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 19-25, 2026: Whataburger's Estero opening, the Naples Beach renourishment getting underway, Lee County students trying the trades at JetBlue Park, Christmas Island Style kicking off its Marco Island giving season, and FDOT's public hearings on I-75 improvements. Each story links to the original reporting from a local outlet, and I only include stories I can confirm from the source.
Whataburger opens its second Southwest Florida location in Estero
Whataburger opened its Estero restaurant at 22927 Lyden Drive, across U.S. 41 from Coconut Point, on Thursday, October 22, drawing long lines of fans for its second Southwest Florida location. The 158-seat restaurant is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Read the full story at Gulfshore BusinessNaples Beach renourishment begins with 208,000 tons of sand
Collier County's $8 million renourishment of Naples Beach is underway, spreading more than 208,000 tons of sand across 3.5 miles of shoreline from Doctors Pass to just south of 21st Avenue South. Sand placement starts this week, and the project is expected to be complete around Christmas.
Read the full story at WINK NewsLee County students try the construction trades at JetBlue Park
About 800 Lee County high school students spent a day at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers trying construction trades during the sixth annual Build My Future Lee County event on October 22. The hands-on day, organized by the Lee Building Industry Association, gives students a close look at skilled careers close to home.
Read the full story at WGCUChristmas Island Style kicks off its Marco Island giving season
Marco Island's Christmas Island Style kicked off the holiday season with its largest fundraiser of the year, the annual golf tournament, where 70 players took to the course in festive holiday attire. The winner of the day's 50/50 raffle donated her prize back to the organization to keep the giving going.
Read the full story at Coastal Breeze NewsFDOT invites public comment on I-75 improvements from Golden Gate Parkway to Alico Road
The Florida Department of Transportation is holding public hearings October 27 and 28 on its I-75 capacity improvements between Golden Gate Parkway in Collier County and Alico Road in Lee County. An in-person session is planned for October 27 in North Naples and a virtual session for October 28, with written comments accepted through November 10.
Read the full story at WGCUHow 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.
Thinking About a Move to Naples? Start With a Conversation.
Contact Catalina Quintero at (239) 206-6909 or use the contact page to schedule a consultation.