Good morning, Fort Myers.

A 5-year-old autistic boy drowned in a pond near his home on Magnolia Pond Circle in Golden Gate on July 26, prompting Collier County officials to offer free home safety evaluations (warning that children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown) and urging parents to take extra care around water.

Lee County students will start school on Monday, Aug.

11 as required by Florida law that sets this as the earliest start date. A new code requires cell phones be turned off during class—families can also take advantage of a state back-to-school sales tax holiday on school supplies from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31.

The Fort Myers Beach Council approved a tentative budget that raises the millage rate from .99 mills to 1.255 mills to cover a $1.4 million revenue shortfall — the council voted 4-1 with Councilmember John King dissenting amid concerns about the tax burden on property owners still recovering from Hurricane Ian. Budget hearings are scheduled for Sept. 11 and Sept. 24 at the new town hall chambers at 5:01 p.m.

Drivers in Fort Myers Beach will face intermittent 30-minute closures on the Big Carlos Pass Bridge starting 8 p.m. Aug.

14 through 6 a.m. Aug. 15 as crews set beams to join the new bridge to Estero Island—if weather delays occur, work will shift to 8 p.m. Aug. 15 through 6 a.m. Aug. 16. The project will add travel lanes, bicycle lanes, a sidewalk, and a shared use path as part of a Lee County plan estimated to finish in Summer 2026 with a cost of $90.8 million.

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.