English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Cape Coral, FL

The Memorial Day holiday weekend will be a scorcher as highs will soar into the 90s with a heat index approaching triple digits.

The unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend is the time of year when a lot of people dust off their bay skiffs and head toward the coast for some boating and fishing.

Others go to one of Southwest Florida's pristine beaches, while others go shopping or to their community swimming pool.

Regardless of what you do this weekend, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water will be a requirement as sunny, hot and humid conditions will dominate the next several days.

"It looks like 93-ish Friday and 94 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, so mid-90s look to be pretty likely, especially as you get away from the coast," said Ross Giarratana, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Ruskin, which covers the Fort Myers-Cape Coral areas. "It's a little above normal, which is about 90 for Page Field for this time of year."

Giarratana said the heat index inland could rise to 103 degrees.

"It looks like the heat index will rise to 102 or 103 as we head into Saturday and Sunday," he said. "But we don't issue heat advisories until the heat index reaches 108 degrees."

He said Florida weather is already hinting at summer conditions, although rain is not in the immediate forecast.

"It looks like we're starting to see a rainy season pattern, which is usually for late May and going into June," Giarratana said. "Our dew points start increasing and we get more marine influence and some of that is in the forecast for the holiday weekend."

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Rain chances improving as wet season looms

Rain chances will be their highest in the Fort Myers area on Friday, with a 50% chance of precipitation, according to NWS forecasts.

But that rain is not expected to amount to much in the way of measurable precipitation.

Although record rains fell earlier this month, the region is still in the grips of an extreme drought.

Rain is much needed in this region as Southwest Florida has experienced drought conditions for several months.

The latest Nation Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration drought monitor shows both Lee and Collier are suffering from extreme drought conditions.

Daily rains, though, should start soon as the summer pattern is typically in place by early June.

Lee and Collier counties are also the driest two counties in the state, with both measuring between 550 and 599 on the Keetch Byram Drought Index, with ranges from 0 for saturated conditions to 800 for especially dry times.

Water restrictions have taken effect in parts of Cape Coral and Lee County due to a persistent drought. The city is implementing these measures to conserve the Mid-Hawthorne Aquifer, which serves as a crucial water source for many homes in the area.

Residents are now under strict no-irrigation rules, and the city is actively enforcing compliance. WINK News reporter Haley Zarcone joined a city code enforcement officer to witness the efforts firsthand.

Rick Miles, who works for the city’s code compliance team, explained the situation.

“With the phase four water restrictions in the 10 square miles, that's where we'll be focusing tonight, we'll probably have a better chance of catching, you know, some violators, and a lot of people with the new change don't really know that they went from a one-day-week restriction down to no days,” said Miles.

WINK News accompanied Miles as he checked for violators in the northeastern part of Cape Coral. They visited homes where sprinklers were left on, despite the restrictions.

Miles noted, “Now they have 10 days to fix this, and on the 11th day, if we come back, then that's when the fine could be imposed.”

The team observed that most homes were complying with the new rules, which Miles attributed to the severity of the drought.

“Matt Devitt said, you know, this is the worst drought in 24 years. So that aquifer, it's, it's at a real dangerous level, and if we go, if we don't correct the issue and prevent it from even going lower, it can do serious damage. It may never recover,” said Miles.

For those who continue to violate the restrictions, multiple infractions could lead to significant fines. However, the city is encouraged by the compliance they have seen so far.

The enforcement efforts aim to protect the aquifer and ensure the community has access to water resources in the future.

A massive plume of Saharan dust about 2,000 miles wide from west to east is headed for Florida.

The dust is expected to reach the Gulf Coast, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lee County, as early as Wednesday, June 3.

Saharan dust moving across the Atlantic from Africa isn't unusual. Activity usually ramps up in mid-June, peaks from late June to mid-August, and begins to subside after mid-August.

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It helps prevent hurricanes from developing or strengthening and provides some vivid sunrises and sunsets.

Here's what to know about the Saharan dust moving toward Southwest Florida:

Saharan dust forecast tracker

Saharan dust map: Plume approaching Florida, US

"We’re currently seeing a massive plume of dust moving east through the Caribbean," said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert, said in an email Monday afternoon.

