Good morning, Fort Myers.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida is accepting applications for its Youth Leadership Committee from Collier and Lee County students in grades 7-12.

The committee offers teens the chance to volunteer, build leadership skills, and earn community service hours through fundraising activities — applications are accepted through August.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is searching for Giovanni Pelletier, an 18-year-old who left his family vacation in Englewood on Aug 1 at about 1:30 a.m. and exited his vehicle while traveling north on I-75 toward State Road 70 in Manatee County—Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the search.

Lee County students must show proof of immunizations such as DTaP, polio, MMR, hepatitis B, and varicella before school begins Aug.

11. Students missing documentation must secure a proper medical or religious exemption to attend classes.

The News-Press and Naples Daily News will mark the third anniversary of Hurricane Ian in September by featuring survivors and their stories after the storm claimed over 100 lives in Southwest Florida — those who lived through the hurricane are invited to share their experiences by emailing the reporter with the subject line 'Hurricane Survivor'.

FDOT’s $10 million project on a 2.2-mile stretch of Pine Island Road in Cape Coral is nearing completion this summer and includes resurfacing, road widening, updated signals and new turn lanes—left-hand turns from Skyline Boulevard and SW 10th Place have been omitted in favor of U-turn options to improve safety. Local residents and business owners have reported that the changes are causing delays and confusion for drivers.

Today, Beach Theater owners will present plans at DiamondHead Beach Resort at 9 a.m. to convert the former movie venue into a steakhouse and restaurant with live entertainment, requiring variances for outdoor use and reduced parking; the proposal has sparked neighbor concerns over noise and boat traffic—further scrutiny comes from last year’s enforcement actions over unauthorized mangrove removal.

Earlier this month, the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law and it restructures Medicaid by capping federal funding, adding work requirements and copays that may limit access to care.

NCH faces challenges like reduced reimbursements, rising costs and workforce shortages but remains committed to quality care — shown by top rankings and new facilities.

Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral opened its new Paradise Coast Wave Pool on Fourth of July weekend with a $4 million investment in a 12,000 square-foot pool that produces multiple wave patterns.

The pool (which features a 16x9 movie screen, cabanas, and seating for over 300) is part of a 14-acre park that also offers water slides, flumes, and a boardwalk and is open daily during the summer.

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.

Monthly Music Walk

6:00-9:30 p.m. — Cigar Bar Live — Free entry — Enjoy a diverse lineup of local musicians from jazz to rock in downtown Fort Myers.

Comedy Night featuring Rodney Norman & Larry Venturino

7:30 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — Limited tickets — Enjoy a hilarious night of stand-up comedy with Rodney Norman and friends.

Freshman Football Game: Bishop Verot vs. Lemon Bay

6-8 p.m. — Bishop Verot Catholic High School — Free entry — Watch the Bishop Verot freshman football team take on Lemon Bay in a spirited home game.

Financial Power Panel: Plans for Success

11:30 a.m. — Monarcas Authentic Mexican Cuisine Bar & Grill — Admission Info TBA — Gain insights on financial planning for personal and business success from local experts.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

8 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a spectacular pop rock blend under candlelight featuring iconic hits.

Bravo to Broadway

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — On Sale Now — Experience show-stopping hits from beloved musicals performed by Broadway veterans.

North Fort Myers Paint Party: Lilac Moon

6-9 p.m. — Seacraft Waterfront Tiki Bar — Pricing per person — Unleash your creativity while sipping tropical drinks and painting a vibrant Lilac Moon masterpiece.