Fort Myers Road Closures For The Boat Show

It is the biggest boat show on the west coast of Florida and it opens today. The 51st Annual Fort Myers Boat Show draws visitors from all over Southwest Florida and the state to downtown. The influx of people and amount of real estate the show takes up can cause some challenges. There are some Fort Myers road closures for the boat show that you should know about. We also have some parking information.

Fist, a little about the boat show. It is both indoors and outdoors. There are  more than 500 boats on site for you to check out. In addition, there are some 130 manufacturers on hand. Also, you can enjoy all kinds of demonstrations and meet a range of people offering services that are associated with boating. We are talking all kinds of boats from kayaks and jet skis to power boats and pontoons.

The exhibits wind along the Caloosahatchee River and through Centennial Park. The Caloosa Sound Convention Center is also full of all things boating related. The majority of booths and displays are on Edwards Drive. The boat show main entrance is next to the post office at the corner of Bay Street & Heitman St. A second entrance is at the opposite end, on Lee St. Heitman is closed to traffic and so is Edwards Drive from the post office, all of the way to Lee Street. Parts of Bay Street have detour signs and there are numerous detours along the side streets leading from First to Bay. If you have to head downtown for business in the next couple of days, plan on extra time and be sure to read all parking signs.

This is a big area that takes up a lot of parking spaces. However, the Edison Parking Garage is open and it is the closest lot to the main entrance. It's at Monroe St. and Bay St. across from the convention center. Further down on Bay St, there is parking in the Florida Repertory Theater lot. It is between Hendry and Jackson. Also on Jackson St. at the intersection with First St. you'll find the Main Street Parking Garage. There is a second entrance to the boat show close to this lot.

If you have to park far away or need assistance, there is a shuttle that runs the length of Bay St. to help give your feet and legs a break.  The Boat Show runs through Sunday. Doors open each day at 10am and clos at 6pm, 5pm on Sunday. Admission is $20, however,  kids 15 and under are free with a paying adult. We know how much Southwest Floridians love the water and love their boats. Enjoy this year's show.

A three day weekend is coming up for many Southwest Floridians. It is to honor all of the men and women who have served our country. Saturday is Veterans Day. The day is also a federal holiday. Because the holiday falls on the weekend, many people have Monday off. However, Charlotte County's government is closed on Friday. There are all kinds of commemorative events in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, Naples and other communities over the three day span. Here are a few of the top Veterans Day celebrations in Southwest Florida.

Veterans Day is November 11th. Its origins date back to World War I. It represents  the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when hostilities between the Allied Nations and Germany ended. The day is set aside to recognize, honor, and thank the men and women who have served in all military branches.

Small celebrations can be found in many community centers, shopping centers, and local neighborhoods. Those listed here are among the largest and traditionally, the most well attended in the area. In addition, a few take place on Sunday and Monday. Be sure to check the dates and times listed below. They are all family friendly as well.

Finally,  if you can't make it to any of the following events, you can still participate in the spirit of the day. Take a few minutes to thank veterans on social media. Reach out to those in your circle who have served. We salute all of the men and women in all of the United States Armed Services. Most importantly, we thank you for your service to our country. Enjoy these celebrations.

This is a huge event every year for many reasons. The Midpoint Bridge between Fort Myers and Cape Coral closes allowing runners to replace cars for three hours. In the past the race has taken place at night, however, this year it is in the morning, Saturday, from  7-10am. It starts at Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. Race activities take place at the Fort Myers YMCA which is the beneficiary of all proceeds. Registration $35 , $20 for veterans. More info here.

This is another well attended event every year, organized by Cape Coral's Parks and Recreation Department. The parade is Saturday from  11am to 1pm. It starts at Cape Coral Street and travels west  Chester Street on Cape Coral Parkway. More info here. 

This annual ceremony also takes place Saturday. There will be live music, keynot speakers, a JROTC demonstration, and more. In addiiton, 21 bells will be rung for the “Bells of Peace.” It's in Cambier Park from 9:30-11:15am. More info here. 

The City of Bonita Springs holds its annual Veterans Day celebration on Saturday. It includes musical tributes, speakers and the posting of the colors. Activities begin at  11am in Riverside Park, downtown Bonita Springs. More info here. 

This is another popular, annual event in Southwest Florida. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and listen to the patriotic music of the Bonita Springs Concert Band. In addition,  singer Heather Ivy performs a salute to Whitney Houston. This event is Sunday at 2 p.m. in Riverside Park on Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. More info here. 

This event is Saturday. It is highlighted by music from New Horizons Choir and pop singer Lindsey Graham as well as a 21-gun salute. Other activities include a classic car show, kids activities, and free hotdogs. Local veterans and Gold Star Families will also be recognized. It's at Estero Community Park, on Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Saturday 11-2. More information here.  

The Charlotte County Veterans Day Parade  steps off at Port Charlotte Beach Park at 9 a.m. Monday. The route travels along Harbor Boulevard to Edgewater Drive and on to the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park. Harbor Boulevard from Edgewater Drive to Port Charlotte Beach Park will be closed to traffic 8:30-11:30 and the parking lot at Port Charlotte Beach Park will be closed from 12 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. More info here.