Good morning, Fort Myers.

Fort Myers Beach will host a Fourth of July parade and fireworks on July 4 to mark the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding after What’s Up FMB’s fundraising effort.

The parade will begin at Bay Oaks Campus with veteran ceremonies, and a barge will launch fireworks at 9 p.m.

Access 26, a new food truck park, is set to open early next year at 2500 Estero Blvd on Fort Myers Beach, featuring five unique vendors - a two-story bar, ice cream shop and retail area built to handle storms.

The Gulf Coast Village Foundation awarded a record $19,000 in scholarships to six associates at a ceremony on Sunday, June 7 in Cape Coral.

The award will help recipients balance work, study and community service while they pursue degrees in fields like nursing, psychology and aviation.

Burmese pythons use a strong jaw to swallow whole deer, and Conservancy biologist Jason Edelkind warned the invasive snake disrupts the Everglades+ the Florida Python Challenge will run from July 10 to July 19 to help control the species.

Researchers from Florida Gulf Coast University are testing mangrove soil for microbial activity at Bunche Beach Preserve to understand why the trees have struggled since Hurricane Ian + a team is filling 90 vials to ship samples to Wales as a research collaboration.

The project could guide future restoration efforts.

The Florida Python Challenge, a ten-day event by FWC and SFWMD, will encourage local hunters to remove invasive Burmese pythons from seven managed lands in South Florida starting July 10.

Registration (with online training and a $25 fee) is open to adults, with minors needing guardian assistance.

The Salvation Army is running a temporary cooling station at its Life Navigation Building (2450 Edison Avenue) that offers air conditioning, showers, cold drinks and meals for people facing dangerous heat until Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Its mobile outreach will serve Lehigh Acres today.

Lou Moralis of Lou's Total Car Care says summer heat drains car batteries fast as three vehicles needed replacements by noon today in Fort Myers; he advises owners of cars over five years old (or with 50,000 miles) to check fluids and let engines warm up.

The Florida Everblades brought home the Kelly Cup after defeating the Kansas City Mavericks in double overtime on June 16, celebrating with hundreds of fans at Hertz Arena.

Star Isaac Nurse scored the winning goal while players & fans enjoyed a historic moment in franchise history.

PickleRage has opened an indoor pickleball club on McGregor Blvd at McGregor Pointe Shopping Center with 13 climate-controlled courts for leagues, clinics and social events — the facility also offers a pro shop and streamlined reservation technology for players of all skill levels.

Vince Gill's 50 Years from Home Tour

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night with one of country music's legends as he celebrates five decades in the industry.

PokeKon Fest

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers — $20, Kids under 11 free — Celebrate all things Pokémon at this family-friendly festival.

Celtic Throne II: Psalter of Ireland

7:00-10:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling fusion of Irish dance, music, and cinematic storytelling exploring ancient Ireland.

The Princess Concert

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Starting at $41.95 — Experience a magical concert featuring unforgettable songs from beloved animated films.

Tiger Blue Band Performance

2-5 p.m. — Ragged Ass Saloon — Enjoy great rock and roll vibes with Tiger Blue as they light up the afternoon.

Made In America 250 Tribute Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — $20.00-$30.00 — Celebrate America's 250th with a musical tribute to legends like Sinatra and Elvis.

R&B Sip and Paint Experience

4-8 p.m. — Elite Lounge — Drinks and food available — Immerse in soulful R&B vibes while unleashing your creativity on canvas.

Explorers Summer Camp at Bell Tower

10 a.m. — Bell Tower — Registration required — A fun-filled summer adventure for young explorers featuring activities and creative learning.

Mind Over Muscle: A Wellness Party for a Purpose

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Backyard Social — $5 — Celebrate wellness with fitness classes, local vendors, and support for mental health scholarships.