Category: SWFL Update

Golfers across Southwest Florida are invited to enjoy a day on the green for a great cause at the 2025 St. Matthew’s House Charity Golf Scramble, happening on Monday, April 28 at The Club at TwinEagles in Collier County.

Hosted on the club’s renowned Talon and Eagle championship courses, the event supports St. Matthew’s House and its ongoing mission to provide hope, help, and healing to individuals and families facing homelessness, hunger, and addiction.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, April 28, 2025

• Location: The Club at TwinEagles, Collier County

• Registration & Lunch: Begins at 11:30 a.m.

• Shotgun Start: 1:15 p.m.

• Entry Fee: $250 per person
  (Includes 18 holes of championship golf, lunch, and support for a powerful cause.)

• Registration Deadline: April 21, 2025

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or simply looking for a fun way to give back, this event offers a rewarding day of sport and community impact.

“Every swing helps change a life,” says the St. Matthew’s House team. “Your participation directly supports our life-changing programs.”

How to Register:

To reserve your spot, email events@stmatthewshouse.org.

Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged!

The Florida Toll Relief Program, which offered significant cost savings to frequent drivers across the state, officially ended on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a statewide initiative that provided a 50% toll credit for qualifying users.

Program Summary

The program, which required no registration, automatically applied a 50% toll credit to accounts that logged 35 or more paid transactions in a calendar month. Eligible drivers used a SunPass, E-Pass, or Uni transponder, traveled in two-axle vehicles, and maintained accounts in good standing.

In Lee County, the discount applied to toll roads and bridges including the Cape Coral Bridge, Midpoint Bridge, and the Sanibel Causeway, along with other major facilities across the state such as Florida’s Turnpike System and the Veterans Expressway.

Impact on Drivers

Credits were automatically applied the following month, helping drivers save on commuting and regular travel throughout the 2024 hurricane season.

With the 2025 hurricane season approaching, the program has officially come to an end. At this time, no announcement has been made regarding whether the program will be renewed for 2025.

Officials note that any future toll relief efforts may be influenced by storm activity or broader state transportation policies.

For updates or toll account assistance, drivers can visit Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise or their local tolling authority’s website.

he Chiquita Boat Lock in Cape Coral has officially closed for approximately three months as part of the South Spreader Waterway Enhancement Project, marking a significant change for local boaters who regularly rely on the lock for access to the Caloosahatchee River and open waters.

Safety Concerns Prompt Closure

The decision to close and remove the lock stems largely from longstanding safety concerns. The structure’s narrow design and strong water currents have led to numerous boating accidents, with operators struggling to maintain steering control in the confined space.

According to local officials and business owners, the lock has been the cause of frequent and costly damages to vessels, and some residents have welcomed its removal. Reports also indicate that the lock has posed risks to wildlife, including manatees and large fish that have previously become trapped or injured within the system.

Damage from Hurricane Ian

Since Hurricane Ian, the lock has not been operational. The storm caused significant damage, leaving the gate permanently open. Although it remained passable, the non-functional condition of the lock heightened concerns and further supported the case for its full removal.

Project Timeline and Impact

According to the City of Cape Coral, the full removal of the Chiquita Lock is expected to take approximately 81 days. During this period, boaters living on the west side of the lock will temporarily lose direct access to the river, but access is expected to be restored by June.

While the temporary closure poses an inconvenience to some, the long-term goal is to enhance navigability and safety within the waterway.

For additional updates and project information, residents are encouraged to follow announcements from the City of Cape Coral and the South Spreader Waterway Enhancement Project team.

Breeze Airways is expanding its nonstop flight options from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) with the launch of multiple new routes.

• On Wednesday, Feb. 12, the airline debuted a direct flight to South Bend International Airport, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• On Friday, Feb. 14, Breeze introduced nonstop service to Wilmington, North Carolina, available Mondays and Fridays.
• In the coming months, Breeze will add two more nonstop routes, connecting RSW to Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Albany, New York.

With these additions, Breeze now operates 25 nonstop routes from RSW, which officially became the airline’s ninth base of operations in 2024. This expansion strengthens Breeze’s commitment to providing affordable, convenient, and direct flight options for Southwest Florida travelers.

Southwest Florida’s alt-rock quintet, Shy Blossom, is set to open for ’90s rock fusion legends Sister Hazel on March 13 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

Formed by vocalist and guitarist Adriana McDonald, Shy Blossom blends ’90s influences with a modern twist, drawing inspiration from artists like Radiohead, Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey, Mitski, and Chappell Roan. The band also features Julie Copithorn on drums, Preston Lich on bass, and Abel Ramirez on lead guitar and backing vocals.

Their debut album, “Bloom,” released last year, showcases catchy, introspective tracks such as “The Fool,” “Don’t Call Me,” and “Underneath.” Notably, the album includes contributions from former Pearl Jam drummer David Abbruzzese.

Opening for Sister Hazel, known for their hit “All for You,” is a significant milestone for Shy Blossom. Reflecting on the opportunity, McDonald expressed gratitude, stating, “I feel like it’s an incredible opportunity. It came out of nowhere. It kind of feels meant to be. I’m just really grateful to be opening for them and that they gave us a chance to let us play.”

Tickets for the March 13 show are available here. Doors open at 7 p.m., with music starting at 8 p.m.

For more information on Shy Blossom and their upcoming projects, visit their official website.

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Southwest Florida continues to strengthen its position as a competitive office market, ranking fifth among the country’s mid-sized office markets in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a recent study by Commercial Cafe, a leading commercial real estate data provider.

The report examined the 100 largest office markets in the U.S., evaluating their performance in critical areas such as asking rents, vacancy rates, market expansion, and loan maturities. The findings highlight Southwest Florida’s resilience and growth as the region steps into 2025.

