Category: SWFL Update

As the fall season settles in, Southwest Florida becomes a hub of excitement with vibrant pumpkin displays, eerie haunted houses, and family-friendly events that welcome locals and visitors alike. From trick-or-treating to haunted trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy under the warm autumn skies. Below are some of the best Halloween events happening across Southwest Florida (SWFL) to make your spooky season unforgettable!

Lee County: Fort Myers

51st Annual Haunted Walk
Brave the half-mile Haunted Trail for a spine-chilling experience! It takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete, filled with eerie surprises.

• Date: Oct. 18-20 and 24-27
• Time: 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
• Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33905
• Tickets: $20.50 per person

Halloween Fest at Edison Mall
A fun-filled Halloween event for the whole family with trick-or-treating throughout the mall!

• Date: Oct. 20
• Time: Starts at 11 a.m.
• Location: Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Immerse yourself in a magical candlelight concert featuring Halloween-themed music.

• Date: Oct. 19 and 26
• Time: 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
• Location: Music & Arts Community Center – Gulf Coast Symphony, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912
• Tickets: Starting at $43

Lee County: Bonita Springs

Family-Friendly Halloween Event at Riverside Park
Riverside Park transforms into a spooky wonderland with themed lighting, fog, a pumpkin patch, and photo ops. Fun activities for all ages await!

• Date: Oct. 26
• Time: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Charlotte County: Port Charlotte

Halloween Notte
A family-friendly Halloween festival featuring a haunted house, live music, food vendors, and much more!

• Date: Oct. 18-20, 25-27, 31, and Nov. 1-2
• Time: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Location: Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte, FL

Collier County: Naples

Halloween Dance Party
Children can enjoy a dance party with spooky tunes, light refreshments, and a costume contest with prizes for the top three costumes. Pre-registration is required.

• Date: Oct. 18
• Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, FL
• Tickets: $7

Halloween Howl
Drop your kids off for an evening filled with fun games, spooky activities, and pizza! The event is open to ages 5-14. Pre-registration is required.

• Date: Oct. 18
• Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Drive, Naples, FL
• Tickets: $10

Hendry County: LaBelle

Halloween Costume Party
Dress up in your best costume for a chance to win cash prizes! Judging starts at 9 p.m.

• Date: Oct. 26
• Time: Begins at 7 p.m.
• Location: 699 W Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle, FL, 33935

Trunk or Treat
A night of family fun with a costume contest, vendors, and a special Halloween party! Be sure to register online.

• Date: Oct. 25
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Location: 875 Industrial Blvd., LaBelle, FL, 33935

DeSoto County: Arcadia

Sheriff Potter’s Candy Cruise Drive-Thru
Join Sheriff James Potter and local deputies for a safe and fun drive-thru candy giveaway.

• Date: Oct. 31
• Time: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Location: 208 E Cypress St., Arcadia, FL 34266

Let’s Get Spooky
Explore downtown Arcadia’s boutiques and antique shops while enjoying delicious food and a chance to win $150 in gift cards.

• Date: Oct. 18
• Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: 10 S Desoto Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266

Don’t miss out on these incredible events across Southwest Florida that are sure to get you in the spooky spirit! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a thrilling night out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Halloween season.

The Board of Commissioners awarded $229 million to the county on September 3rd to aid in Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. This significant funding will be allocated to 20 vital projects across the county, aimed at rebuilding and strengthening our communities.

Here’s a glimpse of some of the projects that will benefit from this funding:

• Community Recreation Center in Cape Coral: This project will provide residents with a much-needed space for recreation and socialization, fostering a sense of community spirit during these challenging times.

• Street Improvements in Bonita Springs: The funding will go towards enhancing the infrastructure of Bonita Springs, ensuring safer and more efficient transportation for residents.

• New Fire Station in Sanibel: This crucial project will improve emergency response times in Sanibel, safeguarding the well-being of the community.

These are just a few examples of the many initiatives that will be undertaken thanks to this federal funding. The $229 million will play a pivotal role in accelerating Lee County’s recovery from Hurricane Ian and building a more resilient future for our communities.

Click here for more info

In a move to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, and address growing expenses, the Naples City Council voted to increase the property tax rate to 1.23 mills for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This slight tax increase, approved by a 6-1 vote on September 5, is expected to generate an additional $2.05 million in revenue, raising the city’s budget from $197.2 million to $208.8 million starting October 1.

The increase from the current 1.17 mills comes after discussions about the need for investments in essential city services. Vice Mayor Terry Hutchison was the sole opposition, citing concerns about residents already struggling with the rising cost of living. Hutchison had also opposed last year’s increase after the millage rate had remained unchanged since 2020. For context, one mill equates to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value.

Despite the tax hike, there was no public comment during the first budget hearing. Mayor Teresa Heitmann emphasized that the budget focuses on essential areas like public safety and overall quality of life, thanking city staff for their work on a “fiscally responsible” budget. The second and final budget hearing is scheduled for September 18 at 5:05 p.m.

