Good morning, Fort Myers.

Tariffs on Canadian goods will take effect Aug.

19, and Fort Myers small business owners expect price increases; Red Horse Distillery owner Joe Semansky reported higher bottle costs while FGCU's Dr. Victor Claar warned that many local firms may face increased expenses.

After severe storm damage from Hurricane Ian and later floods, several Sanibel businesses rebuilt and relocated to The Village Shops.

Over Easy Cafe reopened on July 3, 2025 — the community continues to rally behind its cherished local shops.

Southwest Airlines has announced plans to add eight flight routes at the Fort Myers airport, including two new flights starting in January and the return of 28 seasonal routes this winter.

The carrier is boosting local service as other airlines expand operations.

Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd will headline the Field of Dreamz Crossroads Music Festival on Nov.

13 and Nov. 14 at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds in Port Charlotte, and tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 22.

Lee County schools host the world’s largest JROTC program with roughly 6,500 cadets from 17 high schools — the program offers leadership training and community service projects that build public speaking and teamwork skills, even though only 17 percent join the military.

Florida’s public schools ranked 13th in WalletHub’s study that credited digital learning plans, low dropout rates and decreased bullying as key strengths.

Many districts will start the 2026-2027 school year on Aug. 10.

Beach Kids Foundation hosted its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner last week at Comfort Hall of St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church on Fort Myers Beach, awarding $28,000 in scholarships to local students.

Over 60 community members attended a catered dinner and heard remarks praising student volunteers.

Tropical Storm Bertha remains active as it moves slowly across the Gulf — expected to strengthen slightly then weaken later this week.

Tropical storm watches cover coastal counties and residents should exercise caution amid high rip current risks.

Experts in Fort Myers note that invasive Burmese pythons, mostly found in the Everglades, may adapt to colder climates as genomic changes emerge - the Florida Python Hunt ended July 19 and officials remind residents to report any sightings per guidelines.

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs through Aug.

20, letting buyers purchase qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies, learning aids, and personal computers for noncommercial home use — a measure that eases shopping costs and supports small businesses.

Lee County plans to rebuild Fort Myers Beach’s pier, lost to Hurricane Ian, after FEMA awarded a $6.2 million grant with $5.5 million for the project plus county officials begin final reviews and meetings before construction starts on a 1,000-foot pier offering fishing space, a bait shop and storm protection.

A Lee County resident commutes to her school job in Collier County because housing near her home is unaffordable + her long commute shows a local real estate challenge.

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.

Kris Fried at Snappers Comedy Club

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Tickets from $62 — Kris Fried brings an unforgettable comedy experience to Fort Myers.