You might not need a calendar; one look at the brightly clad beachgoers and bustling restaurants—and streets that are, shall we say, busy—is enough to know immediately that season is upon us. For many local businesses, especially those depending at least partially on the tourist trade, it’s the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year.
Because the tourism business is booming. As Tim Aten details in “Overnight Growth” on page 32, new hotels and resorts are open, being finalized or under construction all over Collier County and the larger area. Family fun with plenty of amenities including a massive waterpark at the new Great Wolf Lodge; poolside tie-dyed relaxation at the Jimmy Buffett-inspired Compass by Margaritaville; a private club that promises to be exquisitely stylish atop the upcoming Carnelian boutique hotel … there are options for all kinds of tastes, and those are just a few of the soon-to-be starring stopovers for travelers. There’s every reason to suspect that the seasons to come will be busier—and more flush with tourist tax dollars—than ever.
One place that isn’t bursting with growth, though, is Sanibel Island—and that’s by design. As the city prepares to celebrate its golden anniversary this month, Artis Henderson talks with some of its prominent citizens and longtime residents about the community’s spirit of separation and continued commitment to natural preservation. The Sanibel Plan, as she describes in “Island State of Mind” on page 46, has been a means of conserving the island’s identity while keeping its charming atmosphere intact across the decades. Restricting development has protected its aura as a natural oasis, and the deliberate exclusion of many large chains or big box retailers has kept a focus on small, local businesses.
For all of us, November is a time to pause for reflecting on our many reasons for gratitude, and perhaps on avenues for sharing our resources. Giving back takes deserved focus this time of year, and in “Philanthropy for the Future” on page 24, Therese McDevitt looks at some shining examples of local support for health care organizations. Naples Comprehensive Health and Healthcare Network in Naples have seen rapid expansion in facilities and services over the last few years thanks to transformative gifts from major donors … and even for those among us who don’t have the financial wherewithal to become the namesake of a new wing or laboratory, this kind of giving at any monetary level is beneficial. After all, good health care is vital for the community as a whole in addition to everyone in it, and it’s always a good time to share our gratitude with Southwest Florida.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
