Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

Travel options for Southwest Florida residents are expanding this autumn. Breeze Airways has announced a new seasonal nonstop route connecting Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers with Atlantic City International Airport (ACY). Launching on October 22, 2026, this service aims to provide a seamless, budget-friendly option for leisure travelers.

 

This development directly addresses a local travel deficit. Following Spirit Airlines’ recent bankruptcy, which prompted the budget carrier to pull out of several prominent routes in the region, Breeze is stepping in to keep Southwest Florida linked to key East Coast markets.

RSW to Atlantic City Flight Schedule

Route Details	Operation Specifications
Departure / Arrival	Fort Myers (RSW) to Atlantic City (ACY)
Inaugural Flight	October 22, 2026
Weekly Frequency	3 Times a Week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays)
Target Fare Market	Premium Affordable / Leisure Corridor

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Breeze Expanding Its Footprint Across Leisure Hubs

The Fort Myers expansion is part of an aggressive growth strategy as Breeze Airways fortifies its operational presence at Atlantic City (ACY). By connecting smaller, underserved markets with point-to-point flights, the airline continues to build a robust seasonal network tailored for vacationers.

Beyond the upcoming RSW service, Breeze is rolling out multiple direct routes from ACY:

 

• Orlando, Florida (MCO): Daily nonstop flights launching July 3, 2026.

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (MYR): Nonstop flights on Thursdays and Sundays, starting October 22, 2026.

   

• West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI): Nonstop flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, starting December 17, 2026.

Why It Matters: Point-to-point routes remove the hassle of layovers at massive hub airports, giving travelers more direct time on the beach or at the boardwalk.

With a fleet anchored by modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, Breeze’s focus on underserved regional corridors provides essential economic and tourist infrastructure to Southwest Florida. As regional transit demands adapt to national airline industry shifts, these new direct connections ensure Fort Myers remains highly accessible and competitive for seasonal visitors.

The summer heat has officially arrived in Southwest Florida, and with it comes the highly anticipated return of the region’s favorite aquatic escape. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon North Naples is set to open its gates for daily summer operations starting June 1, 2026. Located within the sprawling 213-acre North Collier Regional Park at 15000 Livingston Road, the water park serves as a cooling cornerstone for families, fitness enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers looking to navigate the warmer months.

High-Fidelity Thrills: The Five Signature Water Slides

For those who live for an adrenaline rush, the main draw of Sun-N-Fun Lagoon North Naples is its impressive array of five water slides. Towering 38 feet above the park, these slides offer lengths ranging from 220 to 350 linear feet, catering to various adventure levels.

• The Sting Ray: A high-speed, heart-pounding drop that is a favorite for the park’s more daring visitors.

• The Sea Lion: A classic inner-tube slide that sends riders through twists and turns before a refreshing plunge into the lazy river.

• Slide #5: A unique half-open, half-closed design that provides a mix of sunlight and mystery for riders at least 48″ tall.

If high-speed drops aren’t your speed, the park’s 1,250-foot lazy river offers a more rhythmic alternative. A full circuit takes between seven and fifteen minutes, providing a scenic tour of the tropical landscaping and park layout while you float effortlessly under the Florida sun.

A Pool for Every Pace at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon North Naples

One of the reasons Sun-N-Fun Lagoon North Naples remains a staple of the Collier County lifestyle is its inclusive design. The park features four distinct pool areas, each meticulously tailored to a specific age group or activity level.

Pirates Cove and Tadpole Pool

For the youngest “tadpoles,” the Tadpole Pool is a whimsical playground restricted to children six and under. It features gentle sprayers, a treasure chest fountain, and a sunken pirate ship in shallow water. Slightly older children (ages 5–12) can conquer Pirates Cove, an interactive zone complete with floating barrels, rope challenges, and spray features designed to burn off that extra summer energy.

Shiro’s Lagoon and the Dolphin Dive

Shiro’s Lagoon serves as the primary family hub, with a depth of 4’9″ that is ideal for lounging and casual swimming. Meanwhile, the Dolphin Dive and Lap Pool offers a dual-purpose space. On one side, aspiring divers can test their mettle on one-meter and three-meter diving boards that plunge into a 14-foot-deep pool. On the other, dedicated lap lanes provide a space for fitness swimmers to maintain their routine amidst the summer crowds.

Practical Planning: 2026 Pricing and Logistics

Planning a trip to Sun-N-Fun Lagoon North Naples requires a quick look at the 2026 gate fees. The park continues to offer discounted rates for local residents and military members, making it an accessible option for frequent summer visits.

