Good morning SWFL!

Sandbar Seals Off Blind Pass Between Sanibel and Captiva
A large sandbar has sealed off Blind Pass between Sanibel and Captiva, blocking water flow after recent beach renourishment projects. Lee County plans to dredge and reopen the pass but not until 2027 to allow the shoreline to stabilize. The sandbar created walking access between the islands but swimming remains dangerous. (WINK News)

El Niño Watch Issued, Could Suppress 2026 Hurricane Season
NOAA issued an El Niño Watch with a 62% chance of El Niño developing between June and August 2026, potentially impacting the Atlantic hurricane season. El Niño typically suppresses hurricane activity by increasing wind shear over the Atlantic, disrupting storm development and promoting more stable air. Forecasters estimate a 15% chance of a "super El Niño" by November. Timing is key: if El Niño develops by mid-summer, it could limit peak hurricane season activity. However, above-average Atlantic sea surface temperatures could still fuel storms. (GulfCoastNewsNow)

Estero staff and consultants are exploring development options for land north of the Estero River, potentially using a public-private partnership similar to the approach that created the Village Center Hub's entertainment venues. The goal is to develop the northern acreage in a way that generates revenue to help cover the costs of maintaining and operating Estero RiverPark to the south.

One concept envisions a walkable, river-focused district with mixed-use buildings featuring ground-floor restaurants, cafés, and retail spaces with residential units above. The design would prioritize pedestrian connectivity, outdoor gathering spaces, and activity throughout the day and evening.

While no formal vote was taken at the workshop, Council members supported moving forward with presenting the Estero RiverPark North project to potential developers.

View the Powerpoint presentation here

Dino Scoops Ice Cream
Dinosaur-themed ice cream shop Dino Scoops has opened at Gator Mike's Family Fun Park in Cape Coral at 35 NE Pine Island Road. The new addition complements the family entertainment venue's attractions including mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and climbing walls.

Mucky Duck
The iconic Mucky Duck restaurant on Captiva Island reopened in mid-March after more than a year of repairs following Hurricane Milton damage in October 2024 The beachfront restaurant at 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, which first opened in 1976, underwent extensive renovations including a new kitchen and updated systems.

Dave's Hot Chicken
Dave's Hot Chicken opened its first Southwest Florida location at 7925 Dani Dr., Suite 150 in Fort Myers (near Six Mile Cypress Parkway) on March 6, 2026. The restaurant serves Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders in seven heat levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper."

Resurgence Brewing
Buffalo-based Resurgence Brewing Co. opened its new brewpub at 6160 Exchange Lane in south Fort Myers following a soft launch on March 6, marking the brewery's first location outside New York

Walk on the Wild Side
Date: Friday, March 20 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Guided ranger hike along Black Island Trail learning about vegetation, wildlife, and local history in the maritime hammock ecosystem.

Spring Training: Toronto Blue Jays vs Minnesota Twins
Date: Friday, March 20 | 1:05 PM
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Music Walk
Date: Friday, March 20 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Located right in front of the Bonita Bay community, this lively farmers’ market brings together fresh produce, local vendors, artisanal goods, and ready-to-enjoy treats.

Spring Fling
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 8:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Wonder Gardens hosts its third annual Spring Fling with lawn games, animal meet and greets, and springtime fun for the whole family.

Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Creepy Crawly Day
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Calusa Nature Center celebrates all things creepy and crawly with bug-themed talks, a Bugs-For-Lunch experience, snake and spider interactions, Planetarium shows, and critter crafts.

Arts, Crafts & Quilts Spring Fair
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Saint Hilary's Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Saint Hilary's 6th annual free outdoor fair features quilts, arts and crafts, a white elephant sale, bake sale, food vendors, and a Yarn Bomb installation along McGregor and Colonial Boulevards.

Easter Ranch Roundup
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Avenue, Immokalee, FL 34142
Family-friendly Easter event with egg hunts for all ages, Easter crafts, sweets, and festive games.

Farmers Market Mom Walk
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market, 2200 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Join fellow moms for a stroll through the Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market, sampling, laughing, and enjoying the outdoors together; strollers and baby wearing welcome.

Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919
Drop in for free, hands-on family fun. Explore something new every month like art making, gallery activities, games and more – all inspired by artworks on view in the gallery, famous artists, national holidays and artistic traditions around the world.

