Category: SWFL Update

Fort Myers Beach may be on the verge of expanding its town boundaries as officials consider the annexation of San Carlos Island, a move that could add approximately 1,000 new residents to the town overnight.

The idea was introduced by Councilman John King during a recent town council meeting. The proposed annexation would extend from the Hurricane Pass Bridge to the Matanzas Pass Bridge, effectively bringing the entirety of San Carlos Island under Fort Myers Beach governance.

“I’d like the council to consider annexing San Carlos Island,” King said, citing the strong sense of connection many residents already feel with Fort Myers Beach.

“It would bring them into a town that they always identify with. It would give them a chance to vote on local government and possibly have people on the council,” he added.

Community Reactions Mixed

While some see the move as a logical next step for regional unity, not all residents are on board.

Rick Good, a longtime resident of San Carlos Island, voiced strong opposition to the proposal.

“It seems like a negative to me. I can’t see any reason for it,” Good said, expressing concerns about the potential for increased building restrictions and decisions made by Fort Myers Beach that might not reflect San Carlos Island values.

“We know some of the restrictions they have done on buildings, and then also, they have approved a lot of stuff that we wouldn’t have been for,” he continued.

Good also emphasized that San Carlos Island has long functioned effectively as an unincorporated area, praising local law enforcement and emergency services.

“We’ve never had any issue with police or fire. The sheriff’s great around here, so they take care of everything,” he said.

Next Steps: Town Halls and Dialogue

Councilman King stressed that annexation would not proceed without robust community input.

“I’d have a series of town halls, sit down, discuss the idea with them, hear their concerns, let them hear what I think will happen, and either we can go forward or not,” he said.

The topic is expected to be brought up for further discussion at an upcoming management and planning meeting within the next two months. In the meantime, both supporters and opponents will have the opportunity to voice their perspectives.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Fort Myers Beach continues evaluating the potential annexation of San Carlos Island.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is preparing for a significant shift in terminal access as part of its ongoing terminal expansion project. Starting Wednesday at 8 p.m., travelers should expect changes that will impact how they enter and navigate the airport, particularly those heading to Concourses B, C, and D.

What’s Changing?

Key sections of the main terminal—including the area that previously served as a primary entrance to Concourses B and C—will be closed off. This closure also includes retail and dining spaces such as Nathan’s Famous and Quiznos located within that corridor.

Going forward, travelers needing to reach Concourses B and C will need to use the east atrium entrance. For those flying out of Concourse D, access will now be available only through the west atrium, located inside Door 5.

What Travelers Should Know

RSW officials are advising passengers to allow extra time for arrival and check-in, as navigation around the terminal may be less intuitive during construction.

Frequent flyer Bruce Ross, who typically parks near the now-closed section for convenience, shared his reaction:

“I think what I’ll have to do is just adapt… I’ll start parking further down and figure it out—it’s going to be ugly at first,” he said.

Another long-time traveler, Eric Payne, expressed mixed feelings.

“There’s no character here. There’s no pizzazz. It’s like a utility room with gates,” he said, but added that expansion could bring much-needed improvements to the overall experience.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate changes may cause some disruption, airport officials hope the expansion will ultimately make RSW more efficient, attractive, and traveler-friendly, comparable to top-tier international airports.

Until then, passengers are reminded to check signage, follow airport personnel guidance, and plan their arrival with these new access routes in mind.

Travel Tip:
Give yourself extra time before your flight—especially if you are unfamiliar with the updated terminal layout or traveling with children, seniors, or luggage.

For the latest updates and terminal maps, visit the official RSW Airport website or contact airport information services.

On April 15, the Lee County Commission issued a burn ban for all unincorporated areas of Lee County and participating municipalities due to increasingly dry weather conditions throughout Southwest Florida.

The ban prohibits all outdoor burning ignition sources, including:

• Campfires

• Bonfires

• Trash or debris burning

Use of grills for food preparation is permitted and not affected by the ban. However, county officials are urging residents to exercise caution and be proactive in preventing potential wildfires.

Why the Ban Was Issued

The decision is based on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a scale used to measure soil dryness. On April 14, Lee County’s average index value reached 612 out of 800, exceeding the threshold of 600 required to enact the ban. The ban is also supported by both the Lee County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Florida Forest Service.

