Everything we’ve covered
81 stories from downtown Bonita Springs and counting.
Bonita Springs office property sells for first time in nearly 30 years
A two-building office property here in Lee County just changed hands for the first time since it was built back in 1997, when a local family developed it nearly three decades ago. The sale to a new investor marks a notable shift in the area's commercial real estate landscape, the kind of transaction that can signal fresh interest in Bonita Springs as a place to do business. For residents, it's worth keeping an eye on how the new ownership shapes the property going forward.
Shangri-La Springs Celebrates 100 Years in Bonita Springs
Shangri-La Springs, the beloved historic property tucked in the heart of Bonita Springs, is marking its 100th anniversary in 2026 — a remarkable run that spans generations of local history. The venue has long been a gathering place for wellness, events, and community connection, making it one of the few spots in town that truly bridges the past and present. If you have not yet explored the gardens or stopped in for one of their events, this centennial year is a great reason to finally make the visit.
New store at Miromar Outlets; Estero Chamber names Leadership class
Fourteen local professionals from fields like healthcare, hospitality, education, and local government have been chosen for the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce's newest Leadership Estero class. It's a good reminder that the communities just north of us — Estero in particular — are investing in building stronger civic and business connections, which tends to benefit the broader Southwest Florida area we all share.
State of the Region speakers announced
SWFL Inc. has lined up a roster of business, civic, and security leaders from both Collier and Lee counties to speak at its State of the Region 2026 event this coming September. The morning gathering runs from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on September 16 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, just a short drive from Bonita Springs. If you want a clearer picture of where our regional economy is headed, this is the kind of event worth putting on your calendar now.
Best Bars in Bonita Springs & Estero
From craft beer at local breweries to carefully mixed cocktails and curated wine lists, the bar scene around Bonita Springs and Estero has something for just about every taste. Whether you feel like a casual pint close to home or a more polished evening out, you have real options without driving far. It is a good reminder that this corner of Southwest Florida has quietly built a nightlife worth exploring.
Things to Do in Bonita Springs & Estero
The Bonita Springs and Estero area has no shortage of ways to spend a free afternoon, whether you prefer a quiet walk through a nature preserve or something more active with the kids. From local parks and waterways to family-friendly attractions, there are solid options close to home no matter what kind of outing you are in the mood for. It is a good reminder that you do not have to travel far to find something worth doing right here in your own backyard.
September things to do in Naples, Bonita: Comedy, concerts
September is shaping up to be a solid month for getting out and about in Bonita Springs and neighboring Naples, with concerts, live comedy, theater performances, and early fall events already on the calendar. As the summer heat starts to ease and Halloween creeps closer, the local events scene picks back up in a big way. It's a good time to check local listings and plan a few nights out before the snowbird season kicks into full gear.
Bonita Springs, Palmetto Ridge battle in rainy Week 2 game. See photos
Friday night lights came a little early this season, with Bonita Springs High School and Palmetto Ridge squaring off on a rainy Monday night to close out the second week of high school football. The wet weather did not stop players or fans from showing up and competing, and a photographer was on hand to capture the highlights from the field. If you have students or neighbors cheering on the Bull Sharks, it is worth checking out the photo gallery to relive the action.
SW Florida gets first USA Ninja Challenge gym, one of three in state
A brand-new USA Ninja Challenge gym opened in Bonita Springs this past May, bringing an obstacle-course-style youth fitness program to Southwest Florida for the first time. It is one of only three locations in the entire state and the only one serving South Florida, so local families no longer have to travel far for this kind of active, structured training. For residents with kids looking for a fun way to stay fit close to home, it is a welcome addition to the area's growing lineup of family-friendly options.
111 Year Old McSwain Home Approved for Move to Pine Avenue in Bonita Springs
The historic McSwain House, built in 1915, has been approved to relocate within the downtown Bonita Springs area to a new site on Pine Avenue. The move keeps this century-old landmark close to the heart of the community while placing it in a spot designed to support its long-term preservation and make it more accessible for educational and public programming. For neighbors who walk or bike through downtown, it means this piece of early Bonita history will soon have a more visible and fitting home.
