Good morning, Fort Myers.

Southwest Florida will celebrate July 4 with fireworks, parades and festivals in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda, Arcadia and Moore Haven — while Naples postponed its celebration for a centennial event in December.

Fort Myers Beach is rebuilding after Hurricane Ian as redevelopment takes shape along Matanzas Harbor—HM Restaurant Group now owns the former Bonita Bill’s site and will transform it into the Bonita Fish Company with 300 seats and a new dock marina set to open later this year.

The Town Council also approved the Arches Bayfront Hotel and other projects that promise to boost tourism and restore local favorites.

The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club is holding its Field Day event on June 28 and 29 at North Fort Myers Community Park starting at noon—operators will use battery packs and generators to simulate a power outage—and local officials are set to observe the drill as a backup for emergency communications during major storms.

A Lee County inmate is getting help after a bad beating in his cell, and deputies are seeking extra charges against 41-year-old Yanko Romero—already in custody for murder—while his lawyer says jail officials should be held responsible for letting him share a cell with a violent offender.

In Cape Coral, deputies arrested Luis and Qwentosha Massaquoi for manslaughter after their 12-year-old son died from untreated medical conditions; neighbors reported seeing police vehicles blocking a road near an elementary school—raising concerns that the parents failed to seek timely help—and the death was ruled a homicide.

Florida Fish and Wildlife announced that the 2025 Florida Python Challenge will run from 12:01 a.m. July 11 to 5 p.m. July 20 to remove Burmese pythons from seven management areas in South Florida and now includes Everglades National Park—casting the event as a new effort to protect the Everglades ecosystem. Participants must complete required training and follow strict rules while competing for cash prizes, including a $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize.

Grouper Fest 2025

12-8 p.m. — Fort Myers Brewing Company — Free entry — Dive into three weekends of live music, food trucks, and FMBrew beer at the ultimate summer celebration.

Networking Event & Business Card Exchange

6-8 p.m. — El Estadio Latin Sports Bar & Grill — Free entry — Network with professionals while enjoying complimentary appetizers and a free drink.

Candlelight: The Best of The Beatles

6:00-6:59 p.m. — Music & Arts Community Center — Ticketed event — Experience a magical tribute to The Beatles with a string quartet surrounded by candles.

Red, White & Boom!

5-10 p.m. — Cape Coral Bridge — Community event — Celebrate Independence Day with fun, community vibes and a spectacular fireworks view.

Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K & Kid's Fun Run

7-10 a.m. — Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral — $20 entry — Participate in a festive 5K run and kids' fun run benefiting local initiatives.

Kids Fishing Event

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Bass Pro Shops — Free entry — Equip your little anglers with rods and bait for some catch and release fun on the back lake!

Open House in Verdana Village

12-3 p.m. — 18651 Ives Dr, Estero, FL — Free entry — Explore a stunning custom saltwater pool home featuring numerous upgrades and community amenities.

Women Veteran Warriors Monthly Meeting

6-8 p.m. — MISSION BBQ — Free entry — Connect with fellow women veterans and share stories over delicious BBQ.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton

7-10 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a showcase of classic hits from Elvis Costello’s illustrious career alongside Charlie Sexton in a dynamic rock performance.

El Blachy Live Concert

9 PM — Luxury Lounge Fort Myers — Ticket prices apply — Enjoy an unforgettable night with merengue music by the talented El Blachy.