What's News
What’s new from The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEE COUNTY, FL – Ready, set, mark your calendars! The next few months are jam-packed with fun! Don’t miss a “Shellabration” of all things that require the “Sanibel Stoop.” A new $77.9 million spring training facility for the Boston Red Sox is opening. There are lots of new exhibits at area attractions. And the schedule is filled with festivals and events. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida continues to provide new experiences for first time and returning guests to Florida’s unspoiled island sanctuary.
What’s New from The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Mark your calendar!
Get ready to “Shellabrate” with an island-wide extravaganza that honors the 75th anniversary of the Sanibel Shell Fair. “Shellabration” takes place Feb. 26-March 4, 2012 with shell-related events on Sanibel and Captiva islands. The traditional Shell Fair takes place March 1-3 at the Community House on Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island. Shell collecting has been a favorite pastime for the residents and visitors to these islands for many decades and 75 years ago the first Shell Fair was held by winter residents to display their beautiful collections. For details and a schedule of events: www.shellabration2012.com or 239-472-2155.
Kudos
Edison & Ford Holiday Nights has been designated by the American Bus Association (ABA) as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2012. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that Edison & Ford Holiday Nights offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world. During the holidays, the homes and gardens of inventor Thomas Edison and automobile magnate Henry Ford are beautifully decorated. Visitors also enjoy nightly music performances and other festive activities. The popular holiday event takes place December 2-31. For more information: 239-334-7419 or http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org
The Estates was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site. The award honors top-rated lodging businesses, restaurants and attractions as reviewed by travelers. The award was the result of consistently receiving excellent ratings from visitors and maintaining an average rating of four or higher out of a possible five as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa and The Outrigger Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach have each earned a Quality Assurance Award from MLT Vacations for 2011.The Quality Assurance Award recognizes a very select group of hotels who achieve a 99 percent customer satisfaction score and 99 percent delivery of product performance. For more information: 239-463-6181 or http://www.pinkshell.com.
Attractions use latest technology
The iNature Trail uses a set of QR (Quick Response) codes that smart phone-users can scan with free downloadable apps such as Neoscan or QR Scan. Similar in appearance to common bar codes, QR codes typically send scanners to websites for more information. The refuge’s iNature trail goes a step further and incorporates short, engaging YouTube videos, making it more interactive. Users experience a tour unique from any other current refuge offering. The iNature signs will be easily recognizable along the Trail and can be accessed while walking, biking, or driving along Wildlife Drive. Details: http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates launched its first mobile website that helps visitors find information including directions, tours, and what to see at the Estates. A direct link to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel website assists visitors in planning a trip to southwest Florida. The new mobile site also allows visitors to connect with the Estates social networking sites and access the online store. The mobile website can be accessed by visiting the Estates’ website or on any smart phone or tablet. For more information: 239-334-7419 or http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org
Check out these new additions
Olympic gold medalist and record-breaking track and field star, Bob Beamon has been named chief executive officer for Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery at the Al Oerter Center for Excellence, home of Olympic sports and arts in Fort Myers. For more information: 239-275-5758 or http://www.artoftheolympians.org
The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers has added a new Exotic Room housing exotic species from around the world including a green iguana, spiny-tailed iguana, boa constrictor, reticulated python, Burmese python, and rainbow boa. Some new native species that have come to stay at the nature center are a cottontail rabbit and black racer snake, plus there are plans for more to come. For more information: 239-275-3435 or www.calusanature.org.
The Imaginarium Science Center in Fort Myers recently celebrated its new name (formerly Imaginarium Hands-On Museum) at its 16th birthday party. Also new to the center: the IMAG-TV studio, which allows guests to report from the studio or go on virtual location to film their story; and Phase I of the outdoor Watershed Wonders: Caloosahatchee Connections exhibit, a comprehensive, interactive scale model of the Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee River, and Gulf of Mexico system. For more information: 239-321-7409 or www.imaginariumfortmyers.com.
