Daily
Fort Myers
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Goodwill Southwest Florida will host its 15th Annual Rick Evanchyk Memorial Golf Classic on Thursday, May 14 at Spring Run Golf Club in Estero starting at 8:30 a.m. The four-person scramble registration includes meals and a cart while proceeds support local programs & workforce training for individuals with disabilities. Cape Coral Breeze
- ➤ LARC is hosting its second annual Shaken, Stirred and Served fundraiser at Nevermind Awesome Bar and Eatery in Cape Coral on April 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Local celebrity bartenders will compete for tips that support programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Cape Coral Breeze
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ After Hurricane Ian ruined its old building, The Whale reopened in a raised, three-story structure at 1249 Estero Blvd with a panoramic rooftop bar and a mix of old favorites and new upscale dishes—drawing diners to its refreshed space in Fort Myers Beach. Florida Weekly
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Berne Davis Gardens is a 1.5-acre tropical oasis near Edison & Ford Winter Estates that features native Florida plants cared for by the Garden Council. The free gardens open Tuesdays 9 a.m. to noon in summer and on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during snowbird season. The News-Press
- ➤ At the Edison Awards in Fort Myers, flying cars and humanoid robots were showcased as hints of a futuristic era. Gil Charnes said 3,000 locals joined the waiting list for the cars, which need a pilot license and cost ($100K), while Art Makhov noted that robots can work in hospitality and handle risky tasks. ABC7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The School District of Lee County has notified parents that Buckingham Exceptional Student Center will relocate to Royal Palm Exceptional School campus in August for the next school year (the schools will operate under one roof). Some parents raised concerns whether the facility can meet specialized needs. WINK News
- ➤ On Tuesday, the Lee County School Board announced $45.4 million will be transferred from the capital fund to offset a projected deficit of about $46.7 million for fiscal year 2026. Officials said the move supports fiscal sustainability as enrollment declines and costs come under tighter control. Cape Coral Breeze
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida officials advise residents to prepare hurricane emergency kits as the season gets close. Check your evacuation zone on the state map and gather 7-day supplies of water, food & medicines to be ready when the season begins in June. The News-Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ WINK News returned over $269K in unclaimed money and property to local viewers through its 'Find Your Money Now' call-a-thon on Thursday — a final tally is expected next week as many expressed their thanks. WINK News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Health reported one new measles case in Collier County on Apr. 16 at 7:15 a.m., raising the county total to 107 — statewide, cases now total 145 with Lee County holding at 3. Measles spreads through the air by coughing, sneezing or breathing. ABC7
- ➤ Golisano Children’s Hospital is enhancing care for autistic and neurodivergent patients with its SEA STAR program & sensory-friendly ambulance and autism-certified staff who adjust treatment to reduce anxiety. The program offers tailored care that makes hospital visits less stressful for children and families. ABC7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Florida runners are preparing for the 130th Boston Marathon, set for Monday, April 20. They plan to join the historic race by earning spots through tough qualifying times or charity commitments + boosting their self-confidence. The News-Press
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MotoBros Night Shift Series: Final Round Party
Day races & night party — MotoBros - Punta Gorda Mx — $20 gate fee, $35 per class — Compete for cash prizes and enjoy giveaways at the final round celebration.
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Greatest American Earth Day Cleanup
8:30-11:30 a.m. — Wild Turkey Strand Preserve — Free entry — Make a real impact in Lee County’s beautiful wilderness by participating in an Earth Day cleanup event.
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Jack Willhite's Rock and Roll Comedy Show
7-9 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — Limited seating — Experience a hilarious fusion of rock music and comedy with Jack Willhite.
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Touch-a-Truck Event
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Pediatric Dentistry of Florida — Free admission — Interactive fun where kids learn about trucks and meet the professionals who drive them.
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Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Tickets starting at $64.98 — Embrace messages of healing from the renowned Long Island Medium in an unforgettable live experience.
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2nd Annual Fort Myers Blueberry Fest
10 AM – 5 PM — Mike Greenwell Regional Park — Admission details not specified — Celebrate blueberries with food, fun, and community activities.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Bad Bunny
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Music & Arts Community Center - Gulf Coast Symphony — Tickets available — Experience the magic of Bad Bunny's music in a one-of-a-kind candlelight concert.
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Phil Hogan Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club — Free entry — Enjoy a night of Southern flavored comedy and music with the talented Phil Hogan.
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Phil Hogan Live Comedy Show
6-10 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Tickets from $80 — Experience Phil Hogan's unforgettable comedy at a top-rated venue.
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Forever Motown Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Tickets from $92 — Enjoy an unforgettable live Motown experience in Fort Myers.
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