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Thursday, February 5th, 2026

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Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • On Feb. 4, Lee County sheriff's K9 Remington tracked a missing 78-year-old man with dementia using a scent kit from his flip-flops; the man was found under thick brush in cold conditions and is now recovering in the hospital (Lee County).  The News-Press

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Darden Restaurants said the Fort Myers Bahama Breeze on S. Tamiami Trail will transform into another restaurant concept over the next 12-18 months as it moves away from its Caribbean-themed brand — the company also plans to support affected employees.  Fox 4

CULTURE NEWS

  • & Juliet runs through Feb. 8 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, offering a modern twist on Shakespeare with pop hits like 'I Want It That Way,' performed by energetic leads Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and Shelby Griswald (as Anne Hathaway).  NBC2

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • At Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, the new Spurlino Foundation Discovery Center opened in January 2026, featuring interactive exhibits like The Secret Lives of Plants and Amphibians and Reptiles. The 1,600 sqft center replaces the previous space and enhances visitor experiences on the Blair Visitor Center boardwalk.  The News-Press
  • FWC collected 5,195 invasive green iguanas - 3,882 in Sunrise, 1,075 in Tequesta, 215 in Marathon and 23 in Fort Myers - after issuing Executive Order 26-03 on Jan. 30, allowing removal of cold-stunned iguanas from Feb. 1-2. Residents can now humanely kill these iguanas on their property as they are not protected except by state anti-cruelty laws.  ABC7
  • FWC removed 5,195 invasive green iguanas during Feb. 1–2 by allowing the public to collect live, cold-stunned iguanas (3,882 at Sunrise, 1,075 at Tequesta, 215 at Marathon and 23 at Fort Myers) under temporary executive order rules.  WGCU

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Beach access at San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve on John Morris Road will be closed from Monday, Feb. 9 through Wednesday, Feb. 11 while Lee County Department of Transportation rebuilds the berm (the parking lot and kayak launch remain open) so visitors should use caution and follow posted signage.  WGCU
  • Florida lawmakers are considering two bills to tighten kratom oversight by expanding the state's Kratom Consumer Protection Act, requiring strict lab testing and labeling for herbal supplements to protect consumers & minors. Kratom advocates warn the legislation could hurt small leaf-based businesses including kava bars.  WGCU

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • Sixty-point-eight acres at Daniels Parkway and I-75 sold for $35 million on Tuesday with Cushman & Wakefield brokering between Daniels Parkway JV Development, LLC and Bison Property Holdings, LLC. Waypoint Development will launch a four-phase project for 1,300 multifamily units and five acres of commercial space to boost local growth.  ABC7

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Dave Landau Live Comedy Show

    7-10 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of sharp wit and humor from comedian Dave Landau.

    Fri, 2/6/26

    View event
  • Alex Lopez CD Release Party Featuring Champ Jaxon

    7-9 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the new blues/rock album 'Retro Revival' with a high-energy performance from Alex Lopez and special guest Champ Jaxon.

    Sat, 2/7/26

    View event
  • Livin' It Book Signing

    9 PM — Laurel Estates — Free entry — Meet the authors of 'Livin' It' and enjoy refreshments at this engaging book signing event.

    Tue, 2/10/26

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  • North Florida Ospreys vs. Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Men's Basketball

    7-11 p.m. — Alico Arena — VIP packages available — Experience college basketball action with flair and excitement at Alico Arena.

    Wed, 2/11/26

    View event
  • The Play That Goes Wrong

    7 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a hilarious night of theatrical mishaps and comedic chaos.

    Thu, 2/12/26

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  • RC Smith Live Comedy Show

    7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of humor with NYC comedian RC Smith known for his sharp improvisational skills.

    Wed, 2/18/26

    View event
  • The Three Italian Tenors

    7:30-9:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Starting at $30 — Experience beloved Italian opera arias and songs with charm and dramatic flair from this sensational new ensemble.

    Tue, 2/24/26

    View event
  • Righteous Brothers Concert

    8-10 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — VIP tickets available — Experience the unforgettable harmonies of the Righteous Brothers live on stage.

    Fri, 2/27/26

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  • The Play That Goes Wrong

    7 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the hilarity of a play that goes awry with comedic mishaps and unexpected surprises.

    Sat, 2/28/26

    View event
  • 4th Annual SW Florida Ft. Myers Taste of Latino Festival 2026

    12-5 p.m. — Centennial Park — Free entry — Celebrate Hispanic heritage with live music, food contests, and top Latino chefs.

    Sun, 3/1/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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Welcome to the Daily Fort Myers, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fort Myers, Florida community. If you like the Daily Fort Myers, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fort Myers.

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