Daily Fort Myers Logo Daily Fort Myers

Thursday, September 11th, 2025

SHARE

Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of September.

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • Mia Garcia, an 11-year-old who nearly drowned at Lakes Park in south Fort Myers, was rescued by Bridgett Addison — a brave act that led to a heartfelt reunion days later when Addison brought balloons and a handwritten card to show her care.  NBC2

BUSINESS NEWS

  • The remodeled Fort Myers Publix at Daniels Crossing Plaza on Daniels Parkway reopened today at 7 a.m. after being closed since June 2004 and now features a second floor eating area—an option available at only one other Lee County location.  The News-Press

CULTURE NEWS

  • Sanibel resident Jim Sprankle, a renowned wood carver of birds and former baseball player, died recently. His final work—a detailed carving of a flamingo left in his workshop—and other pieces on display at the local wildlife refuge ensure his creative legacy endures.  The News-Press

EDUCATION NEWS

  • The School District of Lee County is working on a new compensation plan to keep top workers, the chief HR officer said on Tuesday. The plan will roll out in phases after May 2024—aiming for fairness and clear career steps—and finish in Spring 2027.  Cape Coral Breeze
  • The Lee County School Board approved a $2.9 billion budget Tuesday—raising the total millage rate to 5.319 to generate $863,595,301 from property taxes, and board members said cost savings support students and staff. Detailed fund allocations and breakdowns were also confirmed during the final budget hearing.  Cape Coral Breeze

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Lee County officials said the housing recovery program for Hurricane Ian survivors was reopened on August 5 and will run until December 31—priority is given to the most vulnerable on a first-eligible, first-served basis. More than 500 households have already received help and survivors can apply online, by phone, or in-person at the LeeCares office in Fort Myers from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The News-Press
  • Fort Myers Beach is moving ahead with plans to rebuild its iconic pier after the local planning agency approved an accelerated timeline, and the town now awaits a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. The new pier will be expanded to 16,000 square feet with a 12-foot-wide deck and improved materials, and construction will take 12 months to complete by the beginning of 2027 — one year ahead of schedule.  ABC7
  • A court-ordered recall election for Fort Myers Beach council members John R. King and Karen Woodson is set for Nov. 4 after allegations that they violated the Sunshine Law—an emergency ordinance on the qualifying period for replacement candidates will be presented by the town council on Thursday. Residents can call the Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office to learn more about the process.  ABC7
  • Fort Myers Beach cut the ribbon on its new Town Hall, located at 6231 Estero Boulevard, yesterday after an $8 million state grant allowed the town to buy a storm-hardened building for $7 million and convert the nearby old convenience store property into a parking lot—this facility now gives town employees a permanent home after Hurricane Ian disrupted operations.  Beach Talk Radio
  • Fort Myers Beach announced it will hold a Special Recall Election for Council Members John R. King and Karen Woodson set for Tuesday, November 4—town council will review an emergency ordinance today to set the qualifying period for filling vacancies. Registered residents who have lived locally for at least a year may run if they meet the criteria.  Fox 4

SPORTS NEWS

  • The City of Palms Classic Basketball Tournament will take place from Dec. 18-23 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena and will feature 15 of the top 50 ESPN-ranked high school seniors along with teams such as Miami Columbus, Montverde Academy, Prolific Prep, Barron Collier, Bishop Verot, and Sarasota. Tournament director Donnie Wilkie said the event has a deep field—bringing top talent from across the nation to play in Southwest Florida.  The News-Press

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 9/13/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 9/18/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 9/19/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 9/21/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 9/25/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 9/27/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 9/28/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 10/3/25

    View event
  • Purple Color Run

    8-10 a.m. — Centennial Park — Participation fee applies — Get splashed in purple while supporting the Epilepsy Alliance in this vibrant 5K run/walk.

    Sat, 10/4/25

    View event
  • Blues Rock Double Shot: Alex Lopez & Doug Deming

    7-9 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy a high-energy blues rock concert featuring Billboard-charting artist Alex Lopez and acclaimed roots rock musician Doug Deming.

    Fri, 10/10/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Your goal in life is to find the people, business, project, or art that needs you the most.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About Daily Fort Myers

Welcome to the Daily Fort Myers, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fort Myers, Florida community. If you like the Daily Fort Myers, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fort Myers.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Fort Myers and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Daily Fort Myers

A free Fort Myers community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here