Good morning, Fort Myers.

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife announced that Cobb, a longtime corn snake Animal Ambassador, passed away Tuesday, Sept.

8 after battling health issues; volunteers say he educated many about respecting local wildlife, and CROW invites community members to share memories via cards and photos.

Lee County officials said a 3-year-old drowned on Sunny Crest Lane in Olga Friday (an 18-month-old nearly drowned off Hancock Bridge Parkway Sunday) as emergency teams responded quickly and stabilized the toddler.

Teens riding dirt bikes have repeatedly damaged the greens at Hunter's Run Golf Club in Cape Coral, prompting five police calls between Aug.

30 and Sept. 8 & angering club members and workers.

Urbanite Theatre will host its seventh Modern Works Festival to support new plays by female playwrights.

The two-week event will run through Sept. 27 and include staged readings of 'Tea Time' by Erika MacDonald — kickoff on Sept. 17.

On Monday, diesel prices averaged $6.30, prompting carriers to pass on higher fuel costs+ raising prices for groceries and home deliveries in the region.

Experts predict fuel costs may ease later this quarter.

The School District of Lee County approved its new budget with an 11% cut while maintaining support for arts & athletics programs.

Superintendent Carlin said a $10 million bridge fund will help smaller schools meet enrollment challenges so that students continue to flourish.

The Lee County school board approved a deal that gives about 2,100 experienced teachers a raise of $2,340 with payments starting in October as part of a $27 million teacher pay plan.

District and union will negotiate an additional $3 million at Monday 4:30 p.m.

Florida Gulf Coast University's Bower School of Music and the Arts has grown from a small music school into a hub for music, art and theater over 20 years.

The school will host TheatreLab's 'Cabaret' at the Art Complex from Oct. 8 to 11 — a sign of its growth.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a 2nd Amendment Sales Tax Holiday affecting hunting, fishing and camping gear statewide.

The holiday started Sept. 1 and will run until Dec. 31 after last year’s $50 million in tax relief.

Fort Myers launched a $30M Midtown redevelopment project to rebuild utilities, streets, sidewalks and lighting with a new police station added; phase 1 will complete by 2027, officials said — the upgrade aims to improve safety and walkability along key corridors.

Boat races returned to Fort Myers Beach last weekend with the ROAR Offshore event drawing a large crowd to downtown + Margaritaville to watch practice runs and a final race.

The event revived a cherished local tradition after COVID and hurricanes and boosted local business.