Daily
Fort Myers
Saturday, August 16th, 2025
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Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After her insurance denied her request for a new wheelchair, two anonymous donors paid nearly $5,000 for a custom-built chair for Karylynn Ryan—a Fort Myers woman with cerebral palsy—whose old chair no longer fit after she gained weight. Medicaid said she must wait three more years for a replacement, prompting local community support. WINK News
- ➤ Sean Reark, a lineman with Lee County Electric Cooperative for 20 years, worked to restore power when a wet tree branch fell on a line during a rainy day as hurricane season neared its peak on the Gulf Coast. He de-energized lines and completed safety checks — showing the critical role of lineworkers as storms continue to threaten our area. ABC7
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Lehigh Acres man was arrested after he was accused of shooting a victim in the stomach and robbing a Shell gas station on August 10—he turned himself in on August 12 following an anonymous tip and will appear for arraignment on September 15. The News-Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Thomas Edison first came to Fort Myers in 1885 for his health and built a home on the Caloosahatchee River—Henry Ford, an admirer of Edison, bought the house next door in 1916. Their visits started a trend among rich winter residents and led to labs and tours that people still enjoy today. WINK News
- ➤ The exhibit 'Making a Clear Mark 1997 to 2025' opens Aug. 29 at the Wasmer Gallery in the Arts Complex at FGCU and shows the work of Morgan T. Paine — an art professor retiring this month; it features pieces from his Life Painting with Drawing series and acrylic gel medium work on various supports and will be on view through Sept. 25. WGCU
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hurricane Erin has formed as the first storm of the 2025 season with 75 mph winds and is moving west-northwest at 18 mph from a point 520 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands—forecasters expect it to become a major hurricane near Puerto Rico by Sunday and possibly reach Category 4 east of the Bahamas next week while Florida should avoid a direct hit. ABC7
- ➤ Gulf Coast native Rachel Bepko recalled experiencing one of 45 tornadoes during Hurricane Milton last October that destroyed her back shed and a neighbor’s roof. Meteorologist Matthew Elliot said 120 tornado warnings were issued that day—record levels for Florida—and studies indicate a warmer climate may increase tornado risks during tropical cyclones. NBC2
- ➤ Fort Myers Beach's renourishment project to fix Hurricane Ian damage will finish early next week and the black pipe will be removed by the end of the month while crews prepare for a pier rebuild. Permits from the Army Corps of Engineers are expected within the next 30 to 60 days—bidding will then begin so the iconic pier could open by summer 2027. ABC7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fort Myers is spending $80M to upgrade its water treatment plant by adding nine million gallons of capacity a day and modernizing aging systems — the project is designed to serve the growing city until 2040 and help avoid future shortages. Construction will run until 2028 while water bills may rise by 5% each year to support the investment. WINK News
SHOP NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Fort Myers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You cannot find yourself by going into the past. You can find yourself by coming into the present.
~ Eckhart Tolle
About Daily Fort Myers
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