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
Southwest Florida is getting some national attention! The Cape Coral–Fort Myers area recently earned the No. 1 spot in a national retirement ranking featured in Travel + Leisure. For those of us who call this area home, it's another reminder of what makes living here so appealing.
This week, we're also exploring the Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile paddling trail winding through Southwest Florida's beautiful coastal waterways. We'll take a look at plans for a longtime community landmark and share a great lineup of events happening around the area this weekend. There's plenty to catch up on and perhaps something new to add to your weekend plans!
Local Life
Cape Coral by Kayak: Explore the Great Calusa Blueway
Some of Cape Coral’s waterways are best explored at paddle pace. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile marked trail through Southwest Florida’s coastal waters and mangrove passages. This video points out local kayak access at Sirenia Vista Park and off Ceitus Parkway, with routes leading into the Matlacha Pass area. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds along the way. Take a look and discover a new way to enjoy our local waterways.
Around Southwest Florida
Lee County has set aside up to $50 million in federal recovery funds to strengthen Mike Greenwell Regional Park in North Fort Myers. Ideas under discussion include a new community and agricultural education building, updated animal barns and other improvements—a promising step toward renewing this longtime gathering place.
Southwest Florida is getting national attention! A recent Travel + Leisure article highlights the Cape Coral–Fort Myers area as the top-ranked U.S. destination for retirees. With our extensive waterways, warm weather, outdoor recreation, and waterfront lifestyle, it's easy to understand the appeal. Take a look at what's putting our area in the national spotlight.
This Weekend
The 41st annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest brings German food, live music, dancing, a children’s carnival and plenty of festive fun to the German-American Social Club. The celebration runs October 16–18 and October 23–25 at 2101 SW Pine Island Road. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate; children 12 and under get in free.
Get ideas for your next home project at the Home & Garden Show, featuring more than 100 exhibitors with options for roofing, windows, flooring, kitchens, pools and outdoor living. It’s Saturday and Sunday, October 17–18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Admission and parking are free.
The Everblades open their home season Saturday, October 17, against the Orlando Solar Bears at Hertz Arena in Estero. The night includes a celebration and raising of the team’s fifth championship banner, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. The first 7,000 fans will receive LED bracelets.
A candlelit string quartet, theatrical storytelling and Halloween atmosphere bring Cape Coral’s long-lost Rose Gardens to life in this concert at The Westin. The event is Saturday, October 17; cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.
Cape Coral Parks & Recreation offers kayaking programs throughout the year for beginners and experienced paddlers. Check the current program guide for upcoming classes and activities, or call Rotary Park Environmental Center to find a program that’s right for you.
Harbor Marine is celebrating its grand opening with a look at the new Whisper pontoon lineup, a ribbon cutting, food trucks, live music from NASCAR driver Gray Gaulding, and family entertainment. Stop by Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4329 S. Tamiami Trail.
Celebrate SWFL’s creative scene at this Halloween-themed art gala featuring local artists, makers and vendors, alternative fashion runway shows, live performances, body painting and artists creating work before your eyes. Saturday, October 17, 6–11 p.m. at Millennial Brewing Company in Fort Myers. Ages 21 and up.
Join the Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ plant curator and an Audubon birding guide for an easy walk through the historic gardens, followed by a drink and pastry at the Banyan Café. Saturday, October 17, 7:30–9:30 a.m. Bring binoculars, water and closed-toe shoes.
Take a 90-minute guided walk through downtown Fort Myers and hear local stories of the people and spirits said to linger in the historic district. The tour meets at the Franklin Shops, 2200 First Street, on Saturday, October 17, at 8 p.m.
Downtown Fort Myers comes alive with singers, bands, DJs and other live performers during this monthly evening in the River District. Friday, October 16, from 6 to 10 p.m., around First and Hendry streets.
From the Beyond the Waterfront Collection
A Little Owl Charm, Southwest Florida Style
A curious trio of burrowing owls brings a little local personality to this retro-inspired ringer tee. With classic contrast trim and a relaxed fit, it’s an easygoing favorite for bird lovers and anyone who feels at home in Southwest Florida. A fun way to wear a little piece of the place we love, from the Beyond the Waterfront™ collection.
Real Estate
Southwest Florida Homebuilding Slows Overall, While Charlotte County Surges
Southwest Florida issued 1,286 single-family building permits in August, down 7.9% from a year earlier, according to FGCU’s Regional Economic Research Institute. The local picture varied: Lee County permits fell 21.2%, while Charlotte County permits jumped 44.6% and Collier County rose 5.6%—a mixed signal for the region’s future homebuilding pipeline.
From Carrie
One thing I've learned after 45 years in Southwest Florida is that you never stop discovering new things about the place you call home. That's part of what makes putting this newsletter together so enjoyable.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, whatever your plans may be!
See you next Friday,
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