Daily
Fort Myers
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The SanCap Chamber will host its third annual breakfast, State of the Islands 2026, with Bank of the Islands as sponsor. Held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15 at Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, it will update local professionals on recent progress. Florida Weekly
- ➤ After her daughter was fatally shot while walking near a local restaurant in Cape Coral in March 2024, her mother launched Kayla's House—a nonprofit dedicated to raising gun violence awareness and providing teen education programs. The organization supports community safety and targeted advocacy. Fox 4
- ➤ With temperatures dropping overnight, local organizations including Kimmie's Recovery Zone handed out blankets + gloves and hats at the Leetran South bus station to help vulnerable community members in Fort Myers today. WINK News
- ➤ Heights Foundation will host its 18th Love Your Neighbor Gala on Feb. 1 from 5 to 10 p.m. at The Heights Center (15570 Hagie Drive). The event features food, live performances and auctions, with Florida Trust Wealth Management sponsoring to support strong families in Harlem Heights. Florida Weekly
- ➤ Facebook users solved the mystery of the mega-yacht M+EM spotted near North Captiva after a Dec. 29 post on social media sparked widespread interest. Details confirmed the vessel is an Amels Limited Edition 242 built in the Netherlands with a royal blue hull and a name honoring the owner's children. The News-Press
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Keylime Bistro opened in Concourse D at Southwest Florida International Airport — a move offering travelers fresh coastal food and a relaxed dining atmosphere. This marks the third location of the popular Captiva favorite, which originally opened in 2002 at Captiva Island Inn. ABC7
- ➤ Retailers in Fort Myers will operate on modified hours on New Year's Day while government offices, banks and post offices remain closed. Local shoppers are advised to call their stores or check online – each chain sets its own schedule. Fox 4
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday night, Dick Clark’s New Year's Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest aired on Gulf Coast ABC from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. with a Gulf Coast News break from 10 to 10:30 p.m., featuring Ryan Seacrest and co-hosts with performances from artists * including Diana Ross and 50 Cent. ABC7
- ➤ Golden Gate High School junior Stephanie Cruz will march today with the Bands of America Honor Band in Pasadena’s Rose Parade at 11 a.m. after intense rehearsals at Angel Stadium, representing Collier County and inspiring local students with her dedication + hard work. WINK News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fort Myers Beach marked its 30th anniversary of incorporation today on Estero Island, transitioning from unincorporated Lee County + embracing decades of self-governance + planning a public ceremony with details to come. WINK News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ After a routine scan in January 2025 detected a suspicious lung nodule, a local patient received donor-funded care at Lee Health that included a PET & CT scan, robotic-assisted surgery and follow-up care, leading to a cancer-free recovery; the experience highlights the lifesaving impact of early screening and community generosity. Florida Weekly
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Cops n Joggers 5K Family Fun Night
6-12 p.m. — Downtown Jewelry & Watch Company — $30 Adult/$20 Youth — Participate in a family-friendly 5K night race benefiting local heroes with food, music, and activities for all ages.
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2026 Highlander Golf Classic
11 a.m. — Bonita Bay Club — Entry Fee Required — Swing into action at a charity golf event benefiting cancer care and support.
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2026 Gulf Coast Boating & Marine Expo
9 AM–5 PM (Jan 15-17), 9 AM–4 PM (Jan 18) — JetBlue Park — Free entry — Explore versatile boats perfect for the Gulf Coast lifestyle and enjoy exclusive incentives on upgrades.
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2026 Gulf Coast Boating & Marine Expo
9 a.m.–5 p.m. — JetBlue Park — Free entry — Celebrate the Gulf Coast’s boating culture with a range of boats and marine technology.
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Candlelight Concert: Queen vs. ABBA
8:30 p.m. — Music & Arts Community Center - Gulf Coast Symphony — Tickets selling fast — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the hits of Queen and ABBA.
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The Creative Collective
7-9 p.m. — Florida Gulf Coast University — Free entry — Gain insights into creating impactful content through a Christ-centered lens with award-winning professionals.
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Yacht Rock Revue Concert
6-9 p.m. — Caloosa Sound Amphitheater — Food concessions available — Drift away to the smooth classic sounds of Yacht Rock with live tunes from the 70s and 80s.
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Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Taylor Swift
6-7:04 p.m. — Music & Arts Community Center - Gulf Coast Symphony — Tickets available — Experience Taylor Swift's music in a captivating candlelit setting.
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Little Women - The Musical
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Players Circle Theater — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience the beloved tale brought to life in this epic musical.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
6:00 – 6:59 PM — Florida Repertory Theatre — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience a magical candlelight concert honoring the music of Adele.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Myers
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