Good morning, Fort Myers.

Filmmaker Laura DeBruce will speak at the Sanibel Rotary Club on Sept.

26 about her documentary 'On Sanibel: The Hurricane Diaries' — a film that shows how luck and trust helped her capture the island's recovery after Hurricane Ian. She said her lessons include managing personal risk and the strong support that brought neighbors together in tough times.

The School District of Lee County announced this week that 11 students are semifinalists for the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, representing less than 1% of high school seniors and including top performers from Cape Coral High, Dunbar, Fort Myers High, Gateway High, Lee Virtual & North Fort Myers High. The semifinalists will soon submit detailed applications with their academic records and community activities to compete for nearly 7,000 awards worth $26 million.

Sanibel-Captiva’s Puschel Preserve now has the nation’s first Haven Solar Powered Shelter—built with a 12-foot shade canopy of glass solar panels that provides power during storms and withstands category five hurricanes.

The conservation group plans to expand similar renewable energy supports to other preserves.

A quick-pick ticket sold at Fort Myers Publix on Sept.

15 matched five numbers and the Power Play to win $2 million — the jackpot is now estimated at $81 million for today's drawing.

On Tuesday, the Lee Board of County Commissioners approved a two-tiered matrix for Conservation 20/20 properties by ranking them based on environmental importance and evaluation score.

They also authorized staff to pursue nine nominations recommended by CLASAC — including parcels on Pine Island, in Buckingham, and on Sanibel — with any purchase coming before the board for review at a future meeting.

Today at 4 p.m., the Cape Coral City Council will vote on a settlement deal with Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, which leased the waterfront site in 2013 and was hit by a fire in October 2024.

Under the deal, Boathouse must tear down the damaged building within 30 days of permit issuance—ending the fight over damage—while starting a 30-year plan with set monthly payments and a share of earnings.

On Sept. 10, Fort Myers Beach celebrated the grand opening of its new townhall when Mayor Dan Allers, Town Manager Will McKannay and council members led a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:15 a.m.—residents then toured the modern facility designed for public service—marking a new chapter in local government.

Yesterday, the Lee Board of County Commissioners voted to request $7 million from BP/Deepwater funds to help cover the gap in rebuilding the Fort Myers Beach Pier, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

The new pier will be built longer and wider than before—designed to be more resilient—while FEMA funds rebuild it as it was, leaving an estimated $6 million shortfall for the upgraded design.

On Tuesday, Gulf Coast Humane Society brought in Benelli, a 7 year old mastiff mix weighing about 94 pounds who was receiving treatment for heartworm that the society will cover after adoption.

She qualifies for the Silver Paws program for seniors over 65 — her adoption fee is waived and vet care will be paid for after she finds a new home.

Bishop Verot holds the No. 1 spot in the latest high school football power rankings by The News-Press and Naples Daily News.

The Vikings recovered after three tough games and will take on another top 100 team in Homestead on Friday—boosting their ranking with a strong schedule and a key double transitive win over the previous No. 2 team.

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.

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.

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.

Rehab Modalities & Exercises Seminar

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Myers Airport — $0 for Doctor Program Members, $289 for Non-Member DCs — Enhance your rehabilitation skills with hands-on training and evidence-based techniques led by Dr. Carter.