Good morning, Fort Myers.

A U.S. Supreme Court decision allowed ending TPS for Haitians, leaving 38,000 to 48,000 residents in uncertainty.

Community leaders in Southwest Florida urge residents to call senators and support SB4814 to help affected families prepare for changes.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will pay off the mortgage on fallen Sgt. Elio Diaz’s Cape Coral home this Independence Day to secure a stable future for his wife Yesenia Gonzalez and their four children.

Diaz was killed during a 2024 traffic stop and is honored with a memorial forest and highway.

United Way’s VITA program helped 8,236 Fort Myers-area families earn $11.1 million in refunds during the 2026 tax season, with 240 IRS-certified volunteers generating $13.5 million in total savings (including $2.4 million waived fees) at 32 local sites (logging over 16,000 volunteer hours).

Most major grocery chains will be open on July 4 with regular or modified hours + Costco will be closed; shoppers in Fort Myers should check their local store hours for holiday details.

WINK Smart compared cookout prices at Publix, Walmart, and Target to help local families save on grill staples during Fourth of July weekend.

Ground chuck beef runs from $7.23 to $8.49 per pound and a 10-pack of hot dogs costs as little as $2.84 (prices as of Thursday morning).

A strengthening El Niño and cool Atlantic waters slowed tropical storm activity in June, lowering Florida’s forecasted hurricane risk this season.

Experts warn that while the season may have fewer storms, any that develop could still deliver heavy impacts.

Lee County’s new 1,000-foot pier will be 12 feet wide and built using over $17 million from FEMA and reserve funds — construction is set to begin next month following Army Corps of Engineers permits that arrived this week, and county officials have started pre-construction meetings with regulatory agencies.

Local governments in Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Marco Island have banned personal fireworks on Fourth of July to promote safety during the holiday, as local ordinances override state allowances.

Residents are encouraged to attend organized public displays since personal fireworks are now prohibited.

The CDC reports an early start to West Nile virus season with 48 cases by June 30 in 23 states, urging Fort Myers residents to protect themselves by using bug spray, wearing long clothes, and removing standing water around homes.

Residents planning Fourth of July beach activities in Fort Myers are advised to check water test results due to potential red tide, blue-green algae, and enteric bacteria (based on advisories from the Florida Department of Health and FWC) before swimming.

Local readers can vote for the best Southwest Florida girls basketball player from a list of 25 standouts selected by The News-Press and Naples Daily News.

Voting is open until 10 a.m. on July 8 (eligible players played on local high school teams between 2001 and 2026).

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.