Good morning, Fort Myers.

Residents of Pelican Landing and The Colony raised over $600,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, leading to the dedication of two affordable homes for local families.

The long-running campaign, which started in 2002 + continues to boost affordable housing support in the area, shows neighborly generosity at work.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County invites community leaders and supporters to Reach for the Stars, a fundraising gala on Saturday, Oct.

24 at 1900 Park Meadows Drive in Fort Myers — guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner and member-led tours with proceeds supporting after-school and summer programs for local youth.

More than 100 cats live at The Cat Ranch in Babcock Ranch and many are ready for adoption.

JoAnn Thuecks — who runs the sanctuary — said they need more volunteers and donations as funding will only last six months.

IMAG in Fort Myers hosted a birthday celebration for Percy, the African spurred tortoise who loves leafy greens and veggies and weighs over 100 pounds.

The museum event highlighted Percy (Centrochelys sulcata) as a unique local attraction.

Fort Myers Beach will host the 36th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship at DiamondHead Beach Resort November 19–23.

Organized by the local Chamber of Commerce, the event celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with 29 sculptors from 10 states and abroad under the theme Stars, Stripes & Sand: Sculpting the American Story.

On Aug. 12, a total solar eclipse was visible in select locations worldwide as the moon covered the sun from 11:34 a.m. to 3:57 p.m. ET—Florida residents saw only a partial eclipse but could catch NASA and USA TODAY’s livestream.

School District of Lee County opened its doors on Tuesday morning for the 2026-'27 school year with rising enrollment and 99.9% of teaching positions filled.

District officials said traffic and bus delays will improve as students and families settle into the routine.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reports a record 1,178 sea turtle nests on Sanibel and Captiva as nesting runs through Oct.

31. Experts say baby turtles face challenges from coyotes and storms and are closely monitored to help them reach the ocean.

The CDC advises most residents to wait until September or October for their flu shot, though children needing two doses and pregnant women may consider getting vaccinated as early as July or August.

Local pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS and Publix offer walk-ins and appointments, and many insurance plans cover the vaccine at no cost.

Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk offers Roman-inspired pizza and pasta at 22800 Via Villagio in Estero, giving Southwest Florida diners a taste of authentic Italian cuisine with imported flour & quality ingredients.

Inspired by a small trattoria near Rome’s Trevi Fountain, it brings a slice of Italy to the area.

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.