Good morning, Fort Myers.

Fort Myers has secured $12.75 million from Hurricane Ian recovery funds and a state grant to jumpstart a $30 million expansion of its STARS Complex, which will nearly double capacity and add a hurricane shelter.

Construction will begin in late 2026 and will add six classrooms, a gym, event space, a splash pad, an expanded pool, and about 30 new jobs.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services will offer reduced adoption fees of $25 for adult dogs, cats and kittens during January — including spay/neuter, microchip, registration, health checks and vaccines.

Residents can also consider fostering or using the Weekend Warrior program for short-term pet care.

The Southwest Florida Regional Hamfest (a key event for radio fans) will take place on Friday, Jan.

16 at noon and Saturday, Jan. 17 at Florida Southwestern State College. Hosted by the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, it features industry presentations, vendors, FCC license testing, food trucks and family activities.

St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church has announced a full 2026 season featuring an inspiring Harriet Bedell talk on Jan.

11, all-you-can-eat shrimp dinners starting Jan. 10, and live shows by Jimmy Keys on Jan. 31 and Tony Sands on Feb. 28. Ticket details will be available soon — check the church website for updates.

Fort Myers Beach Public Library hosts a free training session Saturday, Jan.

10 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. where Master Gardener Volunteers will show residents and property owners how to identify and control invasive plants on the barrier island (registration is recommended at 239-765-8162).

Fort Myers Beach will start rebuilding its iconic pier in summer 2026 after Hurricane Ian destroyed it in 2022; the new design features ADA access, bench seating and turtle-friendly lighting with completion expected by summer 2027.

Cape Coral lowered the speed limit on Old Burnt Store Road to 40 mph between Kismet Parkway West & Caloosa Parkway; city officials said the change, following April safety studies, is meant to improve safety for drivers, bicyclists & pedestrians.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services announced free vaccine clinics for pets this winter and spring, scheduled for Jan.

8 at Three Oaks Park, Feb. 12 at Hunter Park, March 12 at Charleston Park, and April 9 at Phillips Park, with services from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (call 239-533-7387).

Lee Health opened its new South Cape Coral Convenient Care Center yesterday at 11 a.m. at 507 Cape Coral Parkway E, where patients received non-urgent treatment and the center will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

V/O Med Spa in Fort Myers offers clinical treatments including HydraFacials, laser services, and IV therapy to support long-term health for adults and teens.

Owner Marissa Kartheiser has created a welcoming space for those beginning their wellness journey plus she highlights customized care to help clients start the year healthy.

With flu season active, Lee Health offers Fort Myers residents several non-emergency care options, including a new Lee Convenient Care office at 507 Cape Coral Parkway E that provides imaging and physical exams.

Residents can also use urgent care clinics and virtual health services for minor illnesses today.

The Cottages of Paradise Point and Fort Myers Beach Chamber will hold a groundbreaking at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan.

14 at 452 Estero Blvd for a 2,143 sqft cottage rebuilt after Hurricane Ian while builder Marvin Homes plans additional cottages and property sales.

Ten female high school athletes are competing for SWFL Girls Athlete of the Week as readers can vote until 10 a.m. Thursday; the winner will receive a T-shirt and tote bag from sponsors BSN Sports and The News-Press and Naples Daily News.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.