Admission Rates (Summer 2026)

Category	Entrance Fee (Excl. Tax)
Over 48” Tall	$13.00
Under 48” Tall	$6.00
Collier County Resident	$11.00
Seniors (60 and Over)	$9.00
Military (with ID)	$8.00
Children (Ages 0-3)	FREE

The park operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the summer season. To ensure guest comfort, capacity is limited, so arriving early is highly recommended especially on weekends. Amenities include on-site food truck vendors, full locker rooms, and free life vest check-outs.

Beyond the Water: North Collier Regional Park Amenities

The value of Sun-N-Fun Lagoon North Naples is magnified by its location within North Collier Regional Park. For residents and real estate professionals, this park represents the pinnacle of community infrastructure. When the kids are done swimming, the park offers:

• “Can U Dig It?” Playground: A modern, interactive play area featuring a Calusa fossil dig for junior archaeologists.

• RecPlex Fitness Complex: A 6,000-square-foot gym with a double enclosed gymnasium.

• Walking Trails: A 2.5-mile trail perfect for a morning jog or sunset stroll.

• Tournament Fields: Eight soccer fields and five softball fields that host regional competitions throughout the year.

As the 2026 summer season kicks off, the reopening of the lagoon serves as a reminder of why North Naples continues to be one of the most desirable residential destinations on the Gulf coast. Whether you are seeking a high-speed slide or a quiet float down the river, the lagoon provides the ultimate high-fidelity summer escape.

Pro-Tip for Visitors

Keep Your Receipt: Sun-N-Fun Lagoon has a proactive rain check policy. If the park closes due to inclement weather within 90 minutes of your arrival, keep your receipt to receive a rain check for a future visit.

For the latest updates on park capacity or weather-related closures, you can contact the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon hotline directly at (239) 252-4021 or visit napleswaterpark.com.

As the Southwest Florida tourism market works to rebound from a softening over the last 18 months, local officials are looking toward a new revenue stream to stabilize the industry. In the upcoming November 3 general election, voters will decide on a Collier County tourist tax increase. This proposed measure would raise the existing tourist development tax (TDT) from 5 cents to 6 cents on the dollar, an initiative commonly referred to as the “sixth penny.”

If approved by the voters, the new tax rate would strictly apply to short-term rentals defined as stays of six months or less at hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and other vacation properties and would go into effect on January 1, 2027.

Understanding the Collier County Tourist Tax Increase

The primary objective of the Collier County tourist tax increase is to generate the necessary capital to complete major regional infrastructure projects, fund beach renourishment, and dramatically enhance the county’s tourism marketing budget.

Based on fiscal year 2025 collections, the current 5% tax generates approximately $48 million to $50 million annually. The proposed 1% increase is projected to yield an additional $10 million per year. Importantly, officials emphasize that this is a “consumption tax” paid by visitors, not an ad valorem property tax levied on local residents.

Paradise Coast Sports Complex: The Primary Beneficiary

A significant driving force behind the Collier County tourist tax increase is the completion of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Commissioner Burt Saunders, who also serves as the chair of the Tourist Development Council, has been a vocal proponent of using these funds to finish the facility’s master plan.

Future planned phases for the complex include:

• Additional multi-use outdoor fields.

• Expanded parking and restroom facilities.

• A massive indoor sports fieldhouse designed for volleyball, basketball, ping-pong, and pickleball.

The complex is already proving its worth as an economic engine. Following the highly successful inaugural season of FC Naples in 2025, the facility has drawn thousands of fans and youth sports organizations to the area.

Why Sports Tourism Matters for the Local Economy

Sports tourism is uniquely positioned to address one of Southwest Florida’s biggest economic challenges: the summer slump. By completing the indoor fieldhouse and expanding outdoor capabilities, the county can attract major travel tournaments during the slower summer months when traditional beach tourism typically wanes.

According to a recent county-commissioned study, the economic multipliers of travel sports are substantial:

• 70% to 80% of out-of-market teams stay for three to five nights.

• Each participant brings an average of 2.5 to 3.5 guests.

• These extended stays generate massive secondary spending on lodging, dining, and local retail.

“That could be a big driver of visitation in the summertime, so that’s one thing from the CVB’s perspective that we think could really help all of our tourism partners in the destination,” noted Jay Tusa, Tourism Director for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB.

Mandatory Marketing and Beach Renourishment Funding

Under Florida state law, 40% of all tourist development tax revenue must be allocated directly to tourism marketing and promotion. Proponents of the Collier County tourist tax increase argue that these funds are essential for maintaining the region’s competitive edge on a global stage.

Kristina Park, President and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber, highlighted this necessity: “We’re a great place for families… but we really need those resources to help tell that story year-round in a globally competitive marketplace.”

