Category: SWFL Update

Heart Mac & Cheese and More, a burgeoning restaurant chain, is setting up its first location in the region this fall.

The new restaurant will find its home at The Pointe at Founders Square, situated on the southeast corner of Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard. This development is poised to become a foodie destination, with I Heart Mac & Cheese joining at least six other restaurants.

Get ready for a cheesy adventure! I Heart Mac & Cheese, hailing from Boca Raton, is renowned for its build-your-own mac and cheese bowls and gourmet grilled cheese creations. Diners can craft their ideal mac and cheese masterpiece by selecting from a variety of mouthwatering toppings and sauces.

The mastermind behind bringing this cheesy haven to Southwest Florida is Alfonso Olivos, a Naples native with a deep appreciation for delicious food. Though currently holding a full-time position in banking and finance, Olivos is taking the leap into the restaurant world with this exciting franchise opportunity. “The chance to bring I Heart Mac & Cheese here was simply too good to pass up,” Olivos remarked.

In even cheddier news, Olivos has secured the franchise rights for all of Collier County, with the first-refusal rights for Estero and Bonita Springs. This paves the way for even more cheesy goodness to potentially arrive in Southwest Florida!

So, cheese enthusiasts, mark your calendars! This fall, prepare to experience the melty magic of I Heart Mac & Cheese!

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported positive developments regarding the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), the updated management plan for Lake Okeechobee. On May 24, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the plan, signifying its nearing completion.

LOSOM aims to optimize water flow distribution from Lake Okeechobee. The plan prioritizes supplying the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie watersheds with low or optimal levels of lake water, while also increasing the volume directed south towards the Everglades and Florida Bay. The SCCF actively participated in the LOSOM development process over the past five years, providing data analysis, evaluation, and feedback on proposed strategies.

The FEIS is currently undergoing a 30-day public review period. Following this phase, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to issue and sign a Record of Decision (ROD), officially implementing LOSOM.

“The upcoming wet season makes this a crucial time for LOSOM’s implementation,” said SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis. “This plan offers the operational flexibility to potentially minimize the negative consequences of harmful algal blooms (HABs) impacting our northern estuaries. While LOSOM is not a complete solution, it will significantly reduce the number of harmful discharges transporting polluted lake water into these ecosystems. As our recent study revealed, even a single HAB event can devastate the economies of our coastal communities.”

The SCCF highlighted some of LOSOM’s anticipated benefits, including recognizing the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s distinct water needs, reducing pressure on the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries, enhancing water flow southwards, and providing better management of HABs.

“With LOSOM in place, we’ll be closer to safeguarding our estuaries, bolstering our communities, and restoring America’s Everglades,” DePaolis remarked.

The SCCF acknowledged that the FEIS emphasizes the ongoing need for additional water storage solutions as envisioned in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Additionally, a recent SCCF Marine Lab study underscores the importance of addressing local watershed pollutants to fully protect the Caloosahatchee Estuary.

Public Meeting Opportunity

The public is invited to attend and participate in a virtual LOSOM Project Delivery Team Meeting on July 24th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Details for joining the meeting are as follows:

• WebEx Link: [WebEx link not provided due to privacy concerns]
• Call-in toll-free number (ATT Audio Conference): 1-844-800-2712
• Call-in number (ATT Audio Conference): 1-669-234-1177
• Access Code: 1997788788

For inquiries regarding the FEIS, you can email LakeOComments@usace.army.mil or mail your correspondence to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Attn: Jacob Thompson, Project Biologist 701 San Marco Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207-8915

FEIS Access

The FEIS can be accessed at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll7/id/20286

Movie and entertainment lovers in Naples rejoice! Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has officially opened its doors, marking the first Florida location for the popular dine-in cinema chain.

The grand opening was a festive affair, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Jurassic Park-themed attraction – HappyLand Movie Miniature Golf. Get ready to putt your way past prehistoric giants as you tee off inside the theater itself!

