Fort Myers is a warm and relaxed city in Southwest Florida, like sunshine and the sea.

However, the true charm of this city is not just in the beach scenery or the image of a resort. Here, a long history and diverse cultures coexist, and the 'unique sentiment of Southwest Florida' deeply permeates the lives of its residents. The culture of Fort Myers can be broadly divided into three categories: historical heritage, arts and community culture, and a lifestyle intertwined with nature.

To discuss the cultural roots of Fort Myers, we must go back to the Seminole War era. Originally, this area was land inhabited by the Seminole Indians, and later, the fort built by the U.S. military became the namesake of the city. As a result, traces of the early pioneer era still remain here. Old buildings, monuments, and town names tell that history. Walking through the downtown area, you can still see 19th-century buildings made of red brick, and the 'Edison and Ford Winter Estates,' which were winter retreats for Edison and Henry Ford, have become a symbol of Fort Myers culture. This place is not just a museum; it is also a cultural space that connects the city's past and present. The spirit of invention from Edison, the industrial vision of Ford, and the social legacy they left behind continue to be a source of pride for the city's people.

The second characteristic is the arts and community-centered lifestyle. Fort Myers may not be large, but it is a city rich in artistic sensibility. In downtown, there is an arts district called the 'River District,' where 'Art Walk' and 'Music Walk' are held every month. Live bands play music on the streets, local artists exhibit their works, and galleries and cafes are bustling with people. Although it is not large, it is a heartfelt festival atmosphere where you can encounter genuine art. Additionally, there are several small theaters and performance venues in the area where musicals, plays, classical concerts, and jazz performances are held regularly. In particular, the 'Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall' is a cultural venue representing Southwest Florida, frequently hosting Broadway touring performances.

The people of Fort Myers value community connections and activities. On weekends, farmers' markets are held, and the sight of local produce and handmade crafts being bought and sold is another cultural landscape of this city. At the market, local farmers and artists bring their handmade goods to sell, and residents greet each other by name. This community culture shows that Fort Myers is not just a tourist city but a city with a 'living community.'

Thirdly, the culture here is closely connected to nature. For the people of Fort Myers, nature is not a 'background' but a 'part of life.' Thanks to the environment where rivers, seas, swamps, and forests blend, it is common to see people enjoying kayaking, boating, fishing, and hiking every weekend. At 'Manatee Park,' families flock to see the manatees that come into the warm river waters every winter. This coexistence of people and nature forms the cultural identity of the city. Additionally, Fort Myers is known for its high environmental awareness. Residents actively participate in recycling, beach clean-up activities, and marine ecology conservation events to maintain a 'clean city.'

The food culture is also interesting. The unique seafood dishes of Southwest Florida, Latin food, and Southern home cooking harmonize together. Restaurants near the beach offer fresh shrimp, crab, and grouper, while downtown, Cuban sandwiches and Mexican tacos are very popular. Coupled with craft beers made at local breweries and cocktail culture enjoyed at local wine bars, the evenings in Fort Myers are always vibrant.