Category: SWFL Update

After nearly a decade of discussions between Allegiant Air and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), the airline will launch its first flights to and from RSW this November.

The new service will connect RSW with Appleton, Wisconsin; Allentown, Pennsylvania; and Des Moines, Iowa — cities that will continue to fly into Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) while adding the new Fort Myers option.

Years of Analysis Lead to Expansion

Allegiant’s Vice President of Planning Kristen Schilling-Gonzales explained that the decision came after extensive market research, passenger surveys, and careful monitoring of airport capacity.

“We’re a bunch of data nerds,” she said. “We’ve been looking at where customers want to go, what requests we’re hearing, and how the space at both airports lines up. The timing finally worked.”

Between May 2024 and April 2025, Allegiant carried over 1 million passengers to PGD — doubling to about 2 million when outbound flights are included.

RSW Complements Punta Gorda Service

The airline’s expansion into RSW won’t replace PGD routes, but rather enhance Allegiant’s presence in the region.

“This is about meeting customer demand,” Schilling-Gonzales said. “They want more options — direct access to Fort Myers, quicker trips to Marco Island, and faster travel down the coast.”

Most Allegiant traffic originates from out-of-state travelers, particularly during the winter season. In warmer months, some of that traffic flows in the opposite direction, with Floridians heading north.

Punta Gorda Continues to Grow

PGD remains a key hub for Allegiant, currently operating more than 7,700 flights annually — averaging 21 flights per day to 51 destinations. Two new routes are also on the horizon:

• New Orleans – Starting Nov. 21, 2024

• Atlantic City, NJ – Starting Feb. 13, 2026

Looking Ahead

The three new RSW routes are just the beginning. Allegiant will evaluate performance before adding more service, but Schilling-Gonzales hinted at the potential for further expansion.

“If these routes do well, we’re always looking for additional opportunities,” she said. “Passengers love the Southwest Florida region — we’re just giving them more ways to get here.”

Plans to transform the former Beach Theatre into an entertainment complex are moving forward, despite concerns from nearby residents about potential noise and traffic impacts.

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council approved four special exceptions for the project, along with a parking variation, while also imposing conditions to address neighborhood concerns.

Approved Exceptions

The special exceptions will allow:

• Outdoor alcohol consumption within 500 feet of residences.

• Outdoor entertainment.

• Live entertainment.

• Outdoor seating after sunset in a Commercial Boulevard zoning district.

Council also granted a parking variation permitting fewer parking spaces than normally required. Instead of the 115 spaces mandated by code, the business will have 78 spaces, using parking at the developer’s nearby Dolphin Inn and potentially other properties.

Mayor Dan Allers was the only vote against the parking variation, citing unresolved concerns about traffic congestion and safety.

Conditions to Address Concerns

To balance development with neighborhood impact, Council set the following limits:

• Food & beverage service: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Outdoor music: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. only, with no full bands or percussion unless a special event permit is obtained.

• Valet parking: Required Nov. 1 through Easter, Thursday–Sunday from 5 p.m. to closing.

Project Details

The redeveloped space at 6425 Estero Blvd. will feature:

• First floor: Open-air, casual restaurant and bar with a sound- and light-blocking wall, landscaping, and fencing along the property line.

• Second floor: High-end indoor steakhouse with some outdoor seating.

• Third floor: Office and storage space.

• Potential for occasional movie screenings, if feasible.

The project’s tentative names include The Boardwalk Grill for the downstairs venue and possibly The Reel Steakhouse upstairs, nodding to the building’s movie theater past.

Community Reaction

Two residents living across from the old theater voiced concerns during public comment about outdoor sound disrupting the area’s long-standing quiet and about possible traffic issues.

The Beach Theatre, built in 1999, was purchased in May 2022 by Steve Boge as part of a $19 million deal that also included Gulfview Manor.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided the latest progress report on the Sanibel Causeway. Crews are completing the final tasks west of the toll plaza, and the 35 mph speed limit has now been restored in that area. Reduced speed limits remain in effect east of the plaza, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway.

Scheduled Work

While all activities are weather-dependent and subject to change, FDOT noted the following updates:

• Punta Rassa Boat Ramp – Still closed to the public as restoration work continues on the former staging area. The site will be handed back to Lee County later this summer.

• Bay 3 – Remains closed for Lee County’s ongoing toll equipment work.

• Signage & Lighting – Installation continues east of the toll plaza.