Step into a world of cinematic bliss with 11 cutting-edge auditoriums, boasting luxurious recliner seating for ultimate comfort. But the fun doesn’t stop there – the Alamo Drafthouse Naples boasts a unique golf-themed interior, complete with a captivating 9-hole mini golf course right in the lobby!

This is more than just a movie theater; it’s an immersive entertainment experience for the whole family.

The awe-inspiring Florida International Air Show is returning to Punta Gorda Airport this November, and tickets go on sale today, Friday, June 14th at noon! Don’t miss your chance to witness this incredible multi-day event showcasing breathtaking aerial performances and fascinating static displays of aircraft and military vehicles.

This family-friendly event is organized by the Florida International Air Show (FIAS), a dedicated non-profit organization. Over the years, FIAS has contributed nearly $3 million to Southwest Florida Charities.

Mark Your Calendars!

The air show will take place on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, at the Punta Gorda Airport.

Secure Your Tickets Today!

Advance ticket sales begin at noon today. Be sure to grab yours early to secure your spot for this thrilling event!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Florida International Air Show website.

Florida International Air Show

March brought significant growth to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), with passenger traffic soaring by 29% compared to the previous year. According to data from the Lee County Port Authority, RSW served a total of 1,509,777 passengers, marking the second-highest March performance in the airport’s 41-year history.

Year-to-date, RSW has experienced a robust 25% increase in passenger traffic, reflecting a strong trend of growth. Leading the pack in March was Southwest Airlines, with 278,639 passengers. Following closely behind were Delta (260,718), United (195,560), American (180,831), and Spirit (140,160).

Moreover, RSW witnessed a combined total of 11,621 aircraft arrivals and departures, representing a notable 25% increase compared to March 2023. Additionally, Page Field in Fort Myers experienced a substantial uptick in activity, with 15,610 arrivals and departures, marking a 19% year-over-year increase.

Fort Myers’ City of Palms Park has long been a beloved green space for locals and visitors alike. But could this park soon become something much more? Recent proposals suggest that City of Palms Park could be redeveloped into a mixed-use project anchored by a professional soccer team.

This isn’t just any soccer team, though. We’re talking about a potential Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, the pinnacle of professional soccer in the United States. Imagine the excitement of cheering on a home team in a brand-new stadium, right here in the heart of Fort Myers.

But the project wouldn’t just be about soccer. The plans also include a food court, hotel, and concert venue, making City of Palms Park a true destination for entertainment and recreation. This would be a major boost to the city’s economy, creating jobs and attracting new businesses and residents.

Of course, any major development project comes with concerns. Some residents worry about the impact on traffic and parking. Others are concerned about the potential loss of green space. These are all valid concerns that need to be addressed carefully.

However, the potential benefits of this project are undeniable. A professional soccer team would bring national attention to Fort Myers, putting the city on the map as a vibrant and exciting place to live and visit. The economic benefits would be significant, creating jobs and boosting the local tax base. And the new amenities would make City of Palms Park an even more enjoyable place for everyone.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to move forward with this project lies with the people of Fort Myers. There are pros and cons to weigh, and it’s important to have a thoughtful and informed discussion about the future of this beloved park.

But one thing is for sure: the potential redevelopment of City of Palms Park is an exciting opportunity for Fort Myers. It’s a chance to create something truly special, something that could benefit the city for generations to come.

This is just a starting point, of course. You can tailor this rewrite to fit your specific blog and audience. You can add more details about the soccer team, the other amenities, and the potential economic benefits. You can also address the concerns of residents in more depth.

Specialty Restaurants Corp.’s CEO, John Tallichet, joined local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony in Charlotte Harbor. Adjacent to the site, where condos stand, the former location of the five-star restaurant Pepin’s on the Water, known for its water views and excellent cuisine, has been cleared after its closure.

Among the attendees at the ceremony were Charlotte County Commissioners Joe Tiseo and Stephen Deutsch, Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob White, Punta Gorda Mayor Lynne Matthews, and City Council members Bill Dryburgh and Debi Lux. Specialty Restaurants, a family-owned business established in 1958 by World War II veteran and bomber pilot David Tallichet, currently operates 17 acclaimed restaurants across the U.S.

