FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose
                        (239)338-3500

New nature guide, wildlife refuge celebration,
additions to spa and golf debut on southwest Florida’s Lee Island Coast

March 2003
LEE ISLAND COAST, FL – New nature guide, additions at attractions and accommodations are all indicators of the growing popularity of southwest Florida’s Lee Island Coast as a vacation and meetings destination.

Known as “Florida’s Tropical Island Paradise,” the Lee Island Coast’s appeal to visitors from around the world is evident: 50 miles of unspoiled white-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, renowned shelling, game fishing, kayaking, boating, and an impressive selection of eco- and heritage-based adventures.

Couples, families, and meetings attendees all enjoy the array of educational, historical, and natural attractions and recreational activities from which to choose.  Quite simply, the Lee Island Coast offers a welcome change-of-pace from the been-there-and-done-that in Florida. Here are some noteworthy tourism items from the Lee Island Coast:

Lee Island Coast premieres new nature guide

This 52-page guide educates Lee Island Coast visitors on the importance of environmental preservation and wildlife protection. Along with the educational and entertaining insights, facts and tips on how best to experience the many natural resources and wonders, the guide also features eco-based itineraries and a guide map. “Advancing our area’s resource protection and appreciation were two important objectives of the new Nature Guide,” said D.T. Minich, C.D.M.E., executive director of the VCB.  “It will enhance visitors’ experiences by educating them on the unique qualities of the Lee Island Coast and the important role they can play in protecting them.”  To get a free copy of the nature guide, log onto www.LeeIslandCoast.com.

Sanibel Island Refuge celebrates National Wildlife Refuge 100th anniversary

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) on Sanibel Island has a special week planned during “Ding” Darling Days in October to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The system includes more than 530 refuges and thousands of waterfowl production areas, spanning nearly 94 million acres across the United States and its territories.

At “Ding” Darling (NWR) they will celebrate from Oct. 12-18 with tours, wildlife and environmental speakers and produce a play about Rachel Carson, the environmentalist who led the banning of pesticides in the U.S. during the 1960s. She is the author of “A Silent Spring.” The final day of the celebration is set aside for family events, including canoe and kayak tours. For more information, access http://dingdarling.fws.gov .

World-class spa renovated at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa

The new spa at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers will pay tribute to the spirit of the local native American Indians, who lived along the Lee Island Coast until the mid-1700s. And, just as their lives revolved around the sea, so will the features of the new spa. From the Sea Escape Facial and Hand Treatment to “The Caloosa Experience,” where couples and groups can learn to perform their own treatments, guests will feel the essence of the sea.

Another component is the “Couples Suite” for duos who wish to enjoy massages, facials, scrubs and wraps in the comfort of the same room. Also new is the “Las Piedra Calientes” hot stone massage, the Flexibility Studio for Yoga and Pilates and a new Relaxation Bistro.

Although it’s in a new space, one popular returning experience is the resort’s BETAR musical and sound relaxation system. For details, access www.sanibel-resort.com .

Save while playing some of the best golf courses around

Visitors to the Lee Island Coast can take advantage of what resident golfers enjoy yearly – discount golf cards. From May 1 - Oct. 31, holders of the 2003 Big Shot Card ($25) can obtain steep discounts at one of the many fine WCI golf communities in southwest Florida. Participating courses this year include: Raptor Bay, the Raymond Floyd designed course at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, which is 18 holes and expanding to 27 holes. Or, you can take a shot at the 18-hole championship course at Solana in Fort Myers; Gulf Harbour Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers offers a links style course of 6,706 yards, which will challenge golfers of all skill levels; and Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, where two golf legends, Ron Garl and Mark McCumber were given native Florida woodland as their canvas for the course.

Holders of the Big Shot Card pay between $15 and $58 for a round of golf at these courses. To purchase a card online before your next golfing vacation to southwest Florida, access www.wcibigshot.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Lee Island Coast in southwest Florida includes Sanibel/Captiva/Pine islands, historic Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs and beaches, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, and Lehigh Acres.  For more information, log on to our Web site at www.LeeIslandCoast.com .

* New area code for Lee County is 239.