Wonder Gardens Names New CEO as 90-Year-Old Landmark Charts Next Chapter
Sally Mulvena has stepped into the role of president and CEO at Bonita Springs' beloved Wonder Gardens, bringing twenty years of zoo leadership experience to the job. She takes the reins from Neil Anderson, who retired after guiding the 90-year-old attraction through some exciting additions, including the Otter Grotto and the baby gator Vivarium. For residents who love spending a slow morning just a short drive from Bella, it's a good sign that this local landmark has experienced leadership ready to carry it forward.
Smoky, charred, great: Smokin R's BBQ in Bonita Springs checks all the boxes — JLB review
If you've been looking for a solid barbecue spot close to home, Smokin R's BBQ in Bonita Springs just earned a glowing review from food critic Jennifer Murphy Brownsey. The owner, Elton Myzeqari, runs a welcoming, hands-on operation where he personally helps guests navigate the menu. It sounds like the kind of neighborhood place worth adding to your regular rotation.
Naples Lamp Shop opens its doors in Bonita Springs
A well-known Naples lighting retailer has brought its second location to Bonita Commons right here in Bonita Springs, opening a generous 4,400-square-foot showroom stocked with lighting collections and staffed with designers who can help you find the right fit for your home. Whether you are furnishing a new place or refreshing a room, having that kind of personalized service close by is a genuine convenience for residents on this side of town. Keep an eye out for their grand opening celebration coming up this fall.
Whataburger set to open this fall in south Fort Myers
A second Whataburger is coming to Southwest Florida, with the new location planned for Estero near Coconut Point mall in a spot that previously housed a Pollo Tropical. The restaurant is targeting an opening before the end of the year, which puts it within easy driving distance for Bonita Springs residents craving a burger run up US-41. If the chain continues expanding into Port Charlotte as discussed, it looks like Whataburger is making a serious commitment to this part of Florida.
RiverFest returning to Bonita Springs in August
Mark your calendars for August 1st, when RiverFest comes back to downtown Bonita Springs from 1 to 5 p.m. The free afternoon event, put on by the Bonita Springs Downtown Alliance alongside local businesses, brings together live music, food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities all in one place. It's a great excuse to step outside and spend a few hours enjoying everything our neighborhood has to offer.
Now You Know: More Shake Shacks, ‘Wandering Goat’ adopts cause
Shake Shack is heading to Coconut Point in Estero, giving Southwest Florida residents a second local outpost of the popular burger chain after the Naples location paved the way. For anyone living in Bonita Springs, that puts a Shake Shack just a short drive up US-41, well within easy reach for a casual night out. The brand has been on a clear push to grow its Florida footprint, so this corner of the state is clearly on its radar.
Fans welcome home Everblades after historic 5th Kelly Cup win
The Florida Everblades brought home their fifth Kelly Cup championship title, and the team was greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic fans celebrating the historic win right here in our corner of Southwest Florida. For residents who follow local hockey, this is a milestone moment for a franchise that has become a genuine source of regional pride. If you missed the homecoming, keep an eye on Hertz Arena in Estero for upcoming events as the community continues to celebrate.
How Citrus Circus Center is bringing the magic of circus arts to Southwest Florida
A local spot called Citrus Circus Center is giving Bonita Springs residents the chance to learn real circus skills — think aerial arts, acrobatics, and more — on a schedule that works around everyday life. Classes are available in the evenings and on weekends, so whether you're looking for a creative outlet or just something different to try, it's genuinely accessible. It's a fun reminder that there's more happening right here in our community than most people realize.
Florida Everblades head to Kansas City for Kelly Cup Finals
Your neighbors to the north in Estero are making hockey history — the Florida Everblades have earned a spot in the Kelly Cup Finals and are taking their run all the way to Kansas City. If you have been following the team at Hertz Arena this season, now is the time to keep the watch parties going and cheer them on from afar. It is a big moment for the whole Southwest Florida community, and Bonita Springs is right in the middle of it.
Everblades playoff run giving Estero businesses a boost off the ice
When the Everblades are deep in a playoff run, the energy spills well beyond the ice at Hertz Arena in Estero, and nearby restaurants and shops are feeling it in their sales. Local business owners say the surge of fans coming through the area before and after games is giving them a noticeable lift. For residents of Bonita Springs, that kind of regional buzz is a good reminder of how close we are to one of Southwest Florida's most exciting sports traditions.
