Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Peterson Brands is permanently closing its Fort Myers juice plant on June 27, which will result in 135 layoffs — a WARN notice was filed with the state on April 27. The News-Press
- ➤ Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop opened Tuesday, Apr. 28 on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral offering dine in, pickup, delivery and catering (open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and it features The Bobbie and other sandwiches with owner Jennifer Cairns planning more locations after six months. The News-Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lee County offers a vibrant cultural lineup this weekend and early May. Free Comic Book Day is on May 2 at local venues + Blueberry Fest at Mike Greenwell Regional Park and downtown Art Walk on May 1 provide family-friendly experiences, with upcoming concerts by Alice Cooper and Brit Floyd. The News-Press
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ JOBLINK hosted a job fair that connected Southwest Florida job seekers with local employers on Wednesday morning at the Drury Inn near FGCU, offering on-site interviews for over 100 open positions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. WINK News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A National Education Association report said Florida teacher salaries averaged $56,663 yesterday, ranking 50th nationwide and marking the third-consecutive year of low pay. The News-Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sugar cane mosaic virus is spreading through Gulf Coast lawns, leaving grass patchy and discolored with no cure; experts advise homeowners to test samples at UF IFAS Extension Lab and maintain proper care to slow the damage. ABC7
- ➤ FWC data shows Burmese pythons remain established in the Everglades—but sightings have extended north to Nassau County and Duval, prompting plans for the Florida Python Challenge in early July to control the invasive species. Officials stress that warmer climates help these snakes adapt and thrive. The News-Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Fort Meade commission approved a plan for a large data center that could use up to 5 million gallons of water daily — a decision met with pushback from state officials and the Southwest Florida Water Management District over local water shortages. The News-Press
- ➤ Supplemental Security Income recipients in Florida will get their next check on Friday, May 1 as federal payments are issued on the first day of each month — a schedule that helps more than 537,000 eligible people, including elderly, disabled and children, plan their finances. This monthly routine was confirmed by the Social Security Administration in March. The News-Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The CDC warns of a heavy tick season while Florida’s Department of Health has not reported Lyme disease cases, leaving many residents uninformed. Fort Myers residents advised to protect themselves with EPA-registered repellent and regular tick checks during outdoor activities. The News-Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local voters can cast ballots in a poll naming SW Florida's best high school boys basketball player — the poll features eight standout athletes including Reed Baker and Brad Branson. USA TODAY launched the poll as part of its sports coverage ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. The News-Press
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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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Jason Mraz Live Concert
7-9 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy live music from the two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter known for his uplifting pop hits.
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Dave Matthews Tribute Band Live Concert
6-9 p.m. — Backyard Social — Ticket required — Experience the tribute to the classic Dave Matthews Band sound by a dedicated cover band performing for over 20 years.
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Candlelight Tribute to Queen
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Music & Arts Community Center - Gulf Coast Symphony — Tickets required — Experience the iconic music of Queen in a magical candlelit setting.
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Jim Breuer Comedy Show
7-11 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Tickets available — Experience a night of laughter with beloved comedian Jim Breuer as he entertains with sharp observations and spontaneous crowd interaction.
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MIKE TRAMP: The Voice of WHITE LION Live
6-10:30 p.m. — Stet's Bar — Check venue for ticket pricing — Experience a solo acoustic performance from the legendary voice of White Lion.
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