Good morning, Fort Myers.

Alliance for the Arts opens the Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial on Saturday, Sept.

19 at 10:30 a.m. with a dedication at the Morning Market and Family Fun Day, inviting pet lovers to honor their lost companions by hanging collars and sharing memories.

Vintage Market Days brings over 100 vendors to the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers for a three-day market with vintage items, handmade goods, and local art.

The event runs Sept. 18–20, with Saturday entry from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus free admission for kids under 12.

The 12th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest starts today on Captiva Island, downtown Fort Myers and Cape Coral with 80+ performances by 54 artists including headliner LoCash at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheatre.

Michael Ray will headline the closing pool party on Sunday at Pink Shell Beach Resort.

A chlorine spill occurred at the Lehigh Acres wastewater plant Thursday morning when a leak from a tank released about 2,000 gallons onto nearby grounds (the spill was stopped by 8:15 a.m. and workers are cleaning up).

A Fort Myers resident won $1 million in the $1.04 billion Powerball draw with a Racetrac ticket, while an Illinois winner claimed the grand prize at a Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh store.

Officials confirmed the wins today.

Florida's minimum wage will rise to $15 on Sept.

30, up from $14, with tipped workers required to earn at least $11.98 as tips count toward the rate. The change follows a 2020 constitutional amendment and gives businesses time to adjust.

Demolition is underway at Fort Myers Beach Pier as Lee County crews remove existing piles and prepare to begin pile-driving soon, causing intermittent vibrations and brief roadway delays.

Residents are advised to follow posted signage — stay clear of the 150-foot safety perimeter.

Fort Myers 91-year-old Donna James regained hope after connecting with Mocha, a blind 4-year-old Chihuahua from a Texas shelter chosen as her lap dog upon losing her sight.

Carrie Siems of Pawportunities Animal Services said their bond brought comfort and joy to her family.

Rock Lake Resort, a historic property on Palm Beach Boulevard, sits abandoned after heavy damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, and neighbors now ask city officials and new owners for plans to restore the flood zone site.

No redevelopment announcements have been made so far.

Week 5 of high school football in Southwest Florida brought a 55-0 win by the Riverdale Raiders over Cypress Lake Panthers on Sept.

17. Friday’s game of the week had the South Fort Myers Wolfpack hosting the CSN Seahawks at 7 p.m.