As you near retirement or continue to enjoy it, you may be considering becoming a Florida resident. Our team will be the first to tell you there’s no better time than the present to make that move.
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An award-winning professional with over two decades of experience in the Naples and Marco Island real estate market, Michelle Thomas is well-known for her deep familiarity with the area. Specializing in everything from luxury golf course estates to gorgeous Gulf-front condominiums, she has a passion for pairing her customers with pristine properties.
As a Collier County resident of nearly 30 years, community service is at the forefront of her business, donating a portion of each commission to local charities. Michelle works with a diverse customer base, from the international purchaser to the first-time homebuyer, with a commitment to an exceptional experience.
An accomplished industry leader, Michelle has achieved numerous accolades and has been ranked among REAL Trends “The Thousand,” America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list and is a Five Star award winner. She is a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. Michelle leads the #1 real estate team at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
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Effective portfolio management is a lot like air travel. The pilot and crew navigate weather conditions, turbulence, and air traffi c to get you there safely on time, but you might be surprised just how often the plane can potentially be off course. That’s why you need an extraordinary team of advisors guarding your fi nancial future—professionals with the experience, expertise, and compassion to deliver the level of service you expect.
Discover how we design a strategic plan, manage continuous course correction, and strive to bring your fi nancial future in for a perfect landing. Call us today to request your complimentary consultation with one of our advisors at 239.920.4440 or through our website MoranWM.com
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YOUR NEW PHYSICIAN IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY
If you are looking for a doctor close to home, want more information about our services, or have a question about NCH, call to speak with one of our representatives about the many healthcare options and physician choices that are here for you, only at the NCH Healthcare System. Call us from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week at NCH-7777 (239-624-7777)
You’re reading this letter, so you are already one of the privileged individuals who calls Southwest Florida home or you are considering relocating to this ever-expanding community.
Ihave had the pleasure of growing up and raising my family here, interspersed by long stints away. There is a long list of reasons why I hold Southwest Florida close to my heart, and many of these special places and experiences are showcased in these pages.
What these pages don’t showcase is the powerful connection of community and resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The community has always come together during events such as hurricanes and the pandemic, emerging much stronger. Of this, I am certain. Hurricane Ian was a natural disaster of historic proportions, but rebuilding began as daylight dawned the next day. The rebuilding continues today, so please check with the venues listed in this issue to check their status. At press time, each had their own timelines and estimations for reopening.
Nonetheless, in these pages, you’ll find information that will help you decide where to live, shop, dine, and play; insight into local health care, education, and transportation; a detailed overview of Collier and Lee counties and incorporated cities; and a whole lot more.
If you want to get outdoors, Southwest Florida has you covered with unparalleled natural resources and world-class facilities. (And we conveniently average more than 250
days of sunshine each year.) Beaches, golf, tennis and pickleball, sportfishing, watersports, biking, and hiking we’re surrounded by unending opportunities, no matter where you live in the region.
Great schools—public and private, PreK to graduate—provide plenty of learning opportunities at every age. Housing options include starter homes, single-family homes in private communities, apartments and condos, and beachfront properties that fit a range of budgets, needs, and lifestyles.
Reading through this guide, it should become clear why so many people are choosing to plant roots in Southwest Florida. Welcome home and settle in. We’re glad you’re here.
Cathy Chestnut Editor
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León is credited as the first European to reach Florida in 1513. He returned in 1521 with two ships, 200 men, and cattle, landing along the Southwest Florida coast and releasing the cows into the scrubland. De León was fatally injured when the explorers were attacked by the native Calusa people in Southwest Florida; he died after fleeing to Cuba. The Spaniards’ abandoned, wild-roaming cattle drew resourceful settlers and became a vital export commodity following the Civil War.
Inventor Thomas Alva Edison bought a winter home in Fort Myers on the banks of the Caloosahatchee in 1885. He publicly professed his love of the community, announcing: “There is only one Fort Myers in the
United States, and there are 90 million people who are going to find it out.”
Tourism in Collier and Lee counties is an economic powerhouse. More than 1.5 million visitors spent $1.7 billion in Collier County in 2021, supporting 21,800 jobs. In Lee County in 2021, 4.7 million visitors spent $3.7 billion, supporting one out of every six jobs.
In 1923, Collier County was named for Barron Gift Collier, who at one time was reputed to be the largest landowner in the state. The New York City advertising mogul and real estate developer agreed to complete the construction of the Tamiami Trail (its name derived from its Tampa-to-Miami
route) from Naples to Miami. Collier County was carved from Lee County and is the largest county in the state by geographical size.
Big-game sportfishing was born when William Halsey Wood landed a 93-pound tarpon (known as the “Silver King”) near
Sanibel Island on March 25, 1885, with an ordinary rod and reel—news that traveled around the world and made the region the epicenter of the brand-new sport.
The top employers in Lee and Collier counties are the two primary health care providers: NCH Healthcare System with more than 7,000 employees and Lee Health with more than 13,500.
Since the 1990s, Southwest Florida has claimed the No. 1 spot in the nation for golf holes per capita. With some communities featuring two and, in some cases, three 18-hole courses, Collier and Lee counties boast more than a combined 150 courses.
Time-honored community traditions include the annual Swamp Buggy Races held since 1918 in Collier County, where the unique vehicles were invented
for the rugged backcountry, and the Edison Festival of Light Parade in Fort Myers, which began in 1938 to honor Thomas Alva Edison. The Izaak Walton Tarpon Tournament was founded on Useppa Island circa 1908, and is the oldest tarpon tournament in the United States.
For paddlers, Lee County’s Great Calusa Blueway encompasses 190 miles through three distinct regions of the Gulf of Mexico coast. Collier County’s Paradise Coast Blueway paddling trail features six daytrips from Everglades City to the village of Goodland. The Everglades Waterway kayak and canoe trail is 99 miles long.
Lee County is home to two Major League Baseball spring-training facilities and stadiums for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. Spring training has been at home in Southwest Florida since
the Terry Park Ballfield stadium, east of Fort Myers, was built to host the Philadelphia Athletics in 1925.
The Sunshine State is teeming with terrestrial, aquatic, and avian wildlife. More than 130 native species are threatened or endangered—and many make their home in Southwest Florida. Whether they’re outgoing or shy, get to know a few of your neighbors’ “cool factors.”
scientific name: Caretta caretta adult size: 3 feet weight : 250 to 300 pounds lifespan : More than 50 years habitat : Temperate and tropical regions of the ocean diet : Fish, crustaceans, jellyfish, and
occasionally seagrass and algae status: Threatened in Florida, endangered in other parts of the world
Cool factor: Mature sea turtles return to the beaches where they hatched to lay their eggs.
scientific name: Puma concolor coryi adult size: 7 to 8 feet from the nose to tail tip
weight : 100 to 160 pounds lifespan : 12 to 15 years habitat : Confined to Southwest Florida’s pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and mixed swamp forests diet : Deer, wild hogs, raccoons, armadillos, snakes, alligators status: Endangered, with an estimated 120 to 230 panthers in Florida, making them one of the rarest and most endangered mammals in the world
Cool factor: Panthers are strong swimmers. They have a keen sense of smell and a 130-degree field of vision.
EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE
scientific name: Drymarchon couperi adult size: 6 to 8 feet long
weight : Up to 9-plus pounds, averaging about 5 pounds habitat : Upland forests, hardwood hammocks, Florida scrub
diet : Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians status: Threatened
Cool factor: This snake eats its prey live, and hunts and consumes other snakes, including venomous ones. It is also the longest native snake in North America.
scientific name: Platalea ajaja adult size: 2.5 to 3.5 feet, with a wingspan of 4.5 to 5 feet
weight : Up to 4 pounds habitat : Shallow wetlands, marshes, bays, or swamps
diet : Small fish, insects, small aquatic crustaceans
status: Threatened, protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Cool factor: Shortly after hatching, spoonbill chick bills gradually flatten and develop into their iconic flared shape after a few weeks’ time.
scientific name: Lontra canadensis
adult size: 3 to 5 feet
weight: 11 to 31 pounds lifespan: 10 years
habitat: Rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, and swamps diet: Fish, crayfish, turtles status: Native Cool factor: The tail comprises 40 percent of total body length and facilitates strong swimming skills. Otters can swim eight miles per hour and dive to depths of 36 feet. They are mostly nocturnal and live in burrows on the banks of fresh or brackish waterbodies.
scientific name: Gopherus polyphemus
adult size: Up to 15 inches weight: 8 to 15 pounds
lifespan: 40 to 60 years
habitat: Well-drained, sandy soils found in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, oak hammocks, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies, and coastal dunes
diet: Low-growing plants, such as wiregrass, broadleaf grasses, gopher apple, and legumes
status: Threatened
Cool factor: The only tortoise naturally found east of the Mississippi River, they spend up to 80 percent of their time in burrows that average 15 feet long and more than 6 feet deep. These burrows offer shelter for more than 350 other species.
SANDHILL CRANE
scientific name: Antigone canadensis
adult size: Approximately 4 feet
adult size: 7 to 10 pounds
habitat: Marshlands, wetlands, and open fields
diet: Berries, seeds, small invertebrates
Cool factor: The sandhill crane mates for life, and pairs dance together to reinforce their bond.
We all play a part in making sure these natives remain happy, healthy neighbors. Whether you are a long-time resident or first-time visitor, here are some tips for being a good neighbor.
• Leave nothing but footprints. A leading cause of harm to all creatures is plastic pollution. Bottle caps, ribbons, balloons, and monofilament fishing line commonly kill or maim birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. (More than 700 pelicans die each year in Florida alone from entanglement in fishing gear.) Use less plastic and clean up litter, especially around waterways.
• Keep your eyes on the road. Observe safe speeds on the roads and on the water to avoid unnecessary collisions with wildlife.
• Don’t feed wildlife. This causes animals, including alligators, to lose their fear of people, posing a threat to humans and domestic animals—and to the animals that are being fed.
• Take nothing but pictures. Florida has strict laws that prohibit the capturing, harming, or harassment of Florida’s native species, including live shells, sea stars, urchins, and sand dollars at the beach.
GET UP-CLOSE The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental protection organization established in 1964. Learn about Southwest Florida’s ecosystems, plants, and wildlife at the Dalton Discovery Center. Rent kayaks, take an electric boat tour, and stroll through native ecosystems. See gopher tortoises at the Christopher B. Smith Preserve. Go behind the scenes at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. Find out more: conservancy.org.
BY CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
To newcomers, Southwest Florida’s topography might seem flat and unchanging, but don’t let its subtleties fool you. Changes in elevation coupled with rainfall create distinct habitats that are home to a web of life for native wildlife and a wondrous spectrum of flora. You are likely quite familiar with the beach and coastal areas, so here’s a primer on the other natural habitats you will encounter as you explore these sometimes hardy, and sometimes fragile, lands.
PINE UPLANDS: This habitat is high in elevation, at least for Southwest Florida. A few inches in elevation can make a big difference, and this elevation allows for pine forests, which are high and dry areas dominated by needle-leafed slash pine. The trees get their name from the early settlers who “slashed” the bark of the pines and collected their sap to make turpentine and rosin.
hardwood hammocks are found along both coasts of South Florida, and throughout the Everglades and Florida Keys. Hammocks are also called “tree islands” because they rise from wet, low-lying areas. Oaks, sweetgum, hickories—more than 120 species of tropical plants—provide cool and shady refuge for deer
and other wildlife during hot summer months.
CYPRESS SWAMPS: These swamps experience seasonal changes in water levels that fluctuate during wet and dry months. Elevations determine hydroperiods—how long soils are saturated or flooded. Many species have adapted
“There are no other Everglades in the world. They are, they have always been, one of the unique regions of the earth; remote, never wholly known. Nothing anywhere else is like them.”
—Marjory Stoneman DouglasThe Everglades region—a vast, nearly flat, seabed that was submerged at the end of the last Ice Age—is so unique that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Here’s why, according to these excerpts from the official statement of its significance:
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness reserve on the North American continent. Its juncture at the interface of temperate and subtropical America, fresh and brackish water, shallow bays and deeper coastal waters creates a complex of habitats supporting a high diversity of flora and fauna. It contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere, the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie, and the most significant breeding ground for wading birds in North America.
The Everglades contains vast subtropical wetlands and coastal/marine ecosystems including freshwater marshes, tropical hardwood hammocks, pine rocklands, extensive mangrove forests, saltwater marshes, and seagrass ecosystems important to commercial and recreational fisheries. The mixture of subtropical and temperate wildlife species is found nowhere else in the United States.
Everglades National Park provides refuge for more than 20 rare, endangered, and threatened species (including the Florida panther, snail kite, alligator, crocodile, and manatee). It provides important foraging and breeding habitat for more than 400 species of birds, includes the most significant breeding grounds for wading birds in North America, and is a major corridor for migration.
to live in this variable habitat, such as the predominant cypress tree. Their knees (aboveground extensions of their roots) and their buttresses (wide fluted bases) provide stability in the soft, organic soils and increase surface area for gas exchange. Cypress trees are deciduous conifers; they lose all their needles in the fall and winter.
MANGROVE FORESTS: Mangroves play a unique and important role in Southwest Florida’s ecosystem. Red mangroves ring coastal estuaries. Their intricate root systems act as a nursery for many small fish, crustaceans, shellfish, and other marine life during their earliest stages of life. They also provide shelter and nutrients for wading birds and land creatures and protect the coastline from storm-driven waves.
SAWGRASS MARSHES: These grassy, freshwater wetlands allow for water to move from north to south, making its way from Lake Okeechobee into Florida Bay. Grasses and sedges grow in these important habitats for amphibians. Sawgrass is a sedge with “teeth” lining the edges of its leaves. Marshes provide a protected haven for alligators, otters, apple snails, dragonflies, and wading birds to nest and raise their young.
OPEN-WATER SLOUGHS: Sloughs (pronounced SLOOs) are deep marsh habitats that are slow-moving paths of freshwater utilized by many species, sometimes as a travel corridor. This environment is active with wildlife because it remains wet year-round. Sloughs shed floodwaters and improve the quality of the water as it makes its way into the estuaries in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay.
No doubt you have found yourself doing the “Sanibel stoop,” bent at the waist as you eagerly survey the shell-strewn shoreline. Congress Jewelers on Sanibel Island has captured these memories in its proprietary, hand-crafted “Sealife” collection, which includes pendants of a map of the island, Sanibel Lighthouse, and a 14-karat gold bucket with a diamond-studded hand shovel. (congressjewelers.com)
This high-profile landmark in Fort Myers has a unique on-site gift shop with so many one-ofa-kind offerings that it also has an off-site store in the Edison Mall called Edison Ford Shoppe. Both retail locations have an extensive book selection, Edison and Ford memorabilia, kids’ games, and various styles of artwork and small furniture pieces reflecting the local environment created by area artists. (edisonfordwinterestates.org)
There are several award-winning breweries in the region, but Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first to open in Lee County in 2013 and it continues to lead Southwest Florida’s surging craft beer movement. Fort Myers Brewing creates a signature line of flagship beers in addition to seasonal brews and small-batch specialties. Its ales, pilsners, stouts, and IPAs have won prestigious awards. Its beers are poured and sold at hundreds of bars, restaurants, and retail outlets, including Publix and Total Wine. Fort Myers Brewing’s 40,000-square-foot Gateway facility includes a tasting hall, event space, beer garden, and foodtruck zone. It offers tours and regular events. (fmbrew.com)
Of course, you can find fresh citrus and orange juice around these parts. Here are two places where you can pick up a bag of vitamin-C goodness or have it shipped north:
In Lee County, grab a couple of gallons of fresh-squeezed orange juice and citrus goodies at Sun Harvest Citrus in Fort Myers. Learn the difference between honeybell, Valencia, and temple oranges and order gift baskets brimming with red grapefruit, mandarins, or tangelos. Sun Harvest also sells smoothies, orange blossom honey, Key lime cookies, Florida jellies and marmalades, and other regional delights. (sunharvestcitrus.com)
In Collier County, South Naples Citrus Grove is the go-to for Key lime pie, citrus candy, and bags of fresh-picked oranges and grapefruits. The farmstand, established in 1978, is stocked with seasonal delights, including ruby red, pink, star grapefruit, honeybells, sugarbells, navels, honey tangerines, and Orlando tangelos. Find fresh-squeezed orange and grapefruit juices, gift baskets, swirled orange and vanilla soft-serve ice cream, jams, marmalades, and candies. (naplescitrus.com)
What says “Southwest Florida” to you? For a locally crafted piece of paradise to share with your northern pals (or to keep for yourself), consider a souvenir or culinary delight made in Southwest Florida.SUN HARVEST CITRUS
If you like to crank up the heat, pick up one of Gator Hammock’s sauces, rubs, or mustards. The first in the line of products, Gator Sauce, launched in 1989. The Felda-based company’s growing line of handmade, all-natural condiments have been applauded by the Fiery Food Industry and featured on the Food Network. Gator Sauce, a blend of peppers, garlic, vinegar, and other spices, is sold in local grocery stores and utilized at are restaurants. Other condiments include Cooter Rubb, Swamp Mustard, Swamp Gator, Bull Gator, Gator Sprinkle, Lethal Gator, and Sawgrass Boil. (gatorhammock.com)
Gourmet, handcra ed Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies are vanilla cookies smothered with a decadent Key lime, preservative-free topping and baked to order. All new: Kristi’s Orange Cookies. With a three-week shelf life, these kosher treats are popular as wedding favors and corporate gi s. They are sold at local a ractions, resorts, and boutique food stores, including Seed to Table and Three60 Market. (kristiskeylimecookies.com)
in Florida. Find therapeutic bath bombs, allergen-free parfum, loofah soaps, body scrubs, and shampoo and conditioner bars at its coastal-themed shops in Estero, Naples, Fort Myers, and Sanibel Island. (naplessoap.com)
If you’re a chocolate connoisseur, you already know the name Norman Love. Since Norman Love Confections began cra ing fine chocolates in Southwest Florida in 2001, the award-win-
gerine barbecue sauces, habanero and serrano hot sauces, and salsas. Best of all, profits are donated to local charities. (tasteofimmokalee. com)
Since 2012, Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery in Cape Coral has been pulling in awards for its ever-growing line of rums—black, silver, gold, premium, spiced, and flavored. The distillery’s rums are made with Florida sugar and local ingredients. Handcra ed in small batches in an American copper-pot still, the rum is aged in white-oak barrels once used for premium Kentucky bourbon. The 100-proof RumShine infuses fresh fruits—apple, strawberry, and blueberry— picked at their peak of ripeness and comes in a Mason-style jar, imparting the spirit of moonshining in the ‘Glades frontier. You can find Wicked Dolphin in restaurants, bars, resorts, and liquor stores throughout Southwest Florida, and also take a free tour of the distillery. (wickeddolphinrum.com)
A er struggling with eczema and psoriasis, Naples Soap Company Founder/CEO Deanna Wallin set out to find effective skincare solutions. In 2009, she opened Naples Soap Company in Naples’ Tin City to sell her all-natural skin care products free of preservatives and other commercial additives. Today, Naples Soap Company operates several retail stores
ning, Fort Myers–based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine. Forbes.com named Love’s truffles among the top 10 nationwide. Norman Love has chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Estero, and Naples, and a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Markets in Fort Myers and Naples. (normanloveconfections.com)
Immokalee High School students launched Taste of Immokalee as a social enterprise in 2014 to learn entrepreneurship and gain realworld skills. They developed family recipes spotlighting Immokalee’s crops and cultures, while learning about food science, marketing, financing and accounting, operations, inventory control, and public speaking. Today, its line of products is sold at Publix stores and small, organic grocers throughout Collier County.
Taste of Immokalee has partnered with Lipman Produce to incorporate local, field-grown tomatoes into its chipotle and mandarin-tan-
Tower Gallery on Sanibel Island is an artists’ cooperative consisting of two dozen artists in two-dimensional and three-dimensional mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, ceramic, wood, glass and metal. The gallery was founded in 1982 and features the work of popular regional artists—and some you won’t find anywhere else. (towergallery.net)
There’s a modern misconception that Southwest Florida’s economy is “a three-legged stool” propped up by tourism, agriculture, and construction. While that held true for a long time, it’s no longer the case. And that’s great news.
The five-county region’s economy is a dynamic and evolving engine fueled by a labor force of 590,063, according to the 2020 Workforce Now study, created by the Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) at Florida Gulf Coast University Lutgert College of Business in partnership with Hodges University and Florida SouthWestern State College.
The Southwest Florida region is made up of Charlo e, Collier, Glades Hendry, and Lee counties. The five largest industries by employment are: retail trade, accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, construction, and administrative and waste services, according to the report.
Diversifying market sectors is the name of the game in economic development to build a robust, sustainable economy—a grueling lesson learned during cyclical booms and busts—so regions aren’t dependent on a few industries.
There are several forces shaping the makeup of the local economy—importantly, a steady population increase. The region’s population growth has exceeded the state’s growth by 16.9 percent since 2010. Since 1990, Collier County’s compounded population growth average was 3.2 percent per year and Lee County’s grew by 2.8 percent annually. These rates are expected to consis-
tently gain at least 1.2 percent annually in Collier County and 1.4 percent in Lee County through 2045, according to the RERI. The simple math: More people create higher demand across the board in all sectors. “Population growth has been a strong driver of wealth for the region, creating the need for housing, recreation, and services,” reports Workforce Now.
According to the RERI’s 2020 Southwest Florida Economic Almanac Series, the four fastest-growing in industries by percentage increase from 2012 to 2019 were: construction (91.8 percent), accommodation and food services (34.1 percent), administrative and waste services (40.9 percent), and health care and social assistance (26.7 percent).
Local leaders, however, aren’t simply relying on population growth to ensure economic expansion. A host of impressive measures are underway for meeting the needs of today’s economic landscape, while simultaneously planning for tomorrow’s market demands and diversifying employment opportunities.
Regionally, a significant emphasis has been placed on education. Southwest Florida’s community leaders understand that graduating high school seniors need to have a vision for their futures and ways to achieve those goals—learning a trade, starting a business, joining the military, or heading off to college. Academic success that results in obtaining a high school diploma
and earning an industry certificate or higher degree begins when li le ones entering kindergarten are ready to learn their ABC’s and 1, 2, 3’s.
These are two great examples of “cradleto-career pathway” collaborations focused on creating a skilled and sustainable workforce pipeline:
• Future Ready Collier, made up of 60 learning partners, is aiming to ensure that every child is prepared to enter kindergarten—the start of their academic journey—on strong footing, and that each high school senior graduates with a clear college or career path. The initiative, coordinated by Champions For Learning—Education Foundation of Collier County, is working on several fronts to determine educational gaps and gains throughout the expansive county. (Learn more: futurereadycollier.org)
• The FutureMakers Coalition, spearheaded by Collaboratory, a local community foundation, aims to transform Southwest Florida’s workforce by increasing the proportion of working-age adults with college degrees, professional certificates, industry certifications, and other high-quality credentials from the current 27 percent to 55 percent by 2025. The coalition encompasses Charlo e, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties.
FutureMakers was formed in 2015 as part of the Southwest Florida region’s inclusion in Lumina Foundation’s Community Partners for A ainment, a program of 75 community cohorts throughout the country working
AS THE REGION’S ECONOMY DIVERSIFIES, LOCAL LEADERS ARE EMBRACING EDUCATION, WORKFORCE TRAINING, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, AND REGIONAL COLLABORATIONS TO LAY A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THE ECONOMY AND CAREERS— FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
Chambers of Commerce
Business Associations
Networking Resources
Top Employers
toward the same goal. It was one of 26 Talent Hubs nationwide by the Lumina Foundation and the Kresge Foundation. The coalition has grown to include 300 participants representing business, education, government, nonprofits, philanthropy, residents, and students. Future Ready Collier is the Collier partner for the coalition.
“Our target population includes traditional-age students who are facing significant
barriers to education beyond high school, adults with no education beyond high school, and adults who started a degree or certificate program but never finished,” according to the coalition. “Post-high school education enhances social mobility and quality of life.” (Learn more: futuremakerscoalition.com)
Other highlights of local leaders working
together to diversify and expand the local economy in Collier and Lee counties include:
• The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and its partnerships with regional, state, and national organizations focus on business retention, expansion, attraction, talent development, and relocation. The chamber collaborates with government agencies, foundations, schools, and businesses on key issues shaping the local
Greater Naples 2390 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 210, Naples239-262-6376 napleschamber.org
Marco Island 1102 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island 239-394-7549 marcoislandchamber.org
Boca Grande Area 471 Park Ave., Ste. 3, Boca Grande 941-964-0568 bocagrandechamber.com
Cape Coral 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral239-549-6900 capecoralchamber.com
Estero 10600 Chevrolet Way, Estero 239-948-7990 esterochamber.org
Fort Myers Beach 2450 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 239-454-7500 fortmyersbeach.org
Greater Fort Myers 2310 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 239-332-3624 fortmyers.org
Islands of Sanibel & Captiva1159 Causeway Road, Sanibel Island 239-472-1080 sanibel-captiva.org
Lehigh Acres 25 Homestead Road N., #41, Lehigh Acres239-369-3322 lehighacreschamber.org
North Fort Myers 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, #10, North Fort Myers 239-997-9111 nfmchamber.org
Pine Island 8336 Stringfellow Road, St. James City239-283-0888 pineislandchamber.org
Above Board Chamber of Florida4540 S Landings Drive, Fort Myers 239-910-7426 aboveboardchamber.com
Chamber of Southwest Florida5621 Banner Drive, Fort Myers 239-887-0319 chamberswfl.com
SWFL, Inc. 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Bonita Springs 239-992-2943 swflinc.com
Southwest Florida Harmony Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 2094, Fort Myers 800-967-7750 swflhcc.org
Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 1217 Cape Coral Parkway E., Ste. 160, Cape Coral 239-418-1441 hispanicchamberflorida.org
Leadership Collier Foundation napleschamber.org
Naples Newcomers Club naplesnewcomers.com
Wake Up Naples napleschamber.org
Young Professionals of Naples ypnaples.com
1 Million Cups Naples 1millioncups.com/naples
SCORE Naples naples.score.org
American Association of University Women Greater Naples Branch greaternaples-fl.aauw.net
American Business Women’s Association Neapolitan Chapter abwaneapolitan.org
Naples Junior Woman’s Club naplesjuniors.com
Naples Woman's Club napleswomansclub.org
The League Club leagueclub.org
Women’s Council of RealtorsNaples on the Gulf Chapter wcr.org
Women’s Network of Collier County wnocc.org Zonta Club of Naples zonta-naples.org
Women of the (239) womenofthe239.com
economy, and cultivates future community leaders through the Leadership Collier Foundation. (Learn more: napleschamber.org)
• Both counties have economic development offices that oversee incentive programs to draw in new companies, encourage local business expansions, and foster entrepreneurship. Cape Coral is the only city in Southwest Florida with a dedicated economic development department. (Learn more: capecoral.net/edo)
• The Collier County Office of Business and Economic Development manages the Florida Culinary Accelerator @ Immokalee, a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen open to a membership base. Depending on the membership level, members may select from a range of customized hours and plans to prepare, cook, and package their culinary creations for distribution. (Learn more: collieredo.org)
• In addition to expanding the local economy, the Lee County Economic Development Office is focused on bolstering the communities of North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor. (Learn more: leecountybusiness.com)
• Leadership programs allow professionals and rising entrepreneurs to gain a deeper understanding of Southwest Florida’s challenges and opportunities while honing their community leadership skills. Selected participants take part in a proactive series of retreats, seminars, and site visits to learn about government agencies, law enforcement, health care, social services, and the environment. These popular, long-running programs—such as Leadership Lee County and Leadership Collier—are offered through local chamber of commerce organizations. Often, participants go on to serve on local nonprofit boards and in elected positions.
• A new one-cent sales tax increase in Collier County will raise approximately $490 million for a variety of projects that will enhance the quality of life in the Naples area.
Projects include expediting new roads and parks, expanding mental health and addiction services, and building a workforce training space. Collier voters approved the referendum in 2018; it went into effect in January 2019. The surtax is active for seven years. (Learn more: collieronecenttax.com)
• Since 1991, the public-private Horizon Council has advised the Lee County Board of Commissioners on economic development issues. The council has up to 80 members representing cities; chambers of commerce; economic development and trade organizations; community, business, and education organizations; and at-large members. Its mission is to improve Lee County’s business environment, retain and encourage the expansion of existing businesses, and attract new and diversified employers. (Learn more: leecountybusiness.com)
• In 2021, Florida Gulf Coast University opened the FGCU Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, which earned a national award for its innovative model of entrepreneurship education by teaching it across all academic disciplines. (Learn more: fgcu.edu/soe)
• Numerous organizations provide free and low-cost professional support, such as the Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU (fsbdcswfl.org), nonprofit SCORE chapters, and the Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute. (Learn more: goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise)
• The Lee County Industrial Development Authority is a sevenmember board appointed by the Lee County Commissioners that encourages manufacturing companies to utilize Industrial Development Revenue Bonds to finance projects. (Learn more: leecoida.com)
• The SWFL Regional Technology Partnership is a nonprofit membership organization working to promote and expand the technology sector in the five-county region through educational seminars and forums. (Learn more: swfrtp.org)
If variety is the spice of life, then a diverse economy is the key to developing healthy, growing, and vibrant communities— and that variety is a vital ingredient fueling Southwest Florida’s long-term success.
