Good morning, Fort Myers.

Songwriter Maryann Connolly holds a single release party (at 7 p.m.) for her new pop-rock track 'Crashing Down' at Kava Nirvana Speakeasy, 4720 SE 15th Ave., Suite 107 on Friday, July 31 in Cape Coral; she turned hardship from a traffic crash into bold new music.

A USDA report Friday shows grocery prices at home will rise 2.7% this year, a trend that may soon affect Fort Myers shoppers.

Some local retailers are beginning to lower costs as more customers switch to store brands to save money.

Local school leaders announced that next year the state will raise the bar for school grades as elementary schools will need 65% for an A, middle schools 65%, and high schools 70%.

The district said new supports and targeted hiring plans will help meet these goals.

The School District of Lee County is offering Lee FlexEd for home education and middle and high school students eligible under the Florida Tax Credit and Family Empowerment Scholarships.

Enrollment remains open until Aug. 1 with up to 100 seats available as choice navigators guide families through personalized course options.

Environmental experts said the North spreader canal never filtered stormwater as intended, and the removal of a key boat lift in 2008 impaired water quality in Matlacha Pass — concerns that persist as rising sea levels worsen erosion.

According to Saturday’s advisory from the National Hurricane Center in Miami, no tropical cyclone is expected in the Atlantic basin for the next 7 days after Bertha fizzled.

Fort Myers residents should stay tuned for daily tropical updates during hurricane season — June 1 to Nov. 30.

The 250-foot American flag from the Cape Coral Bridge was taken down Saturday morning after crews spotted damage to an eyelet, and officials are working with its manufacturer to repair or replace it as soon as possible.

Cape Coral's Genesis Torres, 11, is recovering well after a life-saving liver transplant in February and now her family faces heavy medical, travel, and home costs; volunteers are raising $40,000 through COTA to help cover her ongoing expenses (a local fundraising effort).

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.