Good morning, Fort Myers.

A proposed 150-ft cell tower in Bokeelia sparked debate among Pine Island residents over its planned location.

A public hearing on Wednesday had developers touting improved wireless service while neighbors opposed its visibility along a busy road — public input resumes Friday for a final decision.

Fort Myers and nearby communities celebrate St. Patrick's Day with events.

Fort Myers Brewing hosts a festival from today through Sunday at Commerce Lakes Drive, while a downtown bar crawl and block party offer live music and Irish treats, and similar gatherings are planned in Bonita, Naples, and Cape Coral.

Southwest Florida’s brewery scene is thriving this month with new openings and awards.

Resurgence Brewing opened a 15000 sqft taproom in Fort Myers, while Anarchy Ale Works in Alva celebrated its grand opening with a March 21 St. Patrick’s celebration; Fort Myers Brewing won six medals at state championships.

Tim Jaeger, director at Ringling College (art educator), chose 43 artworks for the 40th Annual All Florida Exhibition that explore identity, history and place.

The show is on view at the Alliance for the Arts through March 28.

The School District of Lee County will reassign ESE students to cluster schools to boost support and resource efficiency, and principals are calling parents today to announce new placements at North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Senior and Bonita Springs High Schools as part of a two-year rollout.

The Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño watch on March 12 while La Niña still lingers — scientists expect the warming to boost wind shear and help quiet the hurricane season this summer.

Forecasts from AccuWeather and Colorado State University will add further details soon.

The City of Fort Myers announced plans to demolish City of Palms Park for a 200,000 to 300,000 sqft indoor sports facility to boost local tourism — City Council will consider the demolition contract in April.

Fort Myers Beach is conducting a survey to assess public interest in a water taxi service that may ease island traffic.

Some council members questioned if the survey questions target visitors rather than residents, and MERTF and the Anchorage Advisory Committee will meet in May to discuss guidelines.

On Thursday, Florida airports reported TSA wait times averaging under 15 minutes despite staffing shortages from the government shutdown—Southwest Florida International in Fort Myers saw longer lines due to spring break travel while expedited services stayed operational.

Annie Houston Screw Cancer HoopFest

8 AM – 4 PM — Wa-Ke Hatchee Park — Entry fees support cancer research — Celebrate basketball while honoring the legacy of Mrs. Annie Lois Houston.

John Legend Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of EGOT-winning artist John Legend in an unforgettable concert.

Willy Chirino Concert

9 p.m. - 12 a.m. — Caloosa Sound Convention Center — Tickets available — Enjoy the vibrant Cuban rhythms of Willy Chirino live in concert.

Fort Myers Food Pantry

3-6 p.m. — 507 Center Rd — Free entry — Receive free bread, produce, dried goods, and hygiene products for those in need.

The Collectible Buyer Road Tour

9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops — Free admission — Bring your collectibles for cash offers and free appraisals from seasoned experts.

The Odd Couple

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — Check event page for cost — Witness the hilarity that unfolds when a messy slob and a fastidious neat freak become unlikely roommates.

The Simon and Garfunkel Story

7-11 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical journey of Simon & Garfunkel with live performances and captivating visuals.

Celtic Woman: A New Era

8-9:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating performance blending traditional Irish music with contemporary arrangements by the globally celebrated ensemble Celtic Woman.

Time to Paddy 5K, 10K & Lucky 13.1

8 AM – 12 PM — South County Regional Park — Entry fee varies — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with family-friendly races featuring swag, chip-timing, and awards.

Kimberly Akimbo

7:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Tickets from $62.12 — Experience the Tony Award-winning musical about growing up and family dynamics with humor and heart.