Good morning, Fort Myers.

Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue rescued 18 beagles from a Wisconsin lab & brought them to Fort Myers after a 1400 mile drive; the dogs, once used for biomedical testing, will be ready for adoption in the coming weeks.

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades partnered with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels at a recent 'United for a Cause' event at Hammond Stadium to raise funds for 90 agencies and 260 programs — ticket proceeds and a Star Wars jersey auction helped meet a $11.5M goal.

The newly renovated Cattyshack Café on Gulf Coast Drive has expanded its space and menu to better serve coffee lovers and help more adoptable cats.

Owner Andrew Fortin is boosting the center’s rescue efforts to reduce the stray and feral cat population in Lee County.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards and gala at the Mound House last Friday to honor local leaders through awards such as Ambassador of the Year to Ashleydawn Wells and Jen Walla and an Environmental Award to Monica Lynn (known as the Fairy Pod Mother).

Alva Country Diner, a 30-year community staple, may close at the end of July if no buyer comes forward, owner Nadine Stoll said on May 8 as local inquirers show interest in a package deal for the restaurant and its property.

Circle K confirmed contaminated fuel was sold at seven stations in Fort Myers, causing severe engine damage for some drivers, including one who had to buy a new car; affected customers should file a claim through Circle K’s hotline + keep proof of purchase for repairs.

On May 11, Sanibel's Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium added four new marine species including the Flamboyant Cuttlefish, California Two-Spot Octopus, Disco Clams, & Thrush Cowries to its Living Gallery, which already features favorites such as the Queen Conch and Giant Clam.

Today, May 12, the Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra will perform for the first time at Barbara B.

Mann Performing Arts Hall, followed by the Gulf Coast Youth Jazz Ensemble in a free concert starting at 7 p.m. Conductor Diego Hernandez leads both groups.

Drivers on Fiddlesticks Boulevard north toward Daniels near Publix will soon use a new roundabout to access Three Oaks Parkway Extension and Daniels Parkway — part of a road project set to run until spring 2028.

Gov. Ron DeSantis in Fort Myers announced that the 2026 recreational Gulf red snapper season will last 140 days + a record-setting period, as Florida's boating and fishing industry brings in about $31 billion annually.

Drivers on Fiddlesticks Boulevard experienced a new roundabout on Monday, May 11 — part of a long-term DOT project — as they were rerouted for the Three Oaks Parkway Extension and Daniels Parkway.

The project, which adds lanes and improved signals, will continue through spring.

The 15th Annual Madisen’s Match Gala & Auction at The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club raised $156,465 for Barbara’s Friends to support children with cancer and fund scholarships, including trips to Camp Boggy Creek and higher education opportunities.

The event highlighted a longstanding local tradition of care.

The FHSAA baseball state championships return to Fort Myers as Hammond Stadium at Lee Health Sports Complex hosts games from May 13 to May 20, with live streams on NFHS Network and advance tickets priced at $11.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Protoje & The Indiggnation with Jesse Royal

7-10 p.m. — The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon — Ticket prices vary — Experience the reggae invasion featuring Protoje's greatest hits live in Fort Myers.

Weird Al Yankovic Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Hertz Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hilarious and iconic musical comedy of Weird Al Yankovic in an unforgettable multimedia show.

Cape Coral / Fort Myers Speed Dating for Singles Aged 35-49

8:15-10:15 p.m. — Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center — Ticketed event — Connect with local singles through engaging mini-dates at a vibrant art venue.

Brincos Dieras

8-11 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Tickets start at $117 — Enjoy an engaging theatrical experience in Fort Myers.

FGCU Storytelling Conference

Jun 5-7 — Florida Gulf Coast University — Free entry — Explore the healing power of storytelling with workshops and performances from renowned storytellers.