Daily
Fort Myers
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Calusa Nature Center will host its Friendly Fall Festival this weekend with a pumpkin patch, photo opportunities, games, scavenger hunts, craft projects and animal talks for families from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday — adult tickets cost $13 and children’s tickets cost $7. WINK News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On September 14, a Bonita Springs battalion chief was hit by a car while directing traffic on Interstate 75 near mile marker 113 and had surgery on September 15—he later showed progress by opening his eyes, telling his wife he loved her, and playing catch with his son while the driver received a citation for a court appearance. The News-Press
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Downtown House of Pizza in Fort Myers will celebrate its 20th anniversary as owner Jason Kohn and manager Robert Waters plan festivities to thank loyal customers and mark overcoming challenges like staffing and busy late nights — the local spot is known for its New York-style pizza that brings community together. Florida Weekly
- ➤ Randy Wayne White, author of (Doc Ford), sued HM Restaurant Group in early July over an alleged breach of contract that forced him to lower his royalties and misused his brand; on Sept 10 he requested all related business records including promotional and social media materials. HM Restaurant Group, which runs Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach and two restaurants in St. Petersburg, denied the claims and said it remains confident in its hospitality record. The News-Press
- ➤ In August, nearly 648,000 passengers passed through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, setting a 43-year record — a 5 percent increase over August 2024. Delta carried 152,803 passengers and the airport had 6,013 aircraft operations, marking a busy month — trends that signal strong travel activity. WGCU
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fort Myers and Bonita Springs will host a busy weekend of events as the 11th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest features country stars like Chris Young and LOCASH at several local venues — Downtown House of Pizza also marks its 20th anniversary with a Music Walk party on Friday. The News-Press
- ➤ Guadalupe Center will host its 8th Annual Fiesta Fest—celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month—at Felipe’s Taqueria in Naples this Friday at 4 p.m. The free event will offer food, drinks, live music and an Aztec dance while guests round up their checks to help fund educational programs in Immokalee through a campaign that runs until October 15. WGCU
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida spent the weekend exploring local parks and enhancing them during Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend—hiking trails, cleaning beaches, and completing a new patch through conservation projects at Koreshan State Park and Delnor-Wiggins State Park. ABC7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City’s Community Redevelopment Agency has taken over the planning to restore McCollum Hall and allocated up to $42,600 to local firm Parker, Mudgett and Smith for design ideas. Public listening sessions are set for September 30 at Quality Life Center and October 9 online and at Mount Olive AME Church — the agency will also study buying nearby parcels. WGCU
- ➤ Cape Coral cleared derelict boats from Bimini Basin earlier this summer by enforcing an Anchorage Limitation Area and is now planning a new 15-buoy mooring field to improve water quality—30% of the project was complete as of August. The city will add a dinghy dock and other features while reviewing future fee options. The News-Press
- ➤ The City of Fort Myers said water and sewer rates will increase by 5% starting October 1—additional 5% hikes will take effect each fiscal year from October 1 in 2027 until 2030 while reclaimed water rates will jump 10% for one year then rise 5% annually, and a $150 fine for water meter tampering is being reinstated. The city council approved these changes to help fund the utilities department and serve a growing population. WGCU
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Florida businesses are expanding luxury pet services this summer—offering custom clothing, upscale grooming, and resort-style boarding for dogs and cats. Fort Myers pet owners can now access these exclusive amenities to pamper their furry friends. Florida Weekly
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dan DeLuca, Dustin Levy and Alex Martin present video analysis and predictions for week 5 high school football games in Collier and Lee counties today and tomorrow — the analysis details key matchups and team strategies — providing fans with clear expectations for upcoming contests. The News-Press
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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