Good morning, Fort Myers.

Fort Myers residents wore life jackets to work Friday to boost boating safety awareness during National Safe Boating Week — May 16 — May 22.

The campaign, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council, stressed that most boating fatalities in 2024 occurred without life jackets.

Residents in Pine Lakes oppose plans to build 330 homes next to their streets, as county maps show the site is closed for projects.

Local homeowner Scott Hintz (a longtime resident) said the roads are for dogs, bikes, and golf carts, and any future project would need a permit.

Volunteers built a free two-bedroom home in Dunbar for 71-year-old veteran Lewis Freeman in 44 days — local groups and city organizations, including Lee BIA Builders and Pulte Homes, added accessible features to let him age in place comfortably.

The SSA released its 2025 baby names list on May 15 — a report showing that in Florida Liam remains the top boy name for 11 years and Olivia has led for girls since 2021, with Kasai and Klarity growing in popularity.

A 52-page report warns Florida homeowners that insurance premiums could rise 33% to 75% by 2035 because of climate change, with some Charlotte County residents facing 100% increases.

Many are reviewing their policies and opting to self-insure amid the rising costs.

A new academic recovery report shows that Florida students are still behind pre-pandemic learning levels with mixed trends across Southwest Florida.

Collier County schools now meet national benchmarks while Lee County students trail behind + local officials plan to keep checking progress to help students catch up.

The Fort Myers Young Parents Education Program supports teen parents by offering flexible classes, on-site daycare, and essential supplies to help them stay on track for graduation.

The free, year-round program — created with local partners for extra resources — gives students a second chance at success.

At a Tuesday night board meeting, community members, teachers, and parents criticized Superintendent Denise Carlin’s right sizing plan to address a $47.7 million funding shortfall for the 2026-27 school year, warning that staff cuts may hurt classroom quality and stability.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law on Friday, May 15 that lets colleges choose to arm trained staff for campus safety and adds steps like threat-management teams and mental health training.

Each school can decide if it will join the expanded guardian program.

The Coast Guard boarded a 42-foot yacht near San Carlos Bay and terminated an illegal bareboat charter that violated a Captain of the Port Order issued May 6; the vessel was escorted back to its dock and cited for multiple safety violations + officials said the action protects passenger safety.

The DiamondHead Beach Resort filed plans on May 5 to expand to 178 rooms by adding 57 new units through a 33-unit extension to its 11-story building and a new 10-story structure on Estero Boulevard — the proposal now awaits council approval and necessary zoning deviations.

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.

Fleet Feet Big Run

8:00 – 10:30 AM — Bell Tower — Free entry — A welcoming event for walkers and runners of all levels at a key Fort Myers destination.

K-PopKon Fest

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers — $20 — Experience Florida's premier K-Pop convention with diverse fandoms and collectibles.