Daily
Fort Myers
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGCU
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. The News-Press
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. The News-Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGCU
- ➤ 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). WGCU
- ➤ 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. ABC7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. ABC7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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. ABC7
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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. NBC2
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. The News-Press
-
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.
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
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Myers
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Fort Myers and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Fort Myers
A free Fort Myers community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyfortmyers.com/sitemap