Daily
Fort Myers
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Florida Ag Expo will open Thursday, Feb. 26 at Mike Greenwell Regional Park in North Fort Myers with a traditional ribbon cutting at 3:30 p.m. before gates open at 4 p.m. to kick off 11 days of family-friendly celebrations. North Fort Myers Neighbor
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Fort Myers is lighting up today with the 88th Edison Festival of Light — local businesses expect a boost as the parade featuring high school bands, floats and live acts kicks off at 7 p.m. with roads closed for parking. ABC7
- ➤ Fort Myers Brewing Company hosts its four-day Lucky 13th Anniversary festival featuring more than 50 specialty beers & seltzers, live music and food trucks from Thursday, Feb. 19 through Sunday, Feb. 22 at its 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive facility. Locals and families are welcome in a pet-friendly setting. Florida Weekly
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ More than 700 JROTC cadets at Mariner High School are addressing local food insecurity by partnering with Community Cooperative in a Service Learning Project launched last month that will run through February. Cadets led by Brig. Cmdr. Changasie collect both food and cash donations to support the community. Cape Coral Breeze
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials confirmed 25 manatees (from cold stress) died at Manatee Park, and investigators are reviewing whether a nearby FPL plant shutdown affected water warmth, with updated mortality figures expected next Wednesday. WINK News
- ➤ Between Feb. 13 and Feb. 18, officials reported that 25 manatees died in Lee County, leading to a temporary closure of Manatee Park on State Road 80 outside Fort Myers. The park is now open, and officials ask residents to report any distressed animals. Cape Coral Breeze
- ➤ The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said that the shutdown of a nearby FPL power plant may have contributed to 25 manatee deaths between Feb. 13 and Feb. 18, with cold stress noted as a factor; the plant has since resumed full operation. NBC2
- ➤ Florida is in its worst drought since 2001 as over 18 million residents face water shortages — Lee County now enforces water restrictions and officials warn that the dry spell may last through March with emergency measures planned if Lake Okeechobee falls to critical levels. The News-Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hospitals in Lee and Collier counties are testing for measles as an outbreak continues across Southwest Florida. Health officials advise residents to consult a doctor if they suspect exposure and review MMR vaccine schedules (recommended for children and adults). The News-Press
- ➤ Lee Health’s director of research explained new, less invasive heart treatments during Friday, Feb. 20’s episode of Good Morning Gulf Coast. The segment highlighted catheter valve replacements that help patients avoid open heart surgery & shorten recovery times in Lee County. ABC7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Canterbury won 4-0 over Berean Christian on Friday at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, advancing to the Girls Soccer Class 1A championship game scheduled for today. Coach Paolo Acosta said the Cougars controlled the match and built confidence for the state final. The News-Press
- ➤ Today, the Twins host the Red Sox at Hammond Stadium at 1:05 p.m. for their spring training opener in Lee County, and DOT has set special traffic signal timing on Daniels Parkway & surrounding routes to ease heavy congestion during multiple games this weekend. ABC7
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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