Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 11th of January.
Good morning, Fort Myers.
🏘️ Community
Tickets for Two Nights Under the Stars, a camping weekend for kids to enjoy star parties, bat detecting & fly-fishing demos, are selling fast at WGCU Flamingo Campground in Everglades National Park.
The event runs Jan. 23 to 25.
🎭 Culture
Local readers are invited to submit their best Southwest Florida photos for a chance to be featured on Tropicalia today.
Submissions should include the photographer’s full name, location, and device details when emailed.
The Southwest Florida Regional Hamfest will return to Fort Myers on Friday, Jan.
16 (noon to 5 p.m.) and Saturday, Jan. 17 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at Florida Southwestern State College, where it will host radio demos, FCC license tests, expert presentations and family-friendly activities for radio enthusiasts.
Outdoor art shows will return this new year from downtown Fort Myers to Naples and Bonita Springs.
WGCU Arts and Culture Reporter Tom Hall says the events are expected to boost the local economy and draw visitors from across the region.
🌲 Environment
A quick thinking neighbor helped a striped mud turtle with a broken shell six months ago by bringing it to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife in South Florida.
Ongoing treatment has improved its health and it is expected to be released soon, though local rules prohibit keeping these turtles.
Berne Davis Gardens offers a peaceful retreat with native, Florida-friendly plants and themed mini gardens managed by the Garden Council near Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
The 1.5-acre site opens Tues and Thurs (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during snowbird season) and will welcome visitors once Larchmont Ave construction ends.
🏛️ Government
Joe Phillips (Smoking Joe), a vocal critic of school board decisions, passed away on Jan.
10 after suffering a heart attack while waiting for his daughter at a school pickup line, leaving behind a grieving family and community that valued his outspoken views.
🏥 Health
Lee Health Foundation celebrated a successful year with new pediatric and family clinics and will invest in preventive care and caregiver education across Southwest Florida in 2026.
The nonprofit plans to expand access to underserved areas by launching a family practice in North Naples (with additional services planned soon).
Lee County health officials advised swimmers to avoid water activities at Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach after Jan.
10 tests detected high levels of enterococcus bacteria (likely from wildlife or human sewage) posing risks such as diarrhea and skin infections. The advisory remains until further notice.
🎉 Fort Myers Events
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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.
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.
Little Women - The Musical
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Players Circle Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved story of sisterhood and dreams through music and song.
Million Dollar Quartet Performance
2-3 p.m. — Music & Arts Community Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary jam session of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
🏠 Fort Myers Real Estate
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📣 Fort Myers Announcements
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