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Catching up with changes at RSW: new and refreshed concessions

Catching up with changes at RSW: new and refreshed concessions

Mark H. Bickel | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

A lot is happening at RSW as the Fort Myers airport, also known as Southwest Florida International Airport, undergoes a historic terminal expansion project.

If you blink, you might miss something, including the stunning progress of what will be the Concourse E, expected to open in 2027.

The short version of what’s happening at RSW is the creation of a consolidated security checkpoint, a Delta-branded club and more concessions − eating, drinking and shopping.

We checked in with the airport earlier this month to get an updated list on the concessions, from what’s has opened since Phase 1 of the two phase project started, what’s existing concessions have received a “refresh” and what’s coming.

RSW expansion project: Concourse B concessions
These are the new new and ‘refreshed’ concessions that have opened at RSW since Phase 1 of the terminal expansion project started:
(Note: Concession descriptions are from the Southwest Florida International Airport website.)

NEW

  • Day at the Beach (retail): Immerse yourself in coastal charm with beach-themed gifts, apparel and souvenirs. It’s the perfect stop for bringing home a piece of paradise!
  • Shula Burger: A fast-casual restaurant known for gourmet burgers made from a premium blend of Black Angus beef. The menu includes signature burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, salads, seasoned fries, onion rings and milkshakes. Shula Burger also serves breakfast sandwiches at RSW.
  • Relay (retail): This convenient newsstand is a one-stop-shop for travel necessities. From magazines and literature to electronics and accessories, grab-and-go snacks and wellness items, RELAY is the ultimate traveler’s companion.
  • Hudson: You can grab travel convenience items, snacks, Florida souvenirs, magazines, books, electronics and Coke products!

There’s more to know, read on naplesnews.com.

Packing in passengers: Data shows RSW No. 1 in US for this category

Packing in passengers: Data shows RSW No. 1 in US for this category

Mark H. Bickel | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

It’s not surprising this is one of the busiest times of year at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

The holiday season, which stretches roughly from Thanksgiving week to New Year’s Day, gets people moving. They are either arriving to Fort Myers for the sunny, warmer weather, or departing to visit friends and family to celebrate the season.

What might surprise some people regarding RSW during the holidays is it is the busiest mid-sized airport during this time period in the U.S.

That’s according to a new study on behalf of Luxury Link, which has identified the U.S. airports and states with the largest increase in air travel traffic during the holiday season.

At the individual airport level, Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL) tops the list of large hub airports with a 17.3% increase, while airports in other warm, tourist destinations like Tampa International (TPA) and Miami International Airport (MIA) both saw traffic increases of over 7%.

Taking a closer look: RSW’s holiday passenger surge – See what the study says on naplesnews.com.

In numbers: More to know about the Four Seasons Resort in Naples

In numbers: More to know about the Four Seasons Resort in Naples

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

Years in the making, the Four Seasons Resort will soon debut in Naples.

It’s replacing the former Naples Beach Hotel, as part of a larger redevelopment project known as Naples Beach Club.

Plans for the new five-star resort, off Gulf Shore Boulevard North, were revealed by The Athens Group, the project’s developer, more than four years ago. It will officially open on Nov. 13, welcoming its first overnight guests.

Resort operations will ramp up from there.

Asked for some “fun facts” about the resort, public relations director Teresa Delaney provided a by-the-numbers look at the one-of-a-kind property, built on a chunk of a 125-acre site.

Here are some of the numbers:

  • 220 – Number of hotel rooms and suites
  • 8 – Number of dining options (when fully open)
  • 1,000-plus – Number of new hospitality jobs (when completed)
  • 30,000 – Number of square feet in the Sanctuary Spa
  • 13 – Number of spa treatment rooms
  • 4 – Number of bowling lanes at the Wager Pub (opening in 2026)

Read on for more fun facts by the numbers and check out the photos of this beautiful resort – naplesnews.com.

RSW is growing: Video shows the sprouting of Fort Myers airport’s new Concourse E

RSW is growing: Video shows the sprouting of Fort Myers airport’s new Concourse E

Mark H. Bickel & Andrew West | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

How is the airport looking these days? Different.

If you a catching a plane at Southwest Florida International Airport or just happen to be driving by RSW, you will see significant progress on the new concourse being built as part of a multi-year expansion project.

The project is now in Phase Two. It’s a $1.1 billion project that is adding the new concourse −Concourse E − and it’s Lee County’s largest public works project – ever.

The current site work includes laying piping for drainage underground and moving more dirt to prepare the ground for asphalt.

The News-Press and Naples Daily News recently were given a chance to see the progress up close on a tour with Steve Hennigan, the executive director and CEO of the Lee County Port Authority.

Get the details and watch the video on news-press.com.

 

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.