During my recent visit to Lee County, Florida I couldn’t help but strum along to Jimmy Buffett’s 1977 hit song, “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.”  As I walked the streets and beaches of Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva islands, these lines in particular stood out:

 “These changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
Through all of the islands and
All of the highlands
If we couldn’t laugh
We would all go insane.”

September 28, 2022 will be a day no one forgets when Hurricane Ian dealt a devastating and deathly blow to many parts of Florida and beyond.

Thankfully the sun also rises. As I toured  Lee County the determination of  locals is evident to rebuild and capture that joie de vivre. Buffett espoused in his songs, books and Margaritaville restaurants and resorts. Yes you can hear laughter again. The welcome mat has been dusted off, cleaned up and is ready to greet visitors again.

What Can Visitors Expect?

Is Lee County the same after Hurricane Ian? In many parts of the county and surrounding islands you would not notice  any difference. Other roads and neighbourhoods still show some of the hurricane’s devastating effects with roofs missing from houses and buildings. Along sections of some roads and highways a trail of broken trees and brush are in the process of being cleaned up. Other areas remain pristine and meticulously landscaped. No reason though for travel advisors not to send their clients.

However, do advise clients if travelling to Sanibel and onwards to Captiva to allow extra travel time especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. Construction and lane reductions mean you need to leave extra time especially if they have reservations for a cruise or tour.

Life’s a Beach

Beach lovers will still be able to feel the warm sand between their toes. Some beaches like Sanibel’s iconic Lighthouse Beach continues to undergo restoration work. Most beaches are open but amenities such as changerooms and other facilities may still be closed for repairs.

It’s not just humans that love the beach. Fido can enjoy leash-free freedom at the Dog Beach Park along Fort Myers Beach.

There are numerous beaches catering to all ages and interests with a range of land and water activities available like paddleboarding, wind surfing, parasailing, kayaking and fishing. Of course you must try the popular tradition, the Sanibel Stoop – see how many of the 400 species of shells from conchs, whelks, scallops, and clam shells. Stoop low to collect your bounty.

Popular Attractions Alive and Well

 You can’t keep a good attraction down. Many of the top visitor attractions reopened soon after the hurricane. If nature and wildlife excites you, the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel will fill your day with tours, trails, fishing kayaking, birdwatching and interactive exhibits for all ages.

Probably one of the most popular attractions is Edison & Ford Winter Estates. It’s a National Historic Register Site that captures the enduring legacy of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Did you know Edison had more than 1,000 inventions? He had a passion for music and one of his inventions was the phonograph even though he was hard of hearing. A laboratory, gardens, estate homes and Ford’s vintage cars make it a truly fascinating insight into two individuals who changed how we live for the better.

A free attraction (aside from a nominal fee for parking) is Manatee Park. This is a non-captive warm water refuge for manatees located by a power plant. Rent a kayak or sign up for a guided tour to experience these gentle and lovable sea cows up close.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum in Sanibel is currently closed for renovations with plans to open in phases this spring. It is the only museum in the U.S. devoted to the collection of shells and mollusks.

Downtown Fort Myers is Open for Business
You would never know downtown Fort Myers experienced a hurricane. Strolling along First Street, restaurants were serving up delectable dishes (bring on the seafood!) and boutique shops were doing a roaring business. The metal sculptures lining the streets added an artistic touch to the colourful landscaping.

I’m not a shopper but found the two-storey Franklin Shops emporium filled with 80 different vendors from clothing, candles, souvenirs, home décor and unique gift items very appealing.

Cabbage Cruising

 I’m a water baby at heart and Lee County is a definitely a water playground with numerous activities to feed that passion. A great way to get the lay of the land is a leisurely cruise. Captiva Cruises offers a 5-hour cruise (and various other day cruises) stopping at Cabbage Key on its 148-passenger two-deck Lady Chadwick vessel. Along with our fellow guests we were accompanied by a playful pods of diving dolphins. Jimmy Buffett played on Cabbage Key in the 1970s and island legend stubbornly believes his hit song, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” was inspired here. Climb the water tower, hit the two trails or just enjoy lunch (and have a cheeseburger) at the historic Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant. I didn’t have a cheeseburger but it certainly was a day in paradise.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach Debuts

New hotels are not always welcomed by area residents especially beach hotels. Not so with the new Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach which opened in December 2023. I had the pleasure of staying here in January. The city embraced the new 254-room property creating more than 400 full-time jobs required to run the resort. The beachfront property situated on seven acres along Fort Myers Beach is a much needed boost for the local economy.

Due to its international hotel brand recognition, Margaritaville will attract a younger crowd to the area. The resort features six restaurants with fun concepts Licence to Chill Bar & Grill, and it’s 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill. The rooms are comfortable, visually appealing and the piece de resistance is the 15,000 square foot lagoon-style pool with hundreds of chaise lounge chairs and chic private cabanas. The pool complex overlooks the Gulf of Mexico with direct access to the beach. Live entertainment will be offered along with poolside dining and bar service.

It was inspiring to visit a destination that truly values tourism and those who visit. It is not taken for granted especially after the hurricane. More restoration will be completed but Lee County is ready and waiting for visitors. Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines and Lynx Air all have direct air service to Fort Myers (some seasonal – check with airline).

Jimmy Buffett no doubt was happy to have a cheeseburger in this paradise. You and your clients can too.

For further Info:
www.visitfortmyers.com