Good morning, Fort Myers.

Lakes Regional Park reopened its splash pads after Hurricane Ian damaged them in 2022; the county officially launched the $2.6 million project on Wednesday, Aug.

26 & local children enjoy cool relief from the heat.

Luna Creamery & Sweets, a discount ice cream shop, is set for a soft opening Labor Day weekend at 1127 Del Prado Blvd., S. in Cape Coral.

Owners Ali Roberts & Ken Jackson will offer affordable treats and weekly events to bring the community together.

Lee County schools celebrated 165 students earning IB diplomas at the end of the 2025-26 school year, with Fort Myers High awarding 69 along with awards from Cape Coral, Riverdale, and Dunbar — a program that offers college credit and a Bright Futures Scholarship.

North Fort Myers High School athletic director Joseph Bowen was suspended by the School District of Lee County on Thursday as the administration began searching for his replacement and parents expressed surprise.

A Cape Coral developer was fined $34,000 for removing mangroves without permits on the Seven Islands development.

The fines remain unpaid as restoration measures and further reviews continue.

Experts say light pollution is reducing firefly displays and confusing sea turtle hatchlings along the Gulf Coast, with Fort Myers Beach recording 99 lighting violations this year as urban development intensifies (a key factor affecting local wildlife).

The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act so states can keep daylight saving time permanently (pending Senate and presidential action), but unless that happens, Fort Myers residents will set their clocks back one hour on Nov.

1.

Lee County Parks & Recreation has expanded the Variety Club for adults with disabilities to the North Fort Myers and Estero Recreation Centers for the fall season (the program offers daytime social and recreational activities).

Lee County officials said demolition of the Fort Myers Beach Pier at Lynn Hall Memorial Park will start next week and temporary work will occur on Estero Boulevard this Thursday and Friday.

Terry Persaud plans to build a restaurant on the former PierSide Grill site using remnants of the building.

Lee Health in Fort Myers will stop accepting United Healthcare as an in-network insurer on Jan.

1 — a move tied to a $100 million dispute — potentially delaying treatment for many patients. Local patient Connie Carrico, who relies on $20K weekly infusions, voiced concern over future care.

A Cape Coral homeowner faced a $120K solar lien that stalled his late parents’ home sale until WINK stepped in; Palmetto offered a 50% prepayment discount on Aug.

10 and canceled the lien, giving him a better chance to sell the property.