Free Lowe's Kids Workshop: Lawn Mower
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lowe's Home Improvement, Southwest Florida locations
Free kids' workshop to build a push lawn mower toy with spinning feature (registration opens 2/21).

Jr. Ranger Program
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Educational Junior Ranger program exploring natural resources, cultural resources, recreation, and service with passport stamps.

Vintage Base Ball at Terry Park
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 11:00 AM
Location: Terry Park, 3410 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL
Watch three teams compete using authentic 1860s rules — wooden bats, no gloves, and lemon peel baseballs in period-accurate uniforms.

Taste of the Islands
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel Island, FL
A beloved annual food festival benefiting CROW wildlife rehabilitation, featuring Sanibel's top restaurants competing for "Best Appetizer," "Best Seafood," "Taste of the Taste," and the People's Choice Award.

Babies & Brews March Meetup
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Kaleidoscope Beer Company, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples, FL 34102
Babies & Brews meetup at Kaleidoscope Brewery with craft beer and family-friendly atmosphere.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Origami Paper Cranes
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Learn to fold beautiful origami cranes that flap their wings in this all-skill-level adult program at the Bonita Springs Public Library, all materials provided.

EsteroFest 2026
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 1:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Estero Park and Recreation Center
A free all-day community festival featuring live music headlined by the Ben Allen Band, a Kids Zone, food trucks, beer garden, public safety demonstrations, and a Business Expo.

Spring Training: Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Downtown Bike Night at The Standard
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: The Standard - Downtown Fort Myers
Celebrate the Biker Map's 15th anniversary with live music by Bad Latitude at Downtown Fort Myers' Bike Night.

Florida Everblades vs. Orlando Solar Bears
Date: Saturday, March 21 | 7:00 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Yoga by the Sea
Date: Sunday, March 22 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Gentle beachside yoga practice blending meditation and mindful flow on Sunday morning.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, March 22 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Spring Training: Atlanta Braves vs Minnesota Twins
Date: Sunday, March 22 | 1:05 PM
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Bonita Springs Concert Band
Date: Sunday, March 22 | 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park Bandshell, 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Free afternoon concerts featuring a large concert band performing marches and a wide variety of other music.

Spring Training: Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox
Date: Monday, March 23 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Spring Training: Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox
Date: Monday, March 23 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Spring Training: Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins
Date: Tuesday, March 24
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Pop-Up @ PopStroke: Mommy & Me Yoga
Date: Tuesday, March 24 | 9:00 AM
Location: PopStroke Fort Myers, 5531 Six Mile Commercial Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33912
A mommy-and-me yoga pop-up featuring mimosas for moms, juice and light bites for kids, and free ice cream for the little ones after class.

Three Oaks Walk & PYO Cookie
Date: Tuesday, March 24 | 9:00 AM
Location: Three Oaks Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A mom walk at Three Oaks Park followed by a paint-your-own cookie activity with Good Girls Bake Shop, walk is free, cookie kit requires pre-payment.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, March 24 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Stop by for a quick and easy craft your little ones can assemble on the spot or take home to enjoy.

Pop-up & Play with Sincerely Sensory
Date: Tuesday, March 24 | 10:00 AM
Location: Horton Park, 2618 SE 26th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33904
A spring-themed sensory pop-up at Horton Park featuring a messy planting station, sensory bins, watercolor art, and open-ended play with tunnels, a Pikler triangle, and more.

Kids Collage Art
Date: Tuesday, March 24 | 4:00 PM-4:45 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Kids ages 6-11 use recycled magazines to create fun collage art to decorate their bedroom.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, March 24 | 6:15 PM-7:15 PM
Location: Kava Culture Estero, 10801 Corkscrew Rd , Suite 327, Estero, FL
Join us for an all-levels yoga class led by Nichole of Renegade Metaphysical! Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just getting started, this class offers plenty of options to make your practice your own. Stretch, breathe, and reset in our cool, breezy corridor—the perfect escape from the heat!

Celebrate Bonita Immersive Stroll
Date: Tuesday, March 24 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bonita Springs
Free immersive stroll with glowing visual art displays celebrating Bonita Springs.

Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, March 25 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
From juicy fruits and veggies to baked goods and artisan crafts, the farmers market has something for everyone. Bring the family, meet local vendors, and enjoy a morning of fresh finds.

