Category: Island Update

Thanksgiving in Southwest Florida is a vibrant celebration of tradition and community, offering a mix of classic holiday activities and unique local events. While many embrace the tradition of turkey feasts and pumpkin pie, the region’s pleasant weather encourages residents and visitors alike to explore outdoor festivities, from beach gatherings to scenic nature walks.

Here’s a curated guide to some of the Thanksgiving events happening across Southwest Florida:

Lee County

Fort Myers

45th Annual Turkey Trot 5K
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a scenic 5K run at the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates. For those unable to attend in person, remote participation is available.

• Host: Fort Myers Track Club, in partnership with Edison and Ford Winter Estates
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 7:30 a.m.
• Location: 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Estero

Thanksgiving Day 5K
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a 5K run or walk, complete with medals, tech shirts, and a lively post-race party featuring music, snacks, and drinks.

• Host: Hertz Arena
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 6:50 a.m.
• Location: 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928

Lehigh Acres

Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Enjoy a delicious turkey and ham dinner, with side dishes provided by the community. Sign up at the bar to bring your favorite dish.

• Host: Eagle 3938
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 3 p.m.
• Location: 607 Williams Ave, Lehigh Acres, FL

Charlotte County

Port Charlotte

Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Gulf Cove United Methodist Church invites the community to a free sit-down Thanksgiving dinner, spreading holiday cheer to all.

• Host: Gulf Cove United Methodist Church
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 12–3 p.m.
• Location: 1100 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte

Punta Gorda

Thanksgiving Friendsgiving Celebration
Bring a side dish or dessert and enjoy this Friendsgiving event, complete with karaoke at 6:30 p.m.

• Host: Bar 17
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 3:30 p.m.
• Location: 3149 Duncan Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33982

Englewood

Turkey Trot 5K
Join this family-friendly run/walk benefiting the Englewood Area Cancer Foundation. Registration is available at Real Bikes Englewood.

• Host: Englewood Turkey Trot
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 7:30 a.m.
• Location: 6751 San Casa Dr., Englewood, FL 34224

Collier County

Naples

Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner
Indulge in a Thanksgiving special at Giuseppe and the Lion, offering a warm and festive dining experience.

• Host: Giuseppe and the Lion
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 12–9 p.m.
• Location: 1585 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34109

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
Celebrate Thanksgiving on the water with a memorable dinner cruise aboard the Naples Princess.

• Host: Naples Princess
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 12–2 p.m.
• Location: 550 Port O Call Way, Naples, FL 34102

Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Day 5K
A cherished tradition, this family-friendly 5K takes place at the Village Shops on Venetian Bay.

• Host: Elite Events
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 7:30 a.m.
• Location: 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. North, Naples, FL 34103

2024 Thanksgiving Feast To-Go
Order a Thanksgiving feast serving 6–8 people, with each purchase supporting the local St. Matthew’s House through turkey donations.

• Host: Naples Grande Beach Resort
• Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, pick-up starts at 11 a.m.
• Location: 475 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL 34103

Southwest Florida’s Thanksgiving events offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to run a 5K, enjoy a community dinner, or celebrate with friends and family. Embrace the holiday spirit in this beautiful region!

Since 1995, the Tree Lighting Celebration at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa has been a cherished holiday tradition for families and friends. This magical event combines festive cheer with unforgettable experiences, making it a must-see on the holiday calendar.

A Dazzling Holiday Spectacle

Here’s what makes the Tree Lighting Celebration truly extraordinary:

• Over 200,000 Lights in Sync: Watch as sparkling lights dance in perfect harmony to holiday music.
• Majestic Christmas Tree: Witness the colorful lighting of a towering tree set against the breathtaking Gulf of Mexico backdrop.
• Fireworks on the Beach: Enjoy a spectacular display that lights up the night sky.
• Snow in Paradise: Experience real snow cascading from palm trees, adding a whimsical touch of winter to the tropical setting.
• Live Entertainment: Celebrate with holiday music and an impressive laser light show.

This event is designed for everyone—parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren alike—all coming together to make memories that last a lifetime. Best of all, guests staying at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa for the weekend enjoy the celebration at no additional cost.

Parking and Dockage Information

Due to the event’s popularity, safety, and capacity considerations:

• On-Property Parking: Available exclusively for pre-purchased VIP Luxury Boxes, VIP Crow’s Nest Skybox, and weekend accommodations guests.
• Off-Site Parking: Complimentary parking and shuttle service will be provided at nearby locations (details to be announced).
• Marina Dockage: All dockage at ‘Tween Waters Marina is currently sold out for the event.

