Good morning, Fort Myers.

The Publix at Daniels Crossing in Fort Myers is nearing completion of its remodeling that began in June 2024 and now features new departments including a Publix Liquors store.

There is no official reopening date yet but recent changes such as a freshly paved parking lot and new green sign suggest the store will reopen in a few weeks.

Lee County officials said that when students return to school on Aug.

11, every classroom will have a certified teacher. The School District of Lee County reduced teacher vacancies from 575 to 65 and will use certified staff in other positions until full-time teachers are hired.

On Monday, Joe, the lead keeper at Iguanaland, brought Dallas, a 22-year-old rare Anegada rock iguana from a Texas zoo with only 10 in the U.S. and about 500 in the wild, to the studio to show ongoing conservation work.

Iguanaland, the largest reptile zoo, is at 33900 Belmont Road in Punta Gorda (open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

Lee County Solid Waste will hold a household chemical waste drop-off event for Fort Myers Beach residents on Wednesday, Aug.

6 from 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. at Bay Oaks Park in the parking lot at 2731 Oak Street; business and commercial waste will not be accepted.

Yesterday, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council voted 4 — 1 to set the tentative 2025–2026 millage rate at $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed value, a 26% increase from the current 0.99 rate.

The new rate will bring in an extra $1,191,486 to help cover a $1.2 million budget shortfall and may be reduced after public hearings on September 11 and September 24 at 5:01 p.m. in the new town hall building at 6231 Estero Boulevard.

Fort Myers opened a $2.6 million fire training facility today at 3600 Veronica Shoemaker Blvd on a three-acre site next to Fire Station 16.

The six-month project features two concrete buildings that mimic common structures—such as a home, apartment, storefront, and auto shop—to help firefighters practice realistic scenarios.

OISE Ristorante will open by Thursday, Aug.7 in the former Blu Sushi space in downtown Fort Myers as it offers a blend of Japanese and Italian cuisine curated by chef Brad Kilgore — the restaurant will serve dinner only from Tuesday to Saturday at first with plans to add lunch later this fall.

The Naples Daily News and The News-Press published a ranking of 15 top Southwest Florida football recruits for the 2025 season — they chose Fort Myers High defensive lineman Kendall Guervil as the No. 1 prospect.

A poll to vote for the best choice is open until Friday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m.

Johnny King, the 2024 Blue Jays third-round pick and two-time Southwest Florida Baseball Player of the Year from Naples, made his pro debut on Saturday, Aug.

2 with the Dunedin Blue Jays by pitching five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts while allowing two hits and two walks. King remains the team’s fourth-best prospect and is refining his changeup and overall pitching as he aims to move up leagues next season + his strong performance has boosted his stock.

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.