NETWORKING
Bonita Springs Newcomers Club bonitaspringsnewcomersclub.com Estero Newcomers Club esteronewcomers.com
Leadership Lee County leadershipleecounty.org New Resident Club of Cape Coral capecoralnewresident.com
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
SCORE Southwest Florida southwestflorida.score.org
Fort Myers Woman's Community Club fmwcc.net
Junior League of Fort Myers jlfm.org
Women's Council of RealtorsCape Coral-Fort Myers wcr.org
Women in Business leecountybusiness.com Zonta Club of Bonita Springs-Estero zontabonitasprings.com
NETWORKING
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Naples/Fort Myers crewswfl.com
SWFL, Inc. swflinc.com
Small Business Development Center @ FGCU fsbdcswfl.org
Southwest Florida Enterprise Center cityftmyers.com
•
• Once-a-week recycling collection
• Once-a-week yard waste collection
•
•
• Set your carts out before 6 a.m. on collection day and remove before 6 a.m. on the day after collection
•
Job seekers may naturally check out some of the largest employers in the region because they offer positions that fit all ranges of experience and skill level. The following are some of the largest employers based in Collier and Lee counties.
Some of the biggies are not included in this list: the federal government and national and regional retailers and chains, such as Home Depot, Walmart, and Publix Supermarkets. Here, as in many places, local government, including school districts, as well as health-care systems are the largest employers.
As a side note, in Southwest Florida, November through April is prime time for tourists and returning seasonal residents, so many resorts, restaurants, and shops beef up staff temporarily to meet the fluctuating seasonal demand. Here are some of the region’s biggest employers listed in alphabetic order, not size of workforce.
ARTHREX
1370 Creekside Blvd., Naples 800-933-7001 • arthrex.com
This global medical device company is a leader in new product development and pioneered the field of arthroscopy and sports medicine. Arthrex’s global headquarters is in Naples, with worksites in Ave Maria, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers. To date, Arthrex has developed more than 14,000 surgical devices and related procedures used in more than 150 countries. Arthrex is a privately held company; more than 3,000 of its 6,000 global employees are based in Collier County. It has consistently ranked among Fortune’s “Top 100 Best Companies to Work For.”
AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY
5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria 239-280-2500 • avemaria.edu
Ave Maria University is a Catholic, liberal arts institution of higher learning located in the town of Ave Maria in east Collier County.
Founded by Thomas S. Monaghan, who also founded Domino’s Pizza and the Ave Maria School of Law, it is an affordable university that is service-oriented and offers 33 degrees.
2400 Grey Oaks Drive N., Naples 239-262-5550 • greyoakscc.com
Grey Oaks Country Club is a luxury, resort-style community with exclusive social opportunities, three championship golf courses, a 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art wellness center, three dining venues, two clubhouses, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and a resort-style pool.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL marriott.com
The international hotel chain has three luxury resort properties in Collier County—The RitzCarlton, Naples, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, and JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort—in addition to three other properties.
MOORINGS PARK
120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples 239-643-9111 • mooringspark.org
Moorings Park originated with the members of Moorings Presbyterian Church in 1977 as a nonprofit corporation designed to create a nondenominational community where retirees could enjoy a secure, comprehensive residential and health-care program. With three local campuses, Moorings Park offers luxurious residences with upscale and casual dining, comprehensive physician services, state-of-the art fitness centers, and social activities.
NCH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
350 Seventh St. N., Naples 239-624-5000 • nchmd.org
The NCH Healthcare System is an alliance of more than 237 board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, and 7,017 employees with two hospitals and 35 medical locations in Collier County and Bonita Springs. NCH is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
OAKES FARMS
925 New Harvest Road, Immokalee 239-592-9024 • oakesfarms.com
Oakes Farms is one of the largest independently owned agribusiness operations in South Florida. Oakes Farms’ diversified portfolio of services include farming, packing, shipping, and seafood aquaponics, and food service and retail markets
Oakes Farms Market, Food & Thought, and Seed to Table.
PHYSICIAN’S REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS) 8300 Collier Blvd., Naples • 239-354-6000 physiciansregional.com
Physicians Regional Healthcare System has two hospitals and several multi-specialty clinics that provide quality care for Collier County residents and visitors. With more than 1,200 employees, it is one of the largest employers in Southwest Florida, and offers opportunities for professional advancement.
SEMINOLE CASINO HOTEL IMMOKALEE 506 S. First St., Immokalee • 239-658-1313 seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
The Seminole Casino Hotel is one of seven casinos owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Opened in 1994, the Immokalee
casino is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming destination, offering more than 1,300 slot machines and 38 live table games, concerts and entertainment acts, 19 suites, and 80 deluxe rooms.
2639 Professional Circle, Ste. 101, Naples 239 592-7344 • stockdevelopment.com
Stock Development is a diversified real estate company celebrating close to 20 years in Southwest Florida. The family-owned company is a local leader in the development, construction, ownership, and management of high-quality real estate. It is a full-service real estate company focused on high-end, singlefamily residences, commercial properties, and the luxury apartment sector.
VI AT BENTLEY VILLAGE (VI LIVING)
850 Retreat Drive, Naples 239-431-2100 • viliving.com
Vi at Bentley Village is a 156-acre continuing care retirement community featuring a par-3 golf course and exceptional amenities. Vi operates 10 communities across the United States where residents enjoy stylish apartments, world-class cuisine, and varied lifestyle programming. Vi Living locations are recognized as a “Great Place to Work” by Fortune magazine, and it is named among Glassdoor’s “100 Best Companies” for employment.
BEST HOME SERVICES
365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples 239-932-7470 • getbest.com
CITY OF NAPLES
735 Eighth Street S., Naples 239-213-1000 • naplesgov.com
COLLIER COUNTY GOVERNMENT
3301 Tamiami Trail E., Naples 239-252-8999 • colliercountyfl.gov
COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
5775 Osceola Trail, Naples • 239-377-0001 collierschools.com
COLLIER HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTHCARE NETWORK)
1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 239-658-3000 • healthcareswfl.org
CONDITIONED AIR
3786 Mercantile Ave., Naples 239-643-2445 • conditionedair.com
NAPLES GRANDE BEACH RESORT 475 Seagate Drive, Naples 239-227 2182 • naplesgrande.com
PELICAN BAY FOUNDATION 6251 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples 239-596-6180 • pelicanbay.org
ALICO, INC.
10070 Daniels Interstate Court, Ste. 100, Fort Myers • 239-226-2000 • alicoinc.com Alico Inc. (NASDAQ: ALCO) is an agribusiness company with citrus and land conservation its principal lines of business. The company owns approximately 103,000 acres of land across eight Florida counties. Headquartered in Lee County with more than 250 employees, it is one of the largest citrus growers in the U.S.
CHICO’S FAS
11215 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers 239-277-6200 • chicosfas.com
Through three brands—Chico’s, White House Black Market, and Soma—Chico’s FAS (NYSE: CHS) is a specialty retailer of apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products for women 30 years and older. The brand was founded in 1983 as a boutique on Sanibel Island. Its corporate headquarters is located on an award-winning, 24-acre campus. Chico’s FAS was recognized among the 2020 “Best Employers for Diversity” by Forbes magazine. The company operates 1,286 stores, and has sold online since 1999.
Lighthouse Wealth Management offers specialized expertise in developing comprehensive, results-focused financial strategies designed to enable clients to successfully protect, grow, and transfer their wealth from generation to generation. They see clients as families, and this perspective allows the team to provide planning and wealth management in a true multigenerational format, with the client’s legacy as the central focus.
Their multigenerational wealth planning approach builds relationships with your family to help with understanding the challenges of
investment planning and properly managing inherited wealth. They are deeply committed to putting your loved ones in a position to make informed financial decisions, while also assisting them in achieving the long-term goals you have in place.
As experienced wealth advisors, the team focuses on alleviating clients’ concerns about their finances and taking the emotion out of investing by putting an investment plan in place to keep them from overreacting during periods of market decline and growth. Their mission is to help clients build legacy plans that bridge generation gaps
and become the beacon for future generations to follow. You can be confident that your best interest is their top priority when you become a client of Lighthouse Wealth Management, which holds themselves to the highest standard of client care and act in your sole interest in the work they perform on your behalf. Their team prefers to engage in advisory relationships, so their compensation is directly tied to the performance of your portfolio.
Lighthouse Wealth Management believes it is their duty to help protect clients from the financial storms that can negatively impact lifelong dreams.
Lighthouse
Management
meet your financial goals. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC(WFAFN), Member SIPC. Lighthouse Wealth Management, LLC, is a separate entity from WFAFN.
“TO
FLORIDA GULF COAST
10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 239-590-1000 • fgcu.edu
Florida Gulf Coast University opened its doors as the state’s tenth four-year university in 1997. The 800-acre campus east of I-75 in Estero is home to six colleges with an enrollment of 15,000 students annually and more than 3,400 employees. Half of the campus—400 acres—is restored or preserved natural habitats.
8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers 239-489-9300 • fsw.edu
The main campus of Florida SouthWestern (FSW) is in Fort Myers in Lee County, with satellite campuses in Charlotte and Collier counties and outreach programs in Hendry and Glades counties. It has an enrollment of 16,576 in 45 academic programs and employs a staff of more than 1,440.
GARTNER, INC.
12651 Gateway Blvd., Fort Myers 800-213-4848 / 239-561-4000 • gartner.com
Gartner is the world’s leading research and advisory company, with more than 16,000 client organizations and 120 offices. Its Fort Myers
campus is its largest to date and employs 1,200 people. Gartner provides technology research to senior executives with business-specific insights, tools, and advice. It offers high-wage jobs exceeding averages for the region and was named as one of Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers 2019” and “America’s Best Employers For Diversity 2020.”
1333 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-1333 • gulfcoastvillage.com Gulf Coast Village is a large continuing care community providing a range of expertly delivered health care options. It has been in
operation since 1989 and is part of the nonprofit, faith-based Volunteers of America. Gulf Coast Village is the only provider of its kind that offers Seniors Choice at Home, a program that enables seniors to age in place at home. It is rapidly growing with projections to have a combined 982 units and 750 employees as it expands into Fort Myers and Estero.
9470 HealthPark Circle - Fort Myers 855-454-3104 • hopehospice.org
Hope Healthcare is a nonprofit, comprehensive home health-care system nationally recognized as a leader in providing high-quality, innovative care. Serving Southwest Florida for more than 30 years, Hope Hospice cares for more than 4,000 individuals a day through a variety of programs at its locations in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties.
OF FLORIDA (CSF)
2727 Winkler Ave., Fort Myers 239-939-8800 • leesar.com
LeeSar is a health-care supply-chain service provider utilizing innovative technology and processing solutions to cover a range of services, including surgical, medical, pharmaceutical, sterilization, and culinary. It started in 1998 as a partnership between Lee Heath and Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System and services health systems in four Florida counties. LeeSar
As one of only 25 Porsche dealerships to receive this prestigious award, Porsche Naples is once again proud and humbled to be recognized as the No. 1 Premier Porsche Dealer in the nation.
But what does this top-ranked status mean to you, our clients?
It means that our entire staff—from sales to service to the front desk—is dedicated to your complete satisfaction in your Porsche Naples experience, from the moment you walk in our door.
To earn this highly prestigious award, a Porsche dealership must fully embody the “Porsche Business Model” by achieving the
highest performance among their peers in brand utilization and product representation.
Porsche Naples provides white-glove service which grants buyers a unique and unforgettable experience over the lifetime of their purchase, whether that be new or certified pre-owned.
The privileges of being a Porsche Naples Preferred Client include unlimited complimentary inspections, a state-of-the-art detail facility that offers unlimited full-service car washes, complimentary valet parking at several upscale Naples-area restaurants, a professionally prepared complimentary Saturday brunch, and so much more.
As a part of the Naples community, Porsche Naples is committed to giving back by working with several local organizations and charities to strengthen and sustain the community. You can find members of the Porsche Naples team around town at local events and outings spreading the true meaning of “Porsche passion.”
We are honored to be a Porsche Premier Dealer—a testament to our commitment to you, the community, and the brand we so proudly represent.
Congratulations once again to our entire team for being recognized among the nation’s very best, an honor this team is truly worthy of receiving.
is the operations component of the partnership; CSF is the corporate entity for product research, negotiation, and contract management.
LEE COUNTY VA CLINIC 2489 Diplomat Parkway E., Cape Coral 239-652-1800 • baypines.va.gov
The 240,000-square-foot Lee County VA Clinic employs a staff of more than 500 and serves more than 1,000 patients daily from the fivecounty area. It is a full-service facility providing primary care and a wide range of specialty and diagnostic services.
LEE HEALTH
(LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM) 2776 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers 800-9365321 • leehealth.org
Lee Health is the largest health-care system in Southwest Florida with more than 100 locations offering medical services.
SHELL POINT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
15101 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers 800-780-1131 • shellpoint.org
Florida’s largest single-site continuing care retirement community for people 60 and
older was established in 1968 by the nonprofit ministry Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation Inc. Shell Point has approximately 2,400 residents and more than 1,100 employees. Amenities include a championship golf course, Gulf-access marina, dining, salon, and fitness, and a new $15 million performing arts hall.
CITY OF CAPE CORAL
1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-574-0401 • capecoral.net
CITY OF FORT MYERS 2200 Second St., Fort Myers 239-321-7000 • cityftmyers.com
FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
5578931 Colonial Center Drive, Ste. 300, Fort Myers • 239-274-8200 • flcancer.com
FOX ELECTRONICS
5570 Enterprise Parkway, Fort Myers 239-693-0099 • foxonline.com
HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS 8501 Williams Road, Estero 239-275-1001 • hertz.com
LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2855 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-334-1102 • leeschools.net
LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT 2115 Second St., Fort Myers 239-533-2111 • leegov.com
NEOGENOMICS
12701 Commonwealth Drive, Ste. 9 Fort Myers • 239-768-0600 neogenomics.com
RADIOLOGY REGIONAL CENTER 3660 Broadway Ave., Fort Myers 239-936-2316 • radiologyregional.com
SHAW DEVELOPMENT
25190 Bernwood Drive, Bonita Springs 239-405-6100 • shawdev.com
Year after year, Naples, Florida, continues to rank as one of the best places to live—best beach town, quality of life, safest, happiest, and the list goes on.
U.S. News & World Report, which analyzed 150 metro areas in the United States, reported their 2021-2022 findings and ranked Naples as:
#7 in Best Places to Live
#2 in Best Places to Retire
#1 in Best Places to Live in Florida
#2 in Safest Places to Live
#3 in Best Places to Live for Quality of Life
#4 in Fastest-Growing Places
(Learn more at realestate.usnews.com/places/ florida/naples)
People worldwide choose this luxury vacation destination to be at the beach, breathe in that salty air, soak up the sun, and dig their toes into some of the softest sand in the world.
Now, the secret is out. More families are turning their vacation home into their forever home. Whether it’s early retirement or the ability to work remotely, they are taking that leap of faith to live their best life here and now.
The real estate market clearly shows that people are searching for their dream home, and if they cannot find it, they will build it.
As one of only two Florida Certified Master Builders in Collier County, PBS Contractors has set the bar of providing exceptional service to their clients for more than 36 years. PBS builds luxury custom homes from the ground up and renovates fabulous existing houses and condominiums, transforming them into dream homes.
Every project has something unique that calls for PBS’ Concierge Approach. The client chooses their furniture from France and appliances from Italy, a type of ceiling tile that requires the framing to be exact because it can’t be trimmed, or a half-ton Cristallo Quartzite slab that needs a dozen men to move. Regardless of the scope, PBS Contractors’ commitment to excellence and exceptional client service is what sets them apart and is the PBS advantage.
These aren’t just words—their clients agree. PBS was awarded the Guildmaster Service of Excellence with a customer recommendation score of 100 percent. In determining which businesses received the Guildmaster Award, GuildQuality, an Atlanta-based third-party customer satisfaction surveying company specializing in the construction industry, reviewed thousands of survey responses submitted by customers of Guildmaster candidates. They
considered two primary metrics for each candidate: the percentage of customers stating they would recommend the business to a friend and the percentage of customers who responded.
(Learn more at guildquality.com/blog/what-isthe-value-of-guildmaster)
Naples is where PBS is proud to call home. They look forward to welcoming new residents and offering them exceptional service from an award-winning team they can trust to be not only be their builder but their Concierge Builder®
Established in 1986, PBS Contractors serves the Naples and Southwest Florida community with a concierge approach to its clients, ensuring relationships built on trust. As Naples’ only Concierge Builder®, PBS approaches each unique project by focusing on each client’s needs, desires, and design aesthetic and building a partnership with each client, from concept through completion. Their primary focus is providing exceptional service and fostering lifelong relationships while delivering expectations above and beyond. Whether you are looking to build your custom luxury dream home, or hire them as your renovation specialist, PBS Contractors’ commitment to excellence and exceptional client service promises to support you every step.
The public school systems in Collier and Lee counties are working hand in glove with local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to provide a cradleto-cap learning experience that begins with school readiness when entering kindergarten and continues through career readiness for all graduating high school seniors.
Both districts provide a robust roster of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare students for college or careers through professional certifications and specialization in fields such as aerospace, information technology, web development, and the culinary arts. Magnet schools with a primary emphasis provide an opportunity for students to hone their skill or passion. For college-bound students, high schools offer International Baccalaureate, Cambridge AICE, Advanced Placement, AVID, honors, and dual enrollment programs.
Technical colleges provide a host of courses that lead to immediate employment in an array fields, from law enforcement to veterinarian care to medical billing, with many offering a “career in a year” format. Both
Collier and Lee counties are home to two technical colleges.
CLASS SIZE: The Florida Constitution sets limits on the number of students in core classes in the state’s public schools. The maximum number of students in each core class are set at:
• 18 students: PK through Grade 3
• 22 students: Grades 4 through 8
• 25 students: Grades 9 through 12
considered part of any choice zone. However, these students may apply for zone or multizone magnet schools.
School and out-of-zone assignments may change if the student requires special educational programs that are not provided at the assigned school or within the zone, if the family moves to another zone, or if a districtemployed parent changes schools, in addition to other specific factors.
SCHOOL
AND ASSIGNMENT: In Collier and Lee counties, students attend a school based on two factors—their geographical zone and their choice of schools within that zone. Students and parents rank the schools that lie within the zone in which they live, and the student is assigned based on a lottery system during the regular registration period. In Lee County, schools located on the barrier islands (Sanibel Island, Pine Island, and Estero Island) are not
If you are new to Collier or Lee county, contact the school district’s Student Enrollment Office to learn about the documents needed to enroll a child or children and important registration and school assignment deadlines.
• High school graduation rate: 91.9 %
• Statewide grade: A
• Elementary schools: 31
• K-12: 1
• Middle schools: 10
• High schools: 8
• Charter schools: 7
• Special/alternative centers: 1
• Technical colleges: 2
• Career academies: 31
• Student enrollment: 48,000
• Teachers: 3,120
• Languages spoken: 104 Website: collierschools.com
(Source: CCPS Fact Sheet, Sept. 2020)
• High school graduation rate: 83.7 %
• Statewide grade: B
• Elementary schools: 45
• K-8: 4
• Middle schools: 16
• High schools: 14
• Charter schools: 23
• Special education centers and vocational/technical colleges: 16
• Career & Technical Education Programs: 18 career clusters
• Student enrollment: 95,647
• Teachers: 5,751
• Languages spoken: 133
Website: leeschools.net
(Source: 2019-2020 Impact Report and Florida Dept. of Education)
Charter schools in Florida are nonprofit organizations sponsored by a school district, which oversees the schools. The Florida Department of Education provides an annual
analysis and comparison of the overall performance of charter school students to traditional public-school students based on statewide assessments.
The Collier County School District sponsors seven charter schools at locations throughout the county, including Marco Island and Immokalee. The Lee County School District sponsors 23 charter schools at locations throughout the county. In both counties, some charter schools offer a general curriculum similar to that of the public schools, while many others provide unique specialty or career education options not available elsewhere.
Students enrolled in high school in Collier and Lee counties may be dual enrolled at a local
flvs.net/homeschool
institution of higher learning such as a community college, technical college, or university. Credits earned on highereducation campuses are applied to high school graduation requirements. In addition, formal articulations have been established with local and statewide institutions to ensure that students receive credit or advanced standing if they enroll in these institutions to continue a career program. At technical colleges, dualenrolled high school students with a grade of C or higher earn weighted credit and may also earn industry certifications.
Florida administers a Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) to 11th-grade high school students, virtual school students, and homeschooled students to assess their
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a free, online public school offering more than 150 courses. FLVS gives students the ability to enroll in courses 365 days a year and the choice to take courses online during the summer or school year. As virtual learners, students can chart an educational path around individual needs, hobbies, athletic pursuits, activities, and travel. Students who complete the virtual course of study receive the same accredited diploma distributed by any other public school.
LEE VIRTUAL SCHOOL lvip.leeschools.net
Lee County has its own virtual program. Lee Virtual School provides full-time, K-12 virtual instruction that follows the school district calendar and provides access to many of the same courses available in the bricks-and-mortar schools, including Advanced Placement and dual enrollment, along with the flexibility of participating in electives and sports at local schools. Lee Virtual School is a franchise of FLVS.
academic skills, college readiness, and course placement. Achievement of a qualifying score on the test, or successful completion of a remediation course, is required for high school graduation. PERT scores are also used for college placement.
The SAT and ACT tests are generally accepted or required by Florida’s state universities and colleges. Several private colleges and community colleges in the state permit the substitution of alternative tests such as COMPASS, a multiple-choice, untimed, computerized placement test, WAIS, or others.
Recent workforce and labor studies indicate that two out of three jobs created between now and 2030 will require education and training beyond a high school diploma, but not necessarily a four-year college degree, so gaining a professional or industry certificate or license is a smart career move. Technical colleges operate under the governance of the Florida Department of Education Division
of Workforce Development and by the local school district. Tuition is competitively low and financial assistance is available. The colleges also aid in job placement. The programs offer a mix of in-class, online, and hands-on experiences, and many of them can be completed within a year.
IMMOKALEE TECHNICAL (ITECH) COLLEGE itech.edu
iTECH offers 17 programs in addition to courses designed for English-language learners and literacy and for obtaining a GED. Campus storefronts include a cyber café and restaurant, practicing medical office, automotive service center, childcare center, and cosmetology center.
LORENZO WALKER TECHNICAL COLLEGE lwtc.edu
Lorenzo Walker Technical College offers 23 programs in addition to courses designed for English-language learners and literacy and for obtaining a GED. Its state-of-the-art,
The Florida Prepaid College Board offers several plans tailored to meet a range of financial needs. These include a 529 plan; one-year, two-year, and four-year plans; and a 2+2 plan that starts a child at one of the 28 Florida colleges at a lower cost and guarantees their admission to a state university upon completion of an associate degree. Information about each plan is available at myfloridaprepaid.com.
Homeschooling is popular in Florida, with a2zhomeschooling.com estimating approximately 86,500 homeschooled students in the state. Families interested in homeschooling must register with the Colllier or Lee County School District by filing a letter of intent. Parents must also maintain a portfolio logging each student’s educational activities and provide an annual evaluation, which may include the Florida Standards Assessment, among other required actions. For comprehensive information, contact the Home Education Department of each district at:
COLLIER COUNTY: collierschools.com
LEE COUNTY: leeschools.net
200,000-square-foot facility opened in 2009, and its catalog of offerings frequently expands to meet industry needs. It offers adult and community education courses.
CAPE CORAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE capecoraltech.edu
Cape Coral Technical College offers 16 programs in the categories of agriculture, business, health, hospitality, and technology.
FORT MYERS TECHNICAL COLLEGE fortmyerstech.edu
Fort Myers Technical College offers more than 20 programs in a variety of occupational clusters, from construction to law enforcement to cosmetology. More than 150 business leaders serve on program advisory committees.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE ACADEMY swfpsa.org
The Southwest Florida Public Service
Academy is comprised of two separate public safety academies: The Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy and The Southwest Florida Fire Academy.
CAREERSOURCE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA careersourcesouthwestflorida.com
CareerSource is the organization chartered by the state of Florida to develop, create, and retain a quality workforce system in Southwest Florida. It offers professional services to all employers and job-seekers.
CHAMPIONS FOR LEARNING—EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY championsforlearning.org
Champions For Learning’s College & Career Preparation Program supports 11th- and 12th-grade students and their families. The foundation supports and recognizes teachers with grants and awards and administers the Take Stock in Children scholarship. Champions For Learning is the backbone organization supporting Future Ready Collier, a collaborative network working to ensure every child in Collier County is ready for kindergarten and every young person graduates high school with a career path. It is also a partner in the regional FutureMakers Coalition.
EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA elcofswfl.org
The Early Learning Coalition works to increase the availability of quality early-learning programs to meet the needs of families, particularly those working toward economic self-sufficiency. Its Child Care Resource & Referral is a free community service for all families.
FUTUREMAKERS COALITION futuremakerscoalition.com
The FutureMakers Coalition is a five-county regional initiative that includes businesses, nonprofits, school districts, and other orga-
nizations that aims to transform Southwest Florida’s workforce by increasing the proportion of working-age adults with college degrees, industry certifications, and other high-quality credentials.
THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS leeschoolfoundation.org
The foundation enhances the quality of public education in Lee County by increasing community involvement, supporting and recognizing teachers with classroom grants and awards, and providing local students with the College & Career Center. It administers the Take Stock in Children scholarship program; online scholarship application portal; and the Student Advocacy and Mentoring Partnership for at-risk students.
THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION immokaleefoundation.org
A nonprofit foundation that has worked tirelessly for more than 25 years to strengthen one of the nation’s largest migrant communities, with a focus on education, vocation, and life skills. It helps more than 2,500 students annually through its individualized Pathways to Success programs and administers the Take Stock in Children scholarship program. One-hundred percent of its students graduate from high school and go on to postsecondary education.
COLLIER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION colliercf.org
SCHOLARSHIP CONNECTOR swflscholarships.org
THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS leeschoolfoundation.org
COLLABORATORY—SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION collaboratory.org
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION fldoe.com
FLORIDA STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AND GRANT PROGRAMS (BRIGHT FUTURES) floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org Florida’s largest merit-based scholarship program
FLORIDA PUBLIC TECHNICAL COLLEGE “CAREER IN A YEAR” PROGRAMS careerinayearfl.com
MYCAREERSHINES floridashines.org A service of Florida Virtual School: tools for students and adults to assess their interests and skills, explore careers, find out how to earn or complete a degree, and find jobs
Collier County has 34 top private schools serving more than 5,800 students from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. More than 50 percent are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian) although several have no religious affiliation, including Montessori schools for preschoolers. Following is a select list of the largest Collier County private schools that serve students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
(Source: privateschoolreview.com)
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES (PK-12)
13275 Livingston Road, Naples 239-597-7575 • communityschoolnaples.org
Community School of Naples (CSN) is an independent, college-preparatory day school committed to the development of the whole child. CSN’s rigorous and globally focused academic curriculum from grades PK3-12 prepares students not only for college, but for a lifetime of intellectual curiosity and social accountability. Students are encouraged to strengthen skills and build confidence through various athletic, art, music, and extra-curricular clubs and activities. The student-to-teacher ratio is about 15:1, depending on grade level. Annual tuition ranges from $16,000 to $30,000.
DONAHUE ACADEMY (PK-12)
4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria 239-842-3241 • donahueacademy.org
Ranked among the top 50 Catholic schools nationally, Donahue Academy is located in the town of Ave Maria, located 36 miles east of Naples. It offers eight sports and three extracurriculars, with an average class size of 20. The student-to-teacher ratio is 14:1 with a student body of 275. Annual tuition is $7,400 for lower grades, $10,500 for grades 9-12.
FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY (PK-12)
3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples 239-597-2233 • fbalions.org
This school, set on a 94-acre campus, opened in 1996 as a ministry of First Baptist Church Naples to provide a rigorous academic program of studies infused with Christian teaching. It offers eight Advanced Placement courses, in addition to programs
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for homeschooled students, 11 sports, and 15 extracurriculars. One hundred percent of high school graduates who have applied to college have been accepted. The student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1 with a student body of 597. Annual tuition ranges up to $13,790 for grades 9-12.