A Strong Performance in Key Metrics

One of the standout factors in Southwest Florida’s ranking was its low office vacancy rate. At 9.8%, the region recorded the second-lowest vacancy rate among mid-sized markets with less than 100 million square feet of office space. This represents a slight improvement from the 10.2% vacancy rate recorded in Q3 2024, reflecting a growing demand for office space in the area.

In addition to maintaining a strong occupancy rate, Southwest Florida also ranked among the top 20 markets for office expansion. The report analyzed both the amount of new office space added in the fourth quarter and its share of total office inventory. This indicates steady growth and continued investment in the region’s office sector.

How Southwest Florida Compares to Other Mid-Sized Markets

Southwest Florida’s impressive ranking places it alongside some of the most competitive office markets in the country. The top-performing mid-sized office markets in Q4 2024 were:

1. Miami, Florida
2. Inland Empire, California
3. Richmond, Virginia
4. Central Valley, California
5. Southwest Florida

A Promising Outlook for 2025

With strong fundamentals, low vacancy rates, and continued market expansion, Southwest Florida’s office market is positioned for a promising year ahead. As businesses seek stable and growing markets for office space, the region remains an attractive option for investors and companies looking to establish or expand their presence.

The findings from Commercial Cafe’s report reinforce Southwest Florida’s economic resilience and potential for long-term growth, making it one of the standout office markets to watch in 2025.

Construction has officially begun on Aura at Metropolitan Naples, a stunning 15-story high-rise that is set to redefine luxury living in downtown Naples.

Exclusive Residences with Spectacular Views

Aura will feature a curated collection of 56 luxury residences, offering layouts from two-bedroom-plus-den to expansive four-bedroom configurations. With living spaces ranging from 1,890 to 6,335 square feet, residents can enjoy a blend of sophistication and functionality.

Prices start at $2 million and exceed $7 million, ensuring each residence offers an unparalleled standard of living.

Elevated Amenities to Redefine Luxury

Aura will boast the highest pool in downtown Naples, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape. Residents will also enjoy an elevated fitness center and yoga studio, overlooking the vibrant intersection of Fifth Avenue South and Davis Boulevard.

The fifth floor will feature an array of exclusive amenities, including:

• Indoor and outdoor residents’ lounges
• An overnight guest suite
• A business center and conference room
• An outdoor kitchen and grilling area, perfect for entertaining

Visionary Developers

Development Partners International LLC, led by Naples veterans Fred Pezeshkan and Jerry Starkey, is spearheading the development of Aura and the broader Metropolitan Naples project. With a deep understanding of the local community and a legacy of successful developments, Pezeshkan and Starkey aim to bring new energy and elegance to the downtown Naples area.

Anticipation Builds

While a completion date has not yet been announced, excitement is already growing around this transformative project. Aura promises to combine architectural beauty, luxurious amenities, and a prime location to create an unmatched living experience in Naples.

Stay tuned for updates as construction progresses on this remarkable addition to the Naples skyline.

Southwest Florida’s beloved eagle pair, M15 and F23, have welcomed two new eaglets, delighting fans of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam. The hatching of E24 and E25 marks another milestone in the 13th season of this globally renowned live stream.

Hatchling Highlights

• Egg 1: Laid on Nov. 8 at 2:38 p.m., hatched as E24 on Dec. 14 at 4:01 p.m.
• Egg 2: Laid on Nov. 11 at 6:15 p.m., hatched as E25 on Dec. 17 at 5:48 a.m.

Viewers witnessed the magical moments unfold via the multi-camera setup streaming live from the nest on the Pritchett property in North Fort Myers. With over 225 million views worldwide since its inception, the Eagle Cam continues to captivate audiences.

On Dec. 16, a close-up of the second egg revealed signs of movement as the eaglet began to break through the shell. The process wasn’t immediate—like in cartoons—but a gradual effort. By the morning of Dec. 17, E25 emerged, still wet and partially inside the cracked shell, exhausted but alive.

A Season of Growth

This is the second season for M15 and F23 as a pair. Last year, only one egg hatched successfully, while the second was damaged before hatching. The new eaglets bring a fresh challenge as the pair now raises two eaglets together for the first time.

Southwest Florida Eagle Cam founder Ginnie Pritchett-McSpadden expressed excitement and relief:

“Last year, we only had one hatch. I was a little nervous this time, but it’s great to see them both hatch successfully. Watching them eat, bob their heads, and gain strength is such a treat—it’s cuteness overload!”

The Legacy of M15 and Harriet

M15 is no stranger to the spotlight. He was the mate of the original nest matriarch, Harriet, for eight years. After Harriet’s disappearance in 2023, M15 bonded with F23, continuing the legacy of the nest first established by Ozzie and Harriet in 2006. The Eagle Cam has documented their lives, making them icons of conservation awareness.

What’s Next for E24 and E25?

The eaglets will experience rapid growth in the coming weeks, undergoing a remarkable transformation:

• First 30 Days: Significant growth in height and weight.
• Next 30 Days: Development of feathers to replace their downy coating.
• Final 30 Days: Practice branching and wing exercises in preparation for fledging.

Within six weeks, the eaglets will nearly match the size of their parents, and by early spring, they are expected to fledge from the nest.

Immersive Eagle Viewing

Fans can follow the eaglets’ journey on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, which provides a unique, real-time look into their daily lives. The setup includes:

• Camera 1: Positioned 7 feet above the nest with night vision.
• Camera 2: Captures side views at nest level.
• Camera 3: A 360-degree live-streaming camera offering an interactive experience.
• Camera 4: Focuses on the pond and surrounding pasture.

For updates and to watch the action unfold, visit the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam. The season promises to be an exciting chapter in the life of these majestic birds!

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.