Experience the Magic of the Season

The Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa promises a holiday experience like no other, blending tropical charm with festive traditions. Plan your weekend stay now to immerse yourself in the magic of this iconic event.

For more details and to book your accommodations, visit ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa. Celebrate the season in paradise!

The spirit of Thanksgiving shines bright as FISH of Sanibel-Captiva hosts its annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration. This free event invites islanders, the local workforce, and visitors to come together to enjoy a holiday meal and celebrate community resilience.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, November 26
• Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
• Location: The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
• Cost: Free and open to the public; no reservations required

Guests will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner provided by Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel, complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, casseroles, pumpkin pie, and more. Beverages, including soda, water, and juice, will be supplied by the Midwest Food Bank.

To create a festive atmosphere, FISH will offer:

• Holiday Games and Crafts: Fun activities for kids to enjoy.
• Raffle Giveaway: Attendees can win prizes, including two tickets to the upcoming JOG N JAM concert on December 7 at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa.

FISH Executive Director Maria Espinoza emphasized the importance of the event, noting that it’s an opportunity for the community to come together after facing challenges over the past months and years.

“Our community has faced so much,” Espinoza said. “This is a chance to reflect, share a meal, and rebuild together.”

Whether you’re a longtime resident, a member of the local workforce, or a visitor to the island, this event is open to everyone. No reservations are required—just come and enjoy the festivities.

For more information, call 239-472-4775 or visit FISH on Facebook, X/Twitter, or Instagram.

Gather your family and friends and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!

This Thanksgiving, Adventure in Paradise, Inc. invites guests to enjoy a memorable holiday with their Thanksgiving Sunset Dolphin Cruise. Perfect for families, friends, or solo adventurers, the cruise combines stunning sunsets, dolphin sightings, and a relaxing escape on the serene waters around Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Cruise Highlights

• Breathtaking Views: Witness a stunning Gulf Coast sunset as the sky transforms into a vibrant canvas.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot playful dolphins and other marine life in their natural habitat.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and expert commentary from the crew about local wildlife and landmarks.

Details and Reservations

• Departure Time: 4:30 PM, Thanksgiving Day
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Cost: Adults – $45, Children – $35
• Reservations: Limited space; book early at Adventure in Paradise.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced significant progress on the Sanibel Causeway project. Traffic has now been shifted to the permanent lanes, marking a critical milestone. However, the causeway islands around the temporary roadway remain an active work zone, closed to public access, including water-based entry.

Here’s a breakdown of the ongoing and upcoming construction activities:

East of the Toll Plaza

1. Traffic Shift on McGregor Boulevard
   • Both directions of traffic are now routed to the south side of McGregor Boulevard, stretching from approximately half a mile past Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road.
   • Westbound motorists heading to Port Comfort can continue straight to make a right turn.
   • This shift facilitates reconstruction of underground pipe crossings on the north side of the road. The one-lane-per-direction setup will remain in place through early 2025.
2. Shoulder Work on McGregor Boulevard
   • The eastbound shoulder (south/beach side) is fully closed as crews finalize shoreline reinforcement work using marine mattresses. Completion is expected by late November.
3. Temporary Lane Closures
   • Daytime lane closures will occur intermittently in both directions from Shell Point Boulevard to Punta Rassa Road to accommodate equipment and material movement.

West of the Toll Plaza

1. Pedestrian Path Delineation
   • Lee County is installing a temporary post-and-rope system to guide pedestrian traffic during the upcoming reconstruction of recreational facilities on the Causeway Islands.
2. Traffic Stops at Staging Area
   • Motorists may experience intermittent traffic stops near the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road for south-side work near McGregor and the toll plaza.
3. Sheet Pile Installation and Armor Stone Placement
   • Crews are driving sheet piles and placing armor stones near the toll plaza, a process expected to progress in the coming weeks.
4. Roadway Stabilization and Pond Construction
   • Sod installation, grading, and debris removal are ongoing along the Causeway Islands, with construction equipment occasionally entering travel lanes. Contractors aim to minimize disruptions during peak hours.
5. Westbound Merge Adjustments
   • The westbound merge point is located west of the toll plaza. Motorists should observe the 20 mph speed limit and exercise caution as construction vehicles frequently access this area.
6. Off-Island U-Turn Work
   • Construction continues under Span A, where crews are making progress on U-turn improvements.

Important Notices for Motorists and Cyclists

• Oversized vehicles supporting island recovery efforts may slow traffic.
• Cyclists are advised to choose alternative transportation.
• Pedestrians are prohibited on the causeway.
• All motorists must adhere to the posted 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone.

For detailed project updates, visit FDOT Sanibel Causeway Project Website.

