Mike and Wendy Pramik

Special for USA TODAY

Epicureans seeking more than palm trees and sandy beaches in the Sunshine State will find a culinary paradise in southwest Florida. The subtropical climate and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico reward visitors with a year-round smorgasbord of distinctive flavors such as sweet shrimp, juicy mangoes and spiced rum.

This rapidly expanding region also bleeds traditional south, with reliable favorites such as fried-green tomatoes, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles getting their due respect.

Sample southwest Florida’s delicacies in Lee County, which lays claim to Fort Myers — the county seat — and more than a dozen barrier islands including Sanibel and Captiva.

Tourists know southwest Florida for its stellar sunsets and white-sand beaches speckled with pluckable seashells. But get to know the area’s culinary stalwarts, and you’ll come away even more fulfilled.

Browse the photos above for a tour of 30 culinary standouts in Lee County including stops in Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, and the islands of Sanibel, Captiva, Pine and Estero — home of the famous Fort Myers Beach.

Plus, see more waterfront flavors from the Only In series below.

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