Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
Good morning, Fort Myers.
🎭 Culture
Lauren Taylor, 34, is the youngest president in Edison Festival’s 88-year history and will ride in the parade on Saturday, Feb.
21, as she works to keep the family tradition alive — a legacy celebrated by generations of Fort Myers residents.
Florida Repertory Theatre announced its 29th season for the Historic Arcade and ArtStage Studio Theatres, which will run from Sept.
15 to May 9 and include nine shows featuring comedies, thrillers and musicals, with subscriptions available starting at ($294).
Centenarian Robert Hilliard recounted his firsthand baseball memories, including witnessing Lou Gehrig's home run plus experiencing life during the Great Depression while Florida hosts 15 spring training events on Feb.20 and Feb.21 at local venues.
His story shows how past moments link with today's spring traditions.
Millennial Brewing Company hosted its eighth annual Asian Street Food Festival downtown on Friday, Feb.
13 — with visitors enjoying grilled adobo and traditional dance performances — celebrating diverse Asian cultures.
Bill Taylor and Theatre Conspiracy will host Fringe Fort Myers back May 28-31 at Off Broadway Palm Theatre; one slot remains open for a local act with no fee and a submission deadline of Feb.
20 at 5 p.m.
🎓 Education
The School District of Lee County announced 47 student musicians earned All-State honors after over 10,000 statewide entries competed in blind video auditions + the honorees attended a conference in Tampa this past January.
FGCU students have returned to the restored Vester Field Station in Lee County after recent storms and the COVID-19 pandemic caused major damage.
The rebuilt lab — supported by the Collier Community Foundation — now enables essential environmental research.
🌲 Environment
A blue-green algae bloom that produces dangerous toxins is stretching along miles of the Caloosahatchee River in Southwest Florida.
🏛️ Government
Eligible homeowners in Lee County who sustained damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton must apply for LeeCares assistance by March 31 to repair, replace, or reconstruct their homes, as a press release noted a comment period on amendments — with a $2.4 million boost for Captiva resiliency — is underway.
📰 Real Estate
A 4.6-acre parcel near the Sanibel Causeway will be redeveloped into Helm’s Bay at Grande Calusa, a project featuring 200 affordable and workforce housing units.
Construction is expected to start by the end of March (pending permits), a move that may boost local energy.
🏈 Sports
North Fort Myers girls soccer won 2-1 over Mariner in the Class 5A Region 3 final at Mariner High School in Cape Coral on Feb.
17 — the win showcased the team's strong performance.
🎉 Fort Myers Events
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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.
Yo! Taco Shrimp Run 5k
9-10 a.m. — Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille — Registration fees vary — Participate in a scenic 5k run leading up to the festive Shrimp Festival on Fort Myers Beach.
Dinner on the Diamond
6 p.m. — JetBlue Park — Supports local children’s services — Enjoy dinner at the field while benefiting Golisano Children's Hospital.
Michael D’Amore Live Performance
6 PM — Mango Rita’s Rhythm House — Call for reservation — Enjoy an evening of Doo Wop, Pop, and Soul with fantastic food on a full menu.
🏠 Fort Myers Real Estate
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📣 Fort Myers Announcements
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