Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
Good morning, Fort Myers.
🏘️ Community
The 88th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade will start Saturday at 7 p.m. at Fort Myers High School — several downtown roads will be closed from 4 p.m. — and feature Indianapolis Motorcycle Group, 15 floats, 15 bands and 100 Mexican dancers.
Retired coach Sam Sirianni Jr. is grand marshal.
🚧 Accidents
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Diego died on Feb.
18 during competitive training for the Criminal Interdiction Unit in Gadsden County & he was the 55th trooper to lose his life as EMS and local hospitals responded to his medical emergency.
💼 Business
Publix has released limited-edition ice cream flavors inspired by cookies, cakes and drinks available now in half-gallon and pint sizes at local stores — a seasonal treat just in time as rising temperatures hint at a need for cool relief.
This special offering is only here once a year.
🎭 Culture
Melody Lane Performing Arts Center students received the Excellence in Ensemble Award at the 2026 Junior Theatre Festival (in January at the Cobb Convention Center in Atlanta).
Artistic Director Dana Alvarez said the win spotlights the center’s focus on telling engaging stories on stage.
Fort Myers marks Feb.
20 as a key date in its history when in 1850 soldiers built a fort that spurred growth, in 1865 Union forces defended the town during a Civil War skirmish, and in 1904 rail service connected the city (shaping modern development).
Greek Fest returns to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church today on Cyprus Lake Drive, offering a weekend of authentic food + live music and dancing for families.
The event features carnival rides, curbside pickup on Friday, and lively performances, making it one of Fort Myers’ most vibrant cultural celebrations.
🌲 Environment
Southwest Florida faces the worst drought in 25 years, with rainfall deficits of 10 to 20 inches reported in several counties (DeSoto, Glades, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry and Collier).
Rain prospects remain slim through the end of February and conditions are expected to worsen until the rainy season returns mid-May.
🏥 Health
The Florida Department of Health confirmed 66 measles cases in Collier County (plus 1 linked to Lee) through Feb.
14, bringing the reported total to 67. Ave Maria University remains the outbreak center as officials warn a second wave is likely.
📰 Lifestyle
Cal from Bruno's of Brooklyn demonstrated puttanesca sauce recipe on Good Morning Gulf Coast on Thursday.
Bruno’s will host a Scrub Island Takeover from June 22 to 29 in the British Virgin Islands, featuring a private dinner and special deals (50% off rooms) at Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina.
🏈 Sports
MLB's Grapefruit League spring training kicks off today with all 15 teams playing in Florida.
Local fans can purchase tickets online (pitchers and catchers have already reported) to catch games running through late March.
🎉 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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