Daily
Fort Myers
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Harry Chapin Food Bank reported that in 2025 it distributed 38.7 million pounds of food, including 12 million pounds of fresh produce, and served nearly 300,000 neighbors each month across five counties in Southwest Florida. The report shows a 14.3% increase in fresh produce and details additional community services provided last year. WGCU
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ High Tide on the Southside is a new tiki boat business started by a local family, offering affordable rides in Fort Myers Beach. The owners moved from Colorado just before Hurricane Ian and overcame challenges to launch the venture + they invite residents to enjoy the rides. WINK News
- ➤ Uncle Rico's Pizza will double its space in Fort Myers on 2962 Cleveland Ave by expanding into an adjacent area this summer - the new setup will offer extra seating and a dough room with a window while keeping the shop's counter-service style. The News-Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cirque Italia’s Water Circus runs from Friday through Monday at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, offering acrobats, aerial acts & water stunts on a 35,000-gallon stage for a family-friendly show. Tickets are available at the box office or online. ABC7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Florida International Airport set a record in 2025 with 11,154,458 passengers—a 1.1% increase over 2024—and is expanding its terminal. Delta led December traffic as officials announced the milestone on Jan. 16 at the airport. The News-Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools announced 30 finalists for the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program on Jan. 16. The finalists will undergo classroom observations and interviews to select six winners honored at the banquet on April 24 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. The News-Press
- ➤ The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County broke ground on a 2,600 sqft teen center at Park Meadows Community Club that will offer after-school programs, summer camps and career readiness activities beginning mid-2026. Suncoast Credit Union Foundation donated $300,000 to support the project (a key boost for local teens). The News-Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Florida students are volunteering along the Gulf Coast to replant mangrove forests lost to human interference – the Conservancy of Southwest Florida stresses these trees are crucial for reducing storm surge and flooding. WGCU
- ➤ LCEC in North Fort Myers reminds residents that as cold weather hits, they can lower energy bills by wearing warm clothing, letting sunlight warm homes, sealing gaps, and sipping hot drinks. The utility advises space heater use carefully + to prevent carbon monoxide risks. WINK News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A forum on the Feb. 3 deadline for Haitian TPS holders will be held tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at Hallelujah Community Church (3208 Central Avenue in Fort Myers) to examine concerns over potential job losses affecting nearly 100,000 local workers. WGCU
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ VEG ER for Pets will open a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital at 5010 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers on Feb. 5 at 11:30 a.m. The hospital will offer surgeries, ultrasounds and x-rays while allowing pet parents to stay during treatment. The News-Press
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Leitch family built the Pelican Perch, a Funky Fish House in Cape Coral with a four-story design on a narrow lot that offers panoramic water views and easy access to the Gulf. Built by Marvin Homes (with pelican-themed décor), the home blends unique design with inviting amenities and a relaxed Key West style. The News-Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Everblades announced new dates for three home games postponed last December: Dec. 27 is Saturday, April 18; Dec. 28 is Friday, April 17; and Dec. 29 is Thursday, Feb. 26 at Hertz Arena, where the Solar Bears start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets remain valid & refunds available. ABC7
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Little Women - The Musical
3-6 p.m. — Players Circle Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an epic musical adaptation of a beloved classic with showstopping melodies.
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Little Women - The Musical
3-6 p.m. — Players Circle Theater — Ticketed event — Experience the beloved tale of sisterhood through stunning melodies and uplifting performances.
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
The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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