Guest Editorial
In my last guest editorial for TOTI Media, which was published in 2011, I highlighted a number of local projects that have now come to pass or are nearing completion. Fort Myers is budding with new opportunities as fast as the sun can inspire new growth.
Think of the entire region as a giant garden bursting with new business growth. Baby boomers are looking at making Fort Myers their place to find a high- quality lifestyle, with its multitude of casual and upscale restaurants, wide array of entertainment options, and diverse recreational opportunities. As we continue to drive urban infill projects with modern infrastructure that inspires development and growth, many are looking at downsizing and taking advantage of a new kind of lifestyle.
It is easy to fall in love with Fort Myers when you experience the weather and the prolific growing environment that inspires many garden enthusiasts to beautify our city through their time and talents. We are blessed with multiple garden clubs that are associated with the Fort Myers- Lee County Garden Council. Clubs such as the Royal Palm Garden Club and the Periwinkle Garden Club— which was Mina Edison’s garden club and ranks as the oldest garden club in Lee County— sprinkle their talents across Fort Myers. It’s an all- volunteer effort, I might add, demonstrating members’ love for their city.
Our most famous snowbirds’ love for our city lives on at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Visitors from around the world, as well as local residents, come to see the unique grounds of the estates and learn how plants and trees contributed significantly to Thomas Edison’s inventions and the ways he improved the quality of life for all mankind.
That historic growth exists right alongside all of the new growth popping up around the city and region. Take, for example, the area’s newfound notoriety as “Dunk City,” which emerged during the NCAA’s March Madness, courtesy of coach Andy Enfield and his mighty Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles. They’re already creating a legacy for our city, county, and state, one that’s destined to change Fort Myers for the good… forever. For that, we are ever grateful.
This issue of RSW Living highlights other ways our region is growing. Readers can learn everything from what to plant to attract wildlife to their property to why a local nursery and landscaping company stresses the importance of using native vegetation. They may find themselves inspired to start a project of their own, whether it’s simply planting a shrub or embarking on a backyard makeover.
The decade ahead is looking good, and I ask people everywhere I go, “Have you reserved your place in Fort Myers yet?” There is no time as good as now, and I assure you that you will not regret your decision to live, work, and play in one of the world’s most outstanding places.
If you haven’t visited Fort Myers’s River District lately, plan to spend a day here. There is plenty to do and enjoy. We continue to expand the city’s arts and cultural opportunities. And as I always like to remind people, the best is yet to come.