Good morning, Fort Myers.

Lee County is gearing up to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with many free 4th of July events (fireworks, parades, concerts, art shows and drone displays) in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and other local venues scheduled for early July.

America’s 250th birthday is celebrated with the 4th of July Parade starting at 10 a.m. at Bay Oaks Recreation Center; floats and walkers are welcome.

Matanzas Pass Bridge will close from 9 a.m. to Noon and from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Beach Talk Radio broadcasts live with free frisbees).

Breeze Airways announced 11 new routes from Florida airports - including a nonstop flight from Fort Myers to Dayton starting Oct.

23 with fares from $69 one way - as part of its effort to connect communities often overlooked by major airlines.

Fort Myers Brunch, now under owner Mark Vushaj, replaces the longtime Oasis Restaurant with a similar menu and plans to remodel the downtown location (2260 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) soon; a grand opening is planned by the end of summer.

Costco opened its newest warehouse in Pensacola early yesterday and welcomed a large crowd for bargain deals & food specials.

The retailer plans to expand with new stores in Fort Myers, Naples, Sanford, St. Lucie, and Perrine as part of its Florida development.

Starting this November, Avelo Airlines will launch four nonstop routes from Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa, and Lakeland connecting local airports with Concord or Aguadilla - introductory one-way fares range from $47 to $90.

Wildfires in Southwest Florida that started last weekend have nearly been contained — most are 90-100% contained across counties including Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto.

An 1,100-acre blaze in Glades County remains about 50% contained and is still being fought by firefighters.

About 1,000 participants will join the state-sponsored python hunt starting July 10 in the Everglades to boost public awareness of the invasive Burmese python as efforts to wipe out the species are unfeasible.

The event offers a $10,000 prize & other awards, & registration remains open until July 19.

Downtown Fort Myers offers extended free parking after City Council approved a pilot program for three garages — City of Palms, Main Street, and Luminary Hotel — to double free parking from one to two hours from Thursday through Oct.

31. The program will be assessed for its impact.

A poll is open until July 1, 10 a.m. for fans to vote on the best Southwest Florida softball player—one of 25 legends chosen from those who played high school softball between 2001 and 2026.

Cast your vote to decide the region’s standout talent.

Seacrest Country Day hired former pro and Hall of Fame athlete Tyra Turner as its new director of volleyball on June 25.

Turner, a Fort Myers Beach native who spent eight years as head of lower school, hopes to build strong relationships while guiding the state champion program.

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.