Daily
Fort Myers
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Cape Coral’s Dino Scoops opened on March 14 at Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park, serving dinosaur-themed ice cream like Choco-Saurus and hosting a gift shop plus a mining sluice for kids (the 3,200-sqft shop now features new decor and interactive displays). The News-Press
- ➤ Trader Joe’s is re-releasing its Mini Pastel Canvas Tote Bags in delicate pink, baby blue, mint green + lavender at the Fort Myers Trader Joe’s on Cleveland Ave; the pastel collection will celebrate spring starting Friday, Mar. 20 and costs $2.99 each. The News-Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Taste of the Islands is a food-tasting event at Sanibel City Hall on Saturday, March 21 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) from the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10, and free for kids under 3, with proceeds supporting wildlife care. NBC2
- ➤ Lee County is hosting a mix of festivals, art shows, and live performances this weekend and into April. Events include the Celebrate Bonita festival (March 24–28 with a finale on the 28 at Riverside Park in Bonita), Florida Rep’s musical, and a world-premiere performance by the Mastersingers in Fort Myers. The News-Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Manatees in Lee County are gathering at Manatee Park off Palm Beach Boulevard near the FPL plant (which offers warmer water) as persistent cold temperatures stress local wildlife; in February, officials reported 14 manatees died from cold-related stress. Fox 4
- ➤ Researchers from FGCU Water School and SCCF found that last week's fish kill in Buccaneer Lagoon was due to low oxygen levels from fertilizer runoff and not red tide, officials said. Town authorities remind residents to follow fertilizer restrictions to protect local waterways. WGCU
- ➤ Blind Pass, the waterway between Sanibel and Captiva, filled with sand on March 18 and stopped bay waters from flowing into the Gulf, affecting water quality, fisheries & public recreation. County officials said they will provide more details soon. The News-Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fort Myers Beach Council unanimously approved a rezoning that lets the Woman’s Club rebuild its elevated 15,151 sqft clubhouse after Hurricane Ian destroyed the original in 2022. The nonprofit has held fundraisers to support plans for a community space + educational programming. Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin
- ➤ RSW officials urged travelers on March 18 to arrive two hours early as TSA wait times averaged 50 minutes amid staffing issues from a partial government shutdown. Other Florida airports recorded different wait times (some as short as 3 minutes) while officials warned challenges could force smaller facilities to close. The News-Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ FGCU’s Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging launched a regional healthspan initiative this week in Fort Myers that aims to extend quality living by seven years by 2040. Leaders from healthcare, education, business and government met to focus on improving mental health, social connection and purpose. WINK News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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ASAP Peer Support Training
9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Lee County Public Safety Center Annex — Early Bird $650 — Enhance your peer support skills with specialized trauma training for first responders.
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