Good morning, Fort Myers.

On July 3, the Fort Myers Beach Coast Guard rescued eight people (including one infant and one child) from a capsized boat near Sanibel.

Dirty soda (a fizzy mix of cream and fruit) is trending locally as shops like Swig in Fort Myers and food trucks in Cape Coral serve creative versions with non-artificial ingredients.

Local businesses report rising popularity as people opt for unique, non-alcoholic drinks at social events.

Local shoppers can take advantage of summer price cuts as Walmart & Sam's Club reduce prices on groceries, outdoor essentials, and household products per a July 6 announcement.

Discounts are available at Fort Myers locations and nearby stores through the season.

Valerie's House awarded a record $70,000 in scholarships to 34 grieving students yesterday, offering awards from $1,500 to $5,000 renewable for up to three years (funded by community contributions and private donations).

The program honored students' resilience as they pursued college education.

Fort Myers native Tyra Turner becomes the new director of volleyball at Seacrest Country Day School today.

She, who also leads the lower school, brings international experience from her time playing for Team USA.

Hunters in Fort Myers can now register for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, an event that helps remove invasive Burmese pythons from the local ecosystem, with the contest running from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 10 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 19 (registration began Tuesday).

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife welcomed Jarrett Larraga as its new wildlife rehabilitator today; he earned a Bachelor of Science from Lewis & Clark College and has worked in Oregon, Maine & Costa Rica caring for injured and orphaned animals.

He will help treat native and migratory wildlife.

SWFL seniors are urged to review and adjust their insurance policies to protect retirement savings as costs rise.

Financial planners recommend comparing whole life and Medicare supplemental options (Medigap) to secure funds and plan ahead for long-term care.

As Florida endures intense July heat, experts advise residents to keep phones in shade, remove cases, and cut back on heavy tasks to prevent overheating + they recommend enabling power-saving modes to avoid shutdowns.

FSW has hired former UCLA assistant coach David Grace to lead its men's basketball team following Darrin Wallace's departure for FGCU.

Grace brings over 25 years of coaching experience — including 14 at Division I — and will guide the Buccaneers next season.

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.

Group Ukulele Lessons

2-3 p.m. — Alliance for the Arts — Free — Strum, sing, and connect through music in a welcoming ukulele class for all skill levels.

The Wizard of Oz

7:30 p.m. — Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Follow the Yellow Brick Road in this beloved musical adventure with memorable songs and characters.