Category: SWFL Update

Get ready to save this August! Florida’s 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs from August 1 through August 31, giving families a full month to shop for essentials tax-free.

Whether you’re stocking up for the school year or upgrading your home study space, this is the perfect time to shop smart and save.

What’s Tax-Free?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the items you can buy without paying sales tax:

• Learning aids & puzzles – $30 or less

• ✏️ School supplies – $50 or less

• Clothing, footwear & accessories – $100 or less

• Computers & accessories – $1,500 or less (must be for personal, non-commercial use)

What’s Not Included?

• Rentals or repairs of any qualifying items

• Purchases made at theme parks, entertainment venues, hotels, or airports

Pro Tip:

Plan ahead and shop early—popular items can sell out quickly during the tax holiday window.

For the full list of qualifying items and official guidelines, visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s website.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is reminding residents and business owners that all Temporary Use Permits for trailers—both residential and commercial—are set to expire on September 23, 2025.

This applies to:

• Businesses operating from trailers

• Residents currently living in trailers as their primary residence

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, permit holders are strongly encouraged to begin planning the removal or relocation of their trailers before the deadline.

“The Town is committed to working with residents to ensure a smooth and timely process as these permits expire,” said Town Manager Will McKannay.

Key Details:

• Expiration Date: September 23, 2025

• Action Required: Remove or discontinue use of trailers by the deadline

• Enforcement: Non-compliance may lead to code enforcement actions, including potential fines or magistrate hearings under Chapter 2, Section 424 of the Fort Myers Beach Code of Ordinances

• Notice: A formal letter will be sent to all affected permit holders

For more information or assistance, please contact the Town of Fort Myers Beach at 239-765-0202 or visit the Code of Ordinances.

Mid-Year Report Highlights Population Growth, Income Migration, and Key Economic Trends

Amid nationwide economic uncertainty, Florida continues to stand out. According to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2025 Florida Business & Economic Mid-Year Report, the Sunshine State posted a 1.4% economic growth rate—the second-fastest in the U.S., even as national GDP declined.

With a booming population of 23.75 million residents and over 1,000 new people moving in daily, Florida leads the country in net income migration, attracting $36.1 billion annually—more than 3.5 times the amount Texas receives.

Housing & Labor Market Trends:

• Median Home Price: $415,000 (up 53% since 2019)

• Average Days on Market: 73 days

• Unemployment Rate: 3.7%

• Inflation: 2.7%

Florida also takes the top spot for manufacturing job growth over the past decade, adding 90,000 new jobs and growing its manufacturing GDP by 85.5%.

Challenges on the Horizon:

Despite the impressive numbers, the report also outlines several ongoing challenges:

• 1.6 million adults in Florida still lack a high school diploma

• Child care costs now exceed college tuition by $8,000 per year

• Rising concerns around housing affordability, infrastructure, and workforce readiness

Looking Ahead:

To maintain this upward trajectory through 2030, Florida’s policymakers are prioritizing:

• Talent development initiatives

• Affordable housing strategies

• Strategic infrastructure investments

Florida’s story is one of resilience, opportunity, and transformation—positioning itself as a leader in economic performance and lifestyle appeal, even during times of national volatility.

After months of study, the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) has officially ruled out relocating Naples Airport. A June 19 feasibility analysis — prepared by NAA staff and four consulting firms — found that even the least‑expensive option would leave a funding gap too large to bridge without major city or county support.

Key Takeaways

• Price tag:

  • New general‑aviation airport: $1.1 – $1.6 billion

  • GA + commercial airport: $1.3 – $2.1 billion

• Available funds:

  • NAA reserves by 2040 (if spending is frozen): ≈ $200 million

  • Additional debt capacity: $108 – $169 million

  • FAA grants can’t be used for relocation

• Funding gap:

  • $180 – $751 million (GA only)

  • $395 million – $1.2 billion (GA + commercial)

• Extra costs not in the estimate: site demolition, environmental cleanup, tenant buyouts, new utilities, and flight‑procedure development.

With no realistic path to close the gap — and strong opposition from Collier County and airport tenants — commissioners voted 3‑1 to shelve the relocation idea. The NAA will notify city and county leaders that the question is settled: Naples Airport will stay put and focus on improving its current, well‑run facility.

Avelo Airlines, the low-cost carrier known for connecting underserved routes, is giving travelers more time to plan ahead. The airline has extended its schedule through February 10, 2026, at four regional Florida airports, offering nonstop service to nine destinations.