According to Chief Financial Officer Gary Young, the additional funds will support salary increases, personnel expansions, and improvements in police, fire, parks, recreation, and planning services. The need to manage rising operational costs, while maintaining city services and building financial reserves, was also highlighted. Public safety and quality of life initiatives represent over 80% of the budget, with $20.64 million allocated to the police, $26.33 million for fire services, and $13.42 million for parks and recreation.

Personnel costs will rise from $69.5 million this year to $74.5 million, while operating expenses will increase to $76.1 million. Capital expenses, however, will see a slight decrease, dropping from $57.8 million to $55.8 million.

Even with this tax increase, Naples maintains one of the lowest property tax rates in the state. Property values in Naples have surged, totaling over $38.5 billion in 2024—a more than 11% increase from 2023, which will generate an additional $3.8 million in revenue.

This budget is designed to ensure the city continues to meet the needs of its growing population while enhancing the resilience and safety of its infrastructure.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided an update on the ongoing work on the Sanibel Causeway. Traffic has now been shifted to the permanent lanes, marking a significant milestone in the project. Please note that the causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway remain an active construction zone and are closed to public access, including from the water.

East of the Toll Plaza:

• McGregor Boulevard Traffic Adjustments: Traffic on McGregor Boulevard is reduced to one lane in each direction for approximately a half-mile stretch from Shell Point Boulevard to just west of Port Comfort Road. Both directions are currently utilizing the north side of the roadway. Later this fall, traffic will shift to the south side, allowing crews to work on the north side. This shift is essential for reconstructing an underground pipe crossing. Expect one lane of travel in each direction to be maintained through early 2025.
• Daytime Lane Closures: Motorists should anticipate temporary daytime lane closures on McGregor Boulevard, both eastbound and westbound, from Shell Point to Punta Rassa Road. These closures will occur as crews move equipment and materials as needed.
• Eastbound Lane Closure: One eastbound lane remains open from the toll plaza to Shell Point on the south (beach) side of McGregor Boulevard. The shoulder on this side is fully closed to access as crews excavate and install marine mattresses to reinforce the shoreline. This closure is expected to continue through early fall.

West of the Toll Plaza:

• Protected Beach-Nesting Birds: The Causeway Islands are currently home to protected beach-nesting birds. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and remain vigilant, as birds may be flying close to the roadway.
• Equipment Crossings: Expect occasional traffic stops at the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road with materials for work on the south side of McGregor.
• Ongoing Earthwork: Crews are continuing earthwork and debris removal along the Causeway Islands. Construction equipment may periodically enter or leave the travel lanes, with efforts made to minimize disruptions during peak hours.
• Westbound Merge Location: The westbound merge is situated west of the toll plaza. Motorists should exercise caution, adhere to the posted 20 mph speed limit, and be aware of construction vehicles and equipment entering or exiting the staging area near this location.
• Off-Island U-Turn Work: Crews are also working in the area of the off-island U-turn under Span A.

General Advisory:

With many oversized vehicles crossing the causeway to support recovery efforts on the island, travel may be slower than usual. Bicyclists are advised to consider alternative transportation options for crossing the causeway, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway at this time. All motorists are reminded to observe the posted 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone.

Please be aware that while the above activities are scheduled, unforeseen underground conditions and weather may impact the project timeline.

For the latest information on the project, visit FDOT’s Sanibel Causeway Project page.

Fort Myers is making it easier and more affordable to park downtown!

The City has launched a new 10-trip parking pass that can be used in the City of Palms and Main Street garages. Perfect for visitors and part-time employees, the pass offers significant savings compared to traditional hourly rates.

For just $41, you can enjoy 10 trips valid for up to three years. This flexible option provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for those who don’t require daily parking.

Whether you’re exploring downtown shops and restaurants or commuting to work part-time, the new parking pass is a game-changer.

Beat the Heat with Craft Brews, Food Trucks, and Family Fun at Fort Myers Brewing Company’s Summer Beerfest!

The summer sun is blazing, but there’s a cool way to beat the heat this weekend! Head over to Fort Myers Brewing Company’s annual Summer Beerfest, happening from June 20th to 23rd.

This family-friendly event is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the season. Grab an ice-cold craft beer, savor delicious food from a variety of food trucks, and relax to live music performances. Whether you’re with friends, family, or even your furry companions, there’s something for everyone at Beerfest.

Don’t miss out on the fun! The event kicks off on Thursday and continues all weekend long. With Friday expected to draw a bigger crowd, we recommend arriving early to secure your spot.

Ready to hop on over? Visit Fort Myers Brewing Company this weekend and experience the perfect summer celebration – delicious craft beers, tasty food, live music, and good company!

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 [email protected] 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