Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced updates on the ongoing Sanibel Causeway reconstruction project. Traffic has been shifted to the permanent lanes, and the causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway remain an active work zone, closed to public access both on land and from the water. Limited work activities are planned over the holidays, with no additional lane closures currently scheduled.

Scheduled Work Activities

The following updates detail current and upcoming work. Please note that unforeseen underground conditions and weather may affect the schedule.

East of the Toll Plaza

• Westbound Lane Openings:
  Two westbound lanes on McGregor Boulevard were scheduled to open on December 20. The underground pipe crossing reconstruction is complete, and paving was set to be finished last week. Traffic on McGregor Boulevard is shifted to the south side of the road, approximately ½ mile from Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road. Westbound traffic heading to Port Comfort should proceed straight before turning right.
• Eastbound Lane Closure:
  The outside eastbound travel lane of McGregor remains closed from the toll plaza to approximately ¾ mile east. Additionally, the shoulder is fully closed. Crews were scheduled to pave the area last week, with stabilization of the shoulder planned for early 2025.
• Temporary Daytime Flagging:
  Outside of the holiday period, motorists should expect temporary daytime flagging on McGregor Boulevard (both eastbound and westbound) from Shell Point to Punta Rassa Road for equipment and material movement.

West of the Toll Plaza

• Barrier Wall Removal:
  Crews will begin removing the barrier wall along the Causeway Islands in preparation for final asphalt placement. The Causeway Islands Park remains closed to the public.
• Pedestrian Traffic Delineation:
  Lee County is installing a post-and-rope system to guide pedestrian traffic during the upcoming reconstruction of recreational facilities on the Causeway Islands.
• Equipment Movement:
  Motorists should expect occasional traffic stops at the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road with materials. The westbound merge point is located west of the toll plaza, and drivers are reminded to use caution and adhere to the 20 mph speed limit.
• Off-Island U-Turn Construction:
  Crews are continuing work under Span A to complete the off-island U-turn.

Additional Reminders

• Many oversized vehicles are using the causeway to support island recovery efforts, so travel times may be slower than usual.
• Bicyclists are encouraged to consider alternative transportation options, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway.
• Motorists should strictly observe the 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone for safety.

For detailed project information and updates, visit FDOT’s Sanibel Causeway project page.

While Southwest Florida is renowned as a sunny winter escape, the holiday season brings a touch of magic with sparkling festivities. Here’s your guide to enjoying the holiday cheer!

Edison and Ford Winter Estates: Holiday Nights

Fort Myers
️ Through Jan. 5, 2025

Experience a dazzling wonderland at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Stroll along the Children’s Holiday Tree Trail, decorated with handmade ornaments, and enjoy nightly guided tours. Don’t miss select evenings featuring carolers and a special visit from Santa.

Holiday House Christmas Stroll

Downtown Fort Myers
️ Through Dec. 31

Since 1956, the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club has been transforming historic homes into holiday showcases. This year’s Christmas Stroll along First Street features festive store window displays centered around the theme, “Christmas Stories Through the Eyes of a Child.”

Bonita Springs Holiday Stroll

Downtown Bonita Springs
️ Throughout December

Enjoy the sparkle of Riverside Park as it comes alive each evening from dusk to 9 p.m. Stroll through the colorful lights, snap holiday-themed selfies, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

Fort Myers
️ Select dates through Dec. 29

Take a magical walk along a glowing trail through the Calusa Nature Center. Afterwards, relax by a crackling fire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

Holiday Boat-A-Long

Cape Coral
️ Dec. 21

Catch the festive Holiday Boat-A-Long Parade as it lights up Bimini Basin. Following the parade, enjoy a free outdoor screening of “Polar Express,” live entertainment, food trucks, crafts, and a visit from Santa.

Ring in the New Year

️ Dec. 31

Celebrate the start of 2025 with family-friendly events in Cape Coral, the Downtown Fort Myers Historic River District, and Fort Myers Beach.

Get ready to embrace the holidays with sunshine, sparkle, and unforgettable memories in Southwest Florida!

Click here for more info

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to accelerate in Southwest Florida, with Collier and Lee counties experiencing a 30% increase in EV registrations in 2024, according to data from EV research group IHS Markit.

Growth in EV Registrations

• Lee County: Registrations for fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles climbed from 7,095 in 2023 to 9,245 in 2024.
• Collier County: Registrations increased from 5,956 in 2023 to 7,742 in 2024.

Statewide EV Trends

Across Florida, the momentum is reflected in nearly 300,000 EV registrations, including 244,000 fully battery electric vehicles. This marks a 33% year-over-year increase in EV adoption.

