What's new along The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Residence Inn completes multi-million dollar renovation

The Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Myers, located at 2960 Colonial Blvd., has renovated the facility in a three-month, multi-million dollar project to shift the hotel’s overall environment and atmosphere.

Guest rooms have been completely transformed and updated to include granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. New furniture, window treatments and floor coverings complete each room’s modern look.

The hotel’s exterior public space, known as the Outdoor Experience, also was refreshed, including replacement of all pool and patio furniture. A new outdoor fire pit and comfortable lounge chairs also were added. Inside, the public Lodge area was transformed as well. The breakfast area was updated and expanded to improve the overall user experience. 

McKibbon Hotel Group’s MHG Construction Management Services, LLC coordinated the renovation project.

For more information or for reservations, call 239-936-0110. 

Sanibel Island home to new crocodile

Sanibel's new crocodile (Photo courtesy of Judie Zimomra)

Sanibel Island has a new crocodile living at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. State wildlife officials relocated the crocodile from a private property in Grove City near Englewood. During the move, wildlife officials placed magnets on her head to disrupt her orientation back to where she was captured.

She was released May 28 on “Ding” Darling’s bay side, near the tower on Wildlife Drive. The crocodile is 8 feet long and marked with a red cattle ear tag on one of her tail scutes.

Earlier this year, an American crocodile that had called “Ding” Darling home for 10 years died, possibly as a result of the winter’s cooler than normal temperatures.

Discounts offered to area attractions

Six Lee County attractions have teamed up to offer visitors discounts this summer: the Imaginarium, Southwest Florida Museum of History, Butterfly Estates, Calusa Nature Center, Shell Factory & Nature Park and Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The “Discover IT!" Inland Treasures of Southwest Florida promotion continues through Sept. 6.

Visitors can download a coupon good for a $1 discount to visit the partner attractions. Coupons also will be available at each venue. For electronic coupons, visit the partner websites at: www.imaginariumfortmyers.com, www.swflmuseumofhistory.com, www.calusanature.com, www.efwefla.org, www.thebutterflyestates.com and www.shellfactory.com.

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