NAPLES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PK-8) 2655 Northbrooke Drive, Naples 239-455-1080 • napleschristian.net
Naples Christian Academy was the first school in Collier County to be honored as a National Blue Ribbon School and its stated mission is “to develop well-rounded student leaders who will be known by their faith, Christian character, intellect, and impactful contributions.” It offers six sports and three extracurriculars, with an average class size of 10. The student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1 with a student body of 86. Annual K-5 tuition is $10,225, and middle school tuition is $12,050.
NICAEA ACADEMY (PK-12) 14785 Collier Blvd., Naples 353-9090 • nicaeaacademy.com
Instruction at Nicaea Academy is based on the Christian-based A Beka Book textbooks developed by the Pensacola Christian Academy. The school offers four sports and has an average class size of 18. The student-toteacher ratio is 15:1 with a student body of 134. Tuition information is not publicly available.
SAINT ANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL (PK-8) 542 Eighth Ave. S., Naples
239-262-4110 • stann.net
Saint Ann Catholic School, a ministry of Saint Ann Parish, is rooted in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and was founded in 1956. The school offers nine sports and 11 extracurriculars and has an average class size of 15. The student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1 with a student body of 325. Annual tuition is $9,800.
SAINT ELIZABETH SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL (PK-8) 2730 53rd Terrace SW, Naples 239-455-2262 • saintelizabethseton.com
St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School is a Catholic school founded in 1981. The school offers six sports and six extracurriculars and has an average class size of 22. The student-toteacher ratio is 11:1 with a student body of 253. Annual tuition is $7,230.
SAINT JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (9-12) 3000 53rd St. SW, Naples 239-455-3044 • sjnceltics.org
Students from different counties attend this small, faith-based, college-preparatory school, founded in 1980 and rooted in the
Roman Catholic tradition. It provides a rigorous learning environment with at least 12 Advanced Placement courses, as well as 14 extracurriculars, community volunteer programs, 22 sports, and robust cultural offerings. It is known for its personalized college advisory program that begins with incoming freshmen, with 100 percent of students accepted into four-year colleges. The student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1 with a student body of 278. Annual tuition ranges up to $14,000.
SEACREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL (PK-12)
7100 Davis Blvd., Naples 239-793-1986 • seacrest.org
Seacrest Country Day School is an independent, nonsectarian school for children ages 3 through twelfth grade on its 42-acre campus in East Naples. Established in 1983, Seacrest fuels intellectual engagement and leadership with 10 Advanced Placement
courses, as well as 22 extracurriculars, 12 sports, and cultural opportunities. The academy allows highly competitive athletes who participate in individual sports (such as swimming, golf, tennis, etc.) to fulfill graduation requirements, prepare for standardized testing, and work with professional college counselors. Overall, the student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1 with a student body of 434. Annual tuition ranges up to $25,400 for grades 10-12. Seacrest Country Day School enrolls a socioeconomic diverse population based on annual income.
THE VILLAGE SCHOOL OF NAPLES (PK-12) 6000 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples 239-593-7686 • villageschoolnaples.org
The Village School of Naples is an independent Methodist school serving infants through twelfth grade. As the first independent STEAM school in Collier County, the school is dedicated to the pursuit of
excellence in academics, technology, athletics, and the arts. The Upper School for 9-12 students was launched in 2017, and it offers an intense college preparatory experience in an encouraging atmosphere with 19 Advanced Placement courses. Overall, the school has 505 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1. Annual tuition ranges up to $17,550 for grades 9-12.
Lee County has 52 top private schools serving 7,750 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. While 79 percent are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian), there are several nonreligious schools, including Montessori schools. The following is a select list of the largest Lee County private schools that serve students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. (Source: privateschoolreview.com)
BISHOP VEROT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (9-12)
5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers 239-274-6700 • bvhs.org
Since 1962, Bishop Verot Catholic High School has provided an academic environment that integrates learning about the Roman Catholic tradition. Its college preparatory
curriculum consists of state-required courses for graduation, including 25 Advanced Placement courses, and a wide range of electives. It offers 26 sports, performing arts, and more than 25 extracurriculars, as well as assistance to students with diagnosed learning disabilities. The student-toteacher ratio is 10:1 with an average class size of 18 and a student body of 800. Annual tuition is $13,100.
CANTERBURY SCHOOL (PK-12)
8141 College Parkway, Fort Myers 239-481-4323 canterburyfortmyers.org
Founded in 1964, Canterbury School is a college preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence within an atmosphere emphasizing character, leadership, and service. At Canterbury, the life of the mind is complemented by a strong athletic program and a commitment to the arts. These elements come together to instill in students a love of learning. Canterbury offers a robust Advanced Placement program with 31 courses. Annual tuition is $25,600.
CRESTWELL SCHOOL (PK-8)
1901 Park Meadows Drive, Fort Myers 239-481-4478 • crestwellschool.org
Crestwell is a nonsectarian
school established in 1993 by parents and educators. It’s located on a 7-acre campus with an expansive student-maintained garden and greenhouse. The student-to-teacher ratio is 12:1 and the student body is 193. Annual tuition is $9,500.
EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (PK-12)
8237 Beacon Blvd., Fort Myers 239-936-3319 • goecs.org
Founded in 1973, Evangelical Christian School is an independent, college-preparatory school on a 28-acre campus that incorporates biblical principles into academics, athletics, technology, and fine arts. Its curriculum includes 10 Advanced Placement courses, in addition to 14 sports and eight extracurriculars. The student-to-teacher ratio is 16:1 with a student body of 1,033. Annual tuition ranges from $10,610 for kindergarten up to $13,100 for high school.
FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (PK-8)
1550 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-4642 • fmcs-fl.com
Fort Myers Christian School was established in 1979 by First Assembly of God of Fort Myers and provides a Christian-based academic setting and curriculum. It offers four sports and 12 extracurriculars. The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1 with an average class size of 15 students and a student body of 130. Annual tuition ranges from $10,708 for kindergarten through fifth grade and $10,762 for sixth through eighth grade.
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL (PK-12)
4770 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers 239-995-7711 • goodshepofnfm.com
Good Shepherd Lutheran School, founded in 1967, is owned and operated by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with a wellbalanced, Bible-based curriculum. The student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1 with an average class size of 15 and student body of 381. Annual tuition ranges from $9,000 to $9,500.
SAINT ANDREW CATHOLIC SCHOOL (PK-8)
1509 SE 27th St., Cape Coral
239-772-3922 • standrewcs.org
St. Andrew Catholic School opened in 1989 and provides a solid academic foundation that infuses Roman Catholic learning across its curriculum. It a STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, Math) school that provides a Primary Years International Baccalaureate program for ages 3 to 12. It offers nine extracurriculars and four sports. The student-to-teacher ratio is 16:1 with a student body of 340. Tuition information is not publicly available.
2055 Heitman St., Fort Myers 239-334-7707 • stfrancisfortmyers.org
St. Francis Xavier School, founded in 1938, provides quality academic instruction that integrates the teaching of the Roman Catholic faith at its open-air campus featuring a performing arts center and high-tech Learning Commons. St. Francis Xavier School
also offers 10 sports and 12 extracurricular activities. The student-to-teacher ratio is 19:1 with a student body of 628. Tuition information is not publicly available.
SAINT MICHAEL LUTHERAN (PK-8) 3595 Broadway, Fort Myers 239-939-1218 • smlcs.org
Saint Michael Lutheran School is a parochial Lutheran school founded in 1956, offering a challenging academic and arts curriculum. It provides support for learners with dyslexia and language-based and learning disabilities, as well as sports and 12 extracurriculars. The student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1 with a student body of 399. Annual tuition is $9,000.
SONSHINE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (PK-12)
12925 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers 239-694-8882 • sonshine.online
Sonshine Christian Academy, located on 18 acres, provides a Christ-centered education
focused on excellence in academics. It offers four sports and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1 and a student body of 214. Tuition information is not publicly available.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (K-12)
3750 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-936-8865 • swfca.com
Southwest Florida Christian Academy opened in 1994 as a ministry of McGregor Baptist Church. The standard class size is 16, and the high school is focused on college preparation, offering Advanced Placement courses for students in grades 10 through 12. It offers more than a dozen sports. Annual tuition ranges up to $11,588 for grades 9-12.
Note: Enrichment programs, sports, student enrollment, and other variables were impacted during the pandemic. See individual websites for details. For a listing of all private schools in Collier and Lee counties: privateschoolreview.com
FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 239-590-1000, 800-590-3428 fgcu.edu
Four-year state university set on 800 acres offering 58 undergraduate programs, 25 master’s programs, 12 certificate programs, and six doctoral programs Enrolled: 11,247 Established: 1991, opened in 1997 Tuition: $6,118
FLORIDA
8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers 239-489-9300 7007 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples 239-732-3700 • fsw.edu
This public college serves a five-county area with campuses in Fort Myers, Naples, and Punta Gorda, as well as a Corporate Training Center in Bonita Springs and a satellite center in LaBelle. It is a cost-effective choice, with 70 percent of students graduating debt-free. It offers more than 45 academic programs, including professional certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.
Enrolled: 24,034 Established: 1962 Tuition: $3,401
AVE MARIA SCHOOL OF LAW
1025 Commons Circle, Naples 239-687-5300 • avemarialaw.edu
An independent law school in the Catholic tradition that is fully accredited by the American Bar Association, located on a 12-acre campus near the Vineyards community. Enrollment: 270 Established: In Michigan in 2000 and relocated to Naples in 2009 Tuition: $35,380
AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY
5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria 239-280-2500 • avemaria.edu
A private university in the Catholic tradition with a campus in the town of Ave Maria offering 33 bachelor’s programs as well as a master’s of theological studies and an MA and PhD in theology.
Enrollment: 1,123 Established: In Michigan in 1998, relocated to Naples in 2003, permanent campus completed in 2007 Tuition: $19,970
Sunrise Building, 12381 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste. 502, Fort Myers 239-278-3041 • barry.edu
The second-largest private Catholic university in the Southeast, with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs offered in Fort Myers and online.
Highest degrees (Fort Myers): MAA, MPA, MSW Enrollment (Fort Myers): 150 Established: 1940 Tuition and fees: $29,850
HODGES UNIVERSITY
4501 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-482-0019, 800-466-0019 2655 Northbrooke Drive, Naples 239-513-1122, 800-466-8017 hodges.edu
A private four-year college with campuses in Collier and Lee counties, with degree programs in career-related disciplines. Highest degrees: MBA, MCJ, MCIT, MIS, MPA, MSM, MPS, MMHC Enrolled: 2,900 Established: 1990 Tuition: $13,940
KEISER UNIVERSITY
9100 Forum Corporate Parkway, Fort Myers 239-277-1336 • keiseruniversity.edu
Keiser University has 18 campuses in Florida and offers degrees in more than 100 doctoral, specialist, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate fields.
Established: 1977 Tuition: $11,780
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
3650 Colonial Court, Fort Myers 239-274-6070 • nova.edu
Florida’s largest independent, not-forprofit institution of higher education based in Fort Lauderdale offers undergraduate, graduate, and specialist degrees at its Student Educational Center in Fort Myers.
Highest degrees: MBA, DO, JD, DBA, EdD, PhD Enrolled: 755 in Southwest Florida
Established: 1964 Tuition: $29,930
RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
9160 Forum Corporate Parkway, Ste. 100, Fort Myers 239-477-2100 • rasmussen.edu
Private, regionally accredited college with a focus on business, design, education, health sciences, justice, nursing, and technology, as well as professional certifications. It offers some full degrees through online courses. Past college coursework, military transcripts, course waivers, and industry certifications maximize credits and reduce overall costs.
Highest degrees (Fort Myers campus): MH, MS in Data Science, MSHR, MSN
Established: 2008 in Fort Myers; 1900 in St. Paul, Minnesota
Established: 1974
Tuition: Dependent on program and location
Freestanding ERs
Urgent Care Clinics
Health care is a vital industry in Southwest Florida’s economy, and the region is home to state-of-the-art medical centers and expert practitioners in a range of specialties.
In Southwest Florida, there are two major, award-winning hospital systems: NCH Healthcare System in Collier County and Lee Memorial Health System (Lee Health) in Lee County. Both began as community hospitals that have grown exponentially in services, locations, expertise, and staff. Both have also received top scores in several specialties.
In addition, there are two Veterans Affairs clinics, nonprofit networks for low-income residents, and hospice services.
NCH Healthcare System 239-624-5000 nchmd.org
NCH Healthcare System (NCH) was named by U.S. News & World Report as “Best Hospital for 2020-21.”
NCH is rated as high-performing in heart bypass surgery, heart failure treatment, hip and knee replacement surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, colon cancer surgery, and COPD treatment. NCH operates two hospitals, urgent-care, wellness, and family medical facilities, NCH Heart Institute, and NCH Regional Cancer Institute.
NCH is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network and sponsors the Blue Zones Project for Southwest Florida. The system has approximately 4,644 employees and more than 1,000 volunteers, 800 physicians, and 713 licensed beds.
NCH Baker Hospital Downtown 350 Seventh St. N., Naples 239-624-5000
The flagship, 391-bed acute care and emergency hospital, home to the NCH Heart Institute, has been a top performer nationally in cardiac care for five consecutive years.
NCH North Naples Hospital 11190 Health Park Blvd., Naples 239-552-7000 nchmd.org
This acute care facility has 322 beds, a pediatric emergency department, comprehensive pain center, nephrology, and more.
Physicians Regional Healthcare System physiciansregional.com
Physicians Regional Healthcare System operates two hospitals with an affiliated
multispecialty physician group. More than 300 physicians provide advanced medical care in more than 45 specialties and subspecialties.
With 209 beds, it has been lauded for its stroke-patient care. Both emergency rooms typically boast short wait times.
Physicians Regional-Collier Boulevard 8300 Collier Blvd., Naples 239-354-6000
This 100-bed hospital is a 24/7 STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) receiving facility providing around- the-clock treatment for patients experiencing chest pain and other cardiology emergencies. It is conveniently located to Marco Island and East Naples, with a special emergency room clinical staff and amenities designed for older adults.
Physicians Regional-Pine Ridge 6101 Pine Ridge Road, Naples
239-348-4000
This 109-bed acute care facility features all private rooms, general medical/surgical services, and specialized centers for robotic surgery, neurovascular and stroke, cardiology, vein, orthopedic and spine, and ENT specialty care.
LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM 800-936-5321 leehealth.org
Lee Health has been the major hospital provider in Lee County since the first community hospital opened a century ago. It has 14,000 employees, 1,812 beds, and 1,480 physicians on medical staff. It provides comprehensive care for children and adults, as well as kidney transplants, immunology, wound care, urgent care facilities, and occupational, physical, and speech
therapy. Lee Health is a national, accredited leader in stroke care.
Cape Coral Hospital
636 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral 239-424-2000
Cape Coral Hospital is a 291-bed, acute care facility with all private rooms. It has earned several recognitions for quality of care and was the first hospital in the state to receive the Governor’s Sterling Award for performance excellence in management and operations. Its wellness center is a medically based fitness center providing members access to cardiovascular equipment, group exercise classes, indoor pools, massage, a healthy café, pro shop, and health and wellness presentations. Cape Coral Hospital is a Primary Stroke Center.
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida
9981 S. HealthPark Drive, Fort Myers 239-343-5437
This state-of-the-art, 98-bed pediatric hospital provides emergency and specialized services for infants, children, and teens, including behavioral health, surgery, intensive care, orthopedics, cancer, cardiology, and burn treatments. The only center of its kind between Tampa and Miami, its 48-bed neonatal intensive care unit cares for premature infants and babies that have had surgery within hours and days of birth. It is located on the same campus as HealthPark Medical Center.
Gulf Coast Medical Center 13681 Doctor’s Way, Fort Myers 239-343-1000
Gulf Coast Medical Center is a 356-bed, acute care facility— the only Level II Trauma Center between Sarasota and Miami. It offers 240 private rooms. The emergency department consists of 28 exam rooms, 10 observation units, and 33 treatment rooms. Ten beds are designated as a Cardiac Decision Unit (CDU) to quickly assess patients with chest pain and fast-track testing and treatment. Gulf Coast Medical Center is an accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center. Gulf Coast Medical Center offers 24/7 access to minimally invasive catheter procedures to treat stroke and a dedicated neurosurgery intensive care unit. It has earned the American Heart Association/American
Stroke Association “Get With The Guidelines” Gold Plus Stroke Center designation. The hospital earned a 2019 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades.
HealthPark Medical Center 9981 S. HealthPark Drive, Fort Myers 239-343-5000
HealthPark Medical Center is the primary location for the system’s cardiac program and is a designated Chest Pain Center, fully accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. The 267-bed hospital was named one of the “100 Top Hospitals” for cardiology and intensive care in the country and has the region’s only high-risk valve clinic. The hospital offers advanced, minimally invasive procedures for cardiac,
urology, gynecology, and general surgery using the da Vinci S HD Surgical Robot. Also located on the campus of HealthPark Medical Center is the 112-bed HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center (239-433-4647), a skilled nursing facility that carries a five-star rating from the Agency for Health Care Administration.
Lee Memorial Hospital 2776 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers 239-343–2000
Lee Memorial Hospital, originally established in 1916, is the flagship hospital for Lee Health. The 414-bed, acute care hospital provides emergent care and diagnostic services. The facility also houses the Rehabilitation Hospital (239343-3900), a 60-bed comprehensive, inpatient rehabilitation unit focused on neurological and
orthopedic injuries. It is a Certifited Primary Stroke Center and Chest Pain Center.
Lehigh Regional Medical Center 1500 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres 239-369-2101 lehighregional.com
A member of Prime Healthcare, Lehigh Regional Medical Center is an 88-bed, acute care facility commi ed to patient-centered health care since 1965. The state-of-the-art facility provides emergency and critical care, as well as specialty care services including cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, general surgery, nephrology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pathology and imaging, pulmonology, and women’s health.
BONITA SPRINGS
BONITA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER 3501 HEALTH CENTER BLVD. 239-949-1050
NCH BONITA IMMEDIATE CARE 3302 BONITA BEACH ROAD S.E., STE. 170 239-624-1050
CAPE CORAL
ALLWRIGHT MEDICAL 30 DEL PRADO BLVD. N., #100 239-829-0099
CAPE CORAL URGENT CARE 811 DEL PRADO BLVD. S. 239-233-0289
CONVENIENT CARE PINE ISLAND ROAD 1682 NE PINE ISLAND RO AD 239-424-1655
MD NOW U URGENT CARE 2609 S ANTA BARBARA BLVD., STE. 102 239-945-9533
MEDEXPRESS URGENT CARE CAPE CORAL 313 S W PINE ISLAND ROAD 239-458-6755
URGENT CARE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 17 08 CAPE CORAL PARKWAY W., STE. 2 239-333-3333 ESTERO
COCONUT POINT EMERGENCY CARE 23450 VIA C OCONUT POINT 239-468-1000
MEDEXPRESS URGENT CARE ESTERO 19985 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL 239-495-3317
URGENT CARE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 0 201 ARCOS AVE., STE. 105 239-333-2273
COASTAL MED URGENT CARE 8291 D ANI DRIVE, STE. #100 239-931-6049
CONVENIENT CARE METRO PARKWAY 13340 METRO PARKWAY, STE. 100 239-343-0490
CONVENIENT CARE PAGE FIELD 4 771 S. CLEVELAND AVE. 239-343-9800
CONVENIENT CARE SUMMERLIN 16230 SUMMERLIN RO AD 239-343-7450
MD NOW U URGENT CARE 15165 MC GREGOR BLVD. 239-945-9499
MEDEXPRESS FORT MYERS 123 75 S. CLEVELAND AVE. 239-936-2013
MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP 1299 5 S. CLEVELAND AVE., STE. 184 23 9-939-2201
ESTERO ISLAND MEDICAL CARE 7 205 ESTERO BLVD., STE. 733 239-463-5741
LEHIGH ACRES
MEDEXPRESS LEHIGH ACRES 13340 METRO PARKWAY, STE. 100 239-303-5020
GULF COAST HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS
URGENT CARE & FAMILY MEDICINE 2724 FIFTH ST. W., STE. C 239-303-9298
ISLAND MEDICAL CLINICDR. RICHARD WILSON D .O. 1648 PERIWINKLE WAY, STE. C2 239-472-3131
SAN-CAP MEDICAL CENTER 430 1 SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ROAD 239-472-0700
SANIBEL MEDICAL 499 PALM RIDGE ROAD 239-395-2005
Lee County VA Clinic
2489 Diplomat Parkway E., Cape Coral 239-652-1800 or 727-398-6661
baypines.va.gov
This full-service regional clinic, part of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, is open Monday through Saturday, providing comprehensive primary care, mental health services, women’s health, ambulatory surgery, audiology, cardiology, dental and dermatology services, eye care and optometry, Coumadin Clinic, gastroenterology, home and community care, imaging, orthopedics, neurology, pharmacist consultations and mediation pickup, phlebotomy, nutrition counseling, prosthetics, physical and occupational therapy, podiatry, tobacco cessation, spinal cord injury, urology, and referrals for specialty care.
Naples VA Clinic
800 Goodlette Road N., Ste. 120, Naples 239-659-9188 or 727-398-6661
baypines.va.gov
This regional clinic, part of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, is open Monday through Friday. It provides primary care, mental healthcare, women’s services, nutrition counseling, EKG services, phlebotomy, pharmacist consultations, and referrals for specialty care.
Healthcare Network 239-658-3000 healthcareswfl.org
The Healthcare Network provides full primary medical services including internal medicine, family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and senior care, as well as
dental care and integrated behavioral health for adults and children. The network is committed to providing quality, professional medical and dental health care services to Collier County residents regardless of insurance or ability to pay. It has established 21 health care sites and mobile services in Collier County.
Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida 844-342-7935 fhcswf.org
Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida has 21 medical offices, eight dental offices, and three pharmacy locations with a focus on disease management, prevention, and education. Family Health Centers provides medical, dental, pediatric, podiatry, women’s services, and optometry services to children and adults, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Discounts are offered based on family size and income.
Are you new to Florida, or plan to move here soon? With sunshine, beautiful beaches, and lower taxes, Ciccarelli Advisory Services understands why! For 40-plus years, Ciccarelli Advisory Services has been helping families who have decided to make Florida their home, beginning with the steps to creating your Florida domicile. In general, Florida domicile brings with it tax advantages over domicile in other states with respect to income taxes, state estate taxes, and homestead.
The term domicile means the place where you live with the intent of making it your permanent residence. A person may have several residences at the same time, but in theory may be domiciled in only one. There are many factors that may be considered to establish Florida domicile, but primary ones include home, active business involvement, time spent, items near and dear, and family connections. For example, you must consider your Florida home your primary residence, and you must spend a greater percentage of the year in your declared domicile state than anywhere else. If you have a business outside of your domiciled state, the taxpayer’s role in the business, pattern of activity, and whether it is a passive or active investment may be considered. Also, items that are near and dear
to you should be kept in your domiciled state; receipts and documents showing the transport of these items could be important to keep. Other factors, such as changing address forms, shifting banking and investment relationships, legal documents, various registrations, and church affiliations should all be maintained in your domiciled state. Be careful that your affairs are in line because even the smallest affiliation, like a resident fishing license from your previous state, could cause problems.
The other benefit of establishing domicile in Florida is the Florida homestead exemption. This exemption can protect your home from creditors (with four exceptions), give you a credit against your home’s assessment for tax purposes, and cap your property taxes to the lesser of 3 percent (in Collier County) or the rate of inflation. Florida homestead may also protect spouses for inheritance purposes.
If you are considering a change of domicile to Florida, it is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your financial advisor, your CPA, and your attorney. Domicile should be looked at not only with a tax perspective but also with an estate perspective regarding rights of spouse and children at your death. An advisor versed in the steps for new domicile can provide
a more complete package of instructions and discuss planning opportunities to help assist you in your decision to domicile.
Along with assisting with domicile issues, Ciccarelli Advisory Services has been helping families meet their lifelong goals by creating comprehensive, customized financial plans that work continually throughout every stage of life. Their highest priority is in designing a plan that reflects your family’s unique journey, paying special attention to your priorities and vision, and empowering you to achieve continual financial wellness. Your family may benefit from the insight and wisdom of their highly experienced team who will put you first and make sure the service you receive is the right fit for you and your family. They understand your family because they are a family. And, with the best interests of your family at heart, Ciccarelli Advisory Services will serve as your financial advocate providing guidance and execution—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Investment advisory services offered through Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., a registered investment advisor independent of FSC Securities Corporation. Securities and additional investment advisory services offered through FSC Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
Collier County is often touted as the largest county by geographical size in Florida, and what’s more impressive: More than 70 percent of the land is set aside for federal, state, and county parks and conservation. As a result, it is home to vast wildlands—swamp, prairie, marsh, and coastal ecosystems—along with rural and agricultural areas that flourish in the frost-free area. Collier County was one of the last frontiers in the American South, and it was named for advertising magnate Barron Gift Collier who, at one time, was the largest landowner in Florida and fueled the completion of the construction of the Tamiami Trail. Today it has three incorporated cities and many distinct communities throughout
the unincorporated parts of the county. Here is a snapshot of the municipalities:
When Collier County was carved out of Lee County by the Florida legislature in 1923, this remote town was incorporated as Everglades and designated the county seat. (The county seat later moved to Naples.) The town served as the base for Barron Collier’s development of the Tamiami Trail, linking the east and west coasts of South Florida, which opened with national fanfare in 1928. Its arduous completion through muck, limestone, and swarms of mosquitoes unlocked the remote region for more efficient travel for tourism, commerce, and development.
Located on the edge of Chokoloskee Bay, the Everglades City area had previously been occupied for millennia by Native Americans, followed by Seminoles and white settlers after the Civil War.
Today, this remote incorporated city is renowned for fishing and its proximity to Everglades National Park, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, and Ten Thousand Islands. Its population of 400 residents is a hardy, tight-knit community still recovering from the direct impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017. Nearby, smaller towns include Chokoloskee, Plantation, Jerome, Copeland, and Ochopee.
At 24 square miles, Marco Island lies 35 miles south of Naples and is the largest barrier island within the Ten Thousand Islands. With a permanent population of about 16,000 and a peak winter season population of 40,000, Marco Island features six miles of beaches and is crisscrossed with more than 100 miles of canals and waterways created when the city was developed in the 1960s. Marco Island is recognized for its high quality of life with a low crime rate, proximity to fantastic fishing, and casual atmosphere, and friendliness. While real estate is relatively expensive compared to many communities in Florida, there is a wide variety of price ranges for homes, condominiums, and vacation rentals.
Upon its founding as a resort town in 1888, Naples was named for the romantic town in Italy because of its shimmering Naples Bay and location on the Gulf of Mexico. As the county seat of Collier County, it is home to both city and county government offices, law enforcement headquarters, and courts. It has ranked among the top 10 wealthiest cities in the United States. Home to about 20,000 residents, Naples has long been a popular winter destination, boasting more than 250 sunny days per year, rich cultural amenities, a strong philanthropic spirit, and sophisticated dining and shopping.
The 67-mile-long Caloosahatchee River wends its way to the Gulf of Mexico through Lee County, which was created in 1887 after it was carved out of Monroe County. The river is part of the Western Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and Okeechobee Waterway, which connects the state’s west and east coasts by water inland. The Caloosahatchee is also a unique natural resource for the county seat, Fort Myers. Originally a military fort and then a cattle town, Fort Myers was selected by inventor Thomas A. Edison for his seasonal winter home, which is now a popular tourist destination. International travelers are also drawn to Sanibel and Captiva islands, Gasparilla Island, and the rich fishing grounds of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. Lee County has Major League Baseball spring training facilities for both the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. There are six incorporated cities and many distinct communities throughout the unincorporated
parts of the county. Here is a snapshot of the municipalities:
Bonita Springs is an incorporated city in south Lee County with a population of 53,650. It is home to the 1,616-acre Lovers Key State Park, stunning beachfront homes, public access to its gulf shoreline, a large community park on the Imperial River, and a historic downtown.
Across the Caloosahatchee west of Fort Myers, Cape Coral is the largest city between Tampa and Miami with a population approaching 200,000. It is the seventh largest in the state. At 120 square miles, Cape Coral is the third largest city in Florida by land mass. Developed in the late 1950s, Cape Coral is one of the largest master-planned communities in the nation. It is known as the “City of
Canals” for good reason: With 400 miles of navigable waterways, it has more canals than Venice, Italy. Cape Coral has a wide mix of residential options and plenty of vacant, developable lots; it is only 50 percent built out, so there are many commercial and industrial opportunities.
Estero is a 25-square-mile village nestled between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs that became incorporated in 2014. Today, it hosts a population of 37,000. For more than a century, it has drawn visitors to the Koreshan State Historic Site and the Estero River. In recent decades, it has become home to Florida Gulf Coast University, Hertz Corporation’s headquarters, Coconut Point Mall, and the Hertz Arena. The arena attracts national concerts and hosts the Florida Everblades hockey team.
