Good morning, Fort Myers.

A.N.A. Friends supports Guardian ad Litem volunteers & local foster families with expanded programs serving about 1,400 children, including life skills training, preventive services, and teen transitions.

The nonprofit is broadening its support to meet urgent needs in the community.

Lee County Parks and Recreation will reopen Crescent Beach Family Park tomorrow at sunrise after a $1.3 million restoration update that improved accessibility, added picnic areas and bike racks, and upgraded facilities — following Hurricane Ian damage four years ago.

Cold Stone Creamery is expected to open five doors down from longtime ice cream shop Scoops on First in downtown, and local business owners worry the corporate chain will threaten the unique small business mix.

Neighbors say they will continue to support local stores – preserving the area's charm.

Tickets for the musical SIX go on sale Friday, July 31 at 10 a.m. at Barbara B.

Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, with five performances scheduled from March 5 to 7, 2027 (the cast features Emma Elizabeth Smith among others).

A price comparison of 12 grocery items at seven stores in Cape Coral and Fort Myers showed Aldi as the cheapest and Farmer Joe’s as the most expensive, based on The News-Press report this morning.

Shoppers may save on staples by considering Aldi + Walmart for better deals.

India Palencia (a substitute teacher and mom) is running for the District 6 seat on the Lee County School Board to fix the budget, retain teachers, and boost student outcomes; Lee County voters will choose between her and incumbent Jada Langford-Fleming in the primary on Aug.

18.

The School District of Lee County will launch a pilot food court program at Riverdale High School this January — offering students six dining options from customizable bowls to fresh fare.

The initiative aims to enhance meal variety and boost revenue for expanding the dining experience.

Florida wildlife, including panthers and manatees, could lose key habitat protections if a federal rule change takes effect in August and September.

The new rules will let developers build on wild lands, raising concerns for those who value our region’s natural heritage.

UF/IFAS Extension Lee County will host a native orchid workshop on Wednesday, Aug.

5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center—participants can join a planting event on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Lakes Park with fees of $15 and $10 respectively.

A construction permit was issued today for a new 1,000-ft pier that will replace the structure lost in Hurricane Ian on Sept.

28, 2022, and will cost an estimated $11.8 million. Construction is expected to take about one year to complete.

Ten homeowner families have invested $14 million to restore historic Useppa Island after Hurricane Milton damaged it in fall 2024.

Crews rebuilt the marina, docks, sea wall, and Sunset Beach, and they are now restoring the historic Collier Inn; the island remains accessible only by boat (or helicopter).

The 2026 Beerfoot Beach 7-on-7 rugby tournament is set to take place this Saturday behind DiamondHead Resort on Fort Myers Beach.

The event will include a pub crawl after the matches and special parking by the Woman’s Club in the Estero Island Beach Club lot for a $20 donation.

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.