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Wednesday, July 16th, 2025

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Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 16th of July.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The Heights Foundation is hosting its annual Back-to-School Outreach on Saturday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at The Heights Center to provide backpacks and school supplies for 500 Harlem Heights students—donations and volunteer sign-ups must be dropped off by Wednesday, July 23 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Cape Coral Breeze

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Fort Myers Beach landmark The Beach Bar reopened on Fourth of July after a nearly complete rebuild following Hurricane Ian and reported its best business day since 2009 even though the parade was cancelled for bad weather—its new three-story building now meets FEMA codes and offers live music, cold beverages, and vacation rentals.  Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin

EDUCATION NEWS

  • The Florida Department of Education said Lee County schools kept a B grade for the 2024-2025 school year as many schools got better scores and some even raised their marks — Pine Island Elementary moved from a C to an A. Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said the district will cut the central office budget by 5% and reorganize its administration when classes resume on Aug. 11 to boost student learning.  North Fort Myers Neighbor
  • The School District of Lee County has been awarded $2.9 million to upgrade school safety systems, adding new fencing, handheld radios, and secure door locks—steps made possible with help from local lawmakers and law enforcement. The district plans to use the funds to further protect students and staff while improving overall campus security.  North Fort Myers Neighbor

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • The National Hurricane Center is tracking Invest 93L off Florida’s east coast, saying it has a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression while heavy rain and flash flooding are forecast for Lee County today through Thursday with gusts up to 50 mph. The low-pressure system will move westward across Florida and, if it strengthens, is expected to approach southeastern Louisiana by Thursday morning—further updates will follow.  The News-Press
  • The Ten Mile Canal in Fort Myers is facing drainage problems caused by heavy rains and decades of expansion that have stressed the old design — experts and homeowners say that widening the canal may be needed even as funding from Lee County remains uncertain. Local residents note that this canal is key for draining water from major areas, adding worry about future flooding risks.  WINK News

HEALTH NEWS

  • Health officials warn that Vibrio bacteria—a flesh-eating bacterium found in warm saltwater or brackish water—has caused 11 infections and 4 deaths with one case confirmed in Lee County amid hurricane season concerns. Last year, 82 cases and 19 deaths followed hurricanes Helene and Milton, so experts advise those with open wounds to avoid the water.  ABC7
  • Lee Health will hold the 7th annual Jobbers-Miller Blood Drive from Tuesday, July 22 to Thursday, July 24 to honor fallen Officer Adam Jobbers-Miller and maintain its need for about 800 blood units each week. The drive will begin with an 8 a.m. flag raising at Lee Memorial Hospital and will collect donations at set locations throughout Lee County—supporting new whole blood transfusions for trauma care.  Florida Weekly

SPORTS NEWS

  • Fort Myers native Zach Root was drafted 40th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday night at Millennial Brewing—he learned of his selection from a call by his agent. The left-handed pitcher played for East Carolina and Arkansas before an injury led him to transfer, and he will report to spring training in Arizona—preparing for his major league debut.  ABC7

EVENTS

SUBMIT 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!

    Mon, 7/14/25

    View event
  • The Little Mermaid Musical

    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM — Fort Myers Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Dive into a magical underwater adventure with Ariel and her enchanting journey.

    Fri, 7/18/25

    View event
  • ABWA Sunset Cruise on the Gulf!

    6-9 p.m. — Salty Sam's Marina — Ticket required — Enjoy a picturesque sunset cruise with fellow members and raffle opportunities on the Gulf.

    Sat, 7/19/25

    View event
  • Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy Screening with Kevin McDonald

    7-9 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — $ — Experience a special screening of the cult classic Brain Candy followed by an engaging Q&A with Kevin McDonald.

    Sun, 7/20/25

    View event
  • Basketball Camp: Point Guard College

    July 21-25 — Florida Southwestern State College — $995 — Elevate your basketball skills and become a smarter player on the court at this immersive camp experience.

    Mon, 7/21/25

    View event
  • Fort Myers Art Night: Swimming with Turtles

    6-9 p.m. — Sea-Craft Waterfront Tiki — Cost of painting supplies — Get creative with tropical vibes while painting sea turtles and enjoying delicious food and drinks.

    Thu, 7/24/25

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  • Open House for Stunning Villa

    1-4 p.m. — 10406 Santiva Way — Free entry — Explore an immaculate 2-bedroom villa with luxury upgrades and a serene preserve view.

    Sat, 7/26/25

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  • Owl Pellet Dissection Workshop

    1:30-3:00 p.m. — Collaboratory — Registration required — Discover the fascinating world of owls through hands-on dissection activities.

    Wed, 7/30/25

    View event
  • After Hours Networking Mixer

    4-5 p.m. — Milhous Pub — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs and expand your network in a relaxed setting.

    Fri, 8/1/25

    View event
  • Back to School Bash

    10 AM – 1 PM — Bell Tower — Free entry — Celebrate the end of summer with family fun and excitement at a community gathering.

    Sat, 8/2/25

    View event
  • Yappy Hour at Bell Tower

    6-8 p.m. — Bell Tower — Free entry — Celebrate happy hour with your furry friends in a fun community atmosphere.

    Fri, 8/8/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

When you make peace with uncertainty, you find peace.

~ Naval Ravikant

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Welcome to the Daily Fort Myers, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fort Myers, Florida community. If you like the Daily Fort Myers, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fort Myers.

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