The county seat of Lee County, Fort Myers is a diverse community of 86,350 residents living in the 40-square-mile city. Fort Myers is home to the Caloosahatchee River, palm-tree-lined McGregor Boulevard, Dunbar community, the county’s central government offices, and Southwest Florida’s largest concentration of historic commercial buildings in the downtown River District. The residential neighborhoods feature a blend of architectural styles ranging from the early 1900s to modern gems. Many apartment complexes and riverfront condos provide options.
At six square miles, Fort Myers Beach has a year-round population of about 5,600, though it soars with seasonal visitors in the spring and winter months. Beachfront lovers can find
a bungalow, condo, or multilevel mansion for full- or part-time living. The island lifestyle is casual and laid-back, with dining, live music, and community events that draw visitors from throughout the region.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands have a unique natural beauty and commitment to environmental stewardship that has restricted both commercial and residential development. These islands are home to about 6,400 residents. Their shores have drawn the world-famous for more than a century. Captiva consistently ranks among the most desirable beaches in the world, and Sanibel has a global reputation for unparalleled shelling and coastal recreation. Due to limited inventory, these island gems boast the highest price tags in the county.
625 Audubon Blvd., Naples audubonccofnaples.com
Audubon Country Club is a 755-acre, gated community with 58 percent dedicated to natural preserve and 28 lakes interspersed throughout. It is an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary that provides world-class golfing at the Joe Lee–designed, 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, in addition to tennis, croquet, bocce, swimming, and a fitness center.
11 Cypress View Drive, Naples eaglecreekgcc.org
Eagle Creek Golf and Country Club is a small, award-winning gated community on 300 wooded acres, centrally located midway between Naples and Marco Island. Eagle Creek has 460 residences, including condominiums, carriage home villas with detached guest suites, and estate homes with golf views. The recently renovated Larry Packard-designed golf course winds through cypress and pine preserves, with residential housing only on six holes. Amenities include a full-service clubhouse, tennis and bocce, pool and spa, and a fitness center.
WHAT’S YOUR IDEA OF LIVING IN PARADISE? SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IS HOME TO A SPRAWLING SELECTION OF GATED COMMUNITIES THAT EMPHASIZE FITNESS, SOCIALIZATION, FUN IN THE SUN—OFTEN CENTERED AROUND BREATHTAKING GOLF COURSE VIEWS—AND AMENITIES GALORE
8912 Torre Vista Lane, Naples naplesesplanadegcc.com
This new 1,800-acre gated community includes 1,000 acres of natural preserves, wetlands, and walking trails, as well as 170 acres of lakes. When complete, the community will consist of approximately 1,121 planned residential homes. The championship golf course, designed by architect Chris Wylczinsk, has already earned awards. The community, located three miles east of Interstate 75, offers a clubhouse, tennis and pickleball, resort pool, bocce, and fitness, wellness, and spa facilities.
GREY OAKS COUNTRY CLUB
2400 Grey Oaks Drive N., Naples greyoakscc.com
Grey Oaks offers 18 neighborhoods featuring single-family and estate homes, detached villas, and three condominium neighborhoods, as well as three championship golf courses for a total of 54 holes. Grey Oaks is centrally located in Naples west of Livingston Road and north of Golden Gate Boulevard.
The Estuary at Grey Oaks is the newest neighborhood, located across the street, east of Airport-Pulling Road. Both have clubhouses and luxury, resort-style amenities. The Estuary at Grey Oaks has a 62,000-square-foot clubhouse, heated lagoon swimming pool with an outdoor café, fitness center with personal trainers, tennis center with eight lighted HarTru tennis courts, and children’s playground.
LELY
8004 Lely Resort Blvd., Naples lelyresortgolfandcountryclub.com
Lely is a census-designated neighborhood of 2,037 households in a large range of options. Lely Resort Golf & Country Club is home to 54 holes of golf designed by three of golf’s most legendary names. The public-access Flamingo Island and Mustang courses were designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Lee Trevino, respectively, and the private Classics course was designed by Gary Player. Flamingo and Classics each have a clubhouse, and there are two expansive, full-service golf practice facilities.
MEDITERRA
15755 Corso Mediterra Circle, Naples mediterraliving.com
Mediterra comprises 1,700 acres of nature preserves, lakes, and parks, as well as 950 luxury homes. The community’s design and luxury homes replicate the lush beauty of Europe’s Mediterranean region. The five-star, private country club includes a USTA awardwinning tennis program, Har-Tru tennis and pickleball courts, fitness studio and spa, and the Mediterra Beach Club, a 10,000-squarefoot clubhouse with a heated pool on the Gulf of Mexico on Bonita Beach.
NAPLES LAKES COUNTRY CLUB
4784 Naples Lakes Blvd., Naples oldecypress.com
Naples Lakes Country Club features an 18hole, Arnold Palmer signature course. With 200 acres of protected nature preserves and lakes, Naples Lakes has been an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 2001 and amenities include dining, tennis, fitness, a pool and spa, and a calendar of social activities.
OLDE CYPRESS
7165 Treeline Drive, Naples oldecypress.com
Olde Cypress is a 540-acre, gated community featuring P.B. Dye’s first 18-hole championship golf course in Collier County. Its seven neighborhoods feature 550 single-family estate homes, villas, and courtyard homes on 176 acres of pine and cypress preserves. The 36,000-square-foot clubhouse includes an outdoor area with a bar and big-screen TV overlooking the ninth green, as well as a players’ lounge, library, media center, card rooms, private lockers, tennis courts, swimming pool, dining, and fitness center.
PELICAN MARSH
1810 Persimmon Drive, Naples pelicanmarshgc.com
Pelican Marsh is nestled within more than 1,000 acres of tropical landscaping, lakes, and 133 acres of nature preserves, including the Cocohatchee Strand Preserve. This gated Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary community provides miles of pathways for biking, jogging,
or walking. Pelican Marsh offers a wide variety of neighborhoods and home and condo selections. The award-winning Robert Von Hagge championship golf course, Pelican Marsh Golf Club, and the two-story clubhouse, are the jewels of the community. Pelican Marsh also enjoys a community center with tennis, bocce, and fitness and spa studio.
QUAIL WEST 5950 Burnham Road, Naples quailwest.com
This community spans Collier and Lee counties, with the majority of the 688 luxury estate homes in Collier. Its 70,000-square-foot clubhouse was recently refurbished, alongside the opening of a new two-story fitness center and restored championship golf courses. The club also offers eight red-clay tennis courts, an indoor, lagoon-style, Junior Olympic–sized pool, and a private beach pavilion.
THE QUARRY 8950 Weathered Stone Drive, Naples quarrygolfnaples.com
The Quarry is a gated community that offers both a golfing and waterfront lifestyle, featuring a large freshwater lake for water skiing, relaxing on the beach, catch-andrelease fishing, or visiting the beach club. The waterfront club includes a tiki bar and grill, resort-style lap pool, fitness and wellness center, tennis, pickleball, and bocce courts, boating, and dining. The Quarry’s clubhouse, fitness facilities, and 72-par golf course wind around 700 acres of lakes and private nature preserves. The community consists of singlefamily homes in 11 home designs ranging from 1,600 to 4,400 square feet and condos.
THE STRAND
5840 Strand Blvd., Naples thestrandcc.com
The Strand is a luxury community located on more than 500 acres of preserves and lakes, with 27 holes of golf on three courses designed by Gordon Lewis, a practice aqua range, putting green, and golf academy at The Club at The Strand. Members enjoy a fitness center and day spa, a Junior Olympic–sized swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, and 55,000-square-foot
clubhouse with a boardroom, meeting rooms, pro shop, locker rooms, ballroom, and several dining options.
16980 Livingston Road, Naples talispark.com
This gated luxury community in North Naples with 12 neighborhoods features attached villa homes, penthouse-style condominiums, and single-family and showcase estate homes ranging from 5,900 to 6,820 square feet. Designed for country club living with a focus on health, walkability, and social vitality, Talis Park includes an acclaimed 133-acre golf course with champion trees designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman. Its Tuscany-inspired village center includes a fitness center and spa, pool, café, and tennis. Residents enjoy complimentary trips to Vanderbilt Beach via the community’s exclusive shuttle service.
75 Vineyards Blvd., Naples vineyardsnaples.com
This planned, 2,000-acre neighborhood has 38 unique communities—many gated—with villas, condos, coach homes, single-family homes, and luxury custom homes. The 32-acre Vineyards Community Park, with soccer and ballfields, walking trails, courts, and water play area, is located adjacent to the community. The Vineyard’s 70,000-squarefoot clubhouse includes dining rooms overlooking the Tuscany-style patio with golf course views. Amenities include a new wellness and fitness center and spa, saltwater lap pool and sun deck, smoothie café, and salt room. It is one of the largest country clubs in Naples, with a professionally staffed tennis and pickleball center, 70,000-squarefeet clubhouse, and more than 300 acres dedicated to the club’s grounds.
700 Wyndemere Way, Naples wyndemere.com
Wyndemere Country Club is a golfing community comprising 634 single-family homes, condos, and villas in 16 communities on 450 acres. Wyndemere includes an Arthur Hills–designed championship golf course with 27 holes, 10 Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball, bocce, a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse, and a fitness center with a heated, outdoor swimming pool.
BONITA BAY
3451 Bonita Bay Blvd., Ste. 100, Bonita Springs bonitabayresidents.com
Bonita Bay is a 2,400-acre gated community of 56 neighborhoods, tucked among 1,400
acres of parks, nature preserves, lakes, and open spaces. A 12-mile network of biking and walking paths links intimate collections of single-family homes, villas, coach homes and luxury high-rise residences. At build out, Bonita Bay will have fewer than 3,300 homes. Three Arthur Hills–designed courses within Bonita Bay and two courses by Tom Fazio at nearby Bonita Bay Club provide 90 holes of championship golf. The private Bonita Bay Club also offers residents an opportunity to enjoy tennis, fitness center and spa, and a new clubhouse with a variety of dining options. The full-service Bonita Bay Marina provides direct access to the Gulf of Mexico—via the Imperial River and Estero Bay—and boasts wet slips, dry storage, and a ship’s store.
BONITA NATIONAL
17001 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs bonitanationalgolfcc.com
Bonita National Golf & Country Club is a luxury golf course community that consists of condominiums, attached homes, and singlefamily homes. Residents enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course and clubhouse with a fitness center, resort-style pool, scenic walking paths through conservation areas dotted with lakes, and a beach shuttle.
26388 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs thecommonsclub.com
This 2,492-acre, master-planned development offers different types of properties in five distinct gated communities: Shadow Wood, Shadow Wood Preserve, Spring Run, Lighthouse Bay, and Copper Leaf. Shadow
Wood and Shadow Wood Preserve have three diverse, championship golf courses, while Copper Leaf and Spring Run boast their own courses. Residents of The Brooks are offered membership in The Commons Club, a member-owned club of 2,300 families situated in a tranquil, park-like setting in Estero. The club features a health and lifestyle center, enrichment center, lakeside restaurant, and a private beach club located on Little Hickory Island.
FIDDLESTICKS COUNTRY CLUB 15391 Canongate Drive, Fort Myers fiddlestickscc.com
With 585 homes and two golf courses, Fiddlesticks is a low-density community with two golf courses and private, estate-sized lots, condos, townhouses, and single-family residences. The resort-style community features a cabana and pool, eight Har-Tru
tennis courts that host league and recreational play, and a 7,000-squarefoot fitness facility with youth programs, including summer and school vacation camps.
GATEWAY
11360 Championship Drive, Fort Myers gatewaygolf.com, gatewaydistrict.org
This 3,000-acre, master-planned community with 32 neighborhoods offers residential options for a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Gateway is centrally located off Daniels Parkway near I-75 and is largely a single-family home community with quarter-acre lots. Neighborhoods such as Hammock Cove, Stoneybrook, Timber Ridge, and Summerwind also feature condos and townhouses. The private, 18-hole, Tom Fazio–designed golf course highlights amenities that include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, soccer complex, the Gateway Fun Park, a dog park, 15 miles of multi-use trails, tennis and volleyball courts, and a lake and picnic grounds.
GRANDÉZZA
11481 Grand Oak Blvd., Estero grandezzacc.com
The centerpiece of Grandézza is a 53,000-square-foot, Tuscan-style clubhouse with multiple dining and lounge locations, a Junior Olympic pool, fitness center and studio, and tennis facility. The Club at Grandézza’s championship golf course, designed by Darwin Sharp III, plays to a par 72. The privately owned and managed community, featuring scenic exercise paths, has easy access to I-75.
LEXINGTON COUNTRY CLUB
16257 Willowcrest Way, Fort Myers lexingtoncountryclub.com
Lexington Country Club consists of a Golf Village and a Lake Village, with 1,479 homes
and an 18-hole championship golf course with six tee box choices redesigned by Kipp Schulties Golf Design in 2017. The community also features 12 lighted hydro-grid tennis courts, six heated swimming pools, a fitness center, and bocce courts. The main clubhouse boasts a variety of dining experiences, social clubs, and special events, as well as an outdoor tiki bar, pool and jacuzzi, computer center and library, and a sandy beach.
BEACH & GOLF CLUB
18061 Miromar Lakes Parkway, Miromar Lakes miromarlakes.com
A 700-acre freshwater lake with three miles of white-sand shoreline is the centerpiece of this community, providing endless recreational and social activities. Luxury estate, beach, coach, and villa homes overlook the lake or the remastered Arthur Hills signature championship golf course. Residents enjoy a year-round calendar of social events, boating, water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, casual and fine dining at three restaurants, and resort-inspired amenities along the lakefront. Located near Estero, Miromar Lakes also has a full-service, European spa and fitness center, tennis and
bocce courts, marine services, and a private golf club.
11611 Paseo Grande Blvd., Fort Myers mypaseo.life
Paseo is an award-winning community located in south Fort Myers off Daniels Parkway, close to shopping, the beaches, attractions, and I-75. It is a private, gated community surrounded by Six Mile Cypress Slough. There are a variety of single-family homes, two-story and splitlevel townhouses, casitas, and villas. Its village center offers a resort-style pool complex, fitness facilities, community movie theatre, fishing pier, an internet café/library, and courts for tennis and pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and bocce.
4450 Pelicans Nest Drive, Bonita Springs nestgolf.com
Pelican Landing is a master-planned community of 3,350 residences spread across 2,365 acres accented by lakes and preserves. It is situated along Spring Creek and its private, highly rated The Nest Golf Club has 36 holes at two golf courses: the Audubon-designated Hurricane and Gator courses. Pelican
Landing owns a private barrier island with a 34-acre beach park on the Gulf of Mexico, and provides a boat shuttle, beach house with restrooms, shower facilities, a nature library, sun decks, and a screened pavilion. Other amenities include a 4,400-square-foot fitness center, bocce and pickleball courts, championship tennis courts, full-time pro and pro shop, sailing club, docking and launch facilities, and canoe/kayak parks. The community center provides activities coordinated by an activities director. The Hyatt Regency at Coconut Point offers residents lodging discounts and access to hotel services. Residences include custom estate homes, single-family homes, villas, coach homes, and condominiums. The Colony Golf and Country Club, with a private, par-72, Jerry Pate–designed course, is a sister community located within Pelican Landing.
RIVER
2401 River Hall Parkway, Alva liveriverhall.com
This 1,500-acre, master-planned community features a semi-private, Davis Love III–designed, par-72 golf course and a 14,000-square-foot clubhouse. Located in Alva, a Town Hall Amenity Center in this 10-year-old community provides a resortstyle lagoon pool, programmed activities led by an on-site lifestyle director, miles of interconnected and meandering sidewalks around lakes and preserves, and River Hall Elementary School. More than 600 vacant homesites are available.
SANDOVAL
2573 Sandoval Parkway, Cape Coral livesandoval.com
This 524-acre master-planned, gated community with a Caribbean flair has a host of family amenities: a lagoon pool with waterslide, wide, two-mile-long linear park path for running and cycling, four-and-a-halfacre Calypso Park with grills and fishing pier, dog park, and a community center. It also has sports courts, volleyball, bocce, and horseshoe pits. Sandoval housing options include
carriage homes and single-family homes.
VERANDAH
12201 River Village Way, Fort Myers verandah.com, verandahlife.com Verandah is located along the Orange River in East Fort Myers near Alva, not far from I-75. In addition to two 18-hole championship golf courses—Old Orange, designed by Bob Cupp, and Whispering Oak, a Jack Nicklaus II–designed course—residents enjoy a fitness with spa treatment rooms, tennis and bocce center, group and personal training, resort-style pool, and green space for outdoor games. The waterfront River House restaurant was recently renovated.
WEST BAY CLUB
22050 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero westbayclub.com Nestled on 868 acres among wetlands and nature preserve, and bounded by Estero Bay and Estero River, West Bay Club includes nine established neighborhoods and a new luxury, single-family villa neighborhood, WestLake Court. Choices of home styles range from carriage homes and villas to single-family estates and high-rise condos. The final development within the community will be the 24-floor condo, The Island, offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and golf course and 86 residences. The 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Pete and PB Dye, and the community features tennis, a resort-style pool, private beach club, and state-of-the-art fitness center.
WILDCAT RUN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
20300 Country Club Drive, Estero wildcatruncc.com
Located east of I-75, Wildcat Run is a mature, luxury community with golf and water views from most homes. Amenities include a clubhouse with tennis, library, fitness center, putting green, and signature Arnold Palmer golf course. It is an intimate community, with only 450 homes ranging from carriage houses, detached villas, and condos to custom estate homes.
Welcome to the nation’s golf capitol. Did you know that there are an estimated 150-plus golf courses in Collier and Lee counties? The minority—less than 10 percent—are open to the public. That means the other 90-plus percent are private courses, typically located in gated golf course communities. In rare instances, a handful of these courses are semi-private, providing play to non-residents and non-members.
If you are a player who is interested in buying a home in a private community, be sure to do your homework. Referrals and word of mouth are a good way to start. If you’re looking at the bottom line, remember that annual membership dues vary greatly. Here are two key distinctions in memberships; be sure to investigate your options.
BUNDLED GOLF COMMUNITIES: Golf and social memberships are bundled into the purchase of your residence. You do not pay an additional initiation fee, but annual membership dues are required. Every homeowner will be a golf or social member of the club.
EQUITY GOLF COMMUNITIES: These require an upfront initiation fee for golf membership, followed by annual membership dues.
ALTERNATIVE MEMBERSHIPS: Ask if there are alternative membership options to player memberships, such as a social, executive, or sports membership. These memberships include year-round access to social activities and amenities. (Social and sports memberships allow golf privileges during the summer months, May through October 31, while executive memberships allow for some in-season play.)
NOT A GOLFER? If so, there are plenty of reasons to live in a golfing community: security, fewer neighbors, great views, and social activities. In Southwest Florida, these communities are also focusing on providing a vibrant, healthy lifestyle for all residents. State-of theart fitness centers have become vital for many new homebuyers, as well as natural spaces, walkability, and recreational opportunities. Many of these fitness centers have full-time personal trainers, and large ones often have an on-staff nutritionist. Local clubhouse menus are continually revamped to provide culinary options for specific diets and local seafood, farm-to-table vegetables, and organic meat and poultry. As with any home purchase, consider the location and do your homework to ensure the community fits your needs and your budget.
COMMUNITIES
(Area code 239)
ALL SEASONS NAPLES 15450 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, 34110 316-4400 • allseasonsnaples.com
ARBOR TRACE 1000 Arbor Lake Drive, Naples, 34110 598-2929 • arbortrace.com
ASTON GARDENS AT PELICAN MARSH 4800 Aston Gardens Way, Naples, 34109 449-8234 • astongardens.com
DISCOVERY VILLAGE AT NAPLES 8417 Sierra Meadows Blvd., Naples, 34113 438-4706 • discoveryvillages.com
KEYSTONE PLACE AT NAPLES PRESERVE 3490 Thrive Drive, Naples, 34105 719-2187 • keystonesenior.com
MOORINGS PARK AT GRANDE LAKE 7330 Premier Drive, Naples, 34105 235-0786 • mooringspark.org
MOORINGS PARK AT GREY OAKS 2355 Rue Du Jardin, Naples, 34105 314-3786 • mooringspark.org
TERRACINA GRAND 6825 Davis Blvd., Naples, 34104 455-1459 • terracinaseniorliving.com
THE ARLINGTON OF NAPLES 7900 Arlington Circle, Naples, 34113 963-2881 • arlingtonnaples.org
THE CARLISLE NAPLES 6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, 34109 249-6877 • srgseniorliving.com
VI AT BENTLEY VILLAGE 850 Retreat Drive, Naples, 34110 888-726-3312 • naples.viliving.com
BRADFORD SQUARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 3255 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, 34109 465-0650 • rlcommunities.com
BROOKDALE NORTH NAPLES 1710 S.W. Health Parkway, Naples, 34109 308-0490 or 844-297-3312 • brookdale.com
LELY PALMS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 1000 Lely Palms Drive, Naples, 34113 775-7661 • lelypalmsretirementliving.com
SANDALWOOD VILLAGE 3511 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, 34109 260-5455 • sandalwoodvillage.com
THE GLENVIEW AT PELICAN BAY 100 Glenview Place, Naples, 34108 1-888-581-8105 • glenviewnaples.com
THE MARBELLA AT PELICAN BAY 7425 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, 34108 593-2300 • marbellapelicanbay.com
BROOKDALE NORTH NAPLES 1710 S.W. Health Parkway, Naples, 34109 308-0490 or 844-297-3312 • brookdale.com
HARBORCHASE OF NAPLES 7801 Airport-Pulling Road N., Naples, 34109 566-8077 • harborchase.com
These communities are designed to enable residents to remain independent as long as possible. A community may offer annual or month-to-month payment structures. Independent communities provide residents with convenient access to dining and meal plans, entertainment and social activities, transportation, housekeeping and laundry, maintenance, and wellness clinics. Independent living communities are not licensed to provide personal or nursing care.
These communities offer several kinds of residences that provide various levels of housing options, community amenities, and health care services for residents ranging from active seniors to those in need of skilled nursing. They typical include apartments, condos, or homes for independent living. Assisted living residents usually live in apartments, while those in skilled nursing and memory support areas reside in private or shared suites or rooms. Life care communities usually provide a long-term contract between the resident (frequently lasting the term of the resident’s lifetime) and the community, which offers maintenance-free living and access to a continuum of health care, commonly all on one campus. If the resident requires assisted living, memory care, or skilled or rehabilitative nursing, the community provides varying levels of care.
Assisted living provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and personalized health care designed for individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence. Services typically include: nutritional meals and special diets, supervision and assistance with personal care, assistance with medications, transportation and escort to medical appointments, housekeeping and laundry, and social and leisure activities. There are four types of assisted living licenses.
These are licensed assisted living communities that specialize in delivering care to residents suffering from a cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. These communities are secure for residents’ safety and provide 24-hour supervised care. The same license rules apply as assisted living. Staff members are trained for the special needs of this population.
(Source: Seniors BlueBook, seniorsbluebook.com)
BARRINGTON TERRACE OF NAPLES 5175 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, 34113 231-1903 • arborcompany.com
BEACH HOUSE 1000 Airport-Pulling Road S., Naples, 34104 • 307-1800 beachhousenaplesseniorliving.com
MOORINGS PARK – OAKSTONE AT GREY OAKS 2355 Rue Du Jardin, Naples, 34105 919-1732 • mooringspark.org
MOORINGS PARK - ORCHID TERRACE 111 Moorings Park Drive, Naples, 34105 643-9136 • mooringspark.org
THE PINEAPPLE HOUSE AT SAPPHIRE LAKES 7901 Radio Road, Naples, 34104 259-0707 • pineapplehousenaples.com
WATERCREST SENIOR LIVING NAPLES 9015 Bellaire Bay Drive, Naples, 34120 734-5639 • watercrestseniorliving.com
ARDEN COURTS OF LELY PALMS 6125 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, 34113 417-8511 • arden-courts.com
BAYSHORE MEMORY CARE NAPLES 1260 Creekside Blvd. E., Naples, 34109 213-9370 • seniorlifestyle.com
MEMORY CARE OF NAPLES 2626 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, 34103 403-0826 • memorycarenaples.com
NAPLES GREEN VILLAGE 101 Cypress Way E., Naples, 34110 514-0300 • naplesgreenvillage.com
THE OPAL AT NORTH NAPLES
1155 Encore Way, Naples, 34110 598-1368 opalnorthnaples.com
AMAVIDA
7650 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, 33907 237-0501/ 877-969-0712 amavidaliving.com
AMERICAN HOUSE - BONITA SPRINGS 11400 Longfellow Lane,
Bonita Springs, 34135 206-4289 • americanhouse.com
AMERICAN HOUSE - COCONUT POINT 8460 Murano Del Lago Drive, Estero, 34135 217-4186 • americanhouse.com
ATRIUM AT LIBERTY PARK 1321 N.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, 33909 215-3082 • meridiansenior.com
CALUSA HARBOUR 2525 First St., Fort Myers, 33901 688-7610 • fivestarseniorliving.com
CYPRESS COVE AT HEALTHPARK 10200 Cypress Cove Drive, Fort Myers, 33908 323-5969 • cypresscoveliving.org
DISCOVERY VILLAGE AT THE FORUM 2645 Forum Blvd., Fort Myers, 33905 230-3436 • discoveryvillages.com
GLADWELL FORT MYERS
3501 Hancock Bridge Parkway, North Fort Myers, 33903 205-2181 • gladwellseniorliving.com
GULF COAST VILLAGE 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, 33991 772-1333 • gulfcoastvillage.com
HIGHPOINT AT CAPE CORAL 1701 Four Mile Cove Parkway, Cape Coral, 33990 282-4794 • highpointcapecoral.com
SHELL POINT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 15101 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers, 33908 466-1131/ 800-780-1131 • shellpoint.org
THE PALMS OF FORT MYERS 2674 Winkler Ave., Fort Myers, 33901 275-7800 • fivestarseniorliving.com
THE TERRACES AT BONITA SPRINGS 26455 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, 34134 949-7555 • theterracesatbonitasprings.com
BROOKDALE - COLLEGE PARKWAY 8351 College Parkway, Fort Myers, 33919 308-0491 • brookdale.com
CAMPO FELICE 2500 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, 33901 307-5493 • camposeniorliving.com
COASTAL GARDENS SENIOR LIVING 3625 Hidden Tree Lane, Fort Myers, 33901 666-1847
DIAMOND OAKS VILLAGE 24110 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, 34134 319-5338 • diamondoaksvillage.com
FOUNTAIN CREST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 1230 Taylor Lane, Lehigh Acres, 33936 239-214-8752 • sunshineretirementliving.com
THE SUMMIT OF FORT MYERS 1499 S. Brandywine Circle, Fort Myers, 33919 433-0477 • thesummitoffortmyers.com
BROOKDALE - BONITA SPRINGS 26850 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 34134 308-0506 • brookdale.com
BROOKDALE - CAPE CORAL 1416 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral, 33990 308-0502 • brookdale.com
BROOKDALE - FORT MYERS LAKES PARK 14521 Lakewood Blvd., Fort Myers, 33919 239-308-0496 • brookdale.com
DORNOCH PLACE 2728 S.E. 16th Place, Cape Coral, 33904 573-7598 • capealf.com
LEHIGH ACRES PLACE 1251 Business Way, Lehigh Acres, 33936 204-5057/866-902-8051 • enlivant.com
PONDELLA RESIDENTIAL CARE 1923 N.E. Sixth St., Cape Coral, 33909 242-0597 • pondellaresidentialcare.com
SPRINGWOOD COURT 12780 Kenwood Lane, Fort Myers, 33907 688-1784 • fivestarseniorliving.com
VILLA PALMS SENIOR LIVING CENTER 6722 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, 33919 433-5553 • villapalmsalf.com
AMERICAN HOUSE – FORT MYERS 14001 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, 33912 844-779-1146 • americanhouse.com
BARKLEY PLACE SENIOR LIVING 36 Barkley Circle, Fort Myers, 33907 790-4285 • merrillgardens.com
BARRINGTON TERRACE OF FORT MYERS
9731 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, 33908 201-4891 • arborcompany.com
BROOKDALE - FORT MYERS CYPRESS LAKE 7460 Lake Breeze Drive, Fort Myers, 33907 308-0493 • brookdale.com
CAPE CORAL SHORES 1318 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, 33991 573-9442 • capecoralshores.com
CYPRESS POINT -FORT MYERS 6870 Alister Way, Fort Myers, 33912 768-4044 cypresspointseniorliving.com
PACIFICA SENIOR LIVINGFORT MYERS 9461 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, 33908 829-5119 • pacificaseniorliving.com
THE PRESERVE 14750 Hope Center Loop, Fort Myers, 33912 574-0078 • thepreservevoa.org
THE ROSE GARDEN OF FORT MYERS
2117 Earl Road, Fort Myers, 33901 215-1337 • rosegardenassistedliving.com
THE WINDSOR OF CAPE CORAL
831 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, 33991 772-9400 • legendseniorliving.com
THRIVE AT BEACHWALK
15800 Beachwalk Blvd., Fort Myers, 33908 349-3769 • thrivesl.com
ARDEN COURTS OF FORT MYERS
15950 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 33908 454-1277 • arden-courts.com
BROOKDALE FORT MYERS THE COLONY
13565 American Colony Blvd., Cape Coral, 33912 308-0498 • brookdale.com
BROOKDALE SANTA BARBARA 911 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, 33991 308-0499 • brookdale.com
GULL POINT AT ESTERO 22900 Lyden Drive, Estero, 33928 221-6120 • willowriverseniorliving.com
INSPIRED LIVING AT BONITA SPRINGS
27221 Bay Landing Drive, Bonita Springs, 34135 963-2927 • inspiredliving.care
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONEIN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU GET STARTED.
