three times per week.
Air Canada nonstop from Toronto (YYZ) four times per day through April 15, 2023.

Annual festivals and events (all subject to change)

Sanibel Island Writers Conference
Nov. 5
Will be streamed live and free of charge. www.fgcu.edu/siwc

Holiday events
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” in the Main Theatre Nov. 18-Dec. 30;
“Ha! Ha! Ho! The Holiday Show” in Off Broadway Palm Dec. 10-25;
“Santa Claus the Musical” in the Children’s Theatre Nov. 29-Dec. 24.
broadwaypalm.com

47th Annual Holiday Nights at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
Nov. 25 -Jan. 1, 2023
“Holidays on the Riverfront”
EdisonFord.org

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