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates will be offering Garden Talks in the Estates Garden Shoppe the second Saturday of each month. Estates horticultural staff will instruct participants on a variety of topics relating to gardening in southwest Florida, including growing citrus, holiday container gardening, and rain barrels. For more information: 239-334-7419 or http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org
Free guided walks at Lee County parks and preserves are offered seasonally throughout the year. The walks focus on a variety of topics relevant to the area. Birding and native plants, the importance of barrier islands, Florida-friendly landscaping and exploring mud flats are just a few of the topics offered. For information and guided walk details, visit http://www.leeparks.org
New at the airport
Base Ops at Page Field in Fort Myers has opened on the west side of the airport off Fowler Street. The 22,613-square-foot new terminal offers first-class services and amenities for passengers and crews, an executive conference room, easy access from runways with a new parallel taxiway, 600,000 square feet of ramp space with exclusive business aircraft parking, and a 24,000-square-foot itinerant aircraft hangar. For more information: 239-590-4504 or http://www.flylcpa.com
Special events and festivals
25th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship and Beach Festival, Fort Myers Beach
29th Annual Taste of the Town, Fort Myers
Creative Coast Weekends
The 27th Annual Christmas Luminary Trail and Open House, Sanibel and Captiva islands
36th Annual Holiday Nights at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
74th Edison Festival of Light Stadium Show, Grand Parade & Fireworks, Fort Myers
Spring Training 2012, Fort Myers
Boston Red Sox Spring Training
Minnesota Twins Spring Training
75th Annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show, Sanibel Island
54th Annual Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival and Parade, Fort Myers Beach
For the latest information on the area’s many accommodation choices, events and activities, visit http://www.FortMyersSanibel.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres. Images are available upon request.
December 2011
CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Katie Meckley 239-338-3500
What’s new from The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel:
75th Shellabration, new Boston Red Sox spring training stadium, new exhibits at attractions, popular festivals and more!
Spring Training 2012 welcomes the new $77.9 million spring training home of the Boston Red Sox, JetBlue Park. Florida’s newest stadium will include a replica of Fenway Park’s famous Green Monster, the towering left-field fence that is symbolic of the Red Sox home in Boston. The complex also includes 10,000 seats, six practice fields and state-of-the-art training facilities. For schedules and ticket information: 239-334-4700 or www.redsox.com.
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) earned one “Henry Award,” the highest award for imaginative destination marketing, along with three Silver Awards, at the 44th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism Flagler Awards Competition. The VCB has the distinction of acquiring 23 Henry Awards since the competition began in 1999. Sponsored by Visit Florida, the official tourism marketing organization for the state, and the Florida Commission on Tourism, the Flagler Awards program is designed to acknowledge the outstanding marketing achievements of the state’s tourism-related businesses, destinations, attractions, and other entities. Five out-of-state tourism-marketing authorities judged the competition’s more than 150 entries in 16 categories. The VCB was honored with a Henry Award for its Still Pristine Campaign in the “Mixed Media Campaign” category. In addition, the VCB earned Silver Awards (the second highest scoring entry) in the following categories: Resource/Promotional Material, Consumer – for its Lonely Planet Partnership, Mobile Marketing – Lonely Planet Mobile App, and Television Advertising – Sunrise & Traditions Brand TV. Details: www.fortmyers-sanibel.com.
iNature Trail is first of its kind at J. N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge
If you have a smart phone that downloads apps, you’re ready to hit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s latest innovation. Designed to appeal to the next generation’s techie side to get them outside, the Refuge iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive has two components, one for kids and one for adults. This is the first such interactive trail in the 550-plus national wildlife refuge system.
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island opened its new cowry shell exhibit that includes specimen shells, interactive videos, artifacts, and signage detailing the cultural history and impact of the universally treasured shells. For more information: 239-395-2233 or www.shellmuseum.org.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has reopened its upgraded Calusa Shell Mound Trail. The trail features new interpretive exhibits with Calusa renderings and a glass-encased midden mound core sample reproduction by local artist David Meo. Details: http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling
Nov. 2-6, 2011
239-454-7500
www.sandsulptingfestival.com
The 2011 American SandSculpting Championship and Beach Festival continues its tradition as one of the most popular, family-friendly events in Florida, attracting an estimated 50,000 attendees over the five-day event. The event has been named one of 20 recommended events for November in the southeastern United States by the Southeast Tourism Society. Now in its 25th year, the event owes much of its success to the area's abundant natural resources, particularly the soft, sugar-white sands of Fort Myers Beach, which are considered the best in the world for sand sculpting events. This year's festival will feature 16 of the world's best master sculptors along with Florida State and amateur sculptors. These performing artists will unite on Fort Myers Beach to create their imaginatively stunning works of art. This year's event includes a street party and other evening activities.
