Daily
Fort Myers
Friday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Federal funding cuts are expected to worsen hunger in Southwest Florida as Harry Chapin Food Bank projects 40,000 more people will lose SNAP benefits plus cuts in other programs risk 33 million meals; the food bank said its demand may rise by up to 90% and is asking neighbors to donate and help those in need. The News-Press
- ➤ Local organizers Dr. Maria Roca, Bill Petrarca and Julian Ramirez will host the third Shaping a Compassionate Fort Myers event tomorrow at FGCU's Sugden Resort and Hospitality building—Room 114—from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; the event will feature a conversation on community compassion and welcomes walk-ins though organizers ask residents to RSVP by email. WGCU
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A man in his 30s died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe on Wednesday and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead — helicopter footage showed extensive law enforcement presence while Universal said it is cooperating with police and the ride remains closed. NBC2
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest kicks off today and will feature more than 60 performers with 80 free shows at 20 venues in Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Captiva—boosting local music and tourism. Nine ticketed events will include country music star Chris Young, who will close the festival on Sept. 28 at a pool party at Pink Shell Beach Resort. Cape Coral Breeze
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ De LaSalle Academy in South Fort Myers opened its Life Skills Lab, a fully equipped studio apartment built with donations and free labor from local companies and an architectural firm. The lab, designed for the school’s 130 students to learn daily living skills like cooking and basic repairs, prepares them for independent living—helping them gain confidence for the future. WGCU
- ➤ For 20 years, Books for Collier Kids delivered two million books to every public and charter elementary school to help young readers, and the volunteer nonprofit started as First Book Collier County in 2005 before it rebranded. The program is funded by local donations — a sign of strong community support for early education. WGCU
- ➤ Eleven Lee County high school students were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for 2026, the most in 20 years and making up less than 1% of seniors nationwide. Winners from schools including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Dunbar, Gateway, Lee Virtual and North Fort Myers will later vie for scholarships—only about 15,000 students will become finalists. The News-Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mike Boylan is a self-taught weather reporter who built his website Mike's Weather Page in 2004 and won millions of followers with his clear hurricane updates on social media. He works long hours to post accurate forecasts and urges residents to evacuate when storms approach—helping keep Fort Myers safe. The News-Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Town of Fort Myers Beach reminds property owners that applications for temporary placement permit extensions must be submitted by Tuesday, September 23rd at 4:30 p.m. to avoid a Notice of Violation, referral to a hearing, and daily fines—this measure was set up for those facing hardship after Hurricane Ian. City of Fort Myers Beach
- ➤ The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency approved a storm mitigation grant program that offers downtown businesses up to $100,000 for flood protection, and five local businesses received approval last Wednesday. The Florida Repertory Theatre plans to use its funds to install a Tiger Dam to block hurricane water—helping keep their building safe as the $1 million program reimburses up to 75% of eligible costs. WINK News
- ➤ Cape Coral City Council did not pass the proposal to replace its long-standing impact fee with a mobility fee Wednesday and will resume debate at a special meeting (3 p.m. in City Council chambers) on Sept. 25. The proposed fee—aimed at raising $9,995 for a new single-family dwelling by increasing 12.5% annually over four years with a steep discount schedule (for example, a 62% discount in the first year)—continues to prompt discussion on road capacity and housing funding. Cape Coral Breeze
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Lee County Department of Health has issued an advisory for Bowditch Park as tests on Wednesday showed the water did not meet the recommended levels for Enterococcus bacteria — visitors are advised to avoid water activities to reduce the risk of illness. WINK News
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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.
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