Good morning, Fort Myers.

Yesterday the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency opened the Common Ground pocket park in downtown Fort Myers.

The agency built the park on a vacant lot with the help of a private donor — the land is leased for 15 years until the owner moves forward with plans.

On Palm Sunday, April 13, St. Peter Lutheran Church at 3751 Estero Blvd. welcomed its congregation back indoors for the first time since September 2022 after Hurricane Ian damaged parts of the building—Pastor Tom Frey led the service as attendees waved palm fronds and listened to organ music. Future services are scheduled for Maundy Thursday at 9:00 a.m., Good Friday at 6:00 p.m. and Easter Sunday at 9:00 a.m. with a formal rededication planned for the fall.

A fatal bus crash occurred on I-75 near mile marker 116 in Lee County early Monday when a Van Hool coach bus veered off the road, struck a cable barrier and trees, and killed its 64-year-old driver from Naples.

A home invasion at the Carlton Apartments turned deadly late Thursday night when 28-year-old Juan Diego was shot with a single bullet to the chest after entering a unit with a similar number to his own (Fort Myers Police are investigating a potential stand-your-ground case).

The North Fort Myers Arts Association + Gulf Coast Village will open the 'Textile Treasures' exhibit on May 6 with a meet-and-greet from 2 to 4 p.m. that will showcase local resident and featured artist Sheilana Massey alongside quilts, fiber arts, clothing, and baskets on display daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until June 1 at Gulf Coast Village.

North Fort Myers High School students Landon McCarthy and Aubrey Beougher were named Carson Scholars for their academic excellence and community service.

Beougher—an eight-time recipient—and McCarthy, a two-time honoree, each earned a $1,000 scholarship.

Officials reported that the Beach Renourishment Project is making progress along three segments— the North segment is complete while the Central and South segments will finish by May 31 and April 30 with 11,000 and 1,500 shoreline feet remaining.

The $22.7M project is funded by FEMA and state sources.

Sergei Kaminskiy’s house at 131 Estero Boulevard is set for demolition today after a permit was issued last week and contractors began setup on Monday.

Kaminskiy aims to build a 12-unit, 7-story resort on the property (located across from The Pink Shell Resort) and expects the structure to be removed within 30 days.

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.

Fort Myers RV Show

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Lee Civic Center — Free entry — Explore top-name new and used motorhomes and adventure vans in a climate-controlled environment.

2025 SWFL CISMA Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup

Friday, Apr 25th — Bass Pro Shops — $10 registration fee for adults — Participate in a fun and educational fishing competition to help control invasive freshwater fish species.

Home and Garden Show - Fort Myers 2025

April 26-27 — Caloosa Sound Convention Center — Check website for admission — Explore the latest trends in home furnishings and gardening at this international exhibition.

Greythound Adoption Meet & Greet

2-5 p.m. — Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill — Free entry — Connect with loving adoptable greythounds and meet fellow dog enthusiasts.