Category: SWFL Update

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided an update on the ongoing reconstruction of the Sanibel Causeway. Traffic has been shifted to permanent lanes, while the surrounding causeway islands remain an active work zone closed to public access, including water access.

Key Updates and Scheduled Activities

East from Toll Plaza

1. Traffic Shift on McGregor Boulevard
   • Both directions of traffic have shifted to the south side of McGregor Boulevard from Shell Point Boulevard to Port Comfort Road.
   • Westbound traffic to Port Comfort may continue straight, turning right as needed.
   • This shift allows contractors to reconstruct the underground pipe crossing on the north side.
   • McGregor will remain one lane in each direction through early 2025.
2. Shoulder Closures and Shoreline Reinforcement
   • The eastbound shoulder (beach side) of McGregor is closed. Crews are completing sand placement and replacing the barrier wall with barrels.
   • Both eastbound lanes are expected to reopen by the end of the year.
3. Temporary Lane Closures
   • Expect daytime lane closures (both eastbound and westbound) between Shell Point and Punta Rassa Road as crews move equipment and materials.

West from Toll Plaza

1. Barrier Wall Removal
   • Crews are removing the barrier wall along the Causeway Islands to prepare for final asphalt paving. The Causeway Islands Park remains closed.
2. Pedestrian Delineation
   • Lee County is installing a post-and-rope system to delineate pedestrian areas during the reconstruction of recreational facilities.
3. Construction Activity
   • Crews are working on:
     • Armor stone placement near the south side of the toll plaza.
     • Sod installation for roadway stabilization.
     • Earth grading and debris removal.
   • Construction equipment will periodically enter and exit travel lanes, with interruptions minimized during peak hours.
4. Westbound Merge and Speed Limits
   • The westbound merge location is west of the toll plaza.
   • Motorists must obey the 20 mph speed limit. Construction vehicles are active near the staging area.
5. U-turn Under Span A
   • Work continues on the off-island U-turn under Span A.

Safety and Travel Advisories

• Oversized Vehicles: Many large vehicles are crossing to support island recovery efforts. Expect slower travel times.
• Bicyclists and Pedestrians: Bicyclists are advised to use alternative transportation, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway.
• Speed Limit: Motorists must obey the posted 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone.

Project Information

For additional details about the project, visit the official site:
www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway

Patience and caution are appreciated as crews work diligently to complete this important reconstruction.

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is embracing the holiday spirit with a range of festive events open to the public this December. Following its mid-December opening last year, the resort now plans to make community engagement a priority through holiday celebrations and special activities.

Holiday Festivities for All

Nestled along the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, Sunseeker Resort spans over 22 waterfront acres, offering 785 guest rooms, six restaurants, bars, lounges, and a 25,000-square-foot food hall. This month, the resort is transforming into a hub of holiday fun with activities designed for families and adults alike:

• Letters to Santa: Kids can drop their wishes in the North Pole Mailbox at the resort.
• Christmas Sing-Alongs: The Kettle Gold Trio will perform on Dec. 16, 20, and 21, while Charlotte High School Choir sings on Dec. 18 at Vista Point Lawn.
• Breakfast with Santa: Stretto, the resort’s Italian restaurant, will host a festive breakfast on Dec. 14 and 21, featuring Italian cuisine and a visit from Santa for $54 per person.
• Christmas Brunch: On Dec. 25, enjoy gourmet foods, live entertainment, and children’s activities like cookie decorating and face painting. The brunch is priced at $99 for adults and $40 for kids.
• Level Up the Night Christmas Party: Adults can celebrate at a Winter Wonderland-themed party on Dec. 21 at Level Blue, with cocktails, live music, and dancers.

Golfers Take Note

From Dec. 27-29, the Sunseeker Resorts Aileron Golf Club will host a Nike Golf Camp, offering three days of professional instruction led by PGA member Brian Newman and the Aileron Golf Academy staff. Open to campers and local enthusiasts, the camp accommodates both overnight guests and commuters.

A Commitment to Community

Sunseeker Resort, owned by Allegiant Travel Co., aims to foster a sense of togetherness, especially after the challenges brought by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Resort officials hope these events will help restore normalcy and strengthen community ties.

For reservations and more information about the holiday events, visit Sunseeker Resort’s website or contact their events team.

The Lee County Tax Collector’s Office has officially announced the mailing of 541,741 tax bills to property and business owners on October 31. For those who opted for electronic billing, email notices were delivered on November 1.

These tax bills are based on property values assessed as of January 1, in compliance with Florida law.

New Payment Options for 2024

To enhance customer convenience, the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office has introduced two new payment options this year:

• Tax Payment Kiosks:
  Located at all service centers, these kiosks allow customers to quickly pay their bills using a credit card or eCheck. Receipts can be printed on the spot, saving time and avoiding long wait lines.
• Secure 24/7 Drop Boxes:
  Drop boxes are now available at the Downtown and South Fort Myers offices for round-the-clock convenience. Simply drop off your payment and allow up to five business days for processing. Receipts can be printed online at LeeTC.com/print-your-property-tax-receipt.

“Our mission is to deliver five-star service to our customers,” said Lee County Tax Collector Noelle Branning. “These new resources not only save property owners time but also provide peace of mind with secure payment options.”

Additional Payment Methods

In addition to these new features, taxpayers can continue to pay:

• Online at LeeTC.com/pay-online
• By mail
• Over the phone

Early Payment Discounts

Taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of early payment discounts:

• 4% discount in November
• 3% discount in December
• 2% discount in January
• 1% discount in February

Tax payments are due no later than March 31, 2025.

Projected Impact of Tax Collections

This year, tax collections are expected to exceed $2.4 billion before discounts. These funds will be distributed among Lee County’s Levying Authorities to support critical services, including:

• Fire rescue
• Law enforcement
• Infrastructure maintenance (schools, roads, parks, and utilities)

The Lee County Tax Collector’s Office continues to prioritize accessibility and efficiency in tax collection, ensuring essential community services receive the funding they need.

For more information or assistance, visit LeeTC.com.

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.