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, March 25 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Preschool Program: Pioneer Playtime
Date: Wednesday, March 25 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Preschool program (ages 3-5) making pioneer chores fun with simple crafts and games from before screens.

Big City Kids Yoga - Moms Flow, Kids Play Free
Date: Wednesday, March 25 | 6:00 PM-6:45 PM
Location: Big City Kids Play Cafe, 12601 Trade Way Dr, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A strength-building yoga class designed for moms while kids play freely in the same space.

Free Admission to Art After Hours
Date: Wednesday, March 25 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108
A fun evening of art and entertainment for audiences of all ages with live music performed by local musicians, concessions at Heidi’s Place and free admission to all museum exhibitions.

Celebrate Bonita Immersive Stroll
Date: Wednesday, March 25 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bonita Springs
Free immersive stroll with glowing visual art displays celebrating Bonita Springs.

Florida Everblades vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates
Date: Wednesday, March 25 | 7:30 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, March 26 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928

Preschool Engineering
Date: Thursday, March 26 | 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A hands-on STEAM program where preschoolers and caregivers build, play, and learn together using simple engineering concepts.

Easter Bunny at Family Fun Night
Date: Thursday, March 26 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Easter Family Fun Night with Easter Bunny photos, hands-on Easter craft station, Egg-Hopping Market hosted by Macaroni Kid, and live petting area.

Celebrate Bonita Immersive Stroll
Date: Thursday, March 26 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bonita Springs
Free immersive stroll with glowing visual art displays celebrating Bonita Springs.

Shorebird Stroll
Date: Friday, March 27 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Ranger-led walk to observe and learn about the diverse shorebird species that inhabit Lovers Key.

Movie Night: Battle of the Smithsonian
Date: Friday, March 27 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
Outdoor movie night showing Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG), doors open at 5:30pm, movie starts at 6pm.

Celebrate Bonita Immersive Stroll
Date: Friday, March 27 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bonita Springs
Free immersive stroll with glowing visual art displays celebrating Bonita Springs.

Florida Everblades vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates
Date: Friday, March 27 | 7:30 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Night Hikes: Mysterious Moths
Date: Friday, March 27 | 7:30 PM-9:30 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Guided after-sunset walk with hands-on activities in a low-light immersive nature experience.

Annual Butterfly Release
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 7:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: North Collier Regional Park, North Collier Regional Park, Naples, FL
Avow's annual community event features a live butterfly exhibit, children's activities, and a remembrance ceremony honoring loved ones with a butterfly release.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Located right in front of the Bonita Bay community, this lively farmers’ market brings together fresh produce, local vendors, artisanal goods, and ready-to-enjoy treats.

Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Kids Day at WINK Playland – Crafts, Face Painting & Free Treat
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Free face painting & crafts, free pizza from Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta, ice cream coupons from Dairy Queen

BBQ, Bands & Brew
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33901
The 15th annual Lee BIA Builders Care fundraiser brings live music, SW Florida's top BBQ pit masters competing for "Best BBQ in Town," and family-friendly activities including bounce houses, face painting, and more.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

SWFL Pet Expo
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 1:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Mike Greenwell Regional Park, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, FL
A free community pet expo celebrating adoptions, animal wellness, and pet-positive recreation with dozens of local rescues and vendors all under one roof.

SWFL BBQ Showdown
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 4:00 PM-12:00 AM
Location: Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
6+ BBQ joints and food trucks compete in SWFL's first serious BBQ competition of the year.

Celebrate Bonita
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Multi-day celebration with evening kickoff featuring live music and nightly downtown strolls March 24-28.

Celebrate Bonita Immersive Stroll & Concert
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bonita Springs
Free immersive stroll with glowing visual art displays celebrating Bonita Springs, plus concert with local school and band performances.

Mom's Night Out Book Swap at Peculiar Play Cafe
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 6:30 PM
Location: Peculiar Play Cafe, 8750 Gladiolus Dr Unit 6, Fort Myers, FL 33908
A moms-only evening at Peculiar Play Cafe featuring drinks, treats, and a book swap, bring a book you loved and go home with a new read.

Florida Everblades vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 7:00 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Beach Cleanup
Date: Sunday, March 29 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a beach cleanup at Mid-Beach, helping keep the state park clean.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, March 29 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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