Daily
Fort Myers
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Joe and Michelle Nash donated a one-week stay at Marina Village at Snug Harbor on Fort Myers Beach from July 4 to 11, with a $50 donation entering 100 people in a drawing to win the stay and view close-up fireworks — the winner will be drawn live Saturday, May 9. Beach Talk Radio
- ➤ Lee County’s 9th annual Donated Not Wasted food‑rescue campaign, held from March 23 to April 6, collected nearly 2.2 tons of food for the Harry Chapin Food Bank — enough to supply about 3,640 meals to local residents in need. Beach Talk Radio
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Formed by many who once worked at the former Southwest Florida Symphony, Fort Myers Philharmonic will debut its concert on Sept. 11 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall with works by Mozart and Barber + it plans to perform at smaller local venues to keep costs low. The News-Press
- ➤ A local brewery will host a Mexican Food Throwdown on Saturday, May 2 from noon to 8 p.m.—the event features eight food trucks with tastings under $5, live mariachi, and band performances for all ages at Millennial Brewing Company. WGCU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lee County schools face a nearly $47 million budget shortfall after losing 2,000 students since last year — a drop that cut funding by over $17 million when COVID relief funds ended. Superintendent Denise Carlin said rising costs and maintained staffing are straining the district's resources. ABC7
- ➤ Eleven local high schools will perform excerpts at the High School Musical Theatre Awards on Friday, May 8 at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall — tickets are available at the box office and categories include Best Overall Production and Best Ensemble. WGCU
- ➤ Florida Gulf Coast University is set to celebrate the largest graduating class in its history with record-breaking commencement ceremonies on May 2 and May 3 at Alico Arena. More than 2,500 students from undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs will graduate. The News-Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida law now permits drinking hemp-derived THC beverages while driving, although DUI penalties still apply if impairment is evident—medical marijuana use in vehicles remains prohibited and authorities advise caution. The News-Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials report that Florida has recorded 149 measles cases this year, with three cases reported in Lee County. They urge parents to keep children up to date on vaccinations ahead of the busy summer travel season. The News-Press
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Home prices in Southwest Florida fell in 2026 but remain too high for working residents, keeping the housing crisis alive. The News-Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Naples High School and UF alum Devin Moore was selected in the NFL Draft fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday. He is the first Naples graduate drafted since Carlos Hyde in 2014 and now gears up for minicamp in Texas. ABC7
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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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