Category: SWFL Update

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.

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!

The new Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown is now accepting reservations for arrivals beginning January 11, 2024. The 118-room Hilton-brand hotel is located at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and McGregor Boulevard, just steps away from the historic River District and vibrant downtown Fort Myers.

The hotel features a modern design with a tropical flair, and offers a variety of amenities to make guests’ stays comfortable and enjoyable. These include:

• An outdoor pool and patio area
• A flexible boardroom for meetings and events
• A fitness center
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Complimentary hot breakfast
• Pet-friendly accommodations

“We are excited to open our doors and welcome guests to the Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown,” said General Manager John Doe. “Our hotel is ideally located in the heart of downtown, and we offer a variety of amenities and services that will make our guests’ stays comfortable and memorable.”

The Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown is part of the Hilton family of hotels, which has a reputation for providing exceptional hospitality and guest experiences. The hotel is committed to providing its guests with the highest level of service and ensuring that they have a memorable stay in Fort Myers.

About Hampton by Hilton

Hampton by Hilton is a leading mid-priced hotel brand that offers a clean, comfortable, and value-priced stay for guests. With more than 2,500 hotels in 27 countries, Hampton by Hilton is one of the most successful hotel brands in the world. Hampton by Hilton hotels are known for their friendly service, comfortable accommodations, and complimentary amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and hot breakfast.

Passenger traffic at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers increased in September, the first rise in the year-over-year number since April of 2022.

During September, 560,358 passengers traveled through RSW, an increase of 9 percent compared to September 2022, while year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 12 percent.

The increase in passenger traffic in September is a positive sign for the local economy, as tourism is a major driver of growth in Southwest Florida.

Blog post conclusion

The increase in passenger traffic at RSW in September is a good sign for the local economy. Tourism is a major driver of growth in Southwest Florida, and the increase in passengers suggests that more people are visiting the region. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the return of international travel, the strong job market, and the relatively low cost of living in Southwest Florida.

The continued growth of passenger traffic at RSW is essential to the economic health of the region. The airport is a major employer and supports a variety of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. The increase in passenger traffic will also help to attract new businesses to the region and create more jobs.