ISSUE 58 · OCTOBER 23, 2026
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
There are plenty of reasons people fall in love with Cape Coral, from its waterfront lifestyle to its welcoming neighborhoods. Now there's another reason to appreciate the city. A new national safety study ranks Cape Coral second in Florida and 33rd nationwide. For those who already call the Cape home, it's welcome recognition, and for those considering a move, it's another interesting piece of the picture.
Also this week: Carrie stops by one of Cape Coral’s waterfront dining spots, mortgage rates ease for a second week, and stone crab season kicks off with a festival at Tin City. Plus a full lineup of weekend events, from the Airing of the Quilts to a Billy Joel tribute.
Local Life
Waterfront Dining in Cape Coral
Some of the best meals in Cape Coral come with a view of the water. In this short video, Carrie stops by Bimini Basin to show off one of the city’s waterfront dining spots — the kind of place where lunch turns into an afternoon. Take a look and maybe find your next spot to sit by the water.
Around Southwest Florida
After a long final hearing Wednesday night, Cape Coral City Council voted 6–1 to approve Bimini East, a $500 million plan to transform 34 acres around Bimini Basin into a walkable waterfront destination. Plans call for up to 900 homes, a 250-room hotel, shops, restaurants and a 50-slip marina, with Four Freedoms Park staying public.
Three through lanes in each direction are expected to open between Coronado Parkway and Del Prado Boulevard by Oct. 23, weather permitting. The new layout aims to ease backups; parking along the parkway will no longer be allowed, and construction is expected to continue through November.
This Weekend
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s 2026 RedSnook Catch & Release Charity Fishing Tournament runs Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25, with anglers launching from Naples, Goodland and Chokoloskee. Proceeds support the Conservancy’s work protecting Southwest Florida’s water. Team spots are full, but anyone can join in through the online auction — fishing charters, local getaways and gear — open until 8 p.m. Sunday.
Bay Street Yard celebrates Halloween with a night of live performances and DJs, food and drink specials, and local art vendors in downtown Fort Myers. Saturday, October 24, from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at 2136 Bay St.
Stone crab season opened October 15, and Naples is celebrating with a full weekend of waterfront fun at Tin City. Hosted by Pinchers, the festival brings fresh stone crab claws, food and drink stands, local vendors and live music right along Naples Bay — with Tin City’s shops and waterfront restaurants to explore in between.
Paint a pot, plant something cute and sip a drink at this Halloween-themed workshop at Seed & Bean, with a small vendor market alongside. Sunday, October 25, from 2 to 6 p.m., at 4720 SE 9th Place in Cape Coral. Early-bird tickets are $30 single or $50 double ($45/$65 at the door), sold on Eventbrite.
Dozens of quilts from the Southwest Florida Quilters Guild hang on clotheslines between the palms in front of Edison and Ford’s historic homes, and some are for sale. A certified appraiser will assess antique quilts ($25 verbal, $35 written). Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; included with estate admission and free for members.
Eric Eaton mixes sleight of hand with grown-up comedy in this special engagement at Snappers Comedy Club. Shows are Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 6 and 9 p.m.; and Sunday at 6 p.m. at 8595 College Parkway in Fort Myers.
Sample hard ciders made with New York State apples, meet head cider maker Phil and enjoy live music from Claire Liparulo and Sideshow Bob & Vic. Saturday, October 24, from noon to 6 p.m. at Resurgence Brewing, 6160 Exchange Lane in Fort Myers.
Browse handmade goods from local artisans and makers, plus local food, at this Local Ladies Social Network craft fair. Saturday, October 24, at Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers.
Corvettes and open cars, trucks and Jeeps fill Bell Tower Shops for this Halloween show, with music, a 50/50 drawing, costume contests for cars and people, and a trunk-or-treat. Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers.
The Charlotte Chorale hosts Turnstiles, a Billy Joel tribute band that has opened for Joel at Madison Square Garden — he even joined them on stage this past January. Sunday, October 25, at 4 p.m. at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda. Tickets are $40 for adults and $16 for students.
From the Beyond the Waterfront Collection
A Little Golden Retriever Happiness
A Golden Retriever, a colorful beach umbrella and turquoise water—this watercolor-style print captures the simple joy of a day at the beach. Created from one of my original Southwest Florida photographs, it’s part of my Beyond the Waterfront™ collection and inspired by the coastal moments I’ve loved after more than 45 years here.
Real Estate
Mortgage Rates Ease for a Second Week
Mortgage rates improved for the second week in a row, with the 30-year benchmark at 7.37% — about a quarter point below recent highs, according to mortgage professional Mike Roberts. The path there was bumpy: a hot inflation report pushed rates up midweek before nervous investors moved money into safer government bonds. Mike’s take: where rates go next is anyone’s guess, so if you’re planning to buy or refinance, it’s worth talking with a lender before you lock.
Your Free Cape Coral Waterways Guide
Cape Coral has more than 400 miles of canals — and no two are quite the same. This free guide explains Gulf access, sailboat access, and freshwater canals, plus bridge heights, flood zones, seawalls, docks, and how long it takes to reach open water. Written by a 45-year local for anyone thinking about life on the water.
From Carrie
There's certainly no shortage of things happening around Southwest Florida this weekend! Between the festivals, live music, and beautiful places to explore, there's always something to enjoy close to home.
Whether you're heading out to enjoy the festivities or spending a relaxing weekend by the water, I hope you make time for something you love.
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