Compare the senior communities in your area. Begin actively planning where you want to be today, before health problems develop. Determine the kind of lifestyle and health care options you want for yourself and narrow down your choices. Don’t feel rushed, but don’t procrastinate. Don’t be one of those people who end up saying, “I wish I hadn’t waited so long.”
Make a list of services, amenities, and features that are important to you. Remember: You are not just thinking about today but planning for your future.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, take tours. Can you visualize yourself living in this community? How do the grounds look? Is the staff friendly? Is the environment clean, well-maintained, and nicely appointed?
Come prepared with a list of questions. If you don’t ask questions, you won’t be able to make an informed decision. You should feel certain that the staff is answering your questions and addressing your concerns.
There are a variety of financial arrangements available. These might include rentals, equity, and entrance fees. Learn the pros and cons of each. Understand what is included and what is “extra.”
What levels of care are available? Does the staff seem caring and professional? Are there activities for the residents who are receiving care? What is the community licensed to provide, and what are the costs should care be needed? This is a very important part of your research
Can you envision the residents as your neighbors?
The more you can experience the lifestyle, the better. How is the atmosphere in the dining room? Is there a dress code for dinner? Does the menu offer good variety? Is the service attentive? Does the chef accommodate dietary requirements? Will you enjoy dining here?
Ask for an event calendar to see if there are programs and activities of interest to you. Are there a variety of educational, social, cultural, and fitness programs available? Can residents volunteer within the community? Are special travel opportunities available to residents?
If your family or friends can aid you in deciding, ask them to evaluate your top choices. They may raise questions you haven’t considered.
Utilizing a senior housing advisor can help you narrow down your choices and provide valuable insight about the places you are considering
(Source: Seniors BlueBook, seniorsbluebook.com)
With 1.17 million people calling them home, Collier and Lee counties are magnets that draw new residents and businesses each year. Since 1990, both Lee and Collier counties have experienced a 3 percent compounded average growth annually, and they are projected to continue to grow steadily through the next two decades.
Lee County’s population increased by more than 23,000 people to 787,976 from July 2020 to July 2021, making it the ninth fastest-growing county in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and it ranked first among Florida’s 67 counties in net migration. Collier County, which has a reported population of 385,980, ranked 12 in the state for growth with more than 8,900 new residents.
Much of this population influx comes from northern, high-tax states. Florida has a 6 percent sales tax, and there is no state income tax. Collier County instituted a one-cent sales tax in 2019 (to expire in seven years) to fund needed infrastructure projects, bringing the
total sales tax on purchases in Collier County to 7 percent. In addition to the allure of no state income tax, Florida’s homestead exemption allows homeowners to reduce the assessed value of their primary home when it’s declared their domicile.
It’s no wonder so many people are choosing to move to Southwest Florida: It is a worldwide destination for those seeking mild winters and plenty of outdoor activities, sporting events, concerts, and festivals. The Gulf of Mexico invites boating, fishing, diving, and recreation, in addition to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Collier and Lee counties have a combined 150 golf courses that draw championship tournaments. The region is ranked No. 1 nationally for golf holes per capita by the National Golf Foundation, according to the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau. Two official paddling trails—the Paradise Coast Blueway in Collier County and Great Calusa Blueway in Lee
COLLIER COUNTY 385,980
Everglades City 424
Marco Island 15,760
Naples 19,115
LEE COUNTY 787,976
Bonita Springs 53,644
Cape Coral 194,016
Estero 36,939
Fort Myers 86,395
Fort Myers Beach5,582
Sanibel 6,382
(2021 U.S. Census estimates)
County—offer scenic routes for canoe, kayak, and paddleboard exploration inland and along the coast.
This region boasts ample salt and freshwater resources and unparalleled beauty. Vast natural lands are preserved as national, state, and regional parks, in addition to more than 34,000 acres of conservation areas purchased through Collier and Lee tax-funded preservation programs. For those who have taken up the fast-growing new alternative to tennis—pickleball—there are plentiful courts. East Naples Community Park, with 64 courts, has been home to the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships since the inaugural tournament in 2016.
Southwest Florida offers diverse housing options, from affordable single-family homes to elaborate mansions to many options in gated, coastal, and rural communities.
Collier County’s housing market is hot, and one of the highest in the state. In 2021, the number of single-family home closed sales, 7,317, rose 15 percent from the previous year. The median closed price for single-family homes rose from $469,450 in 2020 to $599,000 in 2021, an increase of 27.6 percent (compared to the 2020 statewide average of $348,000). The condo and townhouse market is also simmering in Collier County, where the median closed price (excluding Marco Island) rose 20.7 percent to $338,038. In Lee County, the median sale price for single-family homes rose 25 percent, from $288,000 in 2020 to $360,000
in 2021. Condos and townhouses climbed 19.4 percent, to $248,625 in 2021.
Collier and Lee counties are filled with a wide diversity of cities and towns, stretching from the smallest post office in the United States in teensy Ochopee in Collier County to the opulent shores of Gasparilla and Sanibel islands to the backroads of Buckingham. Some neighborhoods have pockets of turn-ofthe-century and 1920s
Mediterranean-style homes, and ranch-style homes from the 1960s and ’70s. Contemporary condominiums, townhouses, and updated homes with all the modern amenities expected today round out the choices. Communities may be laid out in suburban-style grids or grouped into small mini-developments around a golf course or lake. There is a generous offering of gated communities, as well as large lifestyle communities catering to boating, urban living, 55plus living, and more.
SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES 2019 2020 2021
New Pending Sales 6,322 8,573 8,881
Closed Sales 5,188 6,360 7,317
Median Closed Price $411,000 $469,450 $599,000
Average Sale Price $751,542 $874,178 $1,091,536
Monthly Inventory Average 3,393 2,689 1,400
Average Days on Market 101 91 41
New Pending Sales 6,301 8,024 9,783
Closed Sales 5,114 5,979 8,206
Median Closed Price $260,000 $280,000 $338,038
Average Sale Price $433,538 $490,143 $554,673
Monthly Inventory Average 3,276 2,932 1,196
Average Days on Market 102 90 47
SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES 2019 2020 2021
New Pending Sales 15,984 18,912 20,442
Closed Sales 13,790 15,541 18,175
Median Sale Price $258,615 $289,000 $360,000
Average Sale Price $345,379 $394,618 $506,033
Monthly Inventory Average 5,943 3,977 1,716
Median Time to Contract (Days) 72 49 16
New Pending Sales 7,712 8,676 10,345
Closed Sales 6,916 7,485 9,421
Median Sale Price $192,000 $209,900 $250,000
Average Sale Price $248,845 $274,380 $331,454
Sources:
Monthly Inventory Average 3,326 2,593 734
Median Time to Contract (Days) 78 61 18
Relocating to a new town is exhilarating, but it can be tedious tracking down all of the details you need to know to get settled in comfortably. You have many questions, and this guide will make the process a little easier. If you are moving into an incorporated city, contact the city hall or government to find out about local offices and services. If you are not living within the city boundaries of a municipality, you are in an unincorporated area of Collier or Lee county, so contact county government.
Police, Fire, Medical: 911
TRAFFIC FINES, MARRIAGE LICENSES, DIVORCE, PASSPORTS, SMALL CLAIMS, JURY DUTY
Collier County Clerk of Court
Collier County Courthouse Annex, Second Floor
3315 Tamiami Trail E., Ste. 102, Naples 239-252-2646; collierclerk.com
Collier County Supervisor of Elections
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Building 3750 Enterprise Ave., Naples 239-252-8683; colliervotes.com Satellite office at the North Collier Government Services Center on Orange Blossom Drive.
COLLIER COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
The system has as 10 locations to serve Collier County. Find out more:
239-252-7311 or collierlibrary.org
DRIVER’S LICENSES, VEHICLE TAGS, CONCEAL CARRY, BOAT REGISTRATION, HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES
Collier County Tax Collector
Main Office
3291 Tamiami Trail E., Naples 239-252-8171; colliertaxcollector.com
The Collier County Tax Collector has 11 offices/ locations in Collier County.
Collier County Domestic Animal Services 7610 Davis Blvd., Naples 239-252-7387(PETS); colliercountyfl.gov
The owners of all dogs and cats over four months old must obtain a Collier County license. Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required. Veterinary clinics can also issue pet licenses.
RECYCLING, YARD WASTE, & SOLID WASTE
Collier County Solid & Hazardous Waste Division
3339 Tamiami Trail E., Ste. 302, Naples 239-252-7575; colliercountyfl.gov
Collier County Solid & Hazardous Waste Division handles garbage and recycling for unincorporated areas of Collier County, City of Marco Island, and Immokalee. The county has one of the highest residential recycling rates in the state.
Recycling: Only these items should be placed in your recycling cart: plastic bottles, jars, jugs and tub; glass bottles and jars; metal cans; paper; cardboard; and cartons. Do not place plastic bags in your recycling cart.
Hazardous waste: Collier County operates four main drop-off centers to dispose of hazardous waste for residents and businesses within the county. They are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Hazardous waste includes chemicals that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment, such as aerosols, insecticides and herbicides, antifreeze, paint, batteries, pool chemicals, motor oil, and pharmaceuticals. They also accept electronics, including computers, TVs, and cellphones. Visit colliercountyfl.gov for collection locations.
Naples: The Naples Solid Waste Division is responsible for the collection and disposal of commercial and residential trash, horticultural, and recyclable material within the city. Contact: 2600 Corporate Flight Drive or 239-213-4700
Watering restrictions (including lawn irrigation and car washing) and fertilizing schedules are in place year-round. Check with your local government for the schedules.
TRAFFIC FINES, MARRIAGE LICENSES, DIVORCE, PASSPORTS, SMALL CLAIMS, JURY DUTY
Lee County Clerk of Court
Lee County Justice Center
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd./1700
Monroe St., First Floor, Fort Myers 533-5000; leeclerk.org
IF YOU’RE NEW IN TOWN, HERE’S A HANDY DIRECTORY TO HELP YOU GET ADJUSTED
Lee County Supervisor of Elections
Melvin Morgan Constitutional Complex
2480 Thompson St., Third Floor, Fort Myers 239-LEE-VOTE (533-8683); lee.electionsfl.org Branch offices in Cape Coral, South Fort Myers, and Bonita Springs. Registration forms are available online. You can also register to vote when you apply for a new driver’s license.
Lee County Tax Collector 2480 Thompson St., Fort Myers 239-533-6000; leetc.com
The Lee County Tax Collector has eight offices. Application forms and information are available online.
Lee County Animal Services 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers 239-533-7387; leegov.com/animalservicesPet licensing: 239-533-9215 or 239-533-9217
All cats, dogs, and ferrets, four months of age or older, that live in Lee County for at least 30 days per year must be vaccinated against rabies (or show proof from another state) and licensed. Veterinary clinics can also issue pet licenses.
Lee County Solid Waste Division 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers 239-533-8000; leegov.com/solidwaste Lee County Solid Waste, a division of the Department of Public Utilities, provides a variety of waste and recycling services to more than 320,000 households in unincorporated Lee County and its six municipalities.
Recycling: Only five materials should be placed in your recycling bin: paper, glass (green, brown, and clear), cardboard (non-waxed coating), plastic containers labeled 1-7 in the triangle (no plastic bags or Styrofoam), and metal (aluminum and tin) cans.
Hazardous waste: Lee County also handles the disposal of residential hazardous waste such as aerosols, insecticides, antifreeze, paint, batteries, pool chemicals, and herbicides. It also accepts electronics, including computers, TVs, and cellphones. (Electronics are accepted for trash pickup in some cities.)
Free mulch: Lee County provides free mulch to residents at five locations within the county.
City Waste Haulers: If you live in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, or Estero, check with that city’s public works and solid waste divisions to learn about obtaining trash and recycling bins, local ordinances, and pickup schedules. Some cities contract with these private companies:
Advanced Disposal Services: 239-334-1224 or 239-368-2300; advanceddisposal.com Waste Management: 239-3344115 or 941-629-1106; wm.com Waste Pro: 239-945-0800; wasteprousa.com
Watering restrictions (including lawn irrigation and car washing) and fertilizing schedules are in place year-round. Check with your local government for the schedules.
Florida Power & Light (FPL): 800-226-3545 or fpl.com
Establishing service online is preferred. To report an outage: 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)
Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC): 800-599-2356 or lcec.net
LCEC headquarters: 4980 Bayline Drive, North Fort Myers
LCEC provides power to parts or all of several Southwest Florida communities:
Lee County: Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island, Matlacha, Burnt Store Marina, Useppa, Cabbage Key, Lehigh Acres
Collier County: Everglades City, Ochopee, Goodland, Marco Island, Golden Gate Estates, Immokalee, Ave Maria
AT&T: 855-650-4217; att.com
CenturyLink: Products and Services: 855-716-5873; centurylink.com
Comcast Business: 855-253-5401; business.comcast.com
DirectTV: 844-437-7256; directvplans.com
DISH: 855-590-1180; usdish.com
HotWire Communications: 800-355-5668; gethotwired.com
HughesNet: 877-203-1538; internet.hughesnet.com
Summit Broadband: 407-996-8900; summit-broadband.com
Viasat: 866-754-5264; viasatspecials.com
XFINITY: 800-266-2278; XFINITY.com
Collier County Administration 239-252-8999 colliercountyfl.gov
North Collier Government Services Center 239-252-8999 colliercountyfl.gov
Collier Area Transit (CAT) 239-252-7777 colliercountyfl.gov
Clerk of Court 239-252-2646 collierclerk.com
Domestic Animal Services 239-252-7387 (PETS) colliercountyfl.gov Health Department 239-252-8200 collier.floridahealth.gov
Library System Headquarters 239-252-7356 collierlibrary.org
Property Appraiser 239-252-8141 collierappraiser.com Public Schools 239-377-0001 collierschools.com Sheriff’s Office 239-774-4434 colliersheriff.org
Non-Emergency Dispatch 239-252-9300 colliersheriff.org
Solid & Hazardous Waste Division 239-252-2508 colliercountyfl.gov
Supervisor of Elections 239-252-8683 colliervotes.com Tax Collector 239-252-8171 colliertaxcollector.com
Utilities Customer Service 239-252-2380 colliercountyfl.gov
Everglades City 239-695-3781 cityofeverglades.org City of Marco Island 239-389-5000 cityofmarcoisland.com City of Naples 239-213-1000 naplesgov.com
Lee County Administration 239-533-2221 leegov.com Animal Services 239-533-7387 / 239-533-9215 leegov.com/animalservices
Clerk of Court 239-533-5000 leeclerk.org Health Department 239-332-9501 lee.floridahealth.gov
LeeWay - Toll Transponder Stickers 239-533-9297 leewayinfo.com
LeeTran - Public Transportation 239-533-8726 (LEE-TRAN) leegov.com/leetran
Library System 239-479-4636 leegov.com/library
Property Appraiser 239-533-6100 leepa.org
School District 239-334-1102 leeschools.net
Sheriff’s Office 239-477-1350 sheriffleefl.org
Non-Emergency Dispatch 239-477-1000 sheriffleefl.org
Solid Waste Division 239-533-8000 leegov.com/solidwaste
Supervisor of Elections 239-533-8683 (LEE-VOTE) lee.electionsfl.org
Tax Collector 239-533-6000 leetc.com
Utilities Customer Service 239-533-8845 leegov.com/utilities
City of Bonita Springs 239-949-6262 cityofbonitasprings.org
City of Cape Coral 239-574-0401 capecoral.net
City of Fort Myers 239-321-7000 cityftmyers.com
City of Sanibel 239-472-3700 mysanibel.com
Town of Fort Myers Beach 239-765-0202 fortmyersbeachfl.gov
Village of Estero 239-221-5035 estero-fl.gov
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT (RSW)
11000 Terminal Access Road, Fort Myers 239-590-4800 • flylcpa.com
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is operated by the Lee County Port Authority and is one of the top 50 airports nationally for passenger traffic. It is located three miles east of I-75 off exit 128 (Alico Road).
PAGE FIELD REGIONAL
AIRPORT (FMY)
5200 Captain Channing Page Drive, Fort Myers 239-590-6600 • flylcpa.com/fmy
Page Field (FMY) is a business and general aviation airport operated by the Lee County Port Authority with Foreign Trade Zone status. It provides quick and convenient access to communities throughout the region. As a TSA-approved DCA Gateway Airport, Page Field is authorized to support direct flights into Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Base Operations, a top-rated fixed-base operator, is on-site. Page Field also has FAA-approved aviation services including flight training, aircra maintenance and repair, hangars, and air charter operations.
Aeronautical Charters, Inc.: 888-781-010 or goflyaci.com
Charter Manager, LLC: 239-437-1666 or chartermanagerllc.com
Salt Island Seaplanes: 239-263-7258 or saltislandseaplanes.com
NAPLES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT (APF)
160 Aviation Drive N., Naples 239-643-0733 • flynaples.com
Naples Airport (APF) is operated by the Naples Airport Authority and accommodates more than 100,000 general aviation takeoffs and landings each year. It is home to sightseeing tours, air charter operators, flight schools, and other businesses, and it provides U.S. Customs clearing for international arrivals.
IT’S FAIRLY EASY TO GET FROM POINT A TO POINT B IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, BUT IT’S NICE TO HAVE A LITTLE ASSISTANCE WITH NAVIGATION— AND WE HAVE YOU COVERED
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Air Trek: 800-247-8735 (AIR-TREK) or airtrek.cc
Aviation Advisor: 847-395-3767 or aviationadvisor.com
Elite Jets: 239-900-9000 or elitejets.com
Exec Air of Naples: 239-290-5668 or 1-866-669-2359 or execairline.com Jet 1: 239-643-9700 or flyjet1.com
Naples Jet Center: 239-649-7900 or firstwing. com/fbo/naples-jet-center
Northern Jet Management: 800-462-7709 or northernjet.net
Private Jets, Inc.: 888-237-6059 or privatejetsinc.com
Salt Island Seaplanes: 239-263-7258 or saltislandseaplanes.com
PUNTA GORDA AIRPORT (PGD)
28000 A-1 Airport Road, Punta Gorda 941-639-1101, ext. 100 • flypgd.com
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is located off exit 161 (Jones Loop Road) of I-75 in Charlotte County. It is operated by the Charlotte County Airport Authority and is a service hub for Allegiant, which provides low-cost, nonstop air service to more than 45 destinations.
Allegiant Air: 702-505-8888 or allegiantair.com
AT PUNTA GORDA AIRPORT
Air Trek: 800-247-8735 (AIR-TREK) or airtrek.cc
BY LANDI-75 runs 471 miles in Florida, from the Georgia border south to Naples, where it turns east to Fort Lauderdale and connects to I-95, which runs north-south along the East Coast. From the Georgia border, U.S. 41 / Cleveland Avenue/Tamiami Trail runs south and turns east at Naples and connects to Miami.
I-75 / Major Exits From North to South:
LEE COUNTY
143: Bayshore Road (SR 78)/North Fort Myers
141: Palm Beach Boulevard (SR 80)/Downtown or East Fort Myers
138: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (SR 82)/
Downtown Fort Myers
136: Colonial Boulevard (SR 884)/Edison Mall or Fort Myers
131: Daniels Parkway/Bell Tower Shops, JetBlue Stadium, Beaches
128: Alico Road/RSW, FGCU
123: Corkscrew Road/FGCU, Miromar Outlets
116: Bonita Beach Road/Bonita Springs
111: Immokalee Road (CR 846)/North Naples
107: Pine Ridge Road (CR 896)/Naples
105: Golden Gate Parkway (CR 886)/Golden Gate or Naples
101: Collier Boulevard (CR 951)
80: State Road 29/Immokalee, Lake Trafford, Everglades City
LEE COUNTY TRANSIT (LEETRAN) 239-533-8726 (LEE-TRAN) or rideleetran.com
Local routes, plus downtown trolley and beach shuttles. Check website for schedules.
COLLIER AREA TRANSIT (CAT) 239-252-7777 or gocatbus.com (colliercountyfl.gov)
Local routes, paratransit pick-up for the elderly and disabled, and beach shuttles. Check website for schedules.
GREYHOUND greyhound.com
Fort Myers Bus Station: 2250 Widman Way, Fort Myers, 239-334-1011
Shell Gas Station: 3825 Tollgate Blvd., Naples, 800-231-2222
NAPLES TROLLEY TOURS
1010 Sixth Ave. S., Naples 239-262-7300
naplestrolleytours.com
See 100 points of interest while riding this vintage trolley.
SANIBEL TROLLEY TOUR 239-472-8443 adventureinparadiseinc.com
Get picked up and returned to your Sanibel condo or hotel.
LEE COUNTY
ISLAND GIRL CHARTERS
AT PINELAND MARINA 13921 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia 239-633-8142
islandgirlcharters.com
Water taxi service to North Captiva, Cabbage Key, Boca Grande, Captiva, and Useppa Island.
KEY WEST EXPRESS
1200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 888-539-2628 or 239-463-5733 keywestexpress.net
Ferry linking Fort Myers and Marco Island with Key West.
COLLIER COUNTY
HEMINGWAY WATER SHUTTLE 951 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island 239-315-1136
hemingwaywatershuttle.com
Transports passengers to Keewaydin Island, which is accessible only by boat.
NAPLES BAY WATER SHUTTLE
880 Twelfth Ave. S., Naples 239-206-0160 naplesbaywatershuttle.com
Takes passengers to some of Naples’ top waterfront shopping, hotels, and dining destinations along Naples Bay.
ARTIS—NAPLES
THE BAKER MUSEUM 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples 239-597-1900 or 800-597-1900 artisnaples.org
CAMBIER PARK/THE NORRIS CENTER 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 239-213-3058 • naplesgov.com
GULFSHORE OPERA 3281 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples 239-529-3925 • gulfshoreopera.org
GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples 239-261-7529 • gulfshoreplayhouse.org
MARCO ISLAND ARTS CENTER THEATRE 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island 239-394-4221 • marcoislandart.org
MARCO ISLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island • 239-394-4221 marcoislandart.org
NAPLES ART 585 Park St., Naples 239-262-6517 naplesart.org
NAPLES ART DISTRICT naplesartdistrict.com
NAPLES DESIGN DISTRICT naplesdesigndistrict.com
OPERA NAPLES 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples 239-963-9050 • operanaples.org
THE NAPLES PLAYERS AT SUGDEN COMMUNITY THEATRE
701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples 239-263-7990 • naplesplayers.org
THE STUDIO PLAYERS
4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples 239-398-9192 • thestudioplayers.org
THEATREZONE
13275 Livingston Road, Naples 888-321-3090 • theatre.zone
ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 • artinlee.org
BARBARA B. MANN
PERFORMING ARTS HALL
13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 239-481-4849 or 800-440-7469 bbmannpah.com
BIG ARTS SANIBEL
900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 239-395-0900 • bigarts.org
BROADWAY PALM DINNER
THEATRE
1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422 • broadwaypalm.com
BURROUGHS HOME & GARDENS
2505 First St., Fort Myers 239-337-9505 • burroughshome.com
CAPE CORAL ART LEAGUE
516 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral • 239-772-5657 capecoralartleague.org
BONITA SPRINGS
VISUAL ARTS CENTER 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 239-495-8989 • artcenterbonita.org
CULTURAL PARK THEATRE
528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 • culturalparktheater.com
FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
BOWER SCHOOL OF MUSIC & THE ARTS 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 239-590-7581 • fgcu.edu/concerts WASMER ART GALLERY AT FGCU 239-590-7199 • fgcu.edu/artgalleries THEATRELAB AT FGCU 239-590-7581 • fgcu.edu/theatrelab
FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE 2267 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-332-4488 • floridarep.org
FLORIDA SOUTHWESTERN STATE COLLEGE BOB RAUSCHENBERG GALLERY 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers 239-489-9313 • rauschenberggallery.com
FORT MYERS SYMPHONIC MASTERSINGERS 6900 Daniels Parkway, #29, Fort Myers 239-288-2535 • mastersingersfm.com
GHOSTBIRD THEATRE COMPANY
Site-specific performances at various venues ghostbirdtheatrecompany.org
GULF COAST SYMPHONY 6314 Corporate Court, #100, Fort Myers 239-277-1700 • gulfcoastsymphony.org
LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481 laboratorytheaterflorida.com
MUSIC & ARTS
COMMUNITY CENTER 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 239-277-1700 gulfcoastsymphony.org
NEW PHOENIX THEATRE 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-284-5214 newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org
PLAYERS CIRCLE THEATRE 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 239-800-3292 • playerscircletheater.com
SIDNEY & BERNE DAVIS ART CENTER 2301 First St., Fort Myers 239-333-1933 • sbdac.com
THEATRE CONSPIRACY 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 • artinlee.org/theatre
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY 8290 College Parkway, Ste. 103, Fort Myers 239-418-1500 • swflso.org
GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES (CMON) 15080 Livingston Road, Naples 239-514-0084 • cmon.org
HISTORIC PALM COTTAGE 137 Twelfth Ave. S., Naples 239-261-8164 • napleshistoricalsociety.org
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & COHEN EDUCATION CENTER 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Naples 239-263-9200 • hmcec.org
IMMOKALEE PIONEER MUSEUM AT ROBERT’S RANCH 1215 Roberts Ave. W., Immokalee 239-252-2611 • colliermuseums.com
MARCO ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM 180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island 239-252-1440 • themihs.info
MUSEUM OF THE EVERGLADES 105 West Broadway Ave., Everglades City 239-252-5026 • colliermuseums.com
NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples 239-643-7275 • naplesgarden.org
NAPLES DEPOT MUSEUM 1051 Fifth Ave. S., Naples 239-252-8419 • colliermuseums.com
NAPLES TROLLEY TOURS 1010 Sixth Ave. S., Naples 239-262-7300 • naplestrolleytours.com
NAPLES ZOO AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples 239-315-7626 • napleszoo.org
S EMINOLE CASINO HOTEL 506 S. First St., Immokalee 239-658-1313 • seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
TIN CITY WATERFRONT SHOPS 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples 239-262-4200 • tincityofnaples.com
REVS INSTITUTE 2500 S. Horseshoe Drive, Naples 239-687-7387 • revsinstitute.org
SUN-N-FUN LAGOON AT NORTH COLLIER REGIONAL PARK 15000 Livingston Road, Naples 239-252-4021 • napleswaterpark.com
WOOTEN’S EVERGLADES
AIRBOAT TOURS 32330 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee 800-282-2781 or 239-695-2781 wootenseverglades.com
BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel Island 239-395-2233 • shellmuseum.org
BUCKINGHAM FARMS 12931 Orange River Blvd., Fort Myers 239-206-2303 • buckinghamfarmsonline.com
CALUSA NATURE CENTER & PLANETARIUM 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers 239-275-3435 • calusanature.org
CAPE CORAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY 544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral • 239-772-7037 capecoralhistoricalmuseum.org
CAPTIVA CRUISES 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva 239-472-5300 • captivacruises.com
ECHO (EDUCATIONAL CONCERNS FOR HUNGER ORGANIZATION) 17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers 239-543-3246 • echonet.org
EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-334-7419 • edisonfordwinterestates.org
FORT MYERS SKATIUM 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers 239-321-7509 • fmskatium.org
GATOR MIKE’S FAMILY FUN PARK 35 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral 239-574-4386 • gatormikes.com
HERTZ ARENA 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero 239-948-7825 • hertzarena.com
IMAG HISTORY & SCIENCE CENTER 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers 239-243-0043 • theimag.org
KORESHAN STATE
HISTORIC SITE
3800 Corkscrew Road, Ester 239-992-0311 • floridastateparks.org
MOUND HOUSE 451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach 239-765-0865 • moundhouse.org
POPSTROKE GOLF 5531 Six Mile Commercial Court, Fort Myers 239-323-4653 • popstroke.com
HERITAGE TRAIL 13810 Waterfront Drive, Pine Island 239-283-2157 floridamuseum.ufl.edu/rrc
SHANGRI-LA SPRINGS
27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 239-949-0749 • shangrilasprings.com
SHELL FACTORY & NATURE PARK 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 239-995-2141 • shellfactory.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MILITARY
MUSEUM & LIBRARY Edison Mall 4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers 239-541-8704 • shopedisonmall.com
SUN SPLASH FAMILY WATERPARK 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral 239-574-0558 • sunsplashwaterpark.com
WONDER GARDENS
27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 239-992-2591 evergladeswondergardens.com
TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE AT SPECIAL PLACES WITH UNIQUE HABITATS AND ECOSYSTEMS WHERE YOU CAN EXPLORE FLORIDA’S FLORA AND FAUNA. HIKE, PADDLE, CYCLE, SWIM, CAMP, TRAVEL ON HORSEBACK, OR SIMPLY RELAX IN NATURE’S BEAUTY.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR: RESEARCH EACH LOCATION TO PLAN A VISIT TAILORED TO YOUR INTERESTS AND NEEDS. (239 AREA CODE)
AUDUBON CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY 375 Sanctuary Road W., Naples 348-9151 • corkscrew.audubon.org
BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee 695-4758 • nps.gov/bicy Oasis Visitor Center 52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee 695-4111 • nps.gov/bicy
STATE PARK 20200 Tamiami Trail E., Naples 394-3397 • floridastateparks.org
CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples 262-0304 • conservancy.org
CONSERVATION COLLIER PRESERVES 252-2961 or 252-2979 • collierparks.com
CREW LAND & WATER TRUST TRAILS 4600 Corkscrew Road, Immokalee 657-2253 • crewtrust.org
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK GULF COAST VISITOR CENTER 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City 695-3311 • nps.gov
FAKAHATCHEE STRAND STATE PRESERVE 137 Coastline Drive, Copeland 695-4593 • floridastateparks.org
ROOKERY BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE 300 Tower Road, Naples 530-5940 • rookerybay.org
BUNCHE BEACH PRESERVE –SAN CARLOS BAY 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers leegov.com/parks
CALOOSAHATCHEE REGIONAL PARK 19130 N. River Road, Alva 694-0398 • leegov.com/parks
CAYO COSTA STATE PARK Captiva 941-964-0375 • floridastateparks.org
CONSERVATION 20/20 PRESERVES leegov.com/conservation2020
FOUR MILE COVE ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE East end of S.E. 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral 549-4606 • capecoral.net
HICKEY CREEK MITIGATION PARK 17980 Palm Beach Blvd., Alva 694-0398 • leegov.com/parks
J.N. “DING” DARLING
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel Island 472-1100 • fws.gov
KORESHAN STATE HISTORIC SITE 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero 992-0311 • floridastateparks.org
LAKES REGIONAL PARK 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers 533-7575 • leegov.com/parks
MANATEE PARK 10901 State Road 80 (Palm Beach Boulevard), Fort Myers 690-5030 • leegov.com/parks
MATANZAS PASS PRESERVE 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach leegov.com/parks
ROTARY PARK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral 549-4606 • capecoral.net
SIX MILE CYPRESS SLOUGH PRESERVE 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers 533-7550 • sloughpreserve.org
Nearby places to get in touch with wildlife
BIRD SANCTUARY OF NAPLES
1060 Purple Martin Drive, Naples 813-841-1911 • birdgardensofnaples.org
NAPLES ZOO AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples 262-5409 • napleszoo.org
SHY WOLF SANCTUARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE CENTER
Visitation is by appointment only. 855-749-9653 • shywolfsanctuary.org
THE BUTTERFLY ESTATES 1815 Fowler St., Fort Myers 690-2359 • thebutterflyestates.com
CALUSA NATURE CENTER & PLANETARIUM 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers 275-3435 • calusanature.org
SHELL FACTORY & NATURE PARK
16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 995-2141 • shellfactory.com
WONDER GARDENS
27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 992-2591 • evergladeswondergardens.com
Permits for recreational vessels (motorized and non-motorized) and trailers are needed for county-operated boat ramps. (collierparks.com)
6001 Lake Trafford Road, Immokalee
Located at the end of Lake Trafford Road in Immokalee, the 1,500-acre Lake Trafford is known for fantastic freshwater crappie, bass, bluegill, and shellcracker fishing. The park features a 200-foot pier, boat ramp, and boat rentals.