Factors Driving the Growth

The significant rise in EV registrations is attributed to:

• Increased availability of EV models from automakers.
• Enhanced charging infrastructure throughout the state.
• Growing consumer interest in sustainable transportation options.

As EV adoption expands, Southwest Florida is solidifying its position as a leader in the shift to cleaner, more energy-efficient transportation.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $19.3 million Community Change Grant to Lee County and the Collaboratory over a three-year period. This transformative funding aims to strengthen disadvantaged communities by addressing environmental challenges and improving disaster preparedness.

Building Resilient Communities

The grant will support initiatives to increase community resilience, reduce pollution, and enhance the capacity of local organizations to serve residents during emergencies, such as hurricanes. Central to this effort is the creation of a network of community resilience hubs, designed to provide both everyday resources and critical support during disasters.

What Are Resilience Hubs?

Resilience hubs are community spaces that:

• Provide supplies and social services for daily needs.
• Transition into disaster response centers offering vital information, emergency support, and health supplies during crises.

Four organizations will serve as the foundation for this network:

1. The Collaboratory
2. Franklin Park Elementary School
3. IMAG History & Science Center
4. Pine Manor Community Center

Key Objectives of the Project

1. Strengthening Local Organizations:
   • Equip resilience hubs with supplies and resources.
   • Build capacity for local groups offering emergency services.
2. Emergency Preparedness Plans:
   • Help communities develop robust emergency plans.
   • Enhance coordination for an all-of-community response during severe events.
3. Stormwater and Infrastructure Improvements:
   • Focus on upgrades along Ten Mile Canal to improve flood management and reduce pollution.
4. Workforce Development:
   • Launch programs to train workers in constructing energy-efficient and resilient homes, supporting both local employment and sustainable housing.

A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact

This project is a joint effort between Lee County, Collaboratory, and several community partners, leveraging resources to improve emergency response and long-term environmental resilience. By combining infrastructure improvements, workforce training, and community engagement, the initiative aims to create a safer, more sustainable future for residents.

For more information, visit the Collaboratory’s website or Lee County’s emergency management resources.

The iconic Vicky Bakery, known for its traditional Cuban pastries and modern menu offerings, has opened its 26th location at 4429 Cleveland Ave. in El Dorado Plaza, Fort Myers. This expansion marks the bakery’s continued growth across Florida, introducing Southwest Florida residents to its beloved Cuban flavors.

A Family Legacy Rooted in Cuban Tradition

The Vicky Bakery story began in 1972 when Antonio and Gelasia Cao, Cuban immigrants, purchased a small bakery in Hialeah near Miami. Over the years, the Cao family transformed it into a household name synonymous with Cuban cuisine. Today, their brand spans 26 locations, with more on the way, including a Cape Coral location set to open next year.

Andretti Tomeu, godson of Managing Partner Amy Cao, manages the Fort Myers location alongside his girlfriend, Milly Telle. Tomeu emphasized the importance of expanding to Southwest Florida, where many Miami-area residents have relocated over the years.

“We chose Southwest Florida because so many people over the past 10, 15 years have moved out this way,” Tomeu said.

What to Expect at Vicky Bakery Fort Myers

Vicky Bakery is celebrated for its Cuban-style baked goods and has expanded its menu to include breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Menu Highlights:

• Pastries and Desserts: Guava and cheese pastelitos, croquetas, cookies, and more.
• Hot Plates: Pork, beef, and chicken entrees, ranging from $10 to $14.
• Sandwiches: Cuban classics and other flavorful options.

“It’s traditional Cuban recipes modernized over the years,” Tomeu said. “There’s all the Cuban favorites that everybody loves.”

A Warm Welcome from the Community

The Fort Myers location had a soft launch, quickly gaining attention, including a social media boost from the Fort Myers Police Department. An official grand opening is planned for mid-January to celebrate the bakery’s success.

The new bakery operates with 25 employees, but Tomeu anticipates hiring more soon due to the strong community response.

Location and Hours

• Address: 4429 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901 (El Dorado Plaza)
• Hours:
  • Monday–Saturday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Sunday: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A Growing Presence in Southwest Florida

The Fort Myers bakery follows the recent opening of a location in Ave Maria, Collier County, and precedes the Cape Coral location, scheduled to open in about a year at 602 Del Prado Blvd.

A Sweet Recommendation

When asked about his favorite menu item, Tomeu shared:

“If I could only eat one more pastry for the rest of my life, it’s the Guava and cheese. It’s something about the salty and sweet that does it for me.”

With its rich heritage and modern approach, Vicky Bakery is set to become a staple for Cuban cuisine lovers in Fort Myers. Don’t miss out on this delicious addition to the local dining scene!