"It's about 2,000 miles wide from east to west, stretching from Jamaica all the way past Barbados. North to south, it's about 750 miles, spanning from Trinidad and Tobago in the south to north of Puerto Rico.

"That gives you a sense of the scale; it’s essentially a wall of dust. While it's not uncommon for dust to cross the Atlantic, this is one of the larger plumes we’ve seen so far this season. It's not necessarily unusual, but definitely on the stronger side."

"We expect it to arrive in the U.S. late in the week. Florida could see enhanced sunsets as early as Thursday, and the dust could spread into parts of the northern Gulf Coast — places like Houston, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge — by Friday into Saturday," DaSilva said.

"While it’s not rare for this dust to travel across the Atlantic and affect the southern U.S., it usually only happens a couple of times a year. This appears to be the largest plume we've seen in 2025 so far."

"It's an expansive plume, something that is typical for this time of year," said Fox Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said via email Monday.

"It doesn't look as deep of a layer as the models had predicted last week, but it's still should be enough for Floridians to notice a haze in the air. Sunrises and sets should feature more of a darker red hue as well, stating Wednesday and peaking Friday/Saturday. The heaviest concentration of dust looks like Central Florida at this point. This will be the biggest push of Saharan dust into Florida so far this year.”

What can Southwest Florida expect from Saharan dust this week?

Since most of the dust typically is high in the atmosphere, "it rarely causes significant air quality issues for breathing," DaSilva said. "If the dust is really thick, it can impact surface air quality, but that's uncommon.

"Interestingly, rain showers are expected (this week) as well. When that happens, the dust can get caught in raindrops and settle on the ground. Once it dries, it might leave a residue — brown dust on cars."

"The front draped over South Florida causing all the storms right now (Monday afternoon) is expected to dissipate through Tuesday. The dust is forecast to move over us toward the middle to end of the week, reducing thunderstorm chances but not eliminating them. Expect murky skies and nice sunsets when the dust arrives Wednesday morning before departing Thursday evening and into Friday morning," said Barry Baxter, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Miami, in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

Tuesday morning, the highest concentration of Saharan dust is located over Puerto Rico, said Stephen Shiveley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay in a phone interview. "It'll be heading our way over the next couple of days, but a factor for us is an upper-level low in the Gulf of America bringing tropical moisture over us. So we'll see a lot of showers and cloud cover. The dust may be over us but it won't be as noticeable unless there's a break in the clouds. Early in the weekend, while there may be less dust over Southwest Florida, it may be more noticeable as the upper-level low moves out."

Will smoke from Canadian wildfires reach Florida?

The same weather conditions bringing the Saharan dust into Florida is helping push smoke from the Canadian wildfires away from the Sunshine State.

"The Canadian wildfire smoke is definitely into north central Florida and the Panhandle," Van Dillen said.

"All the storms Monday afternoon in South Florida has essentially ‘washed’ it out of the air, no worries there for smoke. It looks like the smoke hangs out through Tuesday morning until it rushes north and out; that wind shift will actually usher in the Saharan dust.

"Smoke is noticeable in north Florida now (late Monday, June 2) but not as thick as neighbors to the north in Georgia and South Carolina. Air quality alerts were posted for the poor air resulting from the smoke and ozone combining from the warm air."

What is Saharan dust?

Known officially as the Saharan Air Layer, Saharan dust is dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa, according to the National Weather Service.

As it moves off the west coast of Africa, it can travel across the North Atlantic, reaching Florida and the United States.

The Saharan Air Layer can be 2 to 2.5 miles thick, starting about one mile above the surface.

➤ Interactive map: Check air quality in Collier County

When does Saharan Air Layer normally occur?

The Saharan Air Layer forms over the Sahara Desert during late spring, summer, and early fall, moving over the tropical North Atlantic every three to five days, the National Weather Service said.

Activity usually ramps up in mid-June, peaks from late June to mid-August, and begins to rapidly subside after mid-August.

