Good morning, Fort Myers.

Nelson Tillis, the first African American settler in Fort Myers, arrived on December 25th, 1867—only ten months after the first homesteaders—to start farming, guide fishing trips and build the town's first school for Black children.

Florida Gulf Coast University will build a 125,000–square-foot academic center focused on sustainability and resiliency at Babcock Ranch; the project has received $21.7 million from the Florida Legislature and is set to offer new courses and workforce programs in the area.

The Lee County school district has staffed every classroom with a certified teacher and filled every bus driver position as part of its Safe Start Initiative—today the district will also launch a bell-to-bell cell phone policy to minimize distractions during class.

Jace Yawnick, a 26-year-old cancer survivor from near Naples, said Congress must act now to expand access to blood-based tests that can detect many cancers early.

He urged bipartisan legislation to support survivors with long-term care (MCED).

At Alico Arena last week the FGCU Eagles and FSW volleyball teams scrimmaged in a family setting that focused on head coach Thais Baziquetto-Allen—formerly of FSW and now leading the Eagles—with some players following her to Division I; FGCU will tip off this Friday while FSW starts conference play in September.

During Week Zero of the 2025 high school football season in Fort Myers, the Riverdale Raiders defeated Dunbar 23-6 while Bishop Verot beat Neumann 38-7 at Viking Stadium.

Coaches said the young players are ready for future games—each coach expects improvements in upcoming matchups.

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.

The Magic of Motown

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Starting at $54.73 — Experience power vocalists and a live band performing timeless Motown classics.