Nov. 6, 2011
239-277-1197
www.jlfm.org
Sponsored by the Junior League of Fort Myers, this tasty event held downtown in Centennial Park features samplings from more than 40 local restaurants. The popular food and entertainment festival attracts more than 15,000 people and includes live music and more along the Calooshatchee River.
Matlacha, Bokeelia, St. James City
November 2011 through April 2012
Second weekend of each month
239-283-0888
www.floridascreativecoast.com
It is all about art in this quaint fishing community and beyond! Enjoy special events, gallery openings, classes and entertainment for the entire family. Galleries and shops extend hours on Fridays and events and workshops are available on Saturday and Sunday. Check website for a list of participating galleries and a calendar of events.
Dec. 2 and 3, 2011
239-472-1080
www.sanibel-captiva.org
This popular event draws visitors from all over the world as they join local residents to celebrate the season. Three miles of luminary candles line Periwinkle Way from 5:30-9 p.m. on Sanibel Island on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 on Captiva Island. Businesses are decorated for the holidays with 2,000 candles illuminating the island pathways, storefronts and homes.
Dec. 2-31, 2011
239-334-7419
www.edisonfordwinterestates.org
Edison & Ford Holiday Nights at the Estates reflects the many contributions of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and their families. Discover the fun of a bygone era as your tour begins and makes this a holiday tradition for your family. This season marks 126 years since the famous inventors visited and fell in love with southwest Florida. Over the years, Thomas and his wife Mina, created a magical, tropical estate with stately residential buildings, research complex and acres of exotic gardens. During the holiday season the Estates 20 acres of gardens and historic buildings are seasonally decorated. Admission: $15 for adults; $1 for children 6-12; $8 for students.
Feb. 18, 2012
Parade starts at 7 p.m. Edison Stadium and continues north on Cleveland Avenue to Edwards Drive.
239-334-2999
www.edisonfestival.org
During February, Fort Myers celebrates the birthday of its most illustrious historical resident, Thomas A. Edison, in befitting fashion. Edison, who built a home on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River and spent 46 winters there, invented the light bulb. So it’s appropriate that the month of activities culminates with a lighted night parade. Invention competitions, parties, craft shows and a 5K run are all part of the festival. Celebrating 74 years, the month of February is filled with special events. Visit website for details.
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox, who will move into their new facility this year, and the Minnesota Twins. What could be better than beautiful spring days that offer a chance to watch great baseball? The destination makes it easy for fans to take advantage of all that it has to offer along with great accommodation deals for spring training. For a complete listing of packages, special rates and information on planning a spring training vacation at Florida’s unspoiled island sanctuary, visit http://www.FortMyersSanibel.com
March 2012
JetBlue Park in Fort Myers
For tickets and package information, go to www.redsox.com or call 239-334-4700 or 877-RED-SOXX.
March 2012
Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
Call 800-33-TWINS or go to www.twinsbaseball.com for schedule and ticket information.
Island Shellabration
Feb. 26-March 4, 2012
Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way
239-472-2155
www.shellabration2012.com
Sanibel Island, named the best shelling beach in the U.S. and one of the best in the world, hosts visitors from around the globe. One of the most unique events in the country, it began on a porch with just a few islanders and has evolved into today's event that includes demonstrations, shell displays, crafts, prizes, food and entertainment. Shell-related events take place on Sanibel and Captiva islands with the traditional Shell Fair taking place March 1-3 at the Community House on Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island. Visit website for details and a schedule of events.
March 10-11, 2012
239-463-6986
www.fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Two days of festivities celebrate Fort Myers Beach’s shrimp harvest. Activities for the 54th annual event will include a 5K Treasure Run, kids run the weekend prior, 10 a.m. parade, and crowning of the Shrimp Queen on Saturday. Craft vendors, the boiled shrimp concession, and other seafood booths set up at Lynn Hall Memorial Park both days.
