Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 24th of February.
Good morning, Fort Myers.
Drivers face delays as Ortiz Avenue is widened from two to four lanes with new sidewalks, a paved trail, and bike lanes.
Paving begins today from the roundabout to MLK Boulevard from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with flaggers + heavy trucks in the area.
Veterans with Operation Outdoor Freedom (a program for service members) will ride in the Great Florida Cattle Drive 2026, which offers them a chance to share personal experiences and honor a longstanding tradition in a unique outdoor event.
A powerful nor'easter on Monday disrupted flights nationwide and led to over 1,000 cancellations at Florida airports — travelers should use airline apps to rebook as weather conditions worsen.
Rebuilt Big Cypress Bend boardwalk reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, Feb.
21 in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park in Collier County after being damaged by Hurricane Ian (closed in 2022). The boardwalk now serves as an educational center for park visitors exploring the area’s history and natural habitat.
Freeze warnings and cold advisories remain in effect across Florida tonight into Tuesday morning; Fort Myers is expected to see lows around 31, prompting residents to prepare for icy conditions (alerts are in place statewide).
A cold front is set to bring Fort Myers its coldest day in 121 years on Tuesday with a forecast low of 36°F.
Red flag warnings are active for wildfires as drought continues, and experts say invasive iguanas may be stunned but will likely bounce back.
Lee County will test the mechanical opening of the Matlacha Drawbridge today through Thursday, Feb.
26 to mimic normal vessel wait times after Hurricane Ian damaged the bridge in 2022. Crews will use traffic signals & flaggers during testing, and the bridge will open four times daily for 60 days.
High school girls athletes from across the region are competing in the SW FL Girls Athlete of the Week poll sponsored by MY Shower Door, with 12 nominees vying for a T-shirt + tote bag as readers may cast votes until 10 a.m. Thursday.
Eleven SW FL high school boys athletes are vying in this week's Athlete of the Week poll for performances during Feb.
16-21; voting ends at 10 a.m. Thursday and the winner will get a BSN Sports t-shirt & tote bag from local newspapers.
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.
Boston Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
1:05-2:05 p.m. — Hammond Stadium — Cost Info Requisite — Catch these two MLB teams face off in an exciting spring training game.
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