Exemptions

This burn ban does not apply to:

• Prescribed burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service

• Public fireworks displays with proper permits

• Retail fireworks sales authorized by state law

The burn ban is enforced under a State of Local Emergency declared by the Lee County Commission.

Wildfire Safety Resources

Residents are encouraged to review fire safety resources from the Florida Forest Service:

• Be Wildfire Ready

• Ready, Set, Go! Resources

Stay Informed

County officials will continue to monitor drought conditions and will lift the ban when appropriate. For updates, visit:

• www.leegov.com

• Lee County’s official social media channels

For questions or additional information, contact Lee County Government via their website or public information office.

As the busy season winds down at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), travelers can look forward to expanded flight options this winter. Delta Air Lines has announced the launch of three new domestic routes beginning December 20, 2025.

One of the highlights includes a new weekly flight between Fort Myers (RSW) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), providing a convenient connection for travelers heading to or from Utah during the holiday and ski season. All three new routes will operate once weekly, on Saturdays.

New Delta Routes Starting December 20, 2025:

• Fort Myers (RSW) to Salt Lake City (SLC)

• New York City (JFK) to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) near Vail, Colorado

• New York City (LaGuardia) to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Montana

Delta has confirmed there is no saver award availability on these routes, meaning SkyMiles members should expect dynamic pricing for mileage redemptions. Tickets are currently available for purchase.

Aircraft Details:

• Airbus A319: Used for the Fort Myers–Salt Lake City and LaGuardia–Bozeman routes

• Boeing 757-200: Used for the JFK–Vail route

These aircraft differ from the Bombardier CRJ900 involved in a previous incident in February 2025 and are part of Delta’s mainline fleet.

Airlines Serving RSW:

Delta is one of 15 commercial airlines operating at Southwest Florida International Airport. Other airlines include:

• Air Canada

• Alaska Airlines

• American Airlines

• Avelo Airlines

• Breeze Airways

• Delta Air Lines / Delta Connection

• Discover Airlines

• Frontier Airlines

• JetBlue Airways

• Porter Airlines

• Southwest Airlines

• Spirit Airlines

• Sun Country Airlines

• United Airlines

• WestJet

For more information on flights, schedules, and travel updates, visit the official RSW website.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced a major milestone in the ongoing Sanibel Causeway restoration project — traffic has now been shifted to the permanent travel lanes. While this is a key step forward, work continues across multiple areas of the project, and the causeway islands remain an active construction zone with no public access, including from the water.

Current and Upcoming Work Activity

FDOT has outlined specific work zones and what motorists can expect. Please note that schedules are subject to change due to weather and underground conditions.

East of the Toll Plaza (Toward Fort Myers)

• Daytime Lane Closures
  Expect intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures between Port Comfort Road and Punta Rassa Road for sod installation. Eastbound closures will occur after peak morning hours.

• Shoulder Closures on McGregor Boulevard
  The shoulder remains closed from the toll plaza to about ¾ mile east. Completion is anticipated later this month.

• Intermittent Flagging on McGregor Boulevard
  Expect daytime flagging in both directions between Shell Point Boulevard and Punta Rassa as crews move equipment and materials.

West of the Toll Plaza (Toward Sanibel)

• Overnight Work (7 p.m. – 6 a.m.)
  Nighttime work will continue with single-lane closures and flagging operations for:

  • Bridge approach work

  • Bridge rail installation

  • Concrete railing painting

• Daytime Intermittent Flagging
  Drivers may experience flagging delays during the day as crews complete tasks such as:

  • Installing new signage

  • Installing lighting fixtures

  • Lane shifts near the toll plaza as needed to manage traffic flow

• Causeway Islands and Park Access
  The contractor is preparing the recreational areas of the causeway for a future reopening and transferring materials to Lee County. Causeway Islands Park remains closed to the public.

⚠️ Travel Advisory

• Expect slower traffic due to increased oversized vehicles supporting recovery operations.

• Pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway.

• Bicyclists are strongly encouraged to use alternative transportation.

• Please obey the posted 20 mph speed limit in all work zones for everyone’s safety.

For detailed project updates, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway

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.