Good morning, Fort Myers.

On Aug 30, a boat and a personal watercraft collided near Captiva Pass, injuring two 17-year-old local girls—one was pronounced dead and the other remains in the hospital as agencies continue the investigation.

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is seeking public help with the 1992 cold case of taxi driver David Benoit, who was shot and robbed on Sept.

6 and whose body was found the next morning in a field near Market Street and Evans Avenue in Fort Myers—offering a $5,000 reward for any tip that leads to an arrest.

A new study found that reading for fun has dropped 40% over the past 20 years, but SWFL libraries are offering programs to help kids start reading early.

Lee County Library System’s Read a Thousand Books Before Kindergarten helps build a strong reading foundation—parents are encouraged to model good reading habits at home.

Florida Gov Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday at Fort Myers High School that the state will phase out childhood vaccine mandates—sparking mixed opinions among parents.

Some supported the change while others remain concerned about the impact on children with health issues and the plan's next steps.

Nearly three years after Hurricane Ian destroyed its old Town Hall, Fort Myers Beach will open a new, storm-hardened Town Hall at 6231 Estero Boulevard on September 10th — it will host a ribbon cutting from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Town Council will hold its first budget hearing on September 11th at 5 p.m.

Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner announced his campaign for governor in 2026 today—saying he will focus on lowering taxes, improving school choice, and reducing insurance costs while defending key conservative reforms.

He warned that a divided GOP may weaken efforts to keep Florida strong.

Lee County commissioners approved an amended grant agreement with FDEP that adds over $1.2 million for Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole recovery projects, increasing the total grant to over $21.8 million without a local match.

Officials said repairs along 1.1 miles of shoreline in Lovers Key State Park and 0.8 miles at Bonita Beach at Little Hickory Island were completed in March — the funds will support coastal protection efforts.

Sizzle Dining, Southwest Florida's premier dining event, kicked off on Sept 3—donating a dollar from every meal to Blessings in a Backpack—and will run until Sept 30 with 127 restaurants participating.

NFL teams trimmed rosters on Aug.

26, and several Southwest Florida players joined 2025 opening day rosters and practice squads as of Sept. 2. Inside linebacker Cherelus played special teams for Carolina after toe surgery—safety Martin started for Washington while running back Johnson and wide receiver Jones joined practice squads for the Ravens and Vikings.

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.

Christian Singles Bowling Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — HeadPinz Fort Myers — $24.50 for Hub Members, $44.50 for Non Members — Enjoy an evening of bowling, games, and fun with local Christian singles.

Marvilla Marzan Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — General Admission and Special Package tickets available — Experience nostalgic American classics with Marvilla's enchanting vocals.

Tom Segura Live

5-7 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with one of comedy's biggest stars on his Come Together tour.

Fort Myers Paint Party – Fresh Mojito

6-9 p.m. — Sea-Craft Waterfront Tiki — Pricing per person — Create a refreshing masterpiece while enjoying tropical drinks and waterfront views.

Fort Myers Oktoberfest Celebration

4-10 p.m. — The Standard Restaurant Downtown — Ticket required — Celebrate Oktoberfest with beer, food, and live music at multiple venues.

Florida Horror-Fest 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers — $20 — A true mecca for horror fans in beautiful Fort Myers, featuring collectibles and fandoms from multiple genres.

Greens of Honor Golf Scramble

12-6 p.m. — The Plantation Golf & Country Club — $150 per player — Enjoy a day of golf while supporting veterans in need.