The once sleepy barrier island labeled Estero Island on navigational charts was dubbed Fort Myers Beach in the early part of the 20th century by city folks who spent their weekends on its wide, sandy beaches. Centuries earlier, an abundance of fish and other seafood made the 6.5-mile-long island attractive to its earliest inhabitants, the Calusa, as well as explorers, fisherfolk, and a pirate or two. In the late 19th century, early homesteaders were lured by stories of free tillable soil in a balmy climate surrounded by warm waters and ankle-deep shells. When pink shrimp, labeled "Pink Gold," were found in nearby waters, another influx of residents arrived. Today, the island is best known as an energetic resort community, but it retains the influence and charm of its remarkable past.

In these photographs, the neighborhood service station, the drugstore soda fountain, and steamboat mail-delivery live on. Nineteenth-century storefronts stand amid condo towers. Cattle stroll to market, and post-World War II newcomers transform the paradise of Gilded Age millionaires and tin-can tourists. Fort Myers continues to reinvent itself, maintaining the treasures of its richly storied past.

Although best known as the winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Fort Myers has one of the most engaging and extraordinary histories of any city in Florida. The spawn of a hurricane, Fort Myers began as a U.S. Army post during Florida's Seminole Wars. During the Civil War, it became a battleground between Confederates and Yankees for cattle and, after the war, a gun-slinging cowboy town. New York cartoonist Walt McDougall blew into the area on a fishing trip, and his glowing description lured down other wealthy Yankee sportsmen who helped turn this isolated frontier town into a modern tourist destination. Historian and author Cynthia Williams explores the hidden stories behind the growth of this beautiful city.

Newton engagingly recalls a lifetime of friendship with five giants of the twentieth century. Foreword by Anne Morrow Lindbergh; Index; photographs.

Murder, sunken treasure, and pirates both ancient and modern send Doc Ford on a nightmare quest in this New York Times bestseller in Randy Wayne White's thrilling series. Marine biologist Doc Ford has been known to help his friends out of jams occasionally, but he's never faced a situation like this. His old pal Carl Fitzpatrick has been chasing sunken wrecks most of his life, but now he's run afoul of the Florida Division of Historical Resources. Its director, Leonard Nickelby, despises amateur archaeologists, which is bad enough, but now he and his young "assistant" have disappeared--along with Fitzpatrick's impounded cache of rare Spanish coins and the list of uncharted wreck sites Fitz spent decades putting together. Some of Fitz's own explorations have been a little...dicey, so he can't go to the authorities. Doc is his only hope. But greed makes people do terrible things: rob, cheat, even kill. With stakes this high, there's no way the thieves will go quietly--and Doc's just put himself in their crosshairs.

Fort Myers is a city in southwest Florida and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Known for its beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, excellent restaurants and a rich cultural heritage, Fort Myers is an ideal place for a vacation. The town was discovered in 1886 by Thomas Edison, who spent his winter in Fort Myers. Today, Edison's Winter Estates is a popular museum showcasing the life and work of the famous inventor. Another famous historical figure associated with Fort Myers is the writer and adventurer, Ernest Hemingway. His former house is now a museum that gives visitors an insight into his life and work. Fort Myers is also a popular destination for German expats who want to live in Florida. In fact, Fort Myers is one of the cities with the highest number of German-speaking residents in Florida. There are several reasons why so many Germans settle in Fort Myers. One of the main reasons is the pleasant climate with warm temperatures all year round, which is ideal for a relaxed life in Florida. In addition, there is a vibrant German community in Fort Myers, which makes it easier for immigrants to integrate and socialize. There are also plenty of opportunities for Germans to work in Fort Myers, as the city is a major business location with numerous businesses and businesses. In addition, there are a variety of services specifically geared towards German-speaking immigrants, such as German-speaking doctors, lawyers, insurance agents, and accountants. For German vacationers, the presence of a large German-speaking community in Fort Myers can be an added benefit, as it allows them to more easily connect with other German vacationers and exchange information about local conditions. There are also a variety of English-speaking guides and tours in the region that can help visitors make the most of their vacation. Overall, Fort Myers is a popular destination for German vacationers and expats looking for a laid-back Florida life while maintaining a connection to German culture and community.

Visitors come to the Fort Myers/Sanibel coast of Southwest Florida for its pristine white sand beaches, warm blue-green waters, and fabulous year-round weather, but much more awaits discovery. 100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die proposes opportunities to explore not only the renowned beaches, waterways, and recreational activities, but also the historic and offbeat locales. Paddle the calm waters to follow in the wake of the people of the Calusa tribes. Get inspired at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Take time to go fishing, shelling, birding, or island hopping and fully appreciate this natural haven. Marvel at dolphins jumping in the rolling waves and pelicans diving in the surf for breakfast. Spot endangered West Indian manatees meandering through the mangrove-lined back bays and estuaries. 100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die will help point your life list in the right direction.