The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is set to return to the Fort Myers area from September 19 to 28, with multi-platinum BMI singer-songwriter Chris Young headlining the closing concert on September 28 at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina. The festival will also feature country music duo LOCASH, who are scheduled to perform on September 22 at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village.
According to event organizers, “More than 60 singer-songwriters will perform over 80 performances during the 10-day music fest.” Performances are planned for several locations including Captiva Island (September 19-21), Cape Coral (September 22-23), Downtown Fort Myers (September 24-25), and Fort Myers Beach (September 26-28). While most shows are free, tickets will be required for select performances including those by Chris Young and LOCASH. Information about the full lineup and ticketing can be found at IslandHopperFest.com or via the festival’s app.
Accommodation news includes several property reopenings and new developments following recovery efforts after Hurricane Ian. Shalimar Beach Resort is set to open on Sanibel Island on September 28, marking it as the first resort in the area to complete a full rebuild since the hurricane. The resort will offer studio, one-, and two-bedroom villas, with reservations available from October onward.
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts has acquired and is redeveloping the former Beachview Cottages property into White Pelican Villas. This new development is expected to open in early 2026 and will feature three buildings connected by a covered walkway.
South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island has reopened amenities such as pools, restaurants, golf facilities, and fitness areas. Villa-style accommodations are available now while plans for a hotel are underway. A new water feature is expected to open in December.
Best Western Plus Beach Resort in Fort Myers Beach has completed renovations and now offers suites, rooms with private beach access, complimentary breakfast, heated pool, watersports options, and pet-friendly accommodations.
Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina on Captiva Island continues its operations with vacation cottages decorated in nautical themes as well as amenities like boat rentals and a fueling station.
Several dining establishments have also reopened or launched new concepts in response to recent challenges. The Bubble Room on Captiva Island will reopen July 14 after delays caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach has resumed operations with a newly designed building aimed at storm resilience.
In Cape Coral, Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina recently opened near the base of Cape Coral Bridge offering waterfront dining from ten food trucks along with live music events throughout the year.
Fort Myers’ Bell Tower welcomes Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar featuring contemporary American cuisine in an upscale setting with a rooftop bar hosting live music from Wednesday through Saturday.
Other restaurant reopenings include Lazy Flamingo on Sanibel Island returning with its original menu; Key Lime Bistro resuming service on Captiva Island; Sweet Melissa’s reopening under chef Melissa Donahue in south Fort Myers; and Swamp Cat Brewing opening downtown inside a repurposed former church building offering craft beers alongside food vendors.
Attractions updates include Causeway Islands Park reopening after serving as a staging site for Florida Department of Transportation rebuilding efforts following damage from Hurricane Ian. The park’s initial phase provides shoreline access once again while future improvements—such as structured parking areas, restrooms compliant with ADA standards, outdoor showers, drainage systems, shade structures, landscaping—are slated for completion between late 2025 and 2026 (https://www.leegov.com/parks/beaches/causeway).
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