Environmental Programs | Southwest Florida International

Spirit Airlines Travel Alert

Spirit Airlines has cancelled all arriving and departing flights effective immediately, as the airline winds down operations. Passengers scheduled to travel are advised not to come to the airport, as there are no flights and no on-site customer service available. Customers should check their email and original form of payment for refund information. For more details, please visit Spirit’s official website:

Spirit Restructuring Website

RSW TEP ADVISORY #14: Pedestrian Bridge/Crosswalk Changes Between Terminal and Parking Garage

The Lee County Port Authority is continuing work on terminal roadway improvements as part of the Terminal Expansion Project Phase 2 at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Pedestrian Bridge/Crosswalk 2, which has been out of service, and Crosswalk 6 will open, and Pedestrian Bridge/Crosswalk 5 and Crosswalk 1 will close.

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Mitigation Park is an innovative concept

It allowed the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) to streamline permitting for the Midfield Terminal Complex, which opened in 2005, but also restored many acres of land and preserved other areas of pristine habitat forever.

The land for this project was acquired between 1994 and 1998, through the vision of the Lee County Board of Port Commissioners. It demonstrates their commitment to striking a balance between the need for airport expansion and environmental preservation.

Located four miles southeast of RSW, the Mitigation Park lands are among the most pristine and environmentally sensitive in the region.

The centerpiece of the mitigation program is the 7,000-acre Mitigation Park, which was established to compensate for the impact of long-term development of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

Additionally, eight plant and 11 wildlife species listed as protected by state and federal agencies have been identified onsite. The site includes the Imperial Marsh, the largest freshwater marsh in Lee County, and extends from the headwaters of the Imperial and Estero river watersheds through the Flint Pen Strand; ultimately, connecting to the Everglades.

Mitigation work began on the site in January 2003

It is notable that LCPA was recognized and won several industry environmental awards for this project.

The initial activities included removal of invasive exotic vegetation, installation of supplemental native plants, wetland creation and habitat restoration. The work helped to restore natural flow-ways and resulted in 550 acres of wetland creation. Once completed, the site went into the perpetual maintenance phase, which remains ongoing. Perpetual land management is conducted at Mitigation Park to help maintain permit compliance and uphold the ecological integrity of the site. This includes regularly scheduled invasive species removal projects, selective thinning of overgrown areas, and other activities that keep the habitat in its natural state.

Mitigation Park Images

RSW Mitigation Park and Preserve Areas Location Map

Mitigation Park at Southwest Florida International Airport

RSW Mitigation Park

FDOT Weather Modification Reporting

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