The airports included in the extended schedule are:

• Lakeland International Airport (LAL)

• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers

• Tampa International Airport (TPA)

From these locations, Avelo will continue offering flights to the following destinations:

• Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)

• Long Island/Islip, NY (ISP)

• Nashville, TN (BNA)

• New Haven, CT (HVN)

• Philadelphia/Wilmington, DE (ILG)

• Raleigh/Durham, NC (RDU)

• Rochester, NY (ROC)

• San Juan, PR (SJU)

• Wilmington, NC (ILM)

“It’s time to start planning winter and holiday travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s Central Florida flight schedule through mid-February 2026,” said Trevor Yealy, Avelo Airlines’ Head of Commercial.

To celebrate the schedule extension, Avelo is offering one-way fares starting at $39 between Lakeland (LAL) and Nashville (BNA)—but only if booked by July 16.

Founded in 2021 and based in Houston, Avelo Airlines has flown more than 7.4 million passengers on nearly 60,000 flights. The airline now serves 53 cities across 21 U.S. states, plus Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Fort Myers Beach just got a major comeback story. The Beach Bar, a beloved local hangout destroyed by Hurricane Ian, has officially reopened—rebuilt with resilience and ready for the future.

Construction, led by Stevens Construction, wrapped up just in time for a festive July 4th ribbon-cutting. Co-owner Madeline Boyd shared that the weather held up beautifully and the reopening day was packed with energy and excitement.

Located at 1668 I Street, the new 6,133-square-foot bar isn’t just a redesign—it’s a full rebuild, engineered to better withstand Florida’s toughest weather. Built with storm-resilient materials, the structure now features simulated stucco siding, composite soffits, marine-grade cabinetry, and a standing seam metal roof for increased durability against sun, salt, and storms.

But the improvements go beyond resilience. The Beach Bar is also more eco-conscious than ever, featuring turtle-friendly lighting and glass to protect nearby hatchlings by minimizing beachfront light pollution.

To prepare for future storms, the ground floor was designed with movable cooler storage and restroom trailers that can be relocated if needed—adding a layer of flexibility and preparedness rarely seen in beachside builds.

Above the bar, the top two floors house a four-bedroom, four-bath duplex—the only residential unit in the building. Boyd confirmed that vacation rentals will begin advertising later this month, offering guests a front-row seat to the rejuvenated Fort Myers Beach experience.

The Beach Bar’s reopening marks more than just a business revival—it’s a symbol of community strength, smart rebuilding, and the continued comeback of Fort Myers Beach.

Construction is in full swing at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) as the airport moves into phase two of a major terminal expansion project.

The centerpiece of this phase? A brand-new concourse designed to accommodate up to 15,000 passengers daily—a key move to help RSW keep pace with Southwest Florida’s rapid growth.

Among the travelers navigating the changes is Latha Malavalli, who was en route to her daughter’s wedding in India. While she welcomes the upgrade, she admits it’s a bittersweet shift:

“I think expansion is excellent, but we’ll lose that ‘get in, get out’ convenience,” Malavalli said. “It won’t be like that anymore.”

Darian Welch, a frequent flyer from Philadelphia, agrees that change is necessary—especially given the region’s explosive development.

“With all the buildings going up in Southwest Florida, it’s still easy to get in and out of the airport now. But without expansion, I don’t think that’ll last another five to ten years,” Welch said.

The billion-dollar project will add 14 new gates, nine TSA screening lanes, and expanded retail and concession space, promising a better experience for passengers and airlines alike.

Phase one focused on renovating the existing terminal, though it faced budget and design delays. Phase two is centered on the construction of the new concourse, with RSW officials assuring that it remains on schedule.

Despite the temporary inconvenience of construction, most travelers are optimistic.

“I love the airport, love the area. It’s almost like home—and soon to be home,” said Welch.

As the terminal transformation unfolds, flyers can expect to see more visible changes in the coming months, all aimed at ensuring RSW continues to deliver a smooth, modern, and passenger-friendly experience.

For the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, Independence Day is more than just baseball and fireworks — it’s one of the most profitable weekends of the year, expected to bring in approximately 10% of the team’s annual revenue.

With July 4 landing on a Friday in 2025, it aligns perfectly with the team’s recurring “Fireworks Fridays” promotion — a calendar staple that draws thousands of fans to Hammond Stadium throughout the season. The team has 11 postgame fireworks shows scheduled for 2025, but this Fourth of July display will be the largest and most elaborate yet.

A Big Investment in a Big Show

“It’s a huge deal to really knock this weekend out of the park,” said John Martin, managing partner of Kaufy Baseball, which owns the team.

To deliver a Major League-level fireworks show, the Mighty Mussels are partnering once again with Pyrotecnico Fireworks Inc., a national company with offices in Jupiter and Tampa. Their long-term relationship — built through 10 additional bookings during the season — gave the team priority access on one of the busiest fireworks nights of the year.

