Daily
Fort Myers
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ John Lai has been named interim President and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce today while a permanent CEO is sought — he aims to strengthen ties with local leaders from Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva. Florida Weekly
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Jan. 6, crews from the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District responded at around 5 p.m. to a mobile home fire at the Palms at Pine Island in Bokeelia—they used specialized tools to enter the locked home and quickly put out the fire before it spread, with no injuries reported. ABC7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Blaze Pizza launched its GLP1 friendly Proteinzza on Jan. 7; the pizza is made with cauliflower crust + a double portion of grilled chicken for 56 grams of protein and is offered for a limited period at Florida locations. The News-Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new lightning report from AEM shows that Oklahoma recorded 73 flashes per square mile in 2025 & overtook Florida in lightning rankings. Florida still sees frequent thunderstorms statewide, and rainfall deficits may have contributed to its reduced lightning activity. WGCU
- ➤ The town of Fort Myers Beach received a $37,500 federal grant to plant 75 Royal Palm trees at Bay Oaks Recreational Campus as part of restoring its tree canopy after Hurricane Ian; officials said additional canopy projects are planned for local municipal properties. ABC7
- ➤ At CROW’s Visitor Education Center on Sanibel tomorrow from 4 to 5 p.m., python expert Michael Kirkland will present updated techniques to remove invasive Burmese pythons using new tools (Robo-Bunny and radio-tagged scout snakes) that track the reptiles in the Everglades. Tickets cost $10 with a virtual option available. The News-Press
- ➤ AccuWeather's study (based on 70 years of data) shows that over the last 30 years rainfall in SW Florida has shifted, with heavy downpours coming too quickly to absorb properly. These changes could extend the tropical storm window into early winter. WGCU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ FDOT has begun preliminary work on the Diverging Diamond Interchange at I-75 and Daniels Parkway, where lanes will close overnight except when spring training games allow a three-hour window before and after. A public meeting is held today at Riverside Church (660 Daniels Parkway) from 4 to 6 p.m. The News-Press
- ➤ Fly Heli Tours has anchored a barge in San Carlos Bay for helicopter tour training near Fort Myers Beach, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reviewing its permit—local residents and environmentalists worry about noise, safety, and wildlife disruption. Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Roskamp Institute invites Sanibel islanders to join a four-year study on red tide exposure that will examine health effects like itchy eyes and coughing. Volunteers (18+), needed to wear a personal air monitor, provide samples, and complete surveys in Southwest Florida must call 941-256-8010. ABC7
- ➤ Lee Health is offering its 12-week Pivio program that uses 18 virtual sessions to teach healthy habits — including plant-rich eating, physical activity and better sleep. Informational sessions are held Jan. 20, Jan. 22 and Jan. 29, with the next cohort starting Feb. 5. Florida Weekly
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Market Trends 2026, Southwest Florida's largest real estate summit, will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers — leading speakers will share data-backed insights on land, new home sales, and commercial trends. Cape Coral Breeze
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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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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