Good morning, Fort Myers.

Tarpon Street Pier reopened Monday after Hurricane Ian devastated it over three years ago, and city leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Riverside Community Center at 1 p.m. to celebrate the new, higher pier built with composite wood and plastic — designed to better withstand future surges.

Mike & Dawn Miller from The Whale announced the return of fireworks and the 4th of July parade for 2026 in Fort Myers Beach; they made a significant donation toward the barge and seek additional contributions to fund the event.

A new exhibit, Diving Into Decades, debuts this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Estero Island Historic Society + it explores Fort Myers Beach’s history from the late 1800s to the 1920s with a launch presentation by President Ellie Bunting at the historic 1921-built cottage behind Beach School.

Applications for the Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Scholarship program are now open on the Kiwanis website and at the Kiwanis Thrift Shop (11050 Summerlin Square Drive), and eligible graduating seniors and college students in the 33931 area must apply by April 15.

Florida author Craig Pittman, known for his work on environmental issues and writing for Florida Phoenix, will give a talk on Florida panthers this Wednesday, Feb.

11, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples — part of the Progressive Voices series.

A cold snap since Jan.

27 dropped water temperatures below 60 for 11 days, causing clusters of purple urchins and unusual nine-armed creatures along Sanibel's shore + dead fish spotted at Lake Park signal stress for tropical species.

The Fort Myers Fire Department warns residents amid an exceptionally dry season caused by a recent freeze that killed vegetation, adding fuel for fires, and advises against using open flames like trash burning and campfires.

Officials stress water conservation in Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Glades counties to help maintain firefighting reserves.

Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida will hold a Valentine’s Day walk on Saturday, Feb.

14 at North Collier Regional Park — 15000 Livingston Road in Naples — expecting over 400 participants. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with fees of $40, $10 for children under 12, and $5 for pets.

Local high school boys athletes are competing for the SW FL Boys Athlete of the Week title sponsored by MY Shower Door for Feb.

2-7. Vote by 10 a.m. Thursday and the winner earns a BSN Sports t-shirt and tote bag from local news outlets.

Estero twins Nicholas and Sophia Kartashov (12) earned bronze in novice ice dance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis on Feb.

9 at 7:00 a.m. Their musical free dance set to Oklahoma showcased a unique blend of skating and storytelling.

Riverdale High Raiders began their offseason training early today with 75 student-athletes working out before the bell, inspired by Super Bowl plays and led by Coach Kendoll Gibson.

Junior Miguel Clarke Jr. said the early workouts boost strength & teamwork.

Southwest Florida high school basketball state playoffs begin this week as regional quarterfinals for girls start on Friday, Feb.

13 and games for boys are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14. Teams from multiple schools are set to vie for a state title.

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.

The Play That Goes Wrong

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AWS Certified Machine Learning Training

Full day sessions — She The People Tactical Solutions LLC — $2100 — Gain hands-on experience in AWS Certified Machine Learning skills.

Soup Kitchen Benefit

5:30-9 p.m. — Sam Galloway Ford, Inc. — Tickets on sale — Support the fight against hunger and homelessness at this annual charity event.

Luis J. Gomez Comedy Show

9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — $66+ — Experience an unforgettable night of laughter with comedian Luis J. Gomez.