Every week I round up the community, business, and development stories making news across Southwest Florida, from Naples and Marco Island to Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers. This edition covers the week of October 5-11, 2026: preserved wildlife habitat on Marco Island, a AAA bond rating for Estero, a major investment in a North Fort Myers park, a boutique hotel plan on Fort Myers Beach, and a volunteer beach cleanup. Each story links to the original reporting from a local outlet, and I only include stories I can confirm from the source.
Burrowing owls and gopher tortoises get preserved homes on Marco Island
Collier County commissioners agreed to spend nearly $2 million to buy three parcels on Marco Island through the Conservation Collier program. The land will be kept as habitat for the burrowing owls and gopher tortoises that live on the island.
Read the full story at the Marco EagleEstero earns a top AAA bond rating
Estero was assigned S&P's top AAA bond rating, a milestone the Village Council reviewed at its October 7 workshop. The rating reflects the village's strong financial position as it moves forward on projects like the Old Post Office redevelopment.
Read the full story from the Village of EsteroLee County invests $50 million in Mike Greenwell Regional Park
Lee County commissioners approved up to $50 million in disaster-recovery grant funds to redevelop Mike Greenwell Regional Park in North Fort Myers, home of the 48-year-old Lee Civic Center. The plan calls for a larger facility while keeping the park's rural roots.
Read the full story at WINK NewsFort Myers Beach advances a boutique hotel plan
Fort Myers Beach Town Council advanced a 30-unit boutique hotel with mixed-use commercial space on the site of the former Hideaway Village Motel. The project keeps the town's rebuilding momentum going as the beach community continues to recover.
Read the full story at Gulfshore BusinessKeep Lee County Beautiful seeks volunteers for a beach cleanup
Keep Lee County Beautiful is recruiting volunteers for its annual Monofilament Madness marine cleanup on October 31, launching from Salty Sam's Marina and The Mound House on Fort Myers Beach. It is a hands-on way to help keep the coast clean.
Read the full story at Florida WeeklyHow I put this list together
I keep this roundup to community, business, and development news that I can verify from the outlet's own reporting, and I link to the original article every time. I skip crime stories and anything politically divisive, so this stays a positive, useful snapshot of the week. If a story changes, the linked articles are the best place to check the latest.
A note on fair housing: every home and community in Southwest Florida is open to all qualified buyers and renters, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. If you are exploring a move here, I am glad to help you find the place that fits you, whatever your story.
A note from the author: I'm Catalina Quintero, a bilingual REALTOR with The Miranda Group at Premiere Plus Realty, Co., serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Marco Island. I put this roundup together each week from current, published reporting so you can keep a finger on what is happening in Southwest Florida. If you are thinking about a move, email or text me any time.
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Contact Catalina Quintero at (239) 206-6909 or use the contact page to schedule a consultation.