Good morning, Fort Myers.

Today, families and locals celebrate America’s 250th at Salty Sam's Marina with the Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise.

A boat parade starts at 11 a.m. and a dock party kicks off at 2 p.m. on Fort Myers Beach—promising live entertainment and food during a day full of patriotic fun.

A report from the Metropolitan Planning Organization shows that Lee County recorded 23 traffic deaths from January through mid-June, down from 61 last year, while intersections and lane departures at 4 p.m. remain dangerous for commuters.

Fort Myers Brewing Company is hosting the final weekend of Grouper Fest, where residents can sample six exclusive craft beers, enjoy live music, food trucks, and interactive contests from Friday through Sunday.

The event offers special brews + local art in a community summer celebration.

Alliance Youth Theatre presents Rent with lead roles by Florida Southern College students; performances are today at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Alliance for the Arts (tickets are available by phone or online).

Florida higher education officials are reviewing a rule that would bar undocumented students from starting public university programs in the 2027-2028 academic year while state colleges will discuss similar measures next week.

An osprey tangled in fishing line and found hanging 75 feet high on Marco Island was rescued by Lee County Electric Cooperative crews.

The bird was treated at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida + later released after passing a flight test.

Fort Myers Beach officials are asking residents to switch outdoor lighting to a deep orange color so that baby sea turtles safely reach the Gulf and avoid mistaking bright, blue lights for moonlight — property owners face fines for noncompliance.

Residents in Lee County can legally use fireworks on July Fourth as the local ban has been lifted in areas like North Fort Myers — Bonita Springs.

Planned municipal displays remain scheduled while state law allows legal consumer fireworks like sparklers.

Fort Myers hosted its fifth annual PTSD Awareness Walk on Friday morning, featuring City Hall presentations and a downtown one-mile walk; police officer Jordan Nold said the event aimed to break the stigma and encourage conversation around seeking mental health support.

Malanie 'Lanie' Bryant became a first-time homeowner at McNeill Village on the border of Cape Coral and North Fort Myers after Habitat for Humanity helped build a 36-home community.

She said the home gives her daughter Journie stability, and the project will close its final home by June.

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.

Nike Basketball Camp at South Fort Myers High School

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — South Fort Myers High School — $420 — Elevate your basketball skills with expert coaching and fun competitions.