Episode 23: What is inside Sanibel’s time capsule?
Shellcast
Sanibel Island’s time capsule was sealed on Nov. 19, 1983, with instructions for it to be opened on the city’s 50th anniversary on Nov. 5, 2024. Let’s find out what’s inside with Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson and Porter Goss, the island’s first mayor. Recorded Nov. 5, 2024
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Episode 22: Fort Myers reality check, post-Hurricane Milton
Shellcast
One week after Hurricane Milton, much of the Fort Myers area is open and ready for visitors. Shellcast guests include, in order of interviews, Pamela Johnson and Miriam Dotson of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau; Bill Waichulis, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Fort Myers Beach; John Lai, SanCap Chamber of Commerce; Matt Devitt, chief meteorologist, WINK News; and Jeff Mielke, Lee County Sports Development. Recorded on Oct. 17, 2024
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Episode 21: Island Hopper preview with Claire Liparulo
Shellcast
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is only a week away, so to get ready for the 10-year celebration, Shellcast invited singer-songwriter Claire Liparulo in for a conversation about why the 10-day music event - Sept. 20-29 - is so special to Southwest Florida. Claire performs "No Shade" and "God's Cathedral. Shellcast also welcomes Nancy MacPhee, product development director at the Lee County VCB, and de facto director of Island Hopper. Recorded on Sept. 12, 2024
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Episode 20: Island Hopper preview with Essex County
Shellcast
Essex County, the band of brothers Nate, Mark and Kieran Bass, tell what they love about Island Hopper Songwriter Fest and why you should be there, plus they sing an a cappella song, just for Shellcast. Island Hopper is set for Sept. 22-Oct. 1, with shows on Captiva Island, Cape Coral, downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. Video on Shellcast's YouTube channel. Recorded Aug. 18, 2023
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Episode 19: 'Drink Happy Thoughts' with Kristian Bush
Shellcast
This Island Hopper Songwriter Fest preview features an interview with Grammy-award winning performer Kristian Bush. He talks about why this year’s event is so special and why you should be there. Bush is the opening act for headliner Chris Janson on Oct. 1 at the Pink Shell Pool Party. Use the official Island Hopper app to purchase tickets. Island Hopper is set for Sept. 22-Oct. 1, with shows on Captiva Island, Cape Coral, downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. Video on Shellcast's YouTube channel. Recorded Aug. 18, 2023
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Episode 18: Spring training - Let the games begin
Shellcast
The Grapefruit League’s in full swing and this episode takes you to the Lee County Sports Complex for a spring training game between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. Jeff Mielke, executive director of Lee County Sports Development, tells how Hammond Stadium and JetBlue Park play into Lee County sports tourism. Recorded March 3, 2023
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Episode 17: For the birds
Shellcast
What’s the difference between bird watching and being a birder? Quite a lot, according to ardent birder Dr. Jose Padilla-Lopez. Spend some time with him at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers and you’ll learn more than a few things about the birds to be seen along the boardwalk. Jose breaks down birding with his easy-to-understand, five-point plan: Why birding is good for you What you need to start birding Birding hotspots in Lee County, Florida A few of the best birds to be found in Lee County How to meet other local birders and learn from them Recorded Jan. 25, 2023
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Episode 16: A lazy river for manatees
Shellcast
Manatee Park in Fort Myers gives non-captive, Florida manatees a warm place to stay when the waters of the Gulf of Mexico dip below 68° F (20° C). It’s also a fun thing for visitors to do, especially January-March. The warm water in the park’s canal comes from the Florida Power and Light Power Plant across the street and is created as a byproduct of cooling off its equipment. Interviews include Laura Carr, Lee County Parks and Recreation, and visitors to Manatee Park. Recorded Jan. 16 and 18, 2023
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Episode 15: Boca Grande welcomes holiday season
Shellcast
Celebrate the holiday season with the Lighting of the Lighthouse at Port Boca Grande Lighthouse on Gasparilla Island and hear from the locals about how this island community is recovering from Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 hurricane that hit Southwest Florida on Sept. 28. Interviews with Sharon McKenzie, executive director, Barrier Island Parks Society; Gary Cross, president of Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce; Sue Herbert, resident of Fremont, Ohio, and Englewood, Florida; Andrew and Brittany Madison, residents of Englewood; Paul Townsend, lighthouse docent. Recorded Dec. 8 and 10, 2022.
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Episode 14: Fort Myers Beach shows its resiliency
Shellcast
Fort Myers Beach business owners and visitors talk about the recovery and cleanup efforts that continue weeks after Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 hurricane slammed into Southwest Florida on Sept. 28. Interviews with Peter Ennis, owner of Wahoo Willie's; Tom Fritz, resident of Fort Myers; Rebecca Henderson, general manager of Bayfront Bistro; Tom Houghton, owner of La Ola; Bill Ignatti, general manager of Wahoo Willie's; Jacki Liszak, president of Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce; Cameron Roper, host at Bayfront Bistro; and Diane and Jeff Stone, visitors from upstate New York. Recorded Nov....
info_outlineSanibel Mayor Holly Smith and John Lai, president and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, talk about the Oct. 19 reopening of the Sanibel Causeway, restoring access to residents and construction crews just three weeks after Hurricane Ian. The Causeway’s reopening marks a significant milestone in Lee County’s recovery from the Category 4 hurricane that hit Southwest Florida on Sept. 28. Recorded Oct. 20, 2022