Despite the assumption that Naples’ reputation speaks for itself, industry leaders stress that continuous, well-funded advertising is required to maintain occupancy rates across the county’s hotels and short-term rental properties.

Voter Education vs. Advocacy for the Sixth Penny

Navigating the legalities of a ballot measure requires strict adherence to state law. The county commission cannot use public funds to advocate for the passage of the Collier County tourist tax increase, but they are permitted to launch a neutral voter education campaign.

In December 2025, commissioners unanimously approved $150,000 from the general fund to support this educational outreach.

Campaign Component	Execution Details
Lead Agency	Jacobs Engineering (Naples-based)
Digital Presence	CollierTDT.com (developed by Exploritech)
Community Outreach	Up to 10 community information meetings
Target Audience	Seasonal and full-time registered voters

These public meetings are expected to commence in the late summer, timed to coincide with the return of seasonal residents who hold voting rights in the county. As the November 3 election approaches, the debate surrounding the Collier County tourist tax increase will undoubtedly remain a central focus for real estate investors, hospitality workers, and local taxpayers alike.

Economic Resource

“One of the things that’s very important for people to understand is that this is not an increase in your taxes for residents: It’s an increase in the tax on tourists.” – Commissioner Burt Saunders

For official, impartial information regarding the upcoming ballot measure and how the proposed funds will be allocated, voters can visit the county-sponsored educational portal at CollierTDT.com.

The wait for the Costco Fort Myers new location is officially nearing its end. In a landmark transaction that has sent ripples through the Southwest Florida commercial real estate market, Costco has finalized the purchase of a prime 55-acre tract at the intersection of Colonial Boulevard and Plantation Road. The $55 million closing on May 12, 2026, represents one of the most significant land acquisitions in the city’s history, signaling a massive infrastructure shift for the region’s retail landscape near the Gulf.

A $55 Million Real Estate Milestone for Fort Myers

The scale of the Costco Fort Myers new location deal is difficult to overstate. At exactly $1 million per acre, or approximately $22.96 per square foot, the purchase price nearly doubles recent benchmarks for large-tract commercial land in Lee County. For context, regional developers Waypoint Residential paid roughly $12.64 per square foot for a similar-sized parcel at I-75 and Daniels Parkway earlier this year.

According to Chase Mayhugh of Mayhugh Commercial Advisors, who brokered the deal alongside his father, Chuck Mayhugh, the premium price reflects the extreme scarcity of entitled land with high-visibility frontage in the Fort Myers core.

Transaction Data Comparison

Metric	Costco (Colonial Blvd)	Waypoint (Daniels Pkwy)
Purchase Price	$55 Million	$35 Million
Acreage	55 Acres	60.8 Acres
Price Per Sq. Ft.	$22.96	$12.64
Daily Traffic Count	~70,000 Vehicles	~55,000 Vehicles

Strategic Site Design and Logistical Advantages

The Costco Fort Myers new location occupies a uniquely shaped “sideways W” tract that offers unprecedented access points. For years, the property was held by Carcione Family Partners LLC, who resisted pressure to divide the land, waiting instead for a single user capable of utilizing the full 55-acre footprint.

The site’s logistical profile includes:

• Colonial Boulevard Frontage: 1,100 feet of high-visibility exposure.

• Plantation Road Access: Over 3,100 feet of frontage, ideal for secondary ingress/egress.

• Metro Parkway Connection: Roughly 700 feet of western access to further distribute traffic flow.

This multi-point access strategy is specifically designed to prevent the “gridlock” currently experienced at the aging Cypress Lake and U.S. 41 location. With 70,000 vehicles passing the Colonial Boulevard site daily, the modern site plan will feature a significantly more efficient traffic pattern for both traditional shoppers and commercial members.

Solving the Cypress Lake Traffic Crisis

For long-time residents, the move to the Costco Fort Myers new location is a welcome relief. The current facility at 7171 Cypress Lake Drive has long been criticized for its difficult ingress and egress, which was never designed to handle the current volume of Southwest Florida’s population growth.

“We all love going to Costco, but we dread going to that particular Costco,” Chase Mayhugh noted, highlighting the community’s sentiment. The new facility will not only be larger but will also incorporate modernized fueling stations and expanded tire centers, all while offering a streamlined experience that removes the “nightmare” of the current parking lot.

The Future of the Cypress Lake Store: A Costco Business Center?

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Costco Fort Myers new location project is the potential transformation of the existing Cypress Lake facility. While not yet confirmed, there is significant industry discussion regarding converting the old warehouse into a Costco Business Center.

Unlike a traditional warehouse, a Business Center is tailored specifically to commercial clients such as local restaurants, hotels, and small businesses with a focus on bulk food service products, professional cleaning supplies, and office equipment. If this comes to fruition, it would be a unique addition to the region, with the closest comparable location currently in Orlando.

