Monday, February 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 23rd of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lynda Rehse explained her motivation for joining the upcoming Great Florida Cattle Drive 2026, an event that celebrates local ranching traditions and community pride. She said her commitment reflects a deep connection with our rural heritage (a sentiment echoed by fellow participants). The News-Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 22, 2026, Fort Myers celebrated the Edison Festival of Light Parade with glowing floats, marching bands, and fireworks. Local media shared a Top 10 photo ranking + extra video highlights of the vibrant event. The News-Press
- ➤ USA Today recognized the Marco Island Historical Museum as one of America's top small town museums by ranking it No. 3 today plus visitors can see the Key Marco Cat exhibit until April 18 before it moves to Washington, D.C. The News-Press
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Florida agriculture lost over $3B in crops after repeated hard freezes this winter+ local officials have begun working with federal partners to secure aid while Southwest farmers face delayed harvests. WINK News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Local high schools nominated six students for this week’s Student of the Week award, recognized for academics, leadership, and community service (nominees include Joshua Grauer, Alissa Garcia, Alexis Davis, James Davolio, Cristian Casas and Mia West). Voting is open until 5 p.m. on Feb. 26. The News-Press
- ➤ Michael Corso of Henderson Franklin will present a talk on the legal risks and benefits of artificial intelligence to The Rotary Club of Fort Myers Tuesday, Feb. 24. He will explain how businesses use AI and what legal issues may arise. Florida Weekly
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ TSA PreCheck remains open at RSW even as DHS suspends the program nationwide amid a partial shutdown; travelers are advised to arrive early + check flight status before heading to the airport. WINK News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local health clinics are urging residents to schedule a mental health check-up today following CDC and APA advice that care for your mind is as vital as a physical exam. Experts say early detection can help catch depression + anxiety signs before they worsen. Florida Weekly
- ➤ Bob Siemer, a heart disease survivor with three major heart surgeries, underwent a groundbreaking stent procedure at Christ Hospital yesterday+ he is recovering well and resumed hiking one week later. ABC7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At JetBlue Park today, the Boston Red Sox held their Grapefruit League home opener and paused play to honor late All-Star Mike Greenwell, a well-regarded Lee County commissioner who passed away last October. His son threw the ceremonial first pitch and teammates joined in paying tribute to his legacy. WINK News
- ➤ Last Saturday, the Minnesota Twins hosted the Boston Red Sox at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers for an MLB spring training exhibition game — both teams played their first game against another MLB squad this season. ABC7
- ➤ The Canterbury girls claimed their first-ever state championship with a 4-0 win over Berean Christian in the semifinal on Saturday at Auburndale, while the boys lost 2-0 to the Pine Knights in the state final. Both teams brought pride to the Gulf Coast. 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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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