Safety Reminders

Drivers are urged to be courteous and alert as bicyclists share the road and vehicles enter and exit the public beach access points at Causeway Islands Park.

Stay Informed

For project details and updates:

• Visit swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway

• Contact Jennifer Dorning at Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us or 239-338-7723

A long-awaited beach nourishment project on Fort Myers Beach is entering its final phase, with crews expected to finish pumping sand by mid-August and have all heavy equipment removed by the end of the month. The project, which stretches south toward Newton Park, will result in a wider, higher shoreline that offers better protection during storms and more space for beachgoers and wildlife.

Originally slated for completion more than a year ago, the work faced delays due to weather, logistical challenges, and additional construction needs. Despite the setbacks, the enhanced shoreline promises stronger coastal resilience heading into the peak of hurricane season.

A New Challenge: Protecting Sea Turtles

While the expanded beach benefits both people and nature, it has also created an unexpected concern — increased light visibility from beachfront homes, job sites, and nearby streets. These lights can disorient sea turtle hatchlings, leading them away from the Gulf and reducing their survival chances.

“It’s tough because we have the beachfront property owners now. Everything’s so wide open,” explained Chadd Chustz, Environmental Projects Manager. “It’s two and three lots into the side streets. So a lot of light is getting down to the beach, and that’s affecting the hatchlings. They’re going the wrong way. So we are again asking people to minimize their lights, convert to the proper lighting.”

How You Can Help During Turtle Season

With turtle nesting season running through October, the Town of Fort Myers Beach is urging all residents and visitors to:

• Use turtle-friendly, amber-colored lighting on beachfront properties.

• Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night.

• Close blinds or curtains after dark to reduce indoor light spill.

• Avoid using flashlights or phone lights on the beach.

Once the nourishment project wraps up, Fort Myers Beach will not only enjoy a fortified coastline but also a safer nesting environment for sea turtles — provided the community works together to keep lights turtle-friendly.

Four popular Lee County parks will soon see major restoration work, as the Lee Board of County Commissioners has approved a $3.86 million contract to repair or rebuild boardwalks destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

The project will restore access to:

• Caloosahatchee Regional Park

• Galt Preserve

• Matanzas Pass Preserve

• Royal Palm Park

Funding & Contractor

The contract has been awarded to Stokes Marine, Inc. and will be funded through:

• FEMA’s Disaster Relief Program

• Florida Department of Emergency Management Legislative Appropriations Program Funds

Project Timeline

• Start Date: Fall 2025 (weather permitting)

• Estimated Completion: About one year

Tracking Progress

Residents can follow updates and view the status of the work through the Lee County Parks Project Information Tool here.

This project marks an important step toward restoring park infrastructure and improving access for residents and visitors, while also showcasing Lee County’s commitment to recovery and resilience following Hurricane Ian.

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company—along with its divisions, The Naples Trust Company and Tampa Bay Trust Company—has unified all seven of its Florida offices under a single name: Florida Trust Wealth Management.

The announcement comes as the firm prepares to celebrate 25 years in business this upcoming season.

From One-Room Office to $5 Billion in Assets

Founded in 2001 by S. Albert D. Hanser, the company began as a one-room office on Sanibel. Over the past two decades, it has grown into one of Florida’s leading independent wealth management firms, now overseeing more than $5 billion in assets and serving clients throughout Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay.

“Achieving this financial milestone in less than 25 years speaks to the talent and hard work of our dedicated team members, and the confidence our clients have in this company,” Hanser said. “Our new name unifies our market areas and clarifies our identity among Gulf Coast communities as we continue to expand where we are needed most.”

Why the Name Change?

CEO Terence M. Igo explained that while the company’s geographic-specific names worked well in the past, growth across multiple markets made a unified brand essential.

“Our growth became a challenge with our geographic-specific names,” Igo said. “The strategy served us very well for many years, but it was time for a change, and we are thrilled.”

Igo emphasized that the rebranding does not signal a cultural shift:

“We are staying true to our culture. Nothing is changing—just our name.”

Expanding Presence Across Florida

In recent years, rising client demand has driven office expansions and relocations. Florida Trust now operates in:

• Sanibel-Captiva

• Marco Island

• Fort Myers

• Naples

• Tampa

• Belleair Bluffs

• Tarpon Springs

• Plus a marketing office in Cashiers, North Carolina

What’s Next for Florida Trust

The public will see the updated branding roll out immediately across the company’s website, advertising, and, later this fall, signage at all locations.

