Good morning, Fort Myers.

NFL pro Quan Martin returned to Fort Myers and hosted a backpack drive for local kids at the Fort Myers Police Athletic League, giving out 350 backpacks filled with school supplies in partnership with Walmart.

He said education opens many doors and the event also served fresh pizza lunch and ice cream—helping students get ready for the school year.

Residents in Southwest Florida can shop for school supplies at Goodwill from July 18 to 20 and join the Ms. Oktoberfest Pageant in Cape Coral today from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.—live events continue Sunday with country tunes at Bay Street Yard from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a free waterfront concert at Fort Myers Beach from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A three-vehicle crash occurred yesterday at 8:30 a.m. on State Road 31 near Ruden Road in North Fort Myers, forcing a LeeFlight to airlift one person to a hospital and closing the road.

Antonio Michael Licout, 19, was taken into custody in Colorado on July 11 after a monthslong search for the suspect in the April 10 shooting that killed 18-year-old Aaliyah Gonzalez near Airport-Pulling Road North—witnesses identified him as the shooter—and he will now face charges including second-degree murder in Naples.

Authorities in Cape Coral are seeking Charles Koons after he violated his probation following his jail time for animal cruelty when investigators found two more emaciated dogs at his home—he now faces arrest without bond and has six previous convictions.

A judge reaffirmed the murder conviction of Fort Myers man Jose Mike Espichan—30—after his appeal was denied following his conviction on July 18 for fatally shooting neighbor Jesus Milian-Cabrera during a traffic dispute that unfolded in front of children.

Fort Myers police are investigating a death at the Oasis Grand Apartments and said it is too early to tell if the death is suspicious—officials confirmed there is no threat to the public.

Brandt Diaz was nearly beaten in a shared cell at Lee County Jail by murder suspect Yanko Romero — Diaz said he suffered severe injuries that left him with nightmares and confusion — and claims the cell pairing was a mistake.

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter warned pet owners to use monthly heartworm preventatives for dogs and cats as warm, humid weather creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes.

The shelter added that heartworm treatment is long and costly — and it urges community support to care for infected animals.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Owl Pellet Dissection Workshop

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

After Hours Networking Mixer

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

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.

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.

SWFL Anime-Fest Summer 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops — Ticket details TBD — Celebrate all things anime in a vibrant collectors' paradise.

Estero Paint Night – Coastal Seashell Serenity

6-9 PM — Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza — Ticket price varies — Create a beach-inspired painting with expert guidance and enjoy delicious pizza and drinks.