| Dear Information Seekers:
To keep you informed of the exciting news from southwest Florida, the Lee Island Coast Visitor & Convention Bureau has started a VCB E-mail News Network. On a weekly or as needed basis, we will forward to you basic facts on accommodations, attractions, tours, airport and general tourism news for your consumption. Week of April 17, 2000 The planned Buquebus high-speed ferry service between Fort Myers and Key West is progressing towards reality. After safety equipment such as life rafts and evacuation slides are installed with Coast Guard approval, the 280-passenger vessel will arrive in Fort Myers for trial runs and crew training. According to a company spokeswoman, service could begin this fall. Buquebus (pronounced Boo-kee-bus) is one of the world's leading fast ferry operators with vessels currently in service in South America, the British Isles, Spain, and Scandinavia. The upscale ferry will make two round trips daily, traveling at 55 m.p.h. Contact: Kathy Albers, 941-461-0999. Visitors to The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers are enjoying the 60-year-old attraction's newest exhibit, the Octagon Animal Showcase. The fun and educational display features lions, monkeys, birds, bears, tigers, and snakes. The newly renovated shopping/entertainment/restaurant complex includes more than five million shells and shell crafts, gifts, Waltzing Waters, Journey into Africa, the Railroad Museum, bumper boats, and more. Contact: Pam Dunmire, 941-995-2141 ext. 116. The Imaginarium Hands-on Museum and Aquarium has debuted a snappy new exhibit: six 6-foot alligators. The prehistoric-looking creatures will be housed in a section of the "Fish-Eye Lagoon" at the Fort Myers attraction. Informative presentations will be given to visitors during alligator feedings. The learning center features a variety of science- and nature-related topics through interactive exhibits. Contact: Tish Thomas, 941-337-3332. The 330-acre South Seas Resort on Captiva Island will take on a south of the border atmosphere with a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on May 5, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Festivities will include live entertainment by a Merenge and Salsa band, dancing, traditional dishes, and more. Chadwick's Square, a gallery of boutiques and fine shops located at the entrance of the world-renowned resort, will be the site of the event. Contact: Jennifer Danforth, 941-472-7577. The 91-room Hampton Inn of Bonita Springs has earned a Circle of Excellence award from the Hampton Inn for being within the Top 10 percent of inns in the chain. The award is based on guest satisfaction and company quality surveys. Contact: Tracy Baker, 941-947-9393. Upcoming major events & festivals: Apr. 30, 2000 May 4-6, 2000 May 6, 2000 May 13, 2000 May 17-21, 2000 May 18-21, 2000 May 27, 2000 For details about any of the above news items, contact the Communications Department, Lee Island Coast Visitor & Convention Bureau:
or call us at 800-237-6444/941-338-3500. For immediate general information about the Lee Island Coast log onto: www.LeeIslandCoast.com and visit the Media Central section. |