Good morning, Fort Myers.

United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades helps southwest Florida residents recover from disasters by connecting them to resources through its 211 hotline, Volunteer Center, and Gifts in Kind program.

The service answered over 45,000 calls last year and continues to assist families before, during, and after storms.

Cape Coral firefighters rescued Rio — a dog trapped in a canal and storm drain off Four Mile Cove Parkway — just after 4 p.m. on Saturday and returned him to his owners.

A new report shows that many Southwest Florida working adults build credit card debt buying groceries as prices rise and SNAP cuts strain budgets.

Harry Chapin Food Bank will deliver 40 million pounds of food to help local families — every $10 donation feeds 20 meals.

Students across Florida will begin classes Monday amid hot and humid weather, with temperatures in many areas climbing into the 90s+ and heat indexes soaring over 100.

Fort Myers schools are preparing for a challenging start to the 2026-27 school year.

Lee County schools will open three new schools and expand two others on Tuesday, Aug.

11, while a new dual enrollment program with the University of Florida is offered to qualifying high school students (a first in Southwest Florida) and the bell-to-bell no cell phone policy remains unchanged.

Students return to school this fall as new Ave Maria Elementary (in Collier County) opens for pre-K to 5th grade, Bonita Springs Elementary completes renovations, and Hector A.

Cafferata Jr. K-8 in Cape Coral moves into a new 225,000 sqft campus after Hurricane Ian damage.

Since July 2025, federal SNAP rule changes have cut benefits statewide, with Lee County’s enrollment dropping 9.9% to 89,357 and many Fort Myers residents affected — prompting calls for tighter eligibility checks for low-income families.

Louisiana health officials reported nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections so far this year, with five fatalities, and advise Florida swimmers to avoid exposing open wounds to brackish water.

They stress that anyone noticing symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

A boil water notice affecting 1,200 residents north of Pineland Road in Bokeelia was lifted after a water main break was fixed + the Lee County Health Department confirmed the water is now safe for drinking.

Maryland SPCA behavior manager Natalie Stevens says pet behavior issues like jumpiness and resource guarding lead to many surrenders; shelters now offer online guides and expert help so local pet parents in Fort Myers can address problems before stress worsens them (help is available statewide).

HeadPinz is hosting a free summer bowling program for local kids today in Fort Myers to build skills and confidence; coaches are teaching techniques like proper footwork and ball weight (with a youth league planned to continue after summer).

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.