Fort Myers is the gateway to the southwest Florida region. It is one of two major cities that make up the Cape Coral/Fort Myers MSA. The beaches of Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Island offer white sandy beaches which influence the city’s popularity as a major tourist attraction and destination for retirees. The city of “Palms” as it is known is located on the Caloosahatchee River. There are five colleges and universities in the area. Fort Myers is served by southwest Florida International Airport.