BAYVIEW PARK
1500 Danford St., Naples
Four acres along Naples Bay offer two launching lanes, courtesy docks, 20 boat trailer parking spaces, canoe and kayak launching, picnic areas, a pavilion, a playground, and restrooms.
BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE SEAGRAPE BOAT LAUNCH
3310 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee
A single ramp, four trailer parking spaces, and 12 single vehicle spaces. It’s located at the south end of Seagrape Drive and provides access to Halfway Creek (no docks).
(ALLIGATOR ALLEY MILE 51)
Everglades Parkway / Alligator Alley Mile 51 along west-bound lanes
Big Cypress offers a double ramp, staging docks, 50 trailer parking spaces, and 23 single-vehicle spaces.
CAXAMBAS PARK
909 Collier Court, Marco Island
Four acres inside of Caxambas Pass offer two launching lanes, courtesy docks, 31 boat trailer parking spaces, picnic area, and restrooms. Diesel and regular fuels are available. Onsite Coast Guard Auxiliary building with boating and safety classes.
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LAUNCH YOUR BOAT?
PARK MARINA
13535 Vanderbilt Drive, Naples
This 7-acre county park located between 111th Avenue (Immokalee Road) and Bonita Beach Road provides Gulf access through Wiggins Pass. It has 60 boat trailer parking spots, four launching lanes, courtesy docks, and restrooms; paddlecraft can also be launched.
COLLIER BOULEVARD BOAT RAMP
3620 Collier Blvd., Naples
This area located at the intersection of Capri Boulevard offers a double-wide launching lane, courtesy dock, and 80 paved trailer parking spaces.
DELNOR-WIGGINS STATE PARK
11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples
Located on the waters of Turkey Bay, this site has a single launching lane, courtesy docks, 30 boat trailer parking spaces, and restrooms at beach access points.
GOLDEN GATE BOAT RAMP 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples
Provides access to fresh/brackish water fishing for small vessels; located behind Golden Gate Community Park with ample boat and trailer parking.
GOODLAND BOAT RAMP 740 Palm Point Drive, Goodland
Two launching lanes, courtesy docks, 85 boat trailer parking spaces, and a ship’s store.
ISLES OF CAPRI PADDLECRAFT PARK 1295 Capri Blvd., Naples
Designed exclusively for launching nonmotorized paddlecraft—canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards—the park provides access to shallow, mangrove-fringed McIlvane Bay.
LANDINGS PARK 1101 Ninth St. S., Naples
Located on the western shore of Naples Bay, Landings Park has three launching lanes, courtesy docks, 35 boat trailer parking spaces, picnic pavilions, benches, and restrooms.
MAR-GOOD HARBOR PARK 321 Pear Tree Ave., Goodland
This 2.5-acre regional park has a launch for canoes and kayaks, but not for motorized vessels.
PORT OF THE ISLANDS MARINA 525 Newport Drive, Naples
Five acres of commercially zoned waterfront and upland property used for boat trailer and car parking as well as storage. The site includes one oversized single-boat launch ramp and 94 parking spaces. Future plans call for expanding the boat launch area and adding more facilities.
Parking is $10 or less at county-operated boat ramps; annual parking stickers available. (leegov.com)
ALVA BOAT RAMP 21580 Pearl St., Alva
This public boat ramp has 15 parking spots, paddlecraft launch, and restrooms.
From the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers to Lake Trafford in Collier County, boating and fishing are popular pastimes in Southwest Florida. Few places in North America offer such a wide variety of boating and fishing options—the choices are limitless, depending on your goal.
Familiarize yourself with the rules and laws governing boating and fishing.
FISHING: A license is required for freshwater and saltwater fishing. (There are exceptions for people younger than 16; Florida residents older than 65 or disabled; fishing from a chartered vessel or a licensed pier; or a Florida resident in the U.S. armed services.) Nonresident freshwater or saltwater licenses are available for three days, seven days, or a year. Special permits are required for lobster, tarpon, and snook.
Different licenses and prices are available for residents and nonresidents, age ranges, and fresh or saltwater fishing. Licenses are issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) at: myfwc.com or 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). You can also obtain fishing licenses at county tax collector offices, select bait and tackle shops, and retailers such
as Walmart and local hardware stores.FISHING RULES: Pick up or download a guide at myfwc.com that shows fish species, legal size, catch-number limits, and when each is in season.
BOATING: In Florida, any motorized vessel on a public waterway must be titled and registered. Find out about boat registration and legal boat operation at myfwc.com.
BOATING LICENSE: Florida does not have a boating license, but anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 is required to successfully complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators–approved boating education course or pass an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination. They must have in their possession a boating and photo ID card before operating a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more.
Visitors must comply with the boating safety education requirements. If a nonresident can show proof of having successfully completed a safety course certificate or card that meets or exceeds Florida’s requirements, a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card is not required. Visitors planning to rent a boat may obtain a temporary certificate that is valid for one year. Learn more: myfwc.com
Before heading out, check each location for parking and daily fees or permit requirements.
Location Community Phone Website
Calusa Island Marina 385 Angler Drive Goodland 239-394-3668 calusaislandmarina.com
Esplanade Marina 760 N. Collier Blvd. Marco Island 239-394-6333 esplanadeshoppesatmarcoisland. com
Marco Island Marina 1402 N. Collier Blvd.Marco Island 239-642-2531 marcoislandmarina.com
The Marina at Factory Bay 1081 Bald Eagle DriveMarco Island 239-389-2929 themarinaatfactorybay.com
Naples Bay Resort & Marina1500 Fifth Ave. S. Naples 866-605-1199 naplesbayresort.com
Rose Marina 951 Bald Eagle DriveMarco Island 239-394-2502 rosemarina.com
Southpointe at Windstar Marina1777 Gulfstar Drive S.Naples 239-774-0518 windstarclub.com
Tarpon Club Marina 240 Capri Blvd. Isles of Capri 239-394-5643 tarponclubmarina.com
Walker’s Coon Key Marina 604 East Palm Ave. Goodland 239-394-9333 walkersmarine.com
Walker’s Hideaway Marina of Marco Island 705 East Elkcam CircleMarco Island 239-394-9333 walkersmarine.com
Walker’s Hideaway Marina of Naples 475 North Road Naples 239-394-9333 walkersmarine.com
Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club7065 Hamilton Ave.Naples 239-775-0506 hamiltonharboryachtclub.com
Marco Island Yacht Club 1400 N. Collier Blvd.Marco Island 239-394–0199 marcoislandyachtclub.net
Naples Boat Club 909 Tenth St. S. Naples 239-430-4994 naplesboatclub.com
Naples Sailing & Yacht Club896 River Point DriveNaples 239-774-0424 thensyc.com
Naples Yacht Club 700 14th Ave. S. Naples 239-262-6648 naplesyc.org
Pelican Isle Yacht Club 410 Dockside Drive Naples 239-566-1606 piyc.net
LEE COUNTY YACHT CLUBS Location Community Phone Website
Captiva Island Yacht Club 15903 Captiva Drive Captiva Island 239-472-4133 captivaiyc.net
St. Charles Yacht Club 15900 St. Charles Harbour Blvd. Fort Myers 239-466-2007 stcharlesyc.com
Useppa Island Club Pine Island Sound between Intracoastal Waterway Markers 64 and 65
Useppa Island 239-283-1061 useppa.com
2227 Davis Blvd., Fort Myers
Single-lane community boat ramp with 11 spots for vehicle/trailer parking.
27551 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs
This facility has a small, wooden walking path to a fishing pier, restrooms, and canoe/kayak ramp—no motorized vessels.
LAVENDAR’S LANDING
7290 Barrancas Ave. N.W., Bokeelia
A two-slip boat launching facility that offers 23 boat trailer parking spaces, a marina store, and rental cottages. This Lee County Parks & Recreation facility and the cottages are under the management of Tropic Star of Pine Island.
8700 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach
Two double ramps, staging docks, and 20 trailer parking spaces provide access to this group of barrier islands, mangrove coastline, and beyond.
MATLACHA BOAT RAMP
4577 Pine Island Road N.W., Matlacha
Matlacha has a two-slip boat ramp with 30 boat trailer parking spaces.
PINE ISLAND COMMERCIAL MARINA
6001 Maria Drive, St. James City
This marina is limited to commercial use Monday through Friday, but recreational boaters and anglers can use the ramp Saturdays, Sundays, and on Lee County–recognized holidays. The gate is open 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
PUNTA RASSA BOAT RAMP
15001 Punta Rassa Road, Fort Myers
Located on the east side of the Sanibel Causeway, this popular facility features two double ramps and long, wooden docks on either side with plenty of room for staging. It also has a fish-cleaning station, restrooms, and several vehicle/trailer combination and single-vehicle parking spaces.
Bailey Road, next to the Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel
This area boasts a double ramp, staging and launching docks, 42 trailer parking spaces, and 15 single vehicle spaces located on the island at the foot of the bridge.
NAPLES CITY DOCK 880 Twelfth Ave. S., Naples 239-213-3070 • naplesgov.com/cdw
The recently rebuilt Naples City Dock has 84 slips on floating docks accommodating 30- to 60-foot vessels, diesel and ethanol-free gasoline, free pump-out, restrooms, and laundry facilities. It is located at Crayton Cove, with a full-line ship’s store, hotel, specialty shopping, and The Dock at Crayton Cove restaurant. Transient vessels are welcome.
CAPE CORAL (GODMAN) YACHT BASIN
5815 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral 239-574-0809 • capecoral.net Managed by the Cape Coral Marine Services Division and located at the Yacht Club Community Park, the yacht basin features 89 boat slips for vessels up to 55 feet long and other amenities. The park is home to a pool, beach, recreational courts, and The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill. (Note: This park and yacht basin will close in 2022 (TBA) for a two-year renovation project.)
FORT MYERS BEACH MOORING FIELD 414 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-9258 • fortmyersbeachfl.gov Also known as the Mantanzas Harbor Municipal Mooring Field, 70 mooring balls are available for public rental yearround, accommodating vessels up to 48 feet in length. It is located east of the Sky Bridge between San Carlos and Estero Island in Matanzas Pass at The Matanzas Inn. Amenities include a public dinghy dock, laundry room, restrooms, showers, pump-out, and vending and ice machines.
FORT MYERS YACHT BASIN
1300 Lee St., Fort Myers 239-321-7080 • cityftmyers.com Located at Mile Marker 135 on the Okeechobee Waterway, the Fort Myers Yacht Basin is a well-protected marina on the Caloosahatchee River that is owned and operated by the City of Fort Myers. The average depth at the docks is six feet. It provides liveaboard and short-term slips, fuel, and restrooms, and is in the bustling River District nightlife.
LEE COUNTY MARINAS Location Community Phone Website
Boca Grande Marina 220 Harbor Drive Boca Grande 941-964-2100 bocagrandemarina.net
Cape Harbour Marina 5828 Cape Harbour DriveCape Coral 239-945-4330 capeharbour.com
Diversified Yacht Services 751 Fishermans Wharf Fort Myers Beach239-765-8700 dysinc.com
Fish-Tale Marina 7225 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach239-463-3600 thefishtalemarina.com
Four Winds Marina 16501 Stringfellow RoadBokeelia 239-283-0250 fourwindsmarina.com
Gulf Harbour Marina 14490 Vista River Drive Fort Myers 239-437-0881 gulfharbourmarina.com
Gulf Star Marina 708 Fishermans Wharf Fort Myers Beach239-463-9552 gulfstarmarina.com
Jensen’s Twin Palm Cottages and Marina15107 Captiva Drive Captiva Island833-668-7768 jensensmarina.com
Legacy Harbour Marina 2044 W. First St. Fort Myers 239-461-0775 legacyharbourmarina.com
Marinatown Yacht Harbour 3446 Marinatown Lane North Fort Myers239-997-2767 marinatown.net
MarineMax Fort Myers at Deep Lagoon14030 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers 239-481-8200 marinemax.com
Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort and Marina414 Crescent St. Fort Myers Beach239-463-9258 matanzas.com
Monroe Canal Marina 3105 Stringfellow Road St. James City239-282-8600 monroecanalmarina.com
Moss Marina 450 Harbor Court Fort Myers Beach239-765-6677 mossmarine.com
Pineland Marina 13921 Waterfront Drive Bokeelia 239-283-3593 pinelandmarina.com
Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina275 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach877-583-2901 pinkshell.com
Port Sanibel Marina 14341 Port Comfort RoadFort Myers 239-437-1660 portsanibelmarina.com
Prosperity Pointe Marina 1016 N. Tamiami Trail North Fort Myers239-995-2155 prosperitypointemarina.com
Salty Sam’s Marina 2500 Main St. Fort Myers Beach239-463-7333 saltysamsmarina.com
Sanibel Marina 634 N. Yachtsman DriveSanibel Island239-472-2723 sanibelmarina.com
Snook Bight Marina 4765 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach239-765-4371 snookbightmarina.com
Sweetwater Landing Marina 16991 State Road 31 Fort Myers 239-694-3850 sweetwaterlanding.net
Tarpon Point Marina 5971 Silver King Blvd., Unit 107Cape Coral 239-549-4900 tarponpoint.com
The Gasparilla Inn & Club 500 Palm Ave. Boca Grande 877-764-1420 the-gasparilla-inn.com
The Marina at Edison Ford 2360 W. First St. Fort Myers 239-895-7703 marinaedisonford.com
‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa 15951 Captiva Drive Captiva Island239-472-5161 tween-waters.com
Walker’s Hideaway Marina of Cape Coral1503 S.E. 46th Lane Cape Coral 239-541-2988 walkersmarine.com
FOR AN ACTIVE DAY ALONG THE SHORE OR A RELAXING RESPITE, 80 MILES OF BEACHES BECKON WITH A RANGE OF AMENITIES IN COLLIER AND LEE COUNTIES
Intersection of Bluebill Avenue and Gulfshore Drive, Naples
White-sand beaches can be accessed at the Bluebill Beach access or at nearby Connors Park at 111th Street. This family-friendly beach offers foot showers, restrooms, and bike racks.
SOUTH MARCO BEACH
930 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
This is one of only two public beaches on the island; the parking lot is on Swallow Avenue.
430 Hernando Drive, Marco Island
Tigertail Beach is a jewel along Marco Island’s western shore. On the island’s north end, this
pristine beach can be accessed by five boardwalks though a mangrove forest. Visitors often wade across the tidal bay to Sand Dollar Island, a popular bird nesting area. The beach has an abundance of shells and sand dollars. Amenities include watercraft, paddleboard, and beach gear rentals, food and beverage concessions, picnic areas, a playground, and restrooms.
14790 Captiva Drive, Captiva
This northern-most public beach on Captiva is as far from the beaten path you can get without having to hop on a boat. This tucked-away locale is a best-kept secret for watching amazing sunsets and shelling. The beach park is located at the end of Sanibel-Captiva Road. There is a
pay-to-park lot with direct access to Captiva Beach. Amenities include picnic shelters and restrooms.
BONITA BEACH PARK
27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs
This stunning beachfront park on the southern tip of Bonita Beach offers a variety of amenities including restrooms, showers, a playground, volleyball court, boardwalk, and paddlecraft landing/launch. Sand dunes and coastal vegetation surround a gazebo and eight picnic shelters with grills.
BOWDITCH POINT REGIONAL PARK
50 Estero Blvd., Estero Island
Bowditch Point Regional Park encompasses the 17-acre northern tip of Estero Island, with 10 acres set aside for preservation. Walking trails wind through varied environments and offer
excellent opportunities for birdwatching and taking in views of Estero Bay. Bowditch Point, a designated Great Florida Birding Trail site, has 10 free dock slips for boats up to 28 feet in length and a paddlecraft launch. Other amenities include a boardwalk, charcoal grills, concessions, picnic shelters, restrooms, and showers.
1700 Bowman’s Beach Road, Sanibel Island
Isolated and picturesque, this is one of the most popular beaches on Sanibel Island, though there is plenty of space to stretch out. Great shelling and amenities make it worth the fiveminute hike from the parking area to the beach. Adventurous beachcombers can walk for several miles on unobstructed white-sand beaches covered in shells. Amenities include charcoal grills, fishing, fitness stations, hiking trails, paddlecraft landing/launch, picnic shelters, a
playground, restrooms, and showers. Courtesy beach wheelchairs are provided upon 24-hour notice to the City of Sanibel Police Department Dispatch (239-472-3111).
18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers
This 718-acre county park ranges from a sandy beach to mangrove forests to salt flats. It contains a wide variety of wildlife and flora, offering great photo opportunities and stunning sunsets. Bunche Beach Preserve is a designated Great Florida Birding Trail site, and Bird Patrol Tours (239-533-7275) are offered. The outdoor activity center has two paddlecraft launches, two wildlife viewing and fishing piers, a 310-foot boardwalk, and restrooms. The onsite Kayak Excursions (239-297-7011) is a full-service outfitter.
880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande
Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, Gasparilla Island is part of a barrier island chain that falls into both Lee and Charlotte counties. The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored 1890 Port Boca Grande Lighthouse within the state park on the island’s south end. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and nature study are popular activities that can be accessed from five parking lots. Two picnic areas (at the Range Light and Boca Grande Lighthouse parking lots) offer shaded pavilions and scenic water views.
26082 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs
Little Hickory Island Park is in an isolated location just off Little Hickory Island with family-style restrooms, shelters, picnic tables, and
paddlecraft landing/launching.
LYNN HALL MEMORIAL PARK
950 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers
Lynn Hall Memorial Park is located on Fort Myers Beach, north of the foot of Matanzas Pass Bridge.
SANIBEL CAUSEWAY ISLANDS
19931 Sanibel Causeway Road (SR/CR 867), Sanibel
The Sanibel Causeway links Sanibel Island to the mainland via two spoil islands bisecting San Carlos Bay. The two islands provide bay and Gulf access and free parking. Traveling
from the mainland toward Sanibel Island, the first island is referred to as Island A while the second is Island B. Both are popular for fishing, wading/swimming, picnicking, canoeing/ kayaking, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. Island A has parking only. Island B offers restrooms, drinking fountains, and a few picnic tables. Leashed pets are welcome. Parking lot renovations are underway.
SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE BEACH PARK
1 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island
Located on Sanibel Island’s southern tip, the 1884 lighthouse makes this family beach a picturesque location for shelling. It provides a
clear view of the Gulf and plenty of large shade trees for picnicking, strolling, swimming, fishing from the pier, sailing, or windsurfing.
TURNER BEACH
17200 Captiva Drive, Sanibel Island
Located just past the bridge to Captiva, Turner Beach is a popular place for sunsets and fishing from the beach and the rock jetty. Swimmers should stay away from the bridge area due to deep water, strong tides, and the threat of undertow. Bars and restaurants are nearby. Amenities include paddlecraft landing/ launching and restrooms.
PARKING: Plan to pay for parking at either metered parking spaces or pay stations—with a wide range of hourly or daily fees—or obtain a permit. (Disability permit holders may park at any space without payment.) Rules and fees vary for city, county, and state beaches. Research parking permit programs through the city or county where you will most frequently visit the beach.
CANINE COVE DOG PARK 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island
Remember to pick up and properly dispose of your pet’s waste to prevent the bacterial and nutrient pollution of area waterways. In addition to degrading water quality, pet waste contains illnesscausing pathogens, including parvovirus and parasites. Collecting your dog’s waste takes seconds, and many pet parks and walking areas provide bags and trash bins, making it a cinch to be a good citizen. Lee County’s motto is “Do your duty! Pick up the doodie!”
FLEISCHMANN PARK 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples
FREEDOM PARK 1515 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples
GOLDEN GATE COMMUNITY PARK 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples
NAPLES DOG PARK (CENTRAL BARK) 99 Riverside Circle, Naples
ROVER RUN 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples
VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples
BARKINGHAM DOG PARK AT BUCKINGHAM PARK 9800 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers
DOG BEACH 8800 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
K-9 CORRAL AT ESTERO PARK 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero
PAWS 4 DUTY AT VETERANS PARK AND RECREATION CENTER 55 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres
POOCH PARK AT JUDD PARK 1297 Parkview Court, North Fort Myers
WOOF-A-HATCHEE DOG PARK AT WA-KE HATCHEE PARK 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers
On-leash dog walking is allowed in many parks in Collier and Lee counties. Each county has different rules. In Collier County, the leash cannot be longer than six feet. In both counties, leashed dogs are not allowed in many park areas, such as ballfields, dugouts, swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, or designated skateboarding facilities. Heed park signage.
Discover Gasparilla Island’s soothing beaches, upscale eateries, shopping, and nautical history along this paved, six-mile trail that travels the length of the barrier island. Bring your sunscreen and wallet: Use of the trail is free, but the causeway crossing and sites along the route charge fees. From the south shore, you can begin at the state park and visit the museum. From
the north, there are many Gasparilla Sound overlooks. Whichever direction you choose, the scenic trail reaches central Boca Grande. Note: Golf carts share this trail.
This 768-acre park offers an outdoor escape along the Caloosahatchee River. It has interconnecting trails that make up 3.4 miles of hiking, with bicycles permitted on many of the trails. The Overlook Trail is wheelchair-accessible. The
park is also home to the more rugged and adventurous North Side Mountain Bike & Equestrian Trails (Parking lot three at 18251 North River Road, Alva) boasting 10 miles of rutty trails.
When you travel the nearly eight-mile Cape Haze Pioneer Trail, you’re tracing the line that once serviced Florida’s early phosphate industry and moved people, livestock, and local produce to steamships in Boca Grande on Gasparilla
Island. The fairly straight and flat rail-trail originating near Charlotte Beach has multiple access points and three trailheads. The northern trailhead boasts ample parking, water, and restrooms.
Off-road cycling is permitted at the Estero River Scrub Trails, however, bicycles are not permitted at the Winkler Point Trails. The Estero River Scrub Trails provide about 10 miles of sand, gravel, and dirt-surfaced paths. Riders are prohibited from traversing the salt flats.
Stretching from Colonial Boulevard to Six Mile Cypress Parkway, this six-mile, paved trail rolls alongside the Ten Mile Canal. Covered picnic tables provide shelter. Parking is located at the southern end of the trail, on the south side of Daniels Parkway.
This stately, palm-lined thoroughfare in the city of Fort Myers is flanked by parallel pathways for exercisers of all types. Stay on the sidewalk of the 14.6-mile-long road that runs parallel to the Caloosahatchee River or veering into established neighborhoods leading to the river. There are many commercial places to park in downtown Fort Myers.
This 13.7-mile path spans the island along Stringfellow Road from York Road in St. James City to Barrancas Avenue in Bokeelia. Parking is located at Phillips Park (5675 Sesame Drive) at Pine Island Center.
The world-class island is well-known for its generous paths along the island’s main streets separated from traffic by grassy medians. Entering the island from the causeway,
Periwinkle Way is the main thoroughfare, offering access to the Sanibel Lighthouse, restaurants, and shops. Look for the brightly colored Sanibel Island Visitors Center (1159 Causeway Road) shortly after arriving on the island to pick up trip-planning information.
This popular trail offers 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. A quarter-mile, crushed-shell path leads to a 1,500-foot boardwalk with wheelchair accessibility, then trails become ground-level, flat berms with swamp on both sides. This site is part of the public-private, nonprofit CREW Land & Water Trust conservation properties.
The century-old Historic Marco Road was the original route between Miami and Marco
Island. Today it is part of Collier-Seminole State Park and a 3.5-mile segment welcomes hikers and bikers to its marsh, hammock, and pine flatwood habitat. The off-road trail is grass and dirt, which can get muddy in rainy months. The park rents bikes.
This 1.9-mile shared-use path through a 126-acre natural area in the heart of Naples is silky pavement measuring 12 feet wide and winding through a mixture of palm trees, pine flatwoods, and scrubland. The trail is interspersed with elevated boardwalk sections over wetlands. Access points with parking, bike racks, restrooms, benches, and drinking fountains make the trail doable for most ages and abilities.
Janes Scenic Drive through Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park qualifies as off-roading even though it is accessible by car. The 12-mile (one-way) dirt road provides access to off-road trails—elevated tram roads once used in logging operations. The trail (also known as West Main Trail) passes through the strand’s bald cypress stands, swamps, and prairies. Wildlife sightings are common. The flora is rich with native species of orchids and bromeliads. Fakahatchee Strand is west of Copeland on S.R. 29.
More than five miles of off-road trails lead you to some of the park’s best secrets. A park naturalist leads a free, three-mile Black Island Bike Tour about once a month during season.
Marco Island occupies 12.1 square miles of land, making it the perfect size to explore on two wheels. Wide, shared-use paths take cyclists past historic and archaeological sites, shopping centers, and community destinations. The elevation of Marco Island is zero feet, though steepish elevations will be encountered in older neighborhoods built atop Calusa shell mounds.
Rich King Memorial Greenway offers a paved, north-south, three-mile route along the east side of Naples. There is no designated parking lot; visitors park in area commercial or church lots. Trail end points are located at Ra lesnake Hammock Road and Radio Road (C.R. 856).