Elynuik’s OT winner lifts Everblades past Mavericks in Game 4
The Florida Everblades picked up a crucial overtime win last night, with Elynuik's goal pushing them past the Mavericks in Game 4 of the Kelly Cup Finals. The victory means the series is now tightened up, with three games still to play and plenty of hockey left to watch. If you have been looking for a reason to make the short drive up to Hertz Arena in Estero, now is a great time to get in on the excitement.
Everblades aim to even Kelly Cup Finals series in Estero
The Florida Everblades are back on home ice at Hertz Arena in Estero tonight, looking to pull even in the Kelly Cup Finals after a thrilling overtime win earlier this week. If you have been looking for a reason to make the short drive up to Estero, a championship hockey series does not get much better than this. It is a great night to rally behind our local team and soak up some postseason energy just a few miles from Bonita Springs.
Brass Alligator Boutique to Relocate & Open Old Bonita Surf Shop at Imperial 41
The beloved Brass Alligator Boutique is moving to a new home at Imperial 41, bringing its locally loved shopping experience closer to the heart of downtown Bonita Springs. Alongside the relocation, the same team is opening a second concept — a nod to old Florida beach culture with the new Old Bonita Surf Shop. For residents already enjoying the walkable energy along Imperial Parkway, this means two more reasons to step outside and browse right in the neighborhood.
Things to do this weekend in Naples, Bonita include blues rocker
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A Morning at Sauna House in Bonita Springs
Sauna House, one of Bonita Springs' most talked-about wellness spots, has been drawing attention for its signature contrast therapy experience — alternating heat and cold over a two-hour session. For residents looking to decompress without leaving town, it offers a rare kind of intentional, screen-free downtime. If you haven't checked it out yet, it's worth putting on your local to-do list.
This Fort Myers Landscape Follows the Water
A stunning lakefront home at Miromar Lakes, just up the road from Bonita Springs, shows what's possible when landscape design is built around a water view. The designers used striped pavers and clean-edged water features to create a visual path that carries your gaze from the front entry all the way to the lake beyond. It's the kind of thoughtful outdoor design that translates beautifully to Southwest Florida living, where connecting indoor spaces to natural surroundings makes all the difference.
Stan’s Super Subs Re-Opens in Bonita Springs Under New Ownership
After a stretch of quiet months, Stan's Super Subs is back and serving sandwiches again in Bonita Springs, this time under the ownership of Kym Grupi. For longtime fans of the shop, it's a welcome return of a local staple that many residents had genuinely missed. If you've been looking for a reason to get out and explore the neighborhood, a revisit to Stan's seems like a pretty good one.
Why Barefoot Beach Remains the Favorite Among Locals
Barefoot Beach Preserve, the 342-acre coastal gem right here in Bonita Springs, has earned the top spot from Gulfshore Life's editors as the area's best destination for swimming, shoreline strolling, and catching the sunset. It's easy to see why locals keep coming back — the preserve feels genuinely unspoiled compared to busier stretches of Southwest Florida coastline. If you haven't made it out there recently, it's the kind of afternoon trip that reminds you exactly why you chose to live here.
Two Southwest Florida Spas Rooted in the Gulf
A pair of Gulf Coast spas — one on Marco Island, one right here in Bonita Springs — are drawing attention for the way their surroundings actually influence the treatments and atmosphere they offer. Rather than cookie-cutter wellness menus, each spot leans into its specific coastal environment to shape the recovery and relaxation experience. If you've been looking for a local place to unwind that feels genuinely connected to where you live, the Bonita Springs location is worth checking out.
At 90, Wonder Gardens Charts a New Path Forward
Celebrating nine decades in the heart of Bonita Springs, Wonder Gardens is stepping into a new chapter focused on wildlife conservation while keeping its doors open to visitors who want to walk among its tropical grounds and meet its rescued animals. For neighbors at Bella Apartments, this beloved spot just minutes away offers a genuinely meaningful afternoon out — the kind of local gem that makes living downtown feel special. It's good to know this piece of Old Bonita is not just surviving but finding fresh purpose.
