Seminole Gulf Railway

The cast of "Illusion of Death" in front of the Seminole Gulf Murder Mystery Dinner Train. The play revolves around escape artist Barry Boudini and his wife and assistant, Lillie. The couple has accepted an invitation to do a private performance for the Ringlings at their Gulf Coast mansion, known as Ca’ d ‘Zan. Boudini plans to perform the “Death Trap,” his latest death-defying illusion. But there are others who know its secret.

"Illusion of Death" Brings 1920s Murder Mystery to Seminole Gulf Dinner Train

Tom Hall

The Seminole Gulf Murder Mystery Dinner Train's “The Illusion of Death" is giving passengers the chance to solve the homicide of a fabled illusionist while enjoying a scenic five-course meal over the Caloosahatchee River.

Bonita Springs residents were hoping to get a resolution last week for a 14-mile linear park project that would connect the city to Florida’s statewide network of multi-use trails. But opposition to the project from some residents and pending studies must be resolved first. Residents of The Vines, a community split by railroad tracks to be used as the trail, urged that the trail ends at Estero Parkway, shown here.

Public Affairs

Bonita-Estero Bike Trail moves on to funding right-of-way acquisition

Sheldon Zoldan/Special to WGCU

Trust for Public Land announced last week that it reached an agreement with Seminole Gulf Railway to purchase 14.9 miles of right-of-way from Alico Road to just south of the Lee-Collier County line for the Bonita-Estero Bike Trail (BERT). The Trust has until March 2026 to raise the money.Using the railroad right-of-way has been talked about for years, said Robert Fay, executive vice-president of the family-run shortline railroad. The railroad stopped using the track after the 2008 recession. Only two businesses were using the line, then one moved to Fort Myers and the second stopped shipping by rail.

Seminole Railways engines heading north across the Caloosahatchee River with cars from Fort Myers on February 21.

Business/Economy

Seminole Gulf Railway back on track, literally; Ian's damage fixed

Sheldon Zoldan/Special to WGCU

You’ll hear the train a running, running down the tracks for the first time since Hurricane Ian washed away the bridges that carry Seminole Gulf Railway’s goods to Southwest Florida.The shortline railroad will begin crossing the Caloosahatchee River bridges sometime in mid to late March, said Robert Fay, executive vice president.Hurricane Ian destroyed six bridges and several miles of track when it smash-mouthed Southwest Florida on September 28, 2022.