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RC Otters Reopens On Captiva Island Following Hurricane Ian

RC Otters Pre-Hurricane Ian

Almost ten months to the day that the storm devastated the Southwest Florida barrier island,  RC Otters reopens on Captiva Island following Hurricane Ian. A ribbon cutting and celebration was held  at the popular island restaurant last night. RC Otters is on Andy Rosse Lane in the heart of the charming Old Captiva Village.

It's across from sister restaurant, Keylime Bistro which has not reopened. However, Keylime its next on the agenda for Sandy Stillwell. Stillwell owns both restaurants as well as the Captiva Island Inn, along with other nearby businesses. "RC Otters had lots of damage," she said last night. "We had to totally redo the flooring, the walls and the roof but it is looking prettier than ever."

RC Otters still has the same bright color scheme, neon signs and surfboards.

The new furniture is a little more contemporary. The photos above was pre-hurricane Ian. Find a few new ones below. The casual restaurant is known for it's family friendly food and atmosphere. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The indoor-outdoor café is also known for it's live music, daily during lunch and dinner. The stage is outdoors where there is also dining under a shady deck.

The menu is the same as pre-Ian, but Stillwell says a few new things have been added. It's pretty extensive and includes everything from huge salads to succulent ribs. The breakfast burrito is legendary. RC Otters also serves a mean seafood omelet.

Now that another Captiva dining option is available, Stillwell is turning her attention on the famous Keylime Bistro. "My goal is to open by September for the annual Singer Songwriter Festival," she says.

In the meantime, congratulations on this victory. RC Otters reopens on Captiva Island following Hurricane Ian.

Christmas In July, Baseball, Wrestling; Weekend Vibes In Southwest Florida

It seemed like the weekend would take forever to arrive. It's finally here and so are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida July 28-30. We are finally getting a slight break from the heat, however, health experts are still advising you take precautions when outdoors. Also, pet experts are asking you to think twice about taking your four legged friends on outings with you. Here are some precautions for pet owners to consider this summer.

This weekend in Southwest Florida

If you are a sport enthusiast, you will be in hog heaven with all of the events this weekend. Did you know there is a rugby team in Southwest Florida? It's true and they are in action over the weekend. So are the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels baseball team Scroll down  to get details, along with links for even more detailed information. Finally, sports fans, there is WWE wrestling with appearance by pro-wrestlers such as Seth "Freakin" Rollins. He's pictured above with Omos during the WWE Backlash at Coliseo de Puerto Rico. There are more than sporting events to keep you entertained this weekend. It is also the wrap up of the Christmas in July events for many places. Perhaps they will give us a break from the heat, if nothing more than a mental break.

In addition to fun, there is a job fair Saturday for the Sunseekers Resort in Charlotte County. The resort needs to hire more than 1,000 mostly hospitality workers and they are offering some pretty sweet incentives. How does $100,000 sound? Check out all of the details here. It might be a great opportunity if you are looking for a new place to land and stay for awhile.

If you have any upcoming events you want us to know about, please send them here. Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida July 28-30.

WWE Supershow

If you are a pro-wrestling fan, this is for your. WWE wrestling has some big names coming to Hertz Arena Saturday for the WWE Supershow. Show is at 7:30 tickets start at $20

Southwest Florida Copperheads Rugby

Yes, SWFL has a rugby team. The Copperheads take to the field Saturday at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex stadium at 8 PM. It's a  "Blackout" against the Atlanta Rhinos. Fans are encouraged to wear black shirts. $20 for Adults, $10 for Students ages 13-18, and $1 for children.

Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Christmas in July

The Mighty Mussels are at home this weekend, taking on the Palm Beach Cardinals. Friday is the team's Christmas in July event that includes a Teddy Bear Toss and fireworks. Saturday is a beer fest and Bark in the Park, dogs are welcomed. Sunday there is a brunch before the game and kids get to run the bases.

Joan Sonnenberg Exhibit

This is the last weekend to see this exhibit, Joan Sonnenberg: A Retrospective. Sonnenberg is a 92-year-old local artist whose paintings are captivating and include street people, graffiti and more. She uses complex reverse etching techniques among others. The show runs through Saturday at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts.

Downtown Kava All Car Show

This is a great way for car enthusiasts to show off their cars as well as check them out. Put on by Drop The Hammer Designs, it's Saturday from 10-2 at Downtown Kava in Punta Gorda. It's free to attend $10 to submit a vehicle.

Family, Fun, Healthy Sports Expo

This is a chance to let your kids try their hand at different sports for free at the Skatium in Fort Myers. Kids can practice basketball, boxing, soccer, skating, hockey, golfing, martial arts, wrestling, Zumba and yoga. There will be food, exhibits, health professionals and lots more. Saturday 8-12:30, followed by open skate from 12:30-2:00

Christmas in July at Pioneers Plaza

Cool down with Christmas in July Friday at Pioneer Plaza in Port Charlotte. The fun starts at 6pm with food, drinks and live music.

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.