The Panthers Booster Club will host the Tim Jago Memorial Golf Scramble on Nov. 16 at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, located at 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.

Honoring a Legacy

The event celebrates the life and legacy of Thomas “Tim” Jago, a beloved coach and mentor at Cypress Lake High School. Jago’s impactful career as an assistant football coach and head baseball coach (1986-94) left a lasting impression on students and athletes. In his honor, the school’s baseball field bears his name, and the annual tournament continues to support the athletic programs he was so passionate about.

Event Details

• Cost: $150 per player or $600 per team
• What’s Included:
  • 18 holes of golf
  • Golf cart
  • Range balls
  • Lunch
  • Awards

Supporting Cypress Lake High Athletics

All proceeds from the tournament benefit Cypress Lake High School’s athletes and athletic programs, ensuring that Jago’s commitment to fostering young talent continues.

Registration and Donations

To register or learn more, including how to donate to the tournament, visit pantherboosterclub.com or email [email protected].

Join the event for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community while supporting local student-athletes and honoring a cherished coach.

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company invites the community to its Season Opening Event on Nov. 19 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at The Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. This year’s event celebrates the city’s 50th anniversary with an engaging program titled “The History and Future of the Sanibel Causeway.”

Event Highlights:

• Speakers:
  • Pam Miner, Executive Director of the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village.
  • Jennifer Dorning, Community Liaison for the Sanibel Causeway with the Florida Department of Transportation District One.
• Opening Remarks:
  • S. Albert D. Hanser, Founder and Chairman of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.
  • Jeffrey Muddell, Sanibel President of The Trust Company.

Additional Details:

• Complimentary Breakfast will be served.
• RSVP to Frances Steger at 239-472-8300 or via email at [email protected].

Join this special event to honor Sanibel’s history and explore its exciting future.

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club is offering its 2024 Diner’s Delight coupon books at a discounted rate of $20. These books, valid through December, provide two-for-one dining coupons for various island restaurants, including:

• Boops By The Bubble Room
• Cielo
• Gramma Dot’s
• Jerry’s Foods
• MudBugs Cajun Kitchen
• RC Otter’s Island Eats
• Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory
• Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar
• The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club
• The Sanibel Cafe
• The Shack of Sanibel
• The Shipyard
• Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
• Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen

Purchasing a coupon book not only offers dining savings but also supports the club’s scholarship program and grants for local youth education and recreation. For more information or to purchase a book, visit the SanCap Kiwanis Club’s website

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has concluded the 2024 sea turtle nesting season, marked by notable milestones and unique challenges. Among the highlights was a rare leatherback nest producing 40 hatchlings, a first since 2020 and only the third recorded since 2009.

Lee County has achieved a significant win for residents in unincorporated areas, including Captiva, by securing a FEMA waiver to assist commercial properties impacted by Hurricane Milton. This change allows the county to collect storm debris that previously could not be addressed due to federal restrictions.

The Challenge: FEMA Rules and Debris Collection

Prior to the waiver, FEMA regulations prevented the county from collecting storm debris from commercial properties like apartments, condominiums, and trailer parks. These property owners were required to coordinate debris removal through their insurance providers. As a result, debris left in the right-of-way (ROW) near these properties could not be cleared by the county’s contracted hauler without incurring non-reimbursable expenses, placing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

The Solution: A Collaborative Effort

In partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), Lee County successfully obtained a waiver from FEMA. This waiver permits the county’s debris hauler to conduct a single pass to collect debris placed at the ROW in front of these commercial properties.

Lee County expressed gratitude to FDEM for its support in securing the waiver, which is essential for easing the cleanup process after Hurricane Milton.

Key Details for Commercial Property Owners

• Collection Timeline: The debris hauler began operations on Nov. 9-10 and will continue until the single pass is complete, which may take several weeks.
• Important Restrictions:
  • Additional debris placed after the hauler’s single pass will not be collected by the county. Owners must arrange for private removal using insurance providers.
• Gated Communities:
  • Properties with gated access must submit a Right of Entry (ROE) and Indemnification form to allow debris collection.
  • Forms are available online for property managers and HOA presidents at the ROE Communities page or through the county’s hurricane resource page at www.leegov.com/solidwaste/hurricane.

Timely Action by the County

Securing a FEMA waiver typically takes time. For comparison, after Hurricane Ian in 2022, the waiver process took about a month. The Milton waiver was granted just shy of a month post-landfall, reflecting the county’s proactive efforts.

Need Assistance?

Residents with questions about debris collection can contact Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000. Additional resources and updates are available at www.leegov.com/storm.

This achievement underscores Lee County’s commitment to supporting its residents and streamlining recovery efforts after natural disasters.