Good morning, Fort Myers.

Seventeen-year-old twins Paul and Violet Schwartz led a two-year effort to create a memorial plaque at City Hall honoring Hurricane Ian victims after helping with storm cleanup.

They gathered over 300 signatures and overcame early council resistance— the plaque will be unveiled on September 28 at noon.

After Hurricane Ian, power companies in Southwest Florida spent nearly $300 million on upgrades that made fixing outages faster.

Lee County Electric Cooperative took 29 days to restore power after Hurricane Ian but only three days after Hurricane Milton while Florida Power & Light now uses steel or concrete on its transmission structures—cutting repair times.

The Island Hopper Songwriters Festival continues through Sunday on Fort Myers Beach—featuring over 60 performers in free and ticketed shows across 20 venues—and will end with country star Chris Young headlining a pool party at the Pink Shell on Sept.

28.

Fort Myers will host the 2026 Pride festival downtown after new organizers Pride