A weekly Southwest Florida newsletter featuring local life, waterfront living, things to do, upcoming events, real estate insights, and places worth knowing. Delivered every Friday.
This Week’s Feature
This week marks a bit of a milestone for Beyond the Waterfront.
What started as a weekly newsletter has grown, and today Beyond the Waterfront officially has a home of its own. Our new website is live, and beginning with this 55th edition, the newsletter will now live there too, making it easier to explore past stories, discover local information, and stay connected to what’s happening around Southwest Florida.
The heart of the newsletter isn’t changing. I started Beyond the Waterfront because I genuinely love Southwest Florida and wanted a place to share more of what makes this area special. Not just real estate, but the places, people, local happenings, waterfront lifestyle, and little things you come to appreciate when you’ve called an area home for a long time.
As Beyond the Waterfront continues to grow, you’ll still find the local insight and real estate perspective I’ve always shared, along with more places worth knowing, things happening around the area, weekend ideas, and stories that capture what makes Southwest Florida such a special place to live and visit.
For those of you who have been opening and reading each week, thank you. I truly appreciate it. And if this is your first issue, welcome. I’m glad you found your way here.
Local Life
Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
Did you know Cape Coral has its own rum distillery?
Wicked Dolphin Rum has been making small-batch rum right here in Cape Coral since 2012. It’s a family-run distillery using Florida sugar and local, natural ingredients to create a variety of rums, including some aged in American white oak bourbon barrels.
You can tour the distillery and see how the process works, from fermentation and distilling to barrel aging and bottling. They also offer tastings, have a fun gift shop, and outside you’ll find the Wicked Tiki area, where they host live music, food trucks, and special events.
If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Southwest Florida, Wicked Dolphin is a fun local stop to add to your list
Around Southwest Florida
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife counted a record 7,828 burrowing owls in the 2026 census, up from 7,008 last year. Cape Coral is home to Florida’s largest known population of the threatened species, making the increase encouraging news for local conservation efforts.
After a $15 million transformation, Legacy Harbour Marina has reopened along the Caloosahatchee River with 131 modern slips, upgraded amenities and direct Gulf access. Just steps from the River District, its return brings new energy to the downtown Fort Myers waterfront!
This Weekend
Think you can land the ultimate Southwest Florida slam? Anglers will chase snook, redfish and trout across the waters of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Sarasota and Manatee counties, with the greatest combined length taking the win. Gather your team and get ready to compete!
Grab your flip-flops and get ready for four days of live Trop Rock, poolside fun, boat drinks and laid-back island vibes at Margaritaville Beach Resort. ParrotPHest takes over Fort Myers Beach October 1–4 for one unforgettable beachfront party!
Run or walk through beautiful Cape Coral on October 3 while supporting the Cape Coral Fire Department Community Foundation. Beginning at Tarpon Point Marina, this community 5K helps fund CPR resources, fire-safety education and a local firefighter memorial.
Downtown Fort Myers transforms into a Munich-style celebration October 2–4 with house-brewed German beers, authentic cuisine, live entertainment, contests and games. Grab your stein and come hungry for one of Millennial Brewing’s biggest parties of the year!
Celebrate Oktoberfest along the beautiful Punta Gorda waterfront with lively German music, delicious food, cold drinks and plenty of Bavarian cheer. Browse the shops, take in the harbor views and enjoy a festive afternoon at one of Southwest Florida’s favorite waterfront destinations!
Lochmoor Plaza in North Fort Myers comes alive October 3 with an impressive lineup of classic cars, hot rods, trucks and more. Enjoy live music, food trucks, trophies, raffles and a 50/50 drawing benefiting the Cape Coral Animal Shelter!
Dig deeper into Southwest Florida gardening with a hands-on lesson covering healthy soil, plant propagation and proper plant nutrition. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll learn practical techniques to help your plants thrive in our local growing conditions.
Kalin’s Farmer & Flea Market is going big October 3 with local vendors, one-of-a-kind finds and plenty of unexpected treasures waiting to be discovered. Come ready to browse, bargain and shop small at American Legion Post 103 in Punta Gorda!
Bell Tower Shops turns into an Oktoberfest-inspired tasting adventure October 2 with seasonal drinks and appetizer samples at participating restaurants. Grab your passport and enjoy live music, entertainment, festival games and chances to win prizes throughout the evening!
Held on the first Sunday of each month, this open-air market brings together local artists, food vendors and small businesses. Sunday’s event is expected to include Solomon’s BBQ, artwork, shopping and more in the colorful heart of Matlacha. Free parking is available.
From the Beyond the Waterfront Collection
Sanibel Lighthouse, Southwest Florida
Inspired by one of Southwest Florida’s most recognizable landmarks, this coastal art print brings a little bit of Sanibel home. Created from original photography and transformed into a soft watercolor-style piece.
Real Estate
Buying in Southwest Florida? Financing Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
With the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 7.03% as of September 24, financing strategy is an important part of the buying conversation. But the rate and loan options available can vary depending on the buyer, the property, and how the home will be used.
Whether you’re considering a primary residence, second home, or vacation rental, I work with trusted lending professionals who understand these different scenarios and can help you explore the options that fit your needs.
From Carrie
Thanks for spending a little time with me this week. Whether Southwest Florida is home, a place you visit often, or somewhere you’re considering for the future, I hope Beyond the Waterfront gives you a closer look at the places, lifestyle and local perspective that make this area so special.
I’m glad you’re here, and I’ll see you next week.
Carrie
Have a question or want to connect?
With 45+ years in Southwest Florida and more than two decades in real estate, I’m always happy to be a local resource.
Carrie Ciolino, REALTOR®
Royal Shell Real Estate
[email protected]
239-470-1546