Good morning, Fort Myers.

Kevin Knapp installed flood barriers from Flood Safe around his garage after Hurricane Ian cost him four cars, $40,000 in tools, and his prized Hellcat three years ago.

He now feels confident the system will keep water out if another storm comes — protecting his home and car while his family evacuates in time.

Abigale Boussari has improved bus stops in Lehigh Acres by clearing overgrown grass, adding benches, and installing lights for student safety today.

Students noted the changes on Tuesday—one stop now features new seating and lighting—which has inspired more residents to help maintain these areas.

Bryson Giddens, accused of armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon—was arrested Tuesday after a Sunday shooting at a Shell gas station on Palm Beach Boulevard and Pine Street where one person was hospitalized.

This week, local theaters offer a mix of shows as one production closes, three continue and two hold limited engagements—with highlights including A Voice for the Everglades at Marco Island Center for the Arts on Aug 16 and Little Mermaid Jr. at Fort Myers Theatre showing today, along with Cabaret at The Belle Theatre and other Florida Studio Theatre offerings running through Aug 30.

FGCU is enhancing campus safety as students prepare to return by using advanced layered security measures—cameras, a Guardian app, 24/7 blue poles with help buttons, and a safety timer app.

Chief of Police Craig Kowalski and emergency manager Diania Tsenekos say students receive opt-in alert messages and social media updates to stay informed.

Tropical Storm Erin is moving west in the eastern Atlantic at 22 mph with winds of 45 mph and is located 590 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

Forecast models show the storm will become the first hurricane on Thursday and later a major storm as it nears the Caribbean—before turning north to keep it away from the United States.

On Aug. 11, the Everglades Law Center filed a lawsuit to stop DEP from permitting the Big Sugar rock mine near the EAA Reservoir because the project could harm water management and Everglades restoration investments—filed on behalf of the Tropical Audubon Society and local residents, the suit challenges a proposed 34-year mining operation that would alter the reservoir designed to curb Lake O discharges.

Town Manager Will McKannay said the town is drafting a resolution before Monday, Aug.

18 to extend temporary trailer permit deadlines—surpassing FEMA's Aug. 8 requirement and the local Sept. 23 limit—to support residents and business owners still facing hardship after Hurricane Ian. Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis if trailers meet strict safety and compliance standards such as towability and a four-hour evacuation plan.

Government officials will cut the ribbon at Lee County’s Punta Rass Boat Ramp on Thursday, August 21 at 10 a.m.—marking the soft reopening of the restored facility that will open for public use with limited amenities at noon while further improvements continue.

Neighbors in Island Park have long worried that heavy rains and storm surges are causing the Ten Mile Canal to overflow and flood homes.

Lee County is planning a $1.3 million project to build an operable weir near Page Field—an effort to lower water levels during storms—and is also widening a drainage canal to help divert excess water.

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.

Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Fort Myers

7:45-11:00 a.m. — Florida SouthWestern State College — Registration fee applies — Honor the legacy of a hero while participating in a meaningful community run.

Estero Art Experience: Sea Turtle Painting

6-9 p.m. — Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza — Pricing per person — Unleash your creativity with an evening of painting and delicious pizza in a vibrant seaside atmosphere.