Good morning, Fort Myers.

Southwest Florida will honor 9/11 with memorial events from Sept.

10 to Sept. 13. Gatherings include a 5K run in Fort Myers, a candlelight ceremony in Bonita Springs, a flag tribute in Cape Coral, and additional remembrances in Sanibel and Marco Island.

Labor Day travel is busy at Southwest Florida International Airport as many visitors head for family visits & vacation homes.

Travelers are advised to arrive two hours early because full parking lots and flights from 11 airlines highlight the surge.

Publix held a pre-application meeting with Sanibel officials on Sept.

6 to discuss opening a store in a community still recovering from Hurricane Ian, prompting debate over adding convenience + preserving island charm.

The Music & Arts Community Center presents a diverse concert season this September, with folk, candlelight, and jazz shows, including Benise on Sept.

23 and a British duo closing the lineup on Sept. 26. Tickets can be reserved by calling 239-277-1700.

Florida shoppers can take advantage of the Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday running Sept.

1 to Dec. 31 to buy gear tax-free. Eligible items include bows, crossbows, ammunition, tents, and fishing rods (with set price limits).

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds holiday travelers to keep 50 feet away from nesting sea turtles and to adjust beach activities to protect nesting shorebirds and hatchlings (guidelines aim to keep local wildlife safe during the nesting season).

The town of Fort Myers Beach announced demolition of the pier’s remaining structure will begin after Labor Day weekend — no construction crews will work during the holiday and nearby pedestrians should expect detours on Estero Boulevard.

Federal funding has approved extensive restoration projects on Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach starting Sept.

8. The year-long work will rebuild boardwalks, parking lots, and amenities damaged by Hurricane Ian, and visitors are advised to use alternative transportation for limited parking and access.

Local hospital Lee Health in Cape Coral stopped accepting United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Health Plans after ongoing challenges impacted its profit profile.

The decision affects thousands of seniors who rely on the hospital for treatment and has prompted concern among longtime volunteer supporters.

Pat Putnam, the first major-league baseball player from our region and Fort Myers High School graduate, died on Aug.

25 in Punta Gorda at age 72, leaving a lasting legacy in local sports. His service will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 26 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens.

Today, high school football teams are requiring credentials for videographers (to avoid overcrowding) and content creators to film sidelines (including teams from Lee and Collier) as they adjust access protocols.

Diego Rodriguez of Crazee Shots hopes his crew will still gain access under the new rules.

The Twins announced their 2027 spring training home schedule with 15 games at Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, starting with a Grapefruit League opener against the Rays on Feb.

19 (the schedule features matchups with the Mets, Red Sox and others from Feb. 19 to March 20).