"During the peak period, individual Saharan Air Layer outbreaks reach farther to the west — as far west as Florida, Central America and even Texas — and cover vast areas of the Atlantic."

How does Saharan dust affect tropical storms and hurricanes?

Three factors associated with Saharan dust help prevent tropical cyclones from developing and, with storms already present, inhibit strengthening:

Saharan dust brings vivid sunrises, sunsets

While Saharan dust can make the sky look hazy it can bring some stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Where there is a lot of dust — or smoke — in the atmosphere, sunrises and sunsets can appear even more yellow, orange and red than normal, according to the National Weather Service.

"A heavy load of dust in the atmosphere can enhance ... leads to longer-lasting, duskier colors that cause vivid sunsets and sunrises."

Air quality from Saharan dust could pose respiratory problems for some

"Saharan dust lowers air quality by increasing the concentration of mineral dust, things like silica and quartz," Dr. Samuel Gurevich, a pulmonologist with Cleveland Clinic in Florida said in an email.

"These tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs and cause significant inflammation."

The dust also tends to make the air drier, which can further irritate airways, Gurevich said. This might mean a runny nose or itchy eyes.

"But, for people with respiratory conditions, it can cause more serious symptoms or flare ups," he said.

How is the air quality in Naples, Collier County? How can you check local conditions?

Can't see the map?

What are air quality alerts?

Air quality alerts are indicators the air is unsafe to breathe for certain people. Alerts are triggered by a number of factors, including the detection of fine-particle pollution, which can irritate the lungs.

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/Cape Coral's 45th Anniversary

It’s tough to be a Southwest Florida angler this time of year. I like trout and ultra-lite fishing and the trout have been bigger than normal this year. With the same gear I could fish pompano and whiting around the passes and have a great chance at Spanish macs in the same vicinity. Maybe up the gear and fish the passes and the beaches for arriving snook or mangrove points and docks on the way to the beaches as not all snook have arrived yet but, they are catching some really big females now.

Uncle Fred from Kansas said he wanted to pull on something big when they come down. Break out the bucket of rope and let him hand line a Tesla-sized goliath grouper over at the Sanibel Causeway? That should cure him pretty quickly and give him something to brag about for the next 10 years. Too many choices!

Since we’ve got various sized redfish in the surf, on both sides of Charlotte Harbor or east into the back country, maybe pick a low tide period and try a little sight fishing from the poling platform. Another opposite but hot option would be going out to the 100 to 140-foot zone for some outstanding bottom fishing for various grouper, snapper, grunts, Spanish macs and kingfish. Might even encounter some dolphin or even a school of sailfish that far out. What to do?

There’s no question that it’s tarpon time with the most consistent action taking place at Boca Grande Pass using crabs and fishing the 3 a.m. to just after sun-up shift for best action and less crowds. After jumping a few tarpon, maybe Fred could break in my new stand-up harness rig while further upping his bragging game and try for a monster hammerhead that could eat a goliath grouper or at least several tarpon snacks each week.

Yes, welcome to outstanding May fishing here in Southwest Florida where the hardest thing to do is to choose what to fish for. What a terrible problem! Nearly unlimited species to pursue, using the tackle and technique of your choice, calm seas and great weather makes Cape Coral the place to be. As a bonus, less folks on the water and boat ramps and restaurants less crowded, as many of our dear neighbors have headed home. I like it!

If choosing to fish Boca for tarpon with bait, the FWC recommends using non-stainless, non-offset, barb-less circle hooks in the 6/0 to 10/ size. Consult the website for other Boca tackle recommendations and illegal gear. Getting out there at 3 or 4 in the morning is tough for many folks but the fishing can be outstanding with less boats, noise and pressure.

You might say I’ve got a thing for sharks and seeing big, really big, fish in skinny water. This past Wednesday I got a real treat while shallow fishing just outside and along the Burnt Store Bar. Now, I’m not going to say the dorsal fin came up to my belt line a mere 20 yards away but definitely up to my knee as Jaws passed by. With the angle of the sun I couldn’t get a positive ID but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a big bull shark, it was something much longer and made me glad I was wade fishing in skinny territory. For some reason films of giant orcas beaching themselves picking seal pups literally off the sand passed through my mind and soon I was back in the boat.

