SPACEPHOTOS

Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Florida July 1997 The Florida retirement communities of Cape Coral and Fort Myers are visible in this south-looking view. Cape Coral, located at the center of the image, is situated on the north bank of the Caloosahatchee River, with Fort Myers, the largest city in the view, situated on the south bank of the river. Tourism is a major industry in both cities. Fort Myers is a major shipping point for citrus fruits and winter vegetables. The Caloosahatchee River is an important part of the Okeechobee Waterway. West (right) of Cape Coral is Pine Island. Pine Island covers an area of 31 sq. miles (80 sq. km) and has numerous retirement and winter home communities situated the length of the island. To the south of Pine Island is Sanibel Island, which covers an area of 16 sq. miles (41 sq. km). The small city of Punta Gorda is visible at the bottom center of the image. Charlotte Harbor, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico is visible just to the west (right) of Punta Gorda and north of Pine Island. The Gulf of Mexico is visible covering the right portion of the image