Good morning, Fort Myers.

Early today, Fort Myers police responded to a motorcycle crash on Winkler Avenue near the Village Creek apartments that killed at least one person, and officers blocked both eastbound and westbound lanes from Metro Parkway to Evans Avenue while investigating the scene.

Luis Alvarez, who rushed into the water on June 11 to help a 9-year-old girl bitten by a shark at Boca Grande, was arrested on June 14 at 1:30 a.m. for driving without a license and not using headlights—he is now held by ICE and will face a court hearing on July 9 that could lead to deportation.

Fort Myers and Naples share a history rooted in early settlements and water travel routes, growing from projects like the Tamiami Trail and railroad expansions.

Fort Myers began as a military fort that attracted figures like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford and later built a baseball legacy, while Naples developed as a winter retreat and still holds swamp buggy races—each city showing its unique path.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium on Sanibel Island has opened a new exhibit—Brilliant Colors of the Sea: Nudibranchs and Their Relatives—that shows 21 vibrant photographs of nudibranchs taken by Scott Johnson and Gabriel Jensen in the South Pacific and South Florida. The exhibit, located on the second floor next to the Great Hall of Shells, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with paid admission.

The Florida Gulf Coast Tattoo Expo is happening this weekend in downtown Fort Myers where tattoo lovers from around the country will meet top artists to get new ink — the event celebrates art and personal expression.

Starting July 1, Florida will implement a series of new laws — including a ban on adding fluoride to public water, expanded condominium financial relief, and stiffer penalties for crimes like aggravated animal cruelty and extreme speeding.

Additional measures will update teen driver education, dangerous dog rules, school safety mandates, and legal protections for medical debt debtors.

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!

The Bowl Grand Opening! FREE family event!

GRAND OPENING celebration at The Bowl - Daniel's Pkwy! Bring the fam and feel the vibes - it's a fun-filled, family friendly event you won't want to miss! -Organic & dairy free acai bowls, smoothies, matcha, espresso drinks, cold brew coffee, kava/elixirs and more! -Face painting -Giveaways All Day - including free food, drinks and merch! -25% off your Entire Order when you follow us on IG! -Music and more! Come celebrate our newest location with good food, good vibes and great company. Location in the Whole Foods plaza - 6881 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers!

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!

LIFCON 2025

All day — Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa — $449.00 – $499.00 — Experience the annual LaBlast® Fitness convention with like-minded fitness enthusiasts.