Many folks don’t realize shallow sharks eat lures and flies and put on some of the best fights you will ever experience. For beach fishing, drones have made shark life easier. Not only can you spot fish but your drone can drop your baited hooks as far out as you need them saving time and danger by having to paddle out in your kayak late at night.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-579-0461 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.

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After years of planning, design, and city ordinances finally being passed, Cape Coral’s first food truck park is slated to open next month and has announced its first tenants.

Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, located at the foot of the Cape Coral bridge, announced the first 10 for truck vendors that will set up shop at the venue.

Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina will be a 3.1-acre site with hundreds of feet of walkability along the Caloosahatchee River. Designers hope for it to be a one-of-a-kind destination for Southwest Florida residents and visitors to enjoy with friends, family, and even pets.

The trucks offer variety of options, including barbecue, Mexican, seafood, Greek and more, officials said Monday.

“The selected food trucks are all locally owned from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel and Naples, and were chosen from a pool of more than 140 local and out-of-state food truck applicants,” a release states. “With all appetites and preferences in mind, the onsite food trucks will offer a little something for everyone.”

The family-friendly waterfront destination will feature outdoor fun and entertainment, 10 food trucks, 30 boat slips, a fuel dock and more. The space will accommodate regular seating for 300 guests and up to 500 guests for special events. The concept aims to celebrate all that Southwest Florida has to offer including live music, shady outdoor seating pavilions and a nod to the endangered smalltooth sawfish, a Caloosahatchee River native.

District 1 Cape Coral Councilmember Bill Steinke, in whose district the park will open, said, “I believe it will be a great display of the fun, social environment available to those that live in and come to Cape Coral.

“Food Truck parks have grown in popularity all over the country, mainly because of the variety afforded all in one location.”

The 10 food trucks include:

• Addison’s On The Go – new kick to the southern food theme, featuring all things fried chicken.

• Chop it Up Food Truck – unique twist on traditional sandwiches that encourage adventurous tastes.

• Gigi Gourmet – elegant comfort food with a gourmet twist, highlighting innovative grilled cheeses and burgers.

• Greek Spot Go – traditional Greek recipes and homemade tzatziki sauce with vegan options available.

• Lobster Chef Food Truck- fresh seafood, including lobster rolls and tuna poke bowls.

• Not Yo Mama’s Tacos – Mexican-Peruvian fusion menu with tacos, bowls and more.

• Philly Express- authentic Philly cheesesteaks and other cheesesteak-centered items like cheesesteak fries and nachos.

• SmokeStream BBQ – bold, smoky flavors of authentic barbecue directly to your plate.

• The Crooked Cow – creamy and fresh handcrafted ice cream and pastries.

• Yunta Cuban Food Truck – authentic Cuban dishes, including Cuban bowls, empanadas and Cuban sandwiches.

“Accompanied by a full-service bar, Slipaway will be a destination for residents and visitors to gather with friends, family and pets to enjoy delicious food, ice cold drinks, live music and more with a waterfront view,” the release states.

Steinke, who said he’s worked closely with Slipway, added, “They are very anxious to get open and begin serving the citizens and visitors to Cape Coral – by land and especially, unlike others, by water. They have had many hoops to jump through and challenges to solve, so it’s been a labor of love, soon to come to fruition.”

Of what he hopes Cape residents get out of the park, Steinke said: “An ability to enjoy a waterfront location with a variety of food and beverage choices with the added benefit of regular entertainment in a top-notch facility.

“Slipaway is a great example of private enterprise, developing a concept that adds to our community – both for our residents and as an attraction for others to visit our great city.”

Slipaway is currently hiring. Positions include marina supervisor, bar supervisor, bartenders, grounds attendant, servers, and more.

Candidates may apply by visiting SlipawayFoodTruckParkAndMarina.easyapply.co/.

More information and updates may be found at SlipawayCape.com.

Slipaway Food Truck Park and Marina is at 1811 Cape Coral Parkway E.