The civil engineering work at the Charlotte Harbor site is projected to take six to seven months, with an additional 10 months allocated for the construction of the Whiskey Joe’s restaurant. While a visual representation of the Charlotte Harbor Whiskey Joe’s is not available, spokesperson Eliana Litos confirmed that it will share similarities with other waterfront Whiskey Joe’s locations, boasting outdoor dining and a sandy beach.

The restaurant’s Port Charlotte menu will showcase Floribbean Cuisine, a fusion of Florida favorites and Caribbean flavors. Signature dishes include the Jammin’ Jambalaya priced at $18.99, featuring chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers, and onions in a spicy broth with island rice. The menu also offers a variety of lighter fare, appetizers, soups, salads, a raw bar, and finger foods, including burgers, fish tacos, and pulled pork. Desserts such as Florida’s iconic key lime pie are part of the culinary offerings.

The moderately-priced menu at the Ellenton location features a crab cake-topped grouper as the most expensive entree at $31.99, while a burger with sides costs $12.99. The Barefoot Tiki Bar on-site will provide tropical cocktails, local beers, fire pits, and live music with island vibes.

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General RV Center, one of the largest RV dealers in the United States, has acquired a 60,000-square-foot multitenant building and vehicle dealership in Fort Myers for $28 million.

The property is located at 15485 S. Tamiami Trail and sits on 9.24 acres of land. The building was previously occupied by Lenny’s Furniture Warehouse Inc.

The acquisition will allow General RV Center to expand its operations in the Fort Myers area and provide customers with a wider selection of RVs and services.

“We are excited to announce the acquisition of this property,” said General RV Center CEO Larry Hutson. “This expansion will allow us to better serve our customers in the Fort Myers area and provide them with the best possible RV shopping experience.”

The acquisition is part of General RV Center’s ongoing expansion plans. The company has been growing rapidly in recent years and is now one of the largest RV dealers in the country.

General RV Center is a family-owned and operated business that has been in operation for over 40 years. The company has 23 locations in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

The acquisition is a major win for General RV Center and will help the company continue to grow in the years to come.

In addition to the acquisition, General RV Center also recently announced plans to open a new location in Naples, Florida. The new location is expected to open in early 2024.

General RV Center is a leading provider of new and used RVs, RV parts and accessories, and RV service. The company is committed to providing its customers with the best possible RV shopping experience.

With the acquisition of the Fort Myers property and the upcoming opening of the Naples location, General RV Center is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come.

We’ve had a few questions about the popular Naples neighborhood called Victoria Park.

Where is Victoria Park?

Victoria Park is an ungated neighborhood located off of Airport Road just south of Immokalee Road. You can map directions to Victoria Lane, Naples, FL. 34109.

Why is Victoria Park so popular at Christmas time?

The majority of Victoria Park residents go all out with decorating their homes for the holidays. The neighborhood is known for its beautifully themed streets, lights, and inflatables.

When should I visit Victoria Park?

You can start visiting Victoria Park now, but the majority of the houses will be finished decorating by this weekend. The best time to visit is at least 2 weeks before Christmas.

How can I best navigate the neighborhood?

The best way to navigate Victoria Park is to make right turns only. We have created a graphic showing the best possible route. The route allows you to see every street and only make one left turn. This helps to keep traffic moving smoothly.

What are some courtesies to keep in mind when visiting Victoria Park?

• Please drive slowly.
• Do not litter.
• Please drive with your headlights off.
• Do not allow passengers of your vehicle to sit on the outside of any portion of the vehicle, sticking their heads or arms out of the windows.
• Please remain seated.

Please help us keep everyone safe!

We hope this helps!

Additional tips:

• Bring a camera!
• Be patient and courteous of other visitors.
• Enjoy the lights!

We hope you have a wonderful time visiting Victoria Park!