FOR MORE OPTIONS, MAPS, AND RESOURCES:
BikeWalkLee bikewalklee.org
Conservation Collier Preserve Trails colliergov.net
CREW Land & Water Trust crewtrust.org
Florida State Parks floridastateparks.org
Gordon River Greenway gordonrivergreenway.org
Lee County Conservation 20/20 Preserve Trails: leegov.com
Naples Pathway Coalition naplespathways.org
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy traillink.com
1. Be prepared to share the road courteously. In Florida, cyclists on roadways or bike lanes are considered vehicles by state law and must follow the same rules.
2. Obey all traffic laws, including stopping at STOP signs or red lights.
3. Ride in the same direction as other traffic—on the road and on the sidewalk.
4. Stay alert. Don’t wear headphones or earbuds.
5. Be predictable. Don’t swerve in and out of traffic. Be sure to use hand signals.
6. Do not ride more than two abreast. As a courtesy, allow motorists to pass when they are lined up behind you.
7. Be visible. Wear bright colors and make sure your bike has front and rear lights.
8. Wear a helmet. Helmets must be worn until the age of 16, by state law.
9. Light up. Lamps must be used on bikes after sunset.
Collier and Lee counties are home to dozens of neighborhood and community parks. For the biggest variety of activities, regional parks and recreation centers go as far as including disc golf courses, aquatic playgrounds, horse trails, and off-leash areas for dogs. To meet surging demand, another major multisport facility, Paradise Coast Sports Complex, in East Naples is in its third phase of construction.
This East Naples facility includes an aquatic complex, fitness center, community center, 2.5-mile nature trail, 1-mile paved path, and lighted courts and fields for basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and football.
A dog park and boat ramp are among the amenities at this park, which also boasts a fitness center, aquatic park, paved fitness trail, and numerous lighted facilities including tennis and racquetball courts.
The state-of-the-art Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, exhibit hall, and Can U Dig It playground highlight this park’s amenities. It also includes a fitness center, boardwalk, walking trails, soccer fields, and more.
For more on Collier County facilities: collierparks.com
PARADISE COAST SPORTS COMPLEX This new $70 million facility at the northeast corner of Collier Boulevard and Interstate 75 is slated to have 16 multipurpose fields and much more on 180 acres. The first phase—covering about 60 acres—is open. It includes four synthetic turf multi-purpose fields, a 3,500-seat stadium, The Cove with full concessions and a food truck venue, restrooms, and The Factory fitness pavilion with an open-air weight room, obstacle and ropes courses, and lake trail. Memberships are available for The Factory.
More information: playparadisevoast.com
ESTERO, NORTH FORT MYERS, VETERANS (LEHIGH), AND WA-KE HATCHEE (SOUTH FORT MYERS) PARKS
AND RECREATION CENTERS: The fitness centers in each of these four county parks offer a full lineup of indoor programs and classes. Outdoors amenities are just as extensive. There is some variation from park to park, including which options are lighted, but mostly they have:
• Paved and natural exercise paths
• Fields and courts for basketball, baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis, racquetball, pickleball, and sand volleyball
• Disc golf courses
• Off-leash dog parks
• Fishing at Estero and Veterans parks
• Skate park, cricket field, and splash pad at Veterans Park
Lakes Regional Park: Created around an old limestone rock quarry, this park in Fort Myers is popular with families for its bike and kayak rentals, many playgrounds, rentable pavilions, and other amenities. Miniature train rides, decorated for the holidays, are a specialty of the Railroad Museum of Southwest Florida.
For more on Lee County facilities: leegov.com
The largest of Cape Coral’s athletic complexes, this 52-acre park has five soccer fields, five softball fields, four baseball fields plus three concession stands, a playground, and picnic shelters. It is the home of the Cape Coral Youth Soccer Association for ages 4 to 16 and league baseball for ages 13 to 18. It also houses adult men’s softball leagues and hosts tournaments throughout the year.
The City of Cape Coral has 53 fields at 11 athletic complexes where weekly league competitions and regional, state, and national tournaments take place. And there’s a lot more to come. In 2018, Cape Coral voters approved a $60 million expansion and upgrade of the city’s parks and recreation amenities that are expected to be completed by 2022.
The city’s athletic division offers youth and adult sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and tennis. A number of other organizations for all ages, ranging from soccer and cheerleading to BMX motocross, also use the facilities. Here are a few specialty centers:
Next door to the William “Bill” Austen Youth Center, this is one of the largest skate facilities between Miami and Tampa, featuring nearly 27,000 square feet of ramps, rails, street obstacles, and a bowl.
STRAUSSER BMX SPORTS COMPLEX
BMX racers have converged on this popular motocross track for state and national BMX races since 1977. In addition to a lighted BMX track, three lighted softball fields, and a playground, the park is adjacent to a boat ramp to access freshwater lakes and canals.
With a large rec center and after-school programs, this is a great place for kids ages 8 to 18 to play computer games and sports, get help with homework, learn martial arts, or attend a dance.
For more on Cape Coral facilities: capecoral.net
Southwest Florida is overflowing with natural beauty often best seen from its picturesque coasts and endless waterways. Grab your binoculars and long-focus lens or your fishing gear. And don’t forget your life vest, sun protection, and plenty of water. It’s the Sunshine State, after all. Here are key paddling locations. For more suggestions, see “Reach the Beach” and “Get Outdoors.”
It’s not called the Great Calusa Blueway for nothing. All-encompassing paddling trails meander 190 miles through Lee County coastal waters and inland up the Caloosahatchee River and its many mangrove-lined tributaries. Trail maps and well-marked signage on the water guide beginners and avid paddlers on various-length excursions. Access points, outfitters, and guided tours are available throughout. The options are unlimited, as are the plant and wildlife viewing. More information or to download a map: fortmyers-sanibel.com
CAPE CORAL: The 120-square-mile peninsular city is home to 400 miles of canals that link to the Caloosahatchee River to the south and east and Matlacha Pass to the west. Four Mile Cove
Ecological Preserve is one major launch point with various amenities. More information: capecoral.net
Tarpon Bay and J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge: Located on the northern tip of Sanibel Island, Tarpon Bay was named by Canoe & Kayak one of the nation’s top 10 places to paddle. Tidal flats and sunset tours are rich with wading birds and chances to see dolphins and manatees. Travel inland on mangrove-lined Commodore Creek Trail or connect with the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the famed habitat to more than 245 species of birds. The 6,400-plus-acre refuge is named for the conservationist and Pulitzer Prize–winning editorial cartoonist who persuaded President Harry Truman to create the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge Act in 1945. More information: dingdarlingsociety.org or tarponbayexplorers.com
This network of paddling routes in Collier County is led by GPS waypoints and will have future phases of development. The Ten Thousand Islands route begins in Everglades City and ends in the village of Goodland on Marco Island. The next two phases will extend north in the Gordon Pass area through Rookery Bay and then up the Gordon River and along the coast to connect with Lee County’s 190-mile Great Calusa Blueway. More information: paradisecoast.com
Sugden Regional Park: Home to one of Collier County’s only freshwater beaches, this park in east Naples is centered around 60-acre Lake Avalon. It is best known for water skiing and sailing, including classes for able-bodied and special-needs students. Additionally, paddle sports and other amenities are popular family attractions. More information: collierparks.com
Ten Thousand Islands: The endless number of passes and islets through this maze of mangroves and keys only makes it feel like they number 10,000; the actual count is somewhere in the hundreds. By water is the only way to
access these almost-entirely uninhabited spits of land off the most southwestern edge of Florida. Fishing and birdwatching opportunities are everywhere. For more advanced paddlers, research the many multiday options on the 99-mile Everglades Wilderness Waterway. More information: fws.gov
Whether it’s tennis or its young cousin, pickleball—the fast-growing, badminton-like sport—Southwest Florida has got it, day and night.
Lee and Collier counties have dozens of parks with hundreds of courts. Most are lighted and have lightning-warning systems. Some have clay courts open to the public (with a membership or court fee). Many include shorter 60- and 36-foot varieties to help kids learn the game in a comfortable setting. An array of associations and organizations offer lessons, organize leagues, and provide support. They’re a great place to start:
• Lee County Community Tennis Association: leecountytennis.com
• Sports Council of Collier County: colliercountysports.com/ collier-county-tennis/
• USTA Florida: ustaflorida.com
In case you haven’t heard, young and old alike love this fast-paced paddle sport that owes plenty of its surging popularity to Southwest Florida. East Naples Community Park and its 58 pickleball courts has been the only home to the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships since its inception in 2016. More parks are adding pickleball courts—sometimes new, sometimes converted tennis courts. Play is also held indoors. Here’s more information:
• USA Pickleball Association: usapa.org
• US Open Pickleball Championships: usopenpickleballchampionship.com
• Collier County Parks: collierparks.com
• Lee County Parks: leegov.com
Whatever your age or skill level, there is a rec league or travel circuit on a diamond near you. Many facilities have wall-to-wall games and tournaments scheduled, so check before going. Here are some associations that organize leagues and teams and oversee facilities:
Various softball leagues play across the county’s array of facilities, including CenturyLink Sports Complex, which has four softball fields next to Hammond Stadium, the spring training home of
the Minnesota Twins. More information: leegov.com
Men’s, women’s, co-ed, 45-plus, 50-plus, and church softball leagues play at the Cape Coral Sports Complex or 15-acre Northwest Complex. More information: capecoral.net
For Little League, Pop Warner Football, youth soccer, lacrosse, track, Swim Florida, and other youth sports organizations, this list is fairly comprehensive: leegov.com/parks/athletics/ youth-sports. You can also find many Cape Coral–based organizations through the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department: capecoral.net.
Formed in 1991, the league has more than 250 members ages 50 and up in three divisions. Games are held at North Collier Regional Park and Veterans Community Park in Naples. More
information: colliercountyseniorsoftball.org
The co-ed league for men 60 and older and women 50 and older plays at North Collier Regional Park through the winter. There are five outfielders and five infielders, no stealing or sliding, and other senior-friendly rules. More information: colliercountysuper60softball.org
The Sports Council of Collier County has a directory of youth sports for Little League, Pop Warner Football and Cheer, golf, hockey, running, and much more: More information: colliercountysports.com
Don’t look so surprised. Southwest Florida is heavily populated with plenty of Midwestern converts, fed straight down I-75 from coldweather states. Sometimes they bring their quaint accents and love of winter sports with them.
Group and private lessons, figure skating instruction, youth and adult hockey leagues,
open public skating, and private group bookings all are available at the public facility. There’s food, rentals, gear, and equipment as well. More information: fmskatium.org
Located in Estero in southern Lee County, the 7,200-seat arena—when set up for hockey—has been home to the Florida Everblades of the East Coast Hockey League since the team and facility were created in 1998. The arena’s recreational rink hosts adult and youth hockey, figure skating, lessons, public skating, parties, and more. More information: skateeverblades.com
For much of this century Southwest Florida has ranked No. 1 in the nation for golf holes per capita. Naturally, professional golf tournaments are a popular spectator draw—but there are other options too. Lee County is also home to two Major League Baseball teams for Spring Training, NCAA Division-I Florida Gulf Coast University, minor league baseball and ice hockey teams, and more. And they mostly have a strong history of winning.
The American League’s Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins have both spent their springs in Fort Myers for more than 25 years.
The Red Sox, winners of nine World Series and spring tenants in Fort Myers since 1993, showcase their talent at the 10,823-seat JetBlue Park in south Fort Myers. More information: mlb.com/redsox
The Twins play at 9,300-seat Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex in south Fort Myers. They won the last of their three World Series titles in 1991 in their first season after moving their spring home to Fort Myers. Hammond stadium underwent an expansion and major renovations in 2015. More information: mlb.com/twins
The Class-A Advanced baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins also makes its home at Hammond Stadium. Along with perennial success in the High-A Florida State League, the Mighty Mussels games are known for affordable prices and fan-friendly promotions, including themed events and take-your-dog-to-the-park games. More information: milb.com/fort-myers
The adult amateur baseball league, played in various age brackets across America, has held its World Series in Fort Myers for more than 25 years. More than 4,000 players on 240 teams compete in 20-plus divisions each year at the City of Palms Park, Terry Park, Hammond Stadium, and JetBlue Park. More information: royhobbs.com
Southwest Florida can boast a professional golf trifecta, with the best on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and PGA Tour Champions competing every winter in Naples. Tiburón Golf Club, designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman, is home to both the LPGA Tour’s CME Group Tour Championship in November and his 24-player QBE Shootout in December. The Champions circuit’s Chubb Classic has played in Naples for 33 years.
Find out more:
• PGA Tour: qbeshootout.com
• LPGA Tour: cmegrouptourchampionship.com
• Champions: pgatour.com/champions/ tournaments/chubb-classic.html
Florida Everblades: Founded in 1998, the Everblades have been a dominant team in the minor-league East Coast Hockey League from the outset, reaching the Kelly Cup Finals four times. The Blades, an affiliate of the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League, have long been a popular draw in 7,181-seat Hertz Arena in Estero in south Lee County. More information: floridaeverblades.com
FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
FGCU, as it’s better known, opened as Florida’s twelfth public university in 1997. In 2013—its second season competing as a full member of NCAA D-I— FGCU rose to national acclaim as the only No. 15 seed ever to reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The March Madness fame is one of many successes across FGCU’s 15 sports that have made the Eagles one of the nation’s premier mid-sized athletics programs. FGCU’s athletics centerpiece is the 4,633-seat Alico Arena. More information: fgcuathletics.com
The former community college trumpeted its return to junior college athletics participation with the opening of 3,500-seat, $28 million Suncoast Credit Union Arena on its Fort Myers campus in 2016. The Buccaneers already have become legitimate national title contenders in multiple sports. More information: fswbucs.com
Thanks to the golf course—and real estate—boom of the 1980s, ’90s, and early 2000, Southwest Florida for years has been able to claim No. 1 status in the nation for golf holes per capita. With some communities featuring two and, in some cases, three 18-hole courses, Collier and Lee counties together boast well more than 150 courses.
The majority of the links are private, though many open their doors to the public during the summer and outside of the prime winter months—when the local population mushrooms with seasonal residents and the links are in high demand. Many communities have healthy reciprocal programs with other clubs. If you’re not a
member or homeowner in a community club, you might want to make nice with someone who has memberships to expand your opportunities to experience great golf.
Here are some of Southwest Florida’s best courses, including some that take outside play:
CALUSA PINES GOLF CLUB
• Where: 2000 Calusa Pines Drive, Naples
• Par/yardage: 72/7,267
• Designers: Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry
• Of Note: Calusa Pines is routinely Southwest
Florida’s top-ranked course on various national course lists. It is unforgettable partly for its 185-yard, par-3 sixteenth hole, which plays from an elevated tee box that is colloquially dubbed the highest point in Collier County. This very private course is celebrated for its impeccable design and conditions, as well as its idyllic setting free of any homes on or around the property.
EAGLE
• Where: 11 Cypress View Drive, Naples
• Par/yardage: 72/6,909
• Designer: Larry Packard
• Of Note: Larry Packard is considered to be the father of the double dogleg. encountered on Eagle Creek’s #11 and #15 holes. A choice of six sets of tees offers a competitive round for any level of playing ability.
• Where: 8004 Lely Resort Blvd., Naples
• Par/yardage: 72/7,095
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
• Of Note: The oldest of three courses in Lely Resort—and one of two open to the public— Flamingo Island has been named a Top 50 Resort Course by Golf World magazine. The course, which opened in 1989, is the more challenging of the two public-play courses. The second is the more welcoming Mustang course, designed by Lee Trevino. The private Classics course, designed by Gary Player, was host to the PGA Tour Champions Chubb Classic in 2019.
• Where: 9325 Collier Blvd., Naples
• Par/yardage: 72/7,045
• Designers: Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry
• Of Note: A private course devoid of homes and known for its meticulously manicured grounds, Naples National also draws national acclaim for an artful design that incorporates natural topography. Playing surfaces blend delicately with waste areas and mature stands of pine and cypress trees. The annual Terra Cotta Invitational is a premier national amateur tournament.
• Where: 6005 Anthem Parkway, Ave Maria
• Par/yardage: 72/7,532
• Designer: Gordon Lewis
• Of Note: Courses that welcome the public in Collier County aren’t the easiest to find, making
this semi-private course worth the drive to rural Ave Maria for multiple reasons. With ample former agricultural land to work with, Lewis made sure to include all the length anyone could need. He also had fun with the design, throwing in elements such as a classic “Redan” green— sloping away from the entrance—to augment excellent conditioning and amenities.
• Where: 8950 Weathered Stone Drive, Naples
• Par/yardage: 72/7,316
• Designers: Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry
• Of Note: An old limestone rock quarry makes a spectacular visual setting around which to build a golf course. A saltwater-tolerant turf grass, known as paspalum, also offers environmental benefits and is just as inviting as Bermuda. Look into the reciprocal program for this private course.
• Where: 2620 Tiburón Drive, Naples
• Par/yardage: 72/7,382 (Gold Course), 72/6,949 (Black Course)
• Designer: Greg Norman
• Of Note: Both courses are part of The RitzCarlton Golf Resort but do take outside play. The longer Gold Course is home to the LPGA Tour’s CME Group Tour Championship and Norman’s 24-player QBE Shootout PGA Tour team event. But the Black Course may be tougher, with more forced carries and tighter lines on equally firm, fast fairways.
• Where: 9800 Treviso Bay Blvd., Naples
• Par/yardage: 72/7,367
• Designers: Arthur Hills and Hal Sutton
• Of Note: Part of the PGA Tour’s network of Tournament Players Club courses, Treviso Bay was built with capacity to host professional golfers in mind. A members’ course also open to outside play, Treviso Bay is lined with a Hills signature design element: endless humps,
bumps, and nobs that frame the fairways and guard the green complexes.
TWINEAGLES (TALON COURSE)
• Where: 11330 Twineagles Blvd., Naples
• Par/yardage: 72/7,193 (Talon Course), 71/7,634 (Eagle Course)
• Designers: Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II (Talon), Steve Smyers and Patrick Andrews (Eagle)
• Of Note: Perhaps the best-liked course in Southwest Florida among PGA Tour veterans themselves, the Talon Course has hosted the 50-and-over tour’s Chubb Classic the most times (12) in its 32 installments in Collier County. TwinEagles also has a second course, the 7,634yard Eagle Course, and Dr. Jim Suttie’s Golf Academy.
• Where: 1725 Double Eagle Trail, Naples
• Par/yardage: 72/7,145
• Designers: Gordon Lewis
(Drew Rogers, 2018)
• Of Note: Even rarer than courses open to the public in Naples are daily-fee facilities. Renovated in 2018, Valencia is inviting, affordable, well-maintained, and as hard as you want it to be from different lengths. Ample practice grounds are another attraction.
CORAL OAKS GOLF COURSE
• Where: 1800 N.W. 28th Ave., Cape Coral
• Par/yardage: 72/6,623
• Designer: Arthur Hills
• Of Note: Don’t overlook this municipal course just because it doesn’t have the deep superintendent budget of its private cousins. The course, which opened in 1988, is well-maintained and well-designed. And unlike many of its restricted-access peers, it wasn’t laid between vast swaths of homes to maximize real-estate views.
• Where: 6767 Winkler Road, Fort Myers
• Par/yardage: 72/7,032
• Designers: Dick Wilson (Ron Garl, 2001)
• Of Note: Established in 1959 in an area once widely known for its acres of gladiolus fields, Cypress Lake underwent a major renovation in 2001. But it maintained the original character from one of the most prominent architects of his era. Late LPGA Tour founding member Patty Berg was a founding member of the private course that features no homes within its boundaries and is still walkable.
• Where: 4600 Bruce Herd Lane, Fort Myers
• Par/yardage: 72/7,129
• Designers: Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin
• Of Note: One of two municipal courses in Fort Myers, Eastwood was ranked among Golf Digest’s top 100 public facilities in the U.S. after its opening 1977, until a star designation system was implemented in 1996 due to the overwhelming growth of public courses. It’s still a great place to play and, without homes on the property, a fun afternoon. Ample practice areas are an added draw.
• Where: 15391 Canongate Drive, Fort Myers
• Par/yardage: 72/7,077
• Designer: Ron Garl
• Of Note: The harder of Fiddlesticks’ two original courses has long been known as one of the best in Southwest Florida—if you get on. After opening in 1983, the private course was renovated in 2005 by its original designer, Ron Garl, and has maintained its elite and coveted appeal. The second course, the former Wee Friendly, was just renovated to 6,645 yards and renamed Loch Ness thanks in part to newly created lakes and inlets.
• Where: 3591 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
• Par/yardage: 70/6,780
• Designers: Donald Ross (Steve Smyers, 2014)
• Of Note: Southwest Florida’s oldest course, by far, was built in 1917, an era when American golf architecture royalty Donald Ross laid tracks down all across the state. The municipal course still belongs to the city, welcomes walkers, has no homes inside its boundaries, and was given a major upgrade and renovation in 2014. Some hole lengths were changed to modernize them, but “The Fort” retained Ross’ classic domed greens and short-game demands. The annual Yuengling Open, with no gallery ropes and a nice list of champions going back more than 50 years, is a local favorite.
• Where: 3501 Avenida Del Vera, North Fort Myers
• Par/yardage: 72/7,265
• Designer: Gordon Lewis
• Of Note: Southwest Florida’s most-prolific course architect doesn’t get the credit he deserves thanks partly to a high number of designs sometimes constricted by real estate demands. But this immaculate, semi-private layout—which opened in 2007 at the end of a course construction boom—is a fun, fast run addition to the Naples designer’s roster.
• Where: 17320 Corkscrew Road, Estero
• Par/yardage: 72/7,393
• Designer: Jack Nicklaus
• Of Note: This beautiful, remote, nationally ranked course can always be counted on to leave competitors shaking their heads at its difficulty. That’s even when it’s regularly hosting highly skilled players in USGA and FSGA events. The fairways have tons of run and the massive greens are misleadingly punitive because of how undulating and segmented they are, à la the beloved Augusta National. The good news: The course takes outside play, so bring your best.
• Where: 23001 Coconut Point Resort Drive, Bonita Springs
• Par/yardage: 71/6,461
• Designer: Raymond Floyd
• Of Note: Paired with the adjacent Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa overlooking Estero Bay, Raptor Bay takes public play and is a very friendly resort course. Welcoming fairways and massive green complexes—British Open style that you can bump and run or play on the ground from well off the green—keep frustration levels low and the pace enjoyable. Excellent conditions, great practice areas, and magnificent, near-shore ecology provide even
more reason to visit.
• Where: 3500 River Hall Parkway, Alva
• Par/yardage: 72/7,124
• Designer: Davis Love III
• Of Note: Love embraced the gimmick-free style of golf course architecture from icons C.B. Macdonald, Seth Raynor, and others from a century ago in designing this course. Great conditions and a great setting in rural Alva combine to make this one of the area’s must-visit semi-private courses.
• Where: 12201 River Village Way, Fort Myers
• Par/yardage: 72/7,118
• Designer: Bob Cupp
• Of Note: Beautiful but challenging, this picturesque layout offers views of the Orange River. Massive live oaks, dripping with Spanish moss, further set the scene for a pastoral afternoon on a special piece of property. It’s high praise that Verandah’s second course, the 7,214-yard Whispering Oak, is just as well-regarded but still draws second notice despite its esteemed architects: Jack Nicklaus and his son, Jack II.
COASTLAND CENTER MALL
1900 Tamiami Trail N., Naples coastlandcenter.com
Coastland Center, Naples’ only indoor shopping center, lets you beat the heat while perusing goods at anchors Dillard’s, JC Penney, and Macy’s. This longtime Tamiami Trail landmark with 100 shops and restaurants is home to favorites Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Old Navy, and Aéropostale.
Downtown Naples fifthavenuesouth.com
Naples’ historic business district is home to more than 40 restaurants, cafés, and sweets shops, as well as a dazzling collection of galleries, jewelry boutiques, and clothing shops. Here you’ll discover Alice Simone, Arabesque of Naples stationer, Giggle Moon children’s wear, Marilyn’s hat emporium, English Traditions furnishings, Lovejoy Antiques, Port Royal Jewelers, Provident Jewelry, and Bluemercury. Hungry shoppers don’t need to leave the avenue to please their palates. The delectable dining choices include Sails, Brambles English Tearoom, The French Brasserie Rustique, Pazzo! Italian Café, BiCE Ristorante, and a whole lot more.
AT VANDERBILT
2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples shopvanderbilt.com
A Mediterranean-style setting provides a relaxing vibe at Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, where visitors discover unique stores like Zazou, Kathryn’s Collection, and Pop Toy Co., plus upscale consignment shops True Fashionistas and Designer Divas. It is also home to health and beauty outlets and services for makeup, body sculpting, European wax, nails, and nutrition. Grab a bite at Flaco’s Mexican Restaurant, Havana Blue, or Mojo Thai & Sushi Bar. If fresh flowers, baked goods, and honey are on your shopping list, the Galleria Shoppes hosts a yearround, pet-friendly farmers market.
MERCATO
9118 Strada Place, Naples mercatoshops.com
Perfect for a date night, Mercato is home to 13 places to eat and drink, the state-of-the art Silverspot Cinema, and special community events. It is also home to perennial favorites J. Crew, Jos. A. Bank, Nordstrom Rack, and Tommy Bahama, featuring luxurious and casual clothing
that matches Southwest Florida’s weather and way of life. This lifestyle center also holds unexpected finds, such as East West Fine Art, Cariloha Bamboo eco-friendly home store, Paper Source, and Yoga Lab.
NAPLES DESIGN DISTRICT
Central Naples naplesdesigndistrict.com
The Naples Design District—spanning 10 bocks from Fifth Avenue South to Seventh Avenue North, and the east side of U.S. 41 to Goodlette-Frank Road—is a regional destination with 40 businesses offering an eclectic mix of artwork, furnishings and antiques, interior and architectural design services, home accents, lighting, wine, food, and culture.
TIN CITY WATERFRONT SHOPS 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples tincityofnaples.com
Tin City—a kitschy, fun-filled destination for the whole family, and for your Northern visitors—is a collection of colorful, tin-roofed
Old Florida buildings on the Gordon River. A former oyster- and clam-processing plant, it is home to more than 30 locally owned shops, two restaurants, and water-based adventures and boat rides.
THE VILLAGE SHOPS ON VENETIAN BAY 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples venetianvillage.com
More than 45 shops and restaurants are set in the old-world ambience of The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, a waterfront destination. Meander through upscale shops A Horse of a Different Color, Wildflower, Teruzzi menswear, Sara Campbell, Dana Tyler, Casanova Venetian Glass & Art, and Sukie’s Wine Shop. You’ll also find names you know, including J.McLaughlin, Sperry, and Tommy Bahama.
THIRD STREET SOUTH Downtown Naples thirdstreetsouth.com
Head to downtown’s Third Street South for fashions from Marissa Collections, a luxury boutique for men and women. From surfer threads to classic looks, there are endless options on Third Street South, including Maus & Hoffman, J.McLaughlin, John Craig Clothier, and C. Orrico, a Lilly Pulitzer boutique. This sophisticated destination for art, antiques, home and garden decor, gourmet food and wine, and jewelry boasts award-winning dining at Campiello Ristorante & Bar, Barbatella, Sea Salt, Jane’s Garden Café on Third, Ridgway Bar & Grill, and The Continental.
5415 Tamiami Trail N., Naples watersideshops.com
At the south end of Pelican Bay, Waterside Shops is home to 60 shops and restaurants—anchored by Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue—geared toward affluent shoppers. Highlights include Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Rolex, Bulgari, L’Occitane, and
Johnny Was. Many other popular stores offer something for everyone in the family, including Anthropologie, Apple, Gucci, J. Jill, Pottery Barn, Lilly Pulitzer, Michael Kors, and Tesla.
MARCO WALK PLAZA 599 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island marcowalkplaza.com
This open-air plaza with fine restaurants and small boutiques on the south end of the island is walking distance from major resorts and hotels, offering a collection of specialty shops, such as Chico’s and Beach Daisy—popular for women’s clothing and accessories—as well as salons, spas, and dining options that are anything but ordinary. Convenient parking with valet options and covered walkways invite you to explore what’s around every corner.
AT MARCO ISLAND 760 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island esplanadeshoppesatmarcoisland.com
Arrive by car or boat to The Esplanade Shoppes, an Italian-style village of upscale shops, specialty stores, fine dining, luxury residences, and a 77-slip marina on the northern tip of Marco Island. Stroll around its lush landscaping, fountains, courtyard, and
waterfront loggias while browsing for resort wear or boating apparel, shoes, fishing gear, and souvenirs.
CAPE CORAL
CAPE HARBOUR 5828 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral shmarinas.com
Cape Harbour, at the southern tip of Cape Coral, is a luxury waterfront residential and yachting community with a full-service marina with popular dining and shopping opportunities, including Harbour View Gallery, Islands Gift Shop, and Scentiments Handbags & Apparel, featuring upscale resort wear, including Peruvian cottons, linens, and silks.