With a quarter-century of success behind it, Florida Trust Wealth Management is stepping into its next chapter with the same values that have defined its growth—personalized service, community focus, and long-term financial stewardship.

For more information, visit FloridaTrust.com.

Sanibel-Captiva Office: 2450 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL

Baseball fans can enjoy a night at the ballpark while supporting local wildlife on Friday, August 9, when the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels face off against the Clearwater Threshers at Hammond Stadium (14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers). First pitch is at 6:05 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m.

The evening, dubbed “Going to Bat for Bats Night,” will donate $5 from every ticket sold to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) in support of their bat conservation and research programs.

Fans can also look forward to Star Wars Night, complete with themed music, character appearances, and interactive elements for all ages.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, August 9, 2025

• Time: Gates open 5 p.m., first pitch 6:05 p.m.

• Location: Hammond Stadium, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers

• Special Theme: Going to Bat for Bats Night + Star Wars Night

• Tickets: $17.82 each

• Benefit: $5 from each ticket supports SCCF’s bat conservation and research

Get Your Tickets

Purchase tickets online at: gofevo.com/event/SanibelCaptivaCF25

Come for the baseball, stay for the Star Wars fun—and help protect Southwest Florida’s bat populations while you’re at it.

Travelers in Southwest Florida have some great news when it comes to more flight options at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers.

Allegiant Air is expanding its presence at RSW with the announcement of seven new nonstop routes connecting 12 cities nationwide. Among these new routes, three will directly connect to and from RSW, making it easier for travelers to reach popular vacation spots such as Naples, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Cape Coral.

New Routes from Allegiant Air

Starting this fall, Allegiant will launch the following new nonstop flights:

• Allentown, Pennsylvania (via Lehigh Valley International Airport) – Beginning November 13, with one-way fares starting at $69.

• Appleton, Wisconsin (via Appleton International Airport) – Beginning November 21, with one-way fares starting at $69.

• Des Moines, Iowa (via Des Moines International Airport) – Beginning November 21, with one-way fares starting at $69.

To celebrate the new routes, Allegiant is offering one-way fares as low as $49. Travelers can check the Allegiant Air website for more details and any applicable restrictions.

Why This Matters

This expansion is part of Allegiant’s ongoing effort to connect underserved communities with affordable, direct travel options. According to Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer, the addition of Fort Myers to their network means travelers can enjoy convenient, nonstop access to beautiful beach destinations, reducing time spent at the airport and maximizing time spent on vacation.

With these new routes, Allegiant continues to offer affordable travel options for those looking to visit the sunny destinations of Southwest Florida.

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has announced a transformative $22 million gift from the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Charitable Foundation, marking the largest donation in the university’s history. The gift will enhance the Marieb College of Health & Human Services, supporting the development of state-of-the-art instructional technology to elevate health care education in Southwest Florida.

This historic pledge, set to span nine years, builds on over $17 million in previous contributions from the Marieb Foundation between 2011 and 2022, totaling $39 million in support. In honor of Elaine Nicpon Marieb’s philanthropy, the Marieb College and Marieb Hall are named after her.

The latest donation will also provide naming rights for Academic Building 10, a planned expansion of the Marieb College, with construction set to begin in fall 2026.

Elaine Nicpon Marieb, a renowned scholar and philanthropist, passed away in 2018. She made significant contributions to education and health care training, pledging much of her fortune to institutions like FGCU, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

This generous gift aims to improve health care education by integrating innovative technology, enhancing both student learning and faculty research. According to FGCU President Aysegul Timur, the gift represents a pivotal moment for the university and will have a long-lasting impact on the health care workforce.

Dr. Larry Antonucci, CEO of Lee Health, emphasized the importance of this gift for the local health care system, noting that training students with cutting-edge technology will better prepare them for future careers and align them with real-world systems.

Shawn Felton, Dean of the Marieb College, expressed that the continued support from the Marieb Foundation has allowed FGCU to become a regional leader in health care education. This latest donation will further expand the college’s technological advancements, ensuring that students have the tools needed to thrive in an evolving health care environment.

Marieb College currently enrolls 2,700 students across 15 degree programs, including nursing, social work, rehabilitation sciences, health science, and counseling. The college boasts impressive outcomes, such as 100% licensure pass rates in six health care programs and nearly 100% employment within six months of graduation.

This gift secures the future of health care education at FGCU and reinforces the Marieb Foundation’s enduring legacy of supporting innovation and excellence in education and health care.

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