Good morning, Fort Myers.

Fort Myers Shores teacher Deborah Hagn faced losing her hurricane-damaged home, but on Monday the county approved a new appraisal that raised its value from $287,000 to $428,000, allowing her to get a permit to repair it—offering a life-changing second chance to preserve family memories. The approval ends her long battle against FEMA’s 50% rule and brings hope for a stable future in her cherished home.

Jaciey Hogan—a 17-year-old student from South Fort Myers High and employee at Nervous Nellie's—died on March 12 at 6:47 a.m. when an 18-year-old driver ran a red light at Gladiolus Drive and Maida Lane and collided with an SUV, injuring both drivers.

Jim Morgan, the blind clockmaker, built a replica of a 1733 Guarneri violin using Sitka spruce for the front and canary wood for the back after six months of work that began on Feb.

16. He is now working on a second violin and hopes a famous musician will play it—showing his skill and determination.

Local officials graded sand to form smaller dunes and renourish Barefoot Beach after damage from recent hurricanes using funds from tourist taxes, the Department of Environmental Protection and FEMA.

Experts say the new sand will lighten to match the natural beach and help protect homes from future storms.

Trucks arrived Tuesday to deliver sand for the final phase of Fort Myers Beach’s renourishment project as crews worked to restore the south end damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton; the effort helps protect tourism, residents, and wildlife.

Earlier work along Estero Boulevard set the stage for this last phase.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office will investigate a 3—3 vote by the Fort Myers City Council that blocked a police agreement with ICE on Monday night.

Congressman Byron Donalds criticized the vote as a dereliction of duty—he warned it might limit the department’s access to federal grants and law enforcement data.

Downtown Fort Myers Music Walk

The Downtown Fort Myers Music Walk features local and regional musicians performing various genres of music throughout the River District on the third Friday of each month.

Hearts and Homes Car Show Fundraiser for Veterans

This event features a car show, live music, food, and activities aimed at raising funds to support housing for veterans in need.

ABBAFAB Tribute Show

ABBAFAB delivers a high-energy tribute performance featuring all the classic hits of the legendary Swedish pop group at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.

FGCU Storytelling Open Mic: Theme 'Luck'

This open mic event invites participants to share stories based on the theme of 'Luck,' accommodating various storytelling genres in a welcoming community setting.

Tamiami Tale Tellers: Our Stories - Believe It or Not

A storytelling showcase featuring local narrators from the Tamiami Tale Tellers, promoting community through oral storytelling as an art form.

Ben Allen Band Live

6-10 p.m. | Miromar Lakes Golf Club | Ticket price not specified | Enjoy a night of country music from the talented Ben Allen, a Voice semifinalist.

Time to Paddy 5k/10k and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon

9 AM – 1 PM | South County Regional Park | Registration required | Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a family-friendly run featuring themed swag and a festive atmosphere.

BBQ, Bands & Brew Festival

11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Caloosa Sound Amphitheater | Entry fee varies | Enjoy the best BBQ in town while supporting Lee Builder's Care with live music and fun activities for all ages.

Diane Macklin – Mining Story Gems

6-7:30 p.m. — Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries — Free entry — Experience dynamic storytelling as a transformative and healing art form for the community.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

7:30 p.m. | Fort Myers Theatre | Ticket prices vary | Experience the suspense of Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery with its twist ending.