photo mosaic of Naples, Florida pier, Bayfront, Bayside, dolphin jumping, magenta orchid, water birds silhouetted against the sunset
Why is Southwest Florida International Airport seeing a frenzy of construction?

Why is Southwest Florida International Airport seeing a frenzy of construction?

Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

On foot and by car, Steven Hennigan offered a closer look at the construction frenzy at Southwest Florida International Airport.

As the executive director and CEO of the Lee County Port Authority, which owns and operates the airport, he keeps close tabs on the construction. Not an easy feat, with both phases of a major expansion underway – each with its own general contractor in charge.

“There is just a lot, a lot of stuff going on at one time,” Hennigan said.

While showing off the massive undertaking on Oct. 22 to a reporter and photographer, Hennigan acted and spoke like a proud father.

So much has happened since March, when the port authority ceremoniously celebrated the start of phase two, a $1.1 billion project that will add a new concourse. It’s Lee County’s largest public works project – ever.

Get the full story on news-press.com.

Are you planning to fly into Regional Southwest to look for a home in the area? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Plans advance for Hoffmanns’ new golf course and club in Southwest Florida

Plans advance for Hoffmanns’ new golf course and club in Southwest Florida

Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

Plans are in play for a new golf course and club near Estero.

On Oct. 24, the Hoffmann Family of Cos. announced the name of the development and shared more information about their vision for the development, as well as revealing the likely timetable for its opening.

The name: Pandion Club. It’s based on the scientific classification for the osprey (Pandionidae). The large, brown-and-white raptor is commonly spotted in Florida. It’s often used as a symbol for wealth.

In August, the Hoffmanns announced they had partnered with internationally renowned architect Kyle Phillips to design and build the new golf course on the site of the former Old Corkscrew Golf Club.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

Looking for a home in the golf mecca of Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

What’s the hype over stone crab claws? Crack one open at these 7 Collier spots and see

What’s the hype over stone crab claws? Crack one open at these 7 Collier spots and see

Kendall Little, Robyn George | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

October brings two of Southwest Florida’s favorite things: cooler weather and stone crabs.

Stone crab season kicked off Wednesday, Oct. 15, and will be here for another shell-cracking 6½ months.

“Stone crabs are here, the weather is turning nice, and our seasonal guests are arriving each day,” said Grant Phelan, the CEO of Phelan Family Brands. “Best month of the year.”

Over on Matlacha in Lee County, Jesse Tincher couldn’t agree more.

“Oct. 15 is my favorite day of the year,” said the co-owner of Blue Dog Bar & Grill. “The last day of the season is the worst day. If I was stranded on an island and only had stone crabs to eat, I don’t want to be found.”

Collier County is home to Everglades City, a quaint fishing town widely recognized as the “Stone Crab Capital of the World.” Stone crab claws are a renewable resource because fishermen don’t need to kill the crabs to harvest the claws. Stone crabs start regrowing their claws within 30 to 90 days.

To help get you cracking, here are some of our favorite Collier spots to break out the hammer and bib for freshly prepared stone crab claws, plus where to buy your own to make at home.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com to find out other restaurants like Kelly’s Fish House Dining Room serving stone crab claws.

Looking for a home close to delicious dining in Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

The Dunes golf course and club on Sanibel sells for $3 million, has link to new project

The Dunes golf course and club on Sanibel sells for $3 million, has link to new project

Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club on Sanibel Island is under new ownership.

The club, including its recently refurbished championship 18-hole golf course, has been acquired by Fort Myers Future, a local real estate development company.

Property records show a purchase price of $3 million. The sale closed Oct. 15. It follows another Sanibel golf club that was bought in September by a different group.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

Six awesome locations we recommend for kayaking and canoeing in Southwest Florida

Six awesome locations we recommend for kayaking and canoeing in Southwest Florida

Mark H. Bickel and Chad Gillis | Naples Daily News

Let’s have a paddle pow-wow.

And let’s admit, there’s no better place to do that than right here in Southwest Florida, a place some people might cal a paddler’s paradise.

Now that the weather is starting to become more “seasonal friendly” the next few months might be the best time to enjoy gliding in the water.

Why is Southwest Florida considered a great place to put a kayak or canoe in the water?

Warm, shallow waterways litter the coast, from small creeks and rivers on the mainland side to the open Gulf.

You can fish, ogle at the plethora of exotic birds, scan the horizon for dolphins or simply soak in the sun.

And paddling is a great way to get some exercise, all while enjoying a landscape people travel from across the world to see.

From the interior cypress swamps to the bays and beaches, water and small boats just go together here.

Here are our best places to paddle. Enjoy!

Cape Romano
Located at the northern edge of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Romano is a popular destination for both day-trips and overnight adventures.

There are five more places to kayak in Southwest Florida. Read the full story on naplesnews.com.

Looking for a home with easy access to the outdoor recreation of Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Collier commissioners unanimously approve second Costco, despite neighborhood opposition

Collier commissioners unanimously approve second Costco, despite neighborhood opposition

Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

After a nearly five-hour hearing, Collier commissioners approved plans for a second Costco in the county.

On Oct. 14, commissioners voted on two related petitions for the project, which faced strong opposition from neighbors.

About 60 people signed up to speak, although many ceded their time to others. Most spoke against the project, raising traffic, public safety and environmental concerns.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.