Economic Impact and Community Revitalization

The development of the Costco Fort Myers new location is expected to act as a major economic catalyst for the Colonial corridor. The project includes plans for several outparcels, at least one of which is expected to be a high-fidelity quick-service restaurant.

Beyond the tax revenue generated by the $55 million sale, the construction and operation of the new warehouse will create hundreds of local jobs. Furthermore, the 1031 exchange initiated by the sellers will likely trigger further retail or industrial investment elsewhere in Lee County, continuing the cycle of growth.

As the City of Fort Myers reviews the final site improvements, residents can look forward to a shopping experience that finally matches the pace of the modern Gulf lifestyle.

Real Estate Advisor Insight

“This deal was about more than just a quick sale; it was about positioning the property for its maximum potential. It took 20 years to find the right developer, and Costco is the perfect anchor for this critical corridor.” – Chase Mayhugh, Mayhugh Commercial Advisors

The Southwest Florida commercial real estate landscape has officially entered an unprecedented economic stratosphere. The historic JW Marriott Marco Island sale has closed at a staggering $835 million, shattering previous benchmarks and firmly establishing itself as the most lucrative real estate transaction in the region’s history.

For industry experts, this nearly billion-dollar transaction represents far more than just a change in resort ownership; it is a definitive signal that the Gulf coast has transitioned from a tertiary vacation market into a primary target for top-tier global institutional capital.

The Architecture of the JW Marriott Marco Island Sale

The acquisition was executed by a powerful partnership between Sculptor Real Estate, a New York and London-based global asset manager with a reported $14 billion in capital, and Trinity Investments. They purchased the iconic 809-room beachfront resort from MassMutual, which had held the property through its global asset manager, Barings, for decades.

To facilitate the massive JW Marriott Marco Island sale, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group acted as the broker for the seller. Furthermore, JLL secured a highly sophisticated financing package on behalf of the buyers, establishing a five-year, floating-rate loan of $690 million through financial titans Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Sean Hehir, managing partner, president, and CEO of Trinity Investments, characterized the acquisition as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic resorts in the United States.”

The History and Future of the Resort

The foundation for this high valuation was laid in 2018 when Barings completed a transformative $320 million renovation. That extensive capital improvement project allowed the property to officially plant the prestigious JW Marriott luxury flag.

Looking forward, the new ownership group plans to execute a disciplined capital improvement program to further unlock the asset’s long-term value. Lorin Augeri, a public relations partner with JW Marriott, confirmed that while enhancements and renovations are on the horizon, the property will absolutely retain its coveted JW Marriott branding.

The Institutional Shift in Southwest Florida Real Estate

Regional real estate professionals are viewing the JW Marriott Marco Island sale as the ultimate validation of a shifting demographic trend. Adam Palmer, vice president of CBRE, noted that the significance of the deal lies not just in the sheer dollar amount, but in the pedigree of the buyers involved.

“A fraction of the story is what I’ve been preaching for a while, about how this area is becoming more institutional,” Palmer stated. “It’s not the price. It’s who the buyer is. This was an institutional buyer who never would have bought in a tertiary market.”

Setting New Regional Benchmarks

Benchmark Deal	Asset Type	Purchase Price	Year
Mercato (North Naples)	Retail / Mixed-Use	$240 Million	2015
Alico Road Rock Mine	Industrial / Mining	$620 Million	2024
JW Marriott Marco Island	Luxury Hospitality	$835 Million	2026

The 2015 acquisition of the Mercato shopping center by Prudential for $240 million was one of the first major signals of institutional interest. As the regional population surpassed 1 million residents, that deal paved the way for larger transactions, including the previous $620 million record set in 2024 by Martin Marietta North Texas Cement Inc.

Ultra-High Net Worth Demographics Driving the Deal

The fundamental driver behind the JW Marriott Marco Island sale is the sheer concentration of wealth currently migrating to the Naples and Marco Island areas. The region now ranks in the top five nationally for the most popular second-home locations among the ultra-high net worth (UHNW) population.

Naples sits alongside major global metros like Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in this regard. However, Naples boasts the highest concentration within that group, with 95% of its UHNW residents acting as secondary homeowners.

This demographic reality proves that the region is a mandatory destination for affluent travelers. Whether they are staying for a full season in a private estate or a short luxury stay at the resort, this population fuels the hospitality revenue that makes an $835 million acquisition a logical, high-yield investment.

As the new owners begin their planned enhancements, the JW Marriott Marco Island sale will undoubtedly serve as the new gold standard for commercial real estate valuation across the entire state of Florida.