CORALWOOD CENTER
2301 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral coralwoodcenter.com
This conveniently located center is home to more than 23 retailers, restaurants, and services, including Bealls Outlet, HomeGoods, Ulta Beauty, and JC Penney. Shoppers can grab a bite at a restaurant or café, take in a movie at Marquee Cinemas, or work out at LA Fitness. The budget grocer Aldi is one of its newest tenants.
NORTHPOINT SHOPPING CENTER 1811-1847 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral
Cape Coral’s massive Northpoint Shopping Center on Pine Island Road is where you’ll find any number of big brands you know.
SHOPS AT SURFSIDE 2354 Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral
Featured shops here include Belk, HomeGoods, Dollar Tree, Starbucks, and Woody’s Waterside Grill.
SOUTH CAPE
DOWNTOWN CAPE CORAL S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral
The historic commercial hub of Cape Coral, this pedestrian-friendly, walkable district is home to year-round community events, locally owned shops, and 60 eateries, pubs, and cafés. South Cape, the pulse of the city’s nightlife, is easily reached from Fort Myers via the Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Parkway.
COCONUT POINT 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero simon.com/mall/coconut-point
Coconut Point is a picturesque outdoor mall featuring more than 140 stores including Dillard’s, Apple, Aveda, DSW Shoe Warehouse, J. Jill, Loft, Lilly Pulitzer, and Barnes & Noble, as well as restaurants surrounding several acres of lakes with a boardwalk. You’ll also discover little gems like Naples Soap Company, COCO Art Gallery, and Everything But Water. Before a show at the 16-screen Hollywood Theaters, indulge at Amore Brick Oven Pizza, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, South Fork Grille, or Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, or grab a quick bite at Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
MIROMAR DESIGN CENTER 10800 Corkscrew Road, Estero miromardesigncenter.com
Just across the street from the outlets is Miromar Design Center, a one-stop design destination for solutions and inspiration at 45 home furnishing and design stores representing
hundreds of brands. Sign up for a professional consultation at the center or peruse fabrics, flooring, furnishings, lighting, accessories, wallpaper, window treatments, and closet organization systems with your licensed design professional.
10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero miromaroutlets.com
Miromar Outlets’ store directory is music to discount shoppers’ ears: Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Columbia Sportswear, Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, and Under Armour. There are more than 140 designer and brand-name outlets for the home and everyone in the family. Sweetslovers also make regular treks to patronize Norman Love Confections and Le Macaron French Pastries.
SANTINI MARINA
7205 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers BeachH santiniplaza.com
At the southern end of Estero Island, the Santini Marina Plaza is home to the widest varieties of shops in one location on the island. Shoppers can find clothing, swimwear, shoes, jewelry, books, liquor and libations, hardware, and even a pack-and-ship facility for sending it all home instead of having to pack your finds.
Fort Myers Beach Pier/Estero Boulevard visitfortmyersbeach.co
Times Square is the heart of downtown Estero Island, full of small shops and restaurants, street performers, and plenty of spots to sit down and relax.
Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41, Fort MyersS belltowerfl.com
A long-time favorite go-to for fashion, beauty, and meeting up with friends for dinner or a movie, the Bell Tower recently completed a comprehensive redevelopment to modernize the 343,000-square-foot destination with updated architecture, storefronts, and lighting. New tenants include Dave & Buster’s, Ocean View & Seventh, Ice Spot, G’s Bridal & Haute Couture, and Burntwood Tavern. Longtime staples at Bell Tower include Trader Rick’s “for the artful woman,” Talbot’s, Ulta Beauty, and Williams-Sonoma. Popular restaurants include Cantina Laredo, DaRuMa, and Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizza, and Mimi’s Bistro and Bakery, among others.
EDISON
4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers shopedisonmall.com
A Fort Myers landmark, Edison Mall holds well-known anchors Macy’s, Dillard’s, and JC Penney, as well as American Eagle Outfitters, GameStop, GNC Nutritional Center, Spencer’s Gifts, and Pandora, specialty stores, hair salons, and a food court.
Downtown Fort Myers myriverdistrict.com
Put on your walking shoes to explore the shopping opportunities that await in downtown Fort Myers. The River District is home to art and eye candy galore, beginning with Arts for ACT Gallery & Boutique and The Franklin Shops. Hunt for great finds at The Goodwill Boutique on First Street, Joe’s Record Exchange, Market Earth, Naples Soap Company, and Seed and Bean. For antiques and home decor, the River District and surrounding neighborhoods has several interesting shops, including Remedies Parlor, The Nest, Timeless Classics, and Paris Market Antique Mall.
GANNON’S ANTIQUES AND ART 16521 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers gannonsantiques.com
If you like to go on treasure hunts, you’ll feel right at home at Gannon’s Antiques and Art, home to an upscale collection of 100 vendors’ fine art, collectibles, decor, and furnishings.
GULF COAST TOWN CENTER 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers gulfcoasttowncenter.com
This town center near the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University has more than 100 shops, a movie complex, spacious courtyards, restaurants, and nightlife. It is a magnet for anglers and outdoorsmen, with its sprawling Bass Pro Shop. Teens like Ron Jon Surf Shop and Marshall’s, while big-box favorites like Ross, PetCo, and Joann Fabrics and Crafts maintain loyal shoppers. It recently underwent a $10 million upgrade that includes a streamlined drop-off/pick-up location and valet parking.
20350 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers sanibeloutlets.com
This outlet mall on the mainland east of the Sanibel Causeway attracts savvy shoppers to its 40 leading designer and name-brand stores. Find staples at Maidenform, Jockey, Levi’s, Carter’s, and Calvin Klein, or browse for shoes (Rack Room Shoes, Famous Footwear, Crocs), sports apparel (Nike, Under Armour, The Gap, Banana Republic), and vacation-related goods (Sunglass Hut, Swim Mart, and Samsonite). Fuel up at eateries such as Dante’s Coal Fired Kitchen and Cheeburger Cheeburger.
PINE ISLAND/MATLACHA
Pine Island Road, Between Cape Coral and Pine Island pineislandchamber.org
This small island (pronounced Mat-luh-SHAY)
is located due west of Cape Coral across a small bridge spanning from the mainland to Pine Island. Matlacha is an artist’s paradise, dotted with whimsical shops and galleries, seafood markets, waterside restaurants, and a waterfront community park. Find bohemian beach threads, art for your home, and special gifts.
OLDE SANIBEL SHOPPES
630 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel shoponsanibel.com/olde-sanibel-shoppeS
There’s something here for everyone in the family. This pet-friendly shopping center with Old Florida charm draws locals and visitors to Suncatchers’ Dream and Sanibel Art & Frame for home decor, Island Paws for pet needs and pampering, and apparel and accessories at Amy’s Something Special and JB Designs.
PERIWINKLE PLACE SHOPPING CENTER
2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel periwinkleplace.com
Periwinkle Place’s 26 shops include the original Chico’s, Congress Jewelers, Trader Rick’s, and Sanibel Olive Oil, as well as the award-winning Blue Giraffe Restaurant.
TAHITIAN GARDENS
1975–2019 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel shoponsanibel.com/tahitian-gardens
Designer labels, unique collections, toys, jewelry, and more are in store at Pandora’s Box, Synergy Sportswear, Sanibel Resort Wear, Adventures in Paradise, Wilford & Lee, The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry, and Shiny Objects. Get a made-to-order meal at Paper Fig Kitchen or Sanibel Café.
AMERICAN/EUROPEAN/MIDDLE EASTERN
ALEXANDER’S RESTAURANT 239-262-4999
4077 Tamiami Trail N., Naples alexandersnaples.com
THE BEVY 239-228-4220 360 12th Ave. S., Naples naplesbevy.com
BHA! BHA! PERSIAN BISTRO 239-594-5557 865 Fifth Ave. S., Naples bhabhabistro.com
BLUE MARTINI 239-591-2583 Mercato, 9114 Strada Place, #12105, Naples naples.bluemartinilounge.com
BRICKTOP’S 239-596-9112
5555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples bricktops.com/naples
BURNTWOOD TAVERN 239-631-8964 Mercato, 9110 Strada Place, Ste. 6135, Naples burntwoodtavern.com
COOPER’S HAWK WINERY RESTAURANT 239-449-1700
11905 Tamiami Trail N., Naples chwinery.com
FUSE GASTROBAR 239-455-4585
2500 Tamiami Trail N., Naples fusegastrobar.com
THE HAMPTON SOCIAL 239-202-2038
Mercato, 9114 Strada Place, #12110, Naples thehamptonsocial.com
KC AMERICAN BISTRO 239-566-2371
885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples kcamericanbistro.com
KAREEM’S LEBANESE KITCHEN 239-315-4167 4270 Tamiami Trail E., Naples kareemskitchen.com
LAKE PARK DINER 239-228-6351 944 Seventh Ave. N., Naples lthelakeparkdiner.com
LAMORAGA INTERNATIONAL CUISINE & TAPAS 239-331-3669 3936 Tamiami Trail N., Naples lamoragarestaurant.com
THE PEWTER MUG NORTH 239-596-6844 14700 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 14, Naples pewtermugnorth.com
RIDGWAY BAR & GRILL 239-262-5500 1300 Third St. S., Naples ridgwaybarandgrill.com
MEDITERRANO 239-261-7498 336 13th Ave. S., Naples mediterrano-naples.com
SEASONS 52 239-594-8852 8930 Tamiami Trail N., Naples seasons52.com
TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT 239-643-6889 1220 Third St. S., Naples tommybahama.com
AZN ASIAN CUIZINE 239-593-8818 Mercato, 9118 Strada Place, Naples aznrestaurant.com
NAMBA RAMEN & SUSHI 239-592-4992 8847 Tamiami Trail N., Naples nambanaples.com
ZEN ASIAN BBQ 239-260-7037 10823 Tamiami Trail N., Naples eatatzen.com
MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT 239-572-8936 6355 Naples Blvd., Ste. 4-B, Naples menchies.com
NORMAN LOVE CONFECTIONS 239-687-7215 3747 Tamiami Trail N., Naples normanloveconfections.com
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES 239-294-2484 1410 Pine Ridge Road, Unit 9, Naples nothingbundtcakes.com
TONY’S OFF THIRD 239-262-7999 1300 Third St. S., Naples tonysoffthird.com
VAMPIRE PENGUIN OF NAPLES 844-844-7669 (SNOW) 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Ste. 142, Naples vampirepenguinswfl.com
BEACH BOX CAFÉ 239-631-6080 9020 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples
BAMBU TROPICAL BAR & GRILLE 239-649-5800 Bayfront Inn, 1221 Fifth Ave. S., Naples bayfrontinnnaples.com
BOKAMPER’S SPORTS BAR & GRIlL 239-431-7611 Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 8990 Fontana Del Sol Way, Naples bokampers.com
COSMOS RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 239-262-8181 536 Tamiami Trail N., Naples cosmospizzanaples.com
DYLAN’S DRAFT HOUSE 239-300-0192 1258 Airport-Pulling Road N., Naples dylansdrafthouse.com
EJ’S BAYFRONT CAFE 239-353-4444 469 Bayfront Place, Naples ejsbayfrontcafe.com
FIRST WATCH 239-304-0746 7163 Radio Road, Naples firstwatch.com
JASON’S DELI 239-593-9499 2700 lmmokalee Road, Ste. 1, Naples jasonsdeli.com
MEL’S DINER 239-643-9898 3650 Tamiami Trail N., Naples 239-455-4242 12035 Collier Blvd., Naples melsdiners.com
NARRATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS 239-218-7316 Mercato, 9106 Strada Place, Ste. 4105, Naples narrativecoffeeroasters.com
RIVERWALK AT TIN CITY 239-263-2734 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples riverwalktincity.com
SAM SNEAD’S TAVERN AT LELY RESORT
239-793-6623 8004 Lely Resort Blvd., Naples samsneadslely.com
SUNBURST CAFÉ 239-263-3123
Pine Ridge Crossing Plaza, 2340 Pine Ridge Road, Naples sunburstnaples.com
TEXAS ROADHOUSE 239-417-1111 6815 Collier Blvd., Naples texasroadhouse.com
THE COUNTER CUSTOM BURGERS
239-566-0644
Mercato, 9110 Strada Place, Ste. 6130, Naples, thecounter.com
THE CRUST 239-244-8488 8004 Trail Blvd., Naples The Pavilion, 875 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, thecrustpizza.net
THE HANGOUT BY TWO GUYS 239-384-9072 2360 Pine Ridge Road, Naples hangoutnaples.com
THE LOCAL 239-596-3276 5323 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples thelocalnaples.com
THREE60 MARKET AND WINE SHOP 239-732-7331 2891 Bayview Drive, three60market.com
YARD HOUSE 239-263-3773
4251 Tamiami Trail N., Naples yardhouse.com
CUBAN
FERNANDEZ THE BULL CUBAN CAFE 239-653-9097
3375 Pine Ridge Road, Naples 239-254-9855 1201 Piper Blvd., Unit 10, Naples fernandezthebull.com
RUMBA CUBAN CAFÉ 239-659-2996
1265 Airport-Pulling Road S., Naples rumbacubancafe.com
SANDY’S CUBAN CAFE 239-331-8204 1383 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples sandyscubancafenaples. com
FRENCH
BLEU PROVENCE 239-261-8239 1234 Eighth St. S., Naples bleuprovencenaples.com
CHEZ BOËT 239-643-6177 755 12th Ave. S., Naples chezboetnaples.com
ESCARGOT 41 239-793-5000 4339 Tamiami Trail N., Naples escargot41.com
THE FRENCH BRASSERIE RUSTIQUE 239-315-4019 365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples thefrenchnaples.com
MYKONOS KUZINA 239-325-8502 13510 Tamiami Trail N., Naples mykonoskuzina.com
OLYMPIA RESTAURANT AND BAR 239-732-5400 2800 Davis Blvd., Naples olympiadining.com
PELAGOS CAFE 263-2996 4951 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
INDIAN
21 SPICES BY CHEF ASIF 239-919-8830
4270 Tamiami Trail E., Ste. 21, Naples 21spicesdining.com
PASSAGE TO INDIA 239-513-0024
975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Bonita Springs thetasteofbangladesh.com
ITALIAN
ALDOS ITALIAN TABLE & BAR 239-659-2536 4820 Davis Blvd., Naples aldosnaples.com
AMORE 239-643-2201 Neapolitan Way, 4681 Ninth St. N., Naples amoreristorante.com
BARBATELLA 239-263-1955, 1290 Third St. S., Naples barbatellanaples.com
BICE RISTORANTE 239-262-4044 300 Fifth Ave. S., Naples bice-naples.com
BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE 239-593-5319 Waterside Shops, 5505 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. J1, Naples brioitalian.com
CAMPIELLO RISTORANTE & BAR 239-435-1166 1177 Third St. S., Naples campiellonaples.com
DEROMO’S GOURMET MARKET & RESTAURANT 239-325-3583
Promenade at Bonita Bay 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs deromos.com
GRAPPINO 239-331-4325 90 Ninth St. N., Naples grappinonaples.com
MINO ITALIAN PIZZERIA NAPLES 239-302-5990 1100 Sixth Ave. S., Ste. 1, Naples minofl.com
MIRAMARE RISTORANTE 239-430-6273
4236 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples miramarenaples.com
OSTERIA TULIA/BAR TULIA 239-213-2073 / 239-228-7606
466 and 462 Fifth Ave. S., Naples osteriatulia.com, bartulia.com
PARMESAN PETE’S ITALIAN KITCHEN 239-992-3663
7935 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples parmesanpetes.com VERGINA 239-659-7008
700 Fifth Ave. S., Naples verginarestaurant.com
FELIPE’S MEXICAN TAQUERIA 239-302-1444
4255 Tamiami Trail N., Naples felipestaqueria.com
K-RICO MEXICAN GRILL 239-316-7662
475 Bayfront Place, Naples kricomexicangrill.com
ROCCO’S TACOS & TEQUILA BAR 239-500-8226 Mercato, 9123 Strada Place, Naples roccostacos.com
TACOS & TEQUILA CANTINA 239-254-8226 8971 Tamiami Trail N., Naples 239-732-8226
4834 Davis Blvd., Naples tacosandtequilanaples.com
TURCO TACO 239-331-4527 410 Ninth St. N., Naples theturcotaco.com
THE BAY HOUSE 239-591-3837 799 Walkerbilt Road, Naples bayhousenaples.com
BAYSIDE SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR 239-649-5552
4270 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples baysideseafoodgrillandbar.com
THE BOATHOUSE 239-643-2235 990 Broad Ave. S., Naples boathouseonnaplesbay.com
BONEFISH GRILL
239-417-1212, 1500 Fifth Ave S., Naples bonefishgrill.com
THE CLAW BAR 239-231-3912, 221 Ninth St. S., Naples theclawbar.com
HOGFISH HARRY’S 239-77-7623
600 Napolean Way, Naples hogfishharrys.com
M WATERFRONT GRILLE 239-263-4421
4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples mwaterfrontgrille.com
REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY OF NAPLES 239-591-3523
Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt 8960 Fontana Del Sol Way, Naples realseafoodconaples.com
SAILS RESTAURANT 239-360-2000 301 Fifth Ave. S., Naples sailsrestaurants.com
SWAN RIVER SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 239-403-7000 3741 Tamiami Trail N., Naples swanriverseafood.com
TRULUCK’S SEAFOOD, STEAK, AND CRABHOUSE 239-530-3131
698 Fourth Ave. S., Naples trulucks.com
USS NEMO 239-261-6366
3745 Tamiami Trail N., Naples ussnemorestaurant.com
ANDRE’S STEAK HOUSE 239-263-5851
2800 Tamiami Trail N., Naples andressteakhouse.com
DORONA 239-529-2819
2110 Ninth St. N., Naples doronanaples.com
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR 239-598-2424
8985 Tamiami Trail N., Naples flemingssteakhouse.com
OCEAN PRIME 239-430-0404
699 Fifth Ave. S., Naples ocean-prime.com
SHULA’S STEAKHOUSE 239-430-4999 5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples shulasnaples.com
THE CAPITAL GRILLE 239-254-0640 9005 Mercato Drive, Naples thecapitalgrille.com
THE CONTINENTAL AMERICAN PROVISIONS & CRAFT BAR 239-659-0007 1205 Third St. S., Naples damicoscontinental.com
THE GRILL AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, NAPLES 239-598-3300
280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples ritzcarlton.com
THE PEARL STEAK & SEAFOOD 239-591-5939 7935 Airport-Pulling Road N., Naples thepearlnaples.com
DARUMA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI LOUNGE 239-344-0037
13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers darumarestaurant.com
GINGER BISTRO 239-558-8865
2366 Surfside Blvd., C-10, Cape Coral 239-689-3113
4650 S. Cleveland Ave., #8, Fort Myers gingerbistrousa.com
KOMOON THAI SUSHI & CEVICHE 239-234-2442
3300 Bonita Beach Road, #101, Bonita Springs komoonthai.com
SPOONDRIFT ISLAND BOWLS 239-472-0875
2441 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel sanibelspoondrift.com
SUSHI THAI Prado at Spring Creek 239-992-5600
25101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs sushithaitoo.com
ALVA COUNTRY DINER 239-728-3366
21220 Palm Beach Blvd., Alva alvacountrydiner.com
ARTISAN EATERY 239-887-4844 8951 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers artisaneatery.com
CENO GRILLE 239-549-2366
1715 Cape Coral Parkway W., Cape Coral cenogrille.com
CRISTOF’S ON MCGREGOR 239-791-8473 10231 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers chetitossteakhouse.com
EUROPEAN AMERICAN BAKERY CAFE 239-225-0450 12450 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers eabake.com
FARMERS MARKET RESTAURANT 239-334-1687 2736 Edison Ave., Fort Myers farmersmarketrestaurant.com
HARVEST & WISDOM 239-949-0749 Shangri-La Springs 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs shangrilasprings.com/harvestandwisdom
LA TRATTORIA CAFE NAPOLI 239-931-0050
12377 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers latrattoriacafenapoli.com
MCGREGOR CAFÉ 239-936-1771
4305 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers mcgregorcafe.com
MEL’S DINER 239-949-3080
28601 Trails Edge Blvd., Bonita Springs 239-242-0218
1331 Pine Island Road N.E., Cape Coral 239-275-7850
4820 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers melsdiners.com
SKILLETS 239-992-9333
9174 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 239-471-0553
University Village, 10950 Eagle Village Drive, Ste. 330 C, Estero 239-237-2916
Cypress Trace, 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers skilletsrestaurants.com
THE OTHER SIDE BISTRO 239-992-7433
24630 U.S. 41, Bonita Springs bonitaspringsbistro.com
TUCKAWAY CAFÉ 239-463-5398
2301 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach tuckaway.cafe
CUBAN
BEGONIA’S RESTAURANT 239-208-8243
2215 Winkler Ave., Fort Myers
CUBAN RESTAURANT EL TROPICAL 239-772-8858
106 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Cape Coral eltropical.business.site
LUIS BAKERY 239-673-7081
2708 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral luis-bakery-bar-grill.business.site
MAMBOS RESTAURANT 239-542-9995
4716 Del Prado Blvd S., Cape Coral
RINCON CUBANO 239-772-7790
958 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral
FRENCH AZURE 239-288-4296
15301 McGregor Blvd., #1, Fort Myers azurefortmyers.com
BLANC 239-887-3139
13451 McGregor Blvd., #10, Fort Myers blancentertainment.com
C LEVEL BISTRO & WINE BAR 239-221-7046
4450 Bonita Beach Road S.W., Bonita Springs, c-levelbar.com
NOMIKI’S PLAKKA GREEK RESTAURANT 239-433-5659
Bridge Plaza. 12901 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
PLAKA 2 239-689-1211
McGregor Point Shopping Center 15271 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
INDIAN
INDIA PALACE 239-939-2323
3300 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs indiapalacebonitasprings.com
MASALA MANTRA iNDIAN BISTRO 239-540-6300
4518 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral indiapalacebonitasprings.com
BUON APPETITO CAFÈ 239-433-0117 6314-D Corporate Court, Fort Myers restaurantftmyers.com
CAPONE’S COAL FIRED PIZZA 239-337-2625 2225 First St., Fort Myers caponescoalfiredpizza.com
CIAO WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TRATTORIA 239-471-0033 823 S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral ciaowoodfired.business.site
COLLEONI’S EATERY & BAKERY 239-208-3114 12731 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers colleonis.com
DEROMO’S GOURMET MARKET & RESTAURANT 239-325-3583
Promenade at Bonita Bay. 26811 S. Bay Drive, Ste. 140 & 148, Bonita Springs deromos.com
ENZO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR 239-992-5555 / 239-992-9180
4351 Bonita Beach Road S.W., Bonita Springs enzosofbonita.com
GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA 239-432-9767 Bell Tower 13499 S Cleveland Ave., Ste. 201, Fort Myers grimaldispizzeria.com
GUSTO CUCINA ITALIANA 239-458-5900
229 Del Prado Blvd. N., Ste. 15, Cape Coral gustocucinaitaliana.com
MATZALUNA 239-472-1998
1200 Periwinkle Way, Ste. 4, Sanibel matzaluna.net
NICE GUYS PIZZA AND BEER 239-549-7542
1334 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral niceguyspizza.com
PETAR’S RESTAURANT 239-249-4064
3300 Bonita Beach Road S.W., #120 Bonita Springs petarsrestaurant.com
RISTORANTE FABIO 239-656-5727
4150 Hancock Bridge Parkway North Fort Myers ristorantefabio.com
SICILY TRATTORIA 239-945-7285
1211 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral sicilytrattoria.com
3 PEPPER BURRITO COMPANY 239-308-0480
2231 First St., Fort Myers 239-574-2050
2522 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral 239-208-6902
20321 Grande Oaks Blvd., Estero 239-274-0449
6900 Daniels Pkwy., Fort Myers 3pepperburrito.com
CABOS CANTINA 239-332-2226
2226 First St., Fort Myers caboscantinafl.com
CANTINA LAREDO 239-415-4424
5200 Big Pine Way, Fort Myers cantinalaredo.com
CARNICERIA MONTERREY 239-939-6992
11530 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers 239-369-3294
1505 Gretchen Ave. S., Lehigh Acres carniceriamonterrey.com
EL AZTECA TAQUERIA 239-574-0056
1918 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral elaztecataqueria.net
IGUANA MIA 239-574-0056
28051 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs 1027 E. Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral 4329 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers iguanamia.com
SABOR A MEXICO 239-997-9995
13121 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers saboramexicofortmyers.com
TACOS SAN MIGUEL II 239-645-7854
1404 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral tacossanmiguel.com
TAQUERIA SAN JULIAN 239-936-0037
11601 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
TORTILLERIA LA RANCHERITA 239-498-4633
26751 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs SEAFOOD
DEEP LAGOON SEAFOOD 239-689-5474
14040 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers deeplagoon.com
DIXIE FISH COMPANY 239-233-8837
714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach dixiefishfmb.com
DOC FORD’S RUM BAR & GRILL 239-472-8311
2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel docfords.com
FISH TALE GRILL BY MERRICK SEAFOOD 239-257-3167
1229 S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral fishtalegrill.com
LOBSTER LADY SEAFOOD MARKET & BISTRO 239-471-0136
1715 Cape Coral Parkway, Units 2 & 3, Cape Coral lobsterladyseafood.com
PINCHERS 239-948-1313
28580 Bonita Crossing Blvd., Bonita Springs 239-415-4040 10029 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers 239-245-7049
2360 West First St., Fort Myers pinchersusa.com
PRAWNBROKER RESTAURANT & FISH MARKET 239-489-2226 13451-16 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers prawnbrokerfortmyers.com
TARPON LODGE & RESTAURANT 239-283-3999 13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia tarponlodge.com
TIMBERS RESTAURANT & FISH MARKET 239-395-2722 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island timbersofsanibel.com
TWISTED LOBSTER 239-800-2879 1341 Del Prado Blvd. S., Ste. 1, Cape Coral twistedlobster.com
A TABLE APART 239-221-8540
4295 Bonita Beach Road S.W., Bonita Springs atableapart.com
ANGELINA’S RISTORANTE 239-390-3187
24041 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs angelinasofbonitasprings.com
OLD CAPTIVA HOUSE AT TWEEN WATERS INN 239-472-5161, ext. 425 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva tween-waters.com
THE ROADHOUSE CAFÉ 239-415-4375 15660 San Carlos Blvd., Ste. 280, Fort Myers roadhousecafefl.com
SWEET MELISSA’S CAFE 239-472-1956
1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel sweetmelissascafe.com
THE VERANDA 239-332-2065
2122 Second St., Fort Myers verandarestaurant.com
UPSCALE CASUAL
BUBBLE ROOM RESTAURANT 239-472-5558
15001 Captiva Drive, Captiva bubbleroomrestaurant.com
THE FIRESTONE GRILL ROOM 239-334-3473 2224 Bay St., Fort Myers firestonefl.com
THE GREEN FLASH 239-472-3337
15183 Captiva Drive, Captiva greenflashcaptiva.com
HAROLD’S 239-849-0622
15250 S. Tamiami Trail, #107, Fort Myers haroldscuisine.com
KC AMERICAN BISTRO 239-237-2133
University Village, 19810 Village Center Drive, Suite #145A, Estero kcamericanbistro.com
THE MUCKY DUCK 239-472-3434
11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva muckyduck.com
SLATE’S 239-540-6800 4820 Candia St., Cape Coral slatescapecoral.com
Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District 131
Abbey Carpet & Floor 2/3
Bayview Dental Arts .....................................Back Cover
Canterbury School 55
Ciccarelli Advisory Services 67
Clive Daniel Home 17
Collier County Solid Waste 37
Community School of Naples 53
Conservancy of Southwest Florida ............................. 29
Diane Brzezinski ......................................................... 61
First Presbyterian Church Naples .............................. 75
John R. Wood Properties/Bua Bell Group .................... 7
John R. Wood Properties/Cheryl Deering .................. 13
John R. Wood Properties/Cheryl Deering ..................90
Lee Memorial Health System d/b/a Lee Health .......... 63
Lighthouse Wealth Management .. Inside Front Cover/1
Lighthouse Wealth Management ................................ 41
Millennium Physician Group ....................................... 11
Moran Wealth Management ......................................... 6
Moran Wealth Management ....................................... 51
Naples Airport Authority ............................................ 12
Naples Area Board of Realtors.....................................33
The Naples Players
NCH Healthcare System
North Naples Church...................................................83
PBS
PBS
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Jackie Nelson
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Michelle Thomas
Provident Jewelry
Saint Ann Catholic School
Skin Wellness Physicians
144/Inside Back Cover
