Daily
Fort Myers
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Edison Park Neighborhood Association will celebrate Rachel at the Well’s 100th anniversary on Sunday, April 12 (with a parade starting at 4 p.m. at the Larchmont Road entrance) featuring local school drum groups, violinists and a mayoral re-dedication and toast. WGCU
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Florida edged up last night and hovered just below $4 a gallon. Six counties averaged over $4 on March 19 and experts said prices could hit that mark again unless market conditions change. The News-Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At Ray V. Pottorf Elementary in Fort Myers, Libby O’Connor teaches music, teamwork, and community service through visits to the Gulf Coast Humane Society and Veterans Affairs clinic; she has been honored as the 2026 Lee County Golden Apple Teacher. ABC7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Even with rainfall on Monday, Southwest Florida stayed in extreme drought as US Geological Survey data (through Tuesday) showed conditions persisting since March 3 and the rain only lowered fire risk. WINK News
- ➤ A fish kill occurred at Buccaneer Lagoon in Fort Myers Beach a few days ago. Experts say improved tidal flushing + recent rain are clearing the water and urge residents to reduce fertilizer use to protect the local ecosystem. Fox 4
- ➤ On March 18, Blind Pass between Sanibel and Captiva filled with sand, letting visitors walk between the islands. Some locals remain concerned — they worry about the natural environment. The News-Press
- ➤ Local beachgoers are advised to protect nesting sea turtles during season by dimming porch lights (using flashlights only) and keeping a safe 50-foot distance from nests; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission warns that disturbing turtles and hatchlings is illegal until October. Fox 4
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Social media posts report that TSA lines at RSW are moving smoothly today despite a government shutdown & busy spring break traffic, and the airport urges travelers to arrive two hours early. The News-Press
- ➤ TSA wait times at RSW averaged one minute on Thursday as staffing challenges from the ongoing shutdown led officials to urge travelers to arrive two hours early. Officials warned that smaller airports could see longer delays if the shutdown continues — passengers should plan accordingly. The News-Press
- ➤ A Cape Coral veteran was denied an X-ray at the Bay Pines VA facility on Dec. 31 because his service dog was not allowed, and he filed a formal complaint to change the policy so his companion can stay by his side during exams. Fox 4
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Health confirmed five new measles cases in Collier County, bringing the total to 104 cases including 88 confirmed and 16 probable cases, while Lee County now reports three cases and Southwest Florida accounts for 107 of the 140 state cases. ABC7
- ➤ Millions of COVID survivors still face long-term symptoms over six years after the pandemic began, as shown by Cape Coral patient Willie Miller who struggles with breathing issues and fatigue while playing drums; medical experts say symptoms like brain fog remain common. Fox 4
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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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Chris Cope Stand-Up Comedy Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Chris Cope, fresh from Hollywood.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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