“Nobody is doing more fireworks during a calendar year than the Mighty Mussels,” Martin noted. “That leverage lets us negotiate better rates and secure premium show nights like July 4.”

The Independence Day show is set to be double the size of their usual postgame displays, with over $20,000 worth of fireworks lighting up the sky — compared to the $10,000 typically spent on regular nights.

“This is the biggest fireworks show in the history of Hammond Stadium,” Martin said. “In terms of duration and intensity, it’s about double what you would normally see — and our regular shows are no slouch.”

The ROI of Fireworks

While the exact return on investment isn’t disclosed, Martin emphasized the clear value fireworks bring to minor league baseball marketing.

“You don’t have to be a brilliant marketer to lean into Fireworks Fridays,” he said. “They work. People love them. Families look forward to them. Fireworks fill the stands.”

So pivotal is this night that Kaufy Baseball insures the event against rain, covering both fireworks and staffing expenses. The policy activates based on rainfall levels during key hours — an essential safeguard when thousands of dollars are on the line.

Weather Watch

As of July 2, the weather forecast for Friday evening was uncertain.

“Scattered storms are in the forecast,” said WINK News Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt, “but with a little luck, hopefully those storms will avoid the ballpark.”

With strong attendance expected, fireworks prepped, and contingency plans in place, the Mighty Mussels are ready to deliver a Fourth of July experience that blends America’s pastime with a sky-high celebration — weather permitting.

The River District Alliance, in partnership with the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater and the City of Fort Myers, will present the Downtown Fort Myers Fourth of July Celebration on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The event will take place along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River and promises a festive evening of live music, delicious food, and a grand fireworks finale.

Event Overview

This family-friendly celebration is free to attend and open to the public. While General Admission does not require a ticket, guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as seating will not be provided.

The evening kicks off at 6:00 PM, followed by a patriotic performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by local artist Tyler Shep. Live entertainment continues with a performance by The Caloosa River Band, leading up to a fireworks show (weather permitting) presented by the River District Alliance.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase, including onsite bar service offering themed cocktails and summer favorites.

VIP Experience

For those seeking a more elevated experience, VIP tickets are available and include:

• Reserved seating in a front-section fenced area (first-come, first-served)

• No need to bring your own chair

• Access to air-conditioned restroom trailers

• A chef-curated BBQ boxed dinner (served from 6:30–8:00 PM)

• Entry into a raffle to win a hotel night and two VIP tickets to the upcoming 90’s Country Revival concert

• Exclusive access to a full bar

• 10% off food and beverage at all Luminary Hotel outlets on the day of the event (with TIXR ticket, excludes event hours)

VIP guests will also enjoy live performances, including:

• Tyler Shep’s rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner (8:00 PM)

• The Caloosa River Band

• Fireworks finale presented by the River District Alliance

Additional Information

• Location: Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, Downtown Fort Myers

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025

• Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Admission: General Admission is free. VIP tickets available for purchase.

• Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, with ramps and paved walkways. For additional accommodations, contact caloosasales@luminaryhotel.com.

Please note: All ticket sales are final. Loud music, lighting effects, and crowd noise should be expected. VIP seats may not be moved.

For tickets and VIP upgrades, visit the official event page.

At its regular meeting on July 2, the Village of Estero Council approved a contract amendment totaling $2,224,726 with Chris-Tel Construction to build a new maintenance building for the upcoming 100-acre Estero sports park. The funding also covers the demolition of the existing facility.

This move aligns with the master plan for the park, which was approved in January and is scheduled for completion in 2026. Village staff recommended the updated contract to ensure the project remains on track and on schedule.

A Community Vision for Recreation

The future park is one of the village’s most ambitious recreation projects, aiming to offer expansive sports and activity areas for residents of all ages. While specific features are still being developed, the maintenance building is a critical early component in preparing the site for larger infrastructure and amenities.

Resident Feedback: Call for a Splash Pad

During the meeting’s public comment session, a local resident shared a petition with 600 signatures urging the council to consider adding a splash pad to the park — a water-based feature geared toward young children.

Although the idea gained community interest, the Council previously opted not to include a splash pad in the park’s master plan. Instead, planners have reserved space for an area potentially dedicated to food trucks and event-related vendors, which they believe could better serve a broader range of park visitors.

What’s Next?

Construction of the maintenance building will begin soon, keeping the development of the new park in motion. As plans progress, the Village of Estero is expected to continue seeking community input and balancing infrastructure needs with recreational features that reflect residents’ priorities.

For updates on the park’s development or upcoming meetings, visit the official village website at www.estero-fl.gov.