Good morning, Fort Myers.

Veterans will board an Honor Flight from Southwest Florida International Airport to Washington, D.C. this weekend to visit memorials honoring their service—99-year-old Michael Peceri from Fort Myers will be the only World War II veteran on the flight as a special birthday gift, and he said he is excited to see the memorials.

Scammers impersonating bail bondsmen call family members of arrested individuals late at night to ask for money — using spoofed phone numbers — as local criminal defense attorney Jill Prenger warns that these scams will not secure a release but will leave funds lost.

A woman from San Carlos Park, 20-year-old Kaylee Jill Esckilsen, was arrested Wednesday in Fort Myers after Lee County deputies said she sexually abused one of her two dogs—recording the act on video before taking her into custody and transferring the animals for care.

The Lee County School Board approved new bell times for the 2025/2026 school year as part of its Safe Start Initiative to improve bus routes, solve driver shortages, and boost on-time arrivals for students.

Elementary, middle and high schools will change their start and end times plus add extra class time and longer lunch breaks while special centers follow set schedules with fiscal changes to be included in next year’s transportation budget.

Residents in northeast Cape Coral may soon see all outdoor watering banned if the mid-Hawthorne aquifer drops two more feet and stays low for two weeks—this change will put the area under Phase Four restrictions by the South Florida Water Management District.

The new rule covers residents between the Gator Slough Canal and northeast Pine Island Road, where many already have to deepen their wells as the drought worsens.

Keep Lee County Beautiful organized the Great American Cleanup as hundreds of volunteers gathered at 14 sites to collect 6,840 pounds of litter from local beaches, parks, roadways, neighborhoods, and waterways—marking its 36th year of service.

On Thursday, the Lee County Athletic Conference Hall of Fame honored nine sports legends, including local high school stars, pro athletes, and longtime coaches, at a ceremony in Fort Myers — a night that celebrated generations of athletic achievement.

Their awards inspire local young athletes — and mark a milestone for Lee County sports.

Open House at Fort Myers Residence

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. — 840 S Town and River Dr — Free entry — Explore a beautiful single-family home with swimming pool and ample amenities in a scenic locale.

Hot Rod Ranch Gathering

7-8 p.m. — 9690 Bayshore Rd, North Fort Myers, FL — Free entry — Engage in an open outdoor discussion at this community campfire meeting.

Les Miserables Musical

8 PM – 8 PM — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of one of the greatest musicals of all time on its North American tour.

Les Miserables

7:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a breathtaking new production of the beloved musical classic.

FGCU Student Showcase: Storytelling as Healing

5-7 p.m. — Veteran's Pavilion — Free admission — Witness FGCU students' spoken stories that foster community and healing through storytelling.

Family Fun Night at Bell Tower

5-7 p.m. — Bell Tower — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of music, food, and activities while supporting young entrepreneurs at their own market.

Kids Easter Egg Hunt

10-11 a.m. — Sun Retreats Fort Myers Beach — Free entry — A delightful morning adventure for kids filled with egg hunting excitement.

2nd Annual Easter Family Brunch

11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Burroughs Home and Gardens — Ticketed event — Celebrate Easter with delicious food, egg hunts, and family fun by the river.

FGCU Storytelling Open Mic: Kindness and Compassion

5-7 p.m. — Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries — Free entry — Share or listen to stories reflecting the theme of kindness and compassion in a welcoming community atmosphere.

Empowerment Event for Women

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Swamp Cat Brewing Company — Tickets available — Connect with inspiring women and discover your true potential.