Good morning, Fort Myers.

Villas Church in south Fort Myers is nearing completion of its rebuilt sanctuary two years after a fire destroyed much of the building, with new signs and scripture inspiring community support as the congregation prepares to reopen this fall.

Fort Myers is planning to transform City of Palms Park into a sports complex, community center, hotel, restaurants, and shops.

Consultants said the 26-acre site (including temporary Broadway closures for events) will require demolition and preparation, with further details expected this fall.

Eight children have died in hot cars this year, including a 3-year-old in Riverview on June 20 and a baby in Winter Haven, as Florida braces for heat with forecasts of middle 100s this weekend and experts urge parents to use reminders when dropping off children.

Piccolo Buco, an upscale Roman pizzeria by Cooper’s Hawk, will open at Coconut Point in Estero on July 13.

The new location (22800 Via Villagio, Unit 101) will serve Neapolitan-style pizza, Italian classics, and feature seating for nearly 200.

Breeze Airways announced three new nonstop routes from Southwest Florida International Airport, offering service to Dayton, Madison, and Trenton.

Flights to Dayton and Madison begin in October — with fares starting at $69 — while Trenton service launches in January with fares at $89.

After a water quality advisory stopped a planned beach baptism, Ocean Church moved the event to its Estero campus for Saturday, where two large pools (with a filtration system) will host the outdoor ceremony.

O-A-K welcomes six college students to its 2026 Summer Internship Program; the interns, including returning FGCU student Ian Miller, will work on active construction projects in Southwest Florida and join jobsite tours and training sessions this summer.

A high pressure system is pushing extreme heat into the area as forecasts predict mid-100s heat index readings over the weekend (according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management).

Residents should follow advisory updates and drink water to stay safe.

Florida law allows noisy or projectile fireworks only on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and the Fourth of July in most areas; however, residents in counties with active burn bans must follow local restrictions and exercise caution due to recent drought and wildfire risks.

A report by the Lightning Safety Council shows Florida recorded 51 lightning-related deaths from 2016 to 2025, topping other states despite Oklahoma becoming the nation’s lightning capital.

Residents are advised to take thunderstorms seriously & seek shelter immediately.

Two former professional soccer players lead summer camps in Naples aimed at developing youth skills at a Nike Soccer Camp and technical training camp.

Young athletes ages 6 to 16 receive hands-on training & advanced techniques to boost their abilities, drawing families from beyond the region.

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.

Spanish Comedy Night with Francisco Ramos

9:30 PM — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of laughter with renowned Latino comedians sharing their humorous stories.