Good morning, Fort Myers.

Trial began at the Lee County Courthouse at 9 a.m. as Christopher Davis, accused of killing his missing boyfriend Barry Schmalbach nearly two years ago, pleaded not guilty—prosecutors say evidence supports the charges.

Jury selection began Monday for Christopher Davis, a Cape Coral man accused of killing his boyfriend Barry Schmalbach nearly two years ago even though Schmalbach’s body has not been found—Davis faces charges of second-degree murder, 16 counts of criminal use of personal identification information and two counts of tampering with evidence.

Pointing a laser at a plane is a federal crime that can cause temporary or permanent blindness for pilots—penalties include fines up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison, as shown when a 17-year-old was arrested near Fort Myers for aiming a beam into a cockpit.

A Lehigh Acres man, Ja'Quan Robinson, was sentenced to two life sentences and one year in jail—after violating an injunction and breaking an order of protection—for sneaking into a Fort Myers home in October 2020 and beating a 59-year-old woman to death.

A Fort Myers woman was found guilty of aggravated battery, petty theft, and resisting a merchant after shooting a clerk twice outside a Shell station on Cleveland Ave in February when he tried to stop her from shoplifting soda—she will face sentencing on August 25.

Residents on North Captiva Island oppose the Lee County Electric Cooperative’s plan to rezone a residential lot for a new substation and worker housing — they say the change could harm the neighborhood's safety and quiet character.

A county hearing will review the proposal this week as neighbors voice strong concerns about the lot's current commercial use.

Daytime lane closures on State Road 31 over the Wilson Pigott Bridge began yesterday—allowing FDOT crews to repair the steel grid deck.

Drivers were urged to plan for delays and use extra caution when passing through the area.

The Lightning Safety Council warns that when thunder is heard, no outdoor spot is safe and people should go indoors immediately, waiting at least 30 minutes after the last sound before returning outside.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week—ongoing until Saturday, June 28—reminds locals that lightning can strike over 10 miles from a storm, a serious risk in Florida.

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.

Florida Grade School State Championships

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Estero Recreation Center — $ — Witness young basketball talents compete in this prestigious state championship event.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change School Supply Drive

Join Valvoline Instant Oil Change® for our annual #DriveForSuccess School Supply Drive to support students in Lee and Collier County. Donate new school supplies and receive 20% off your total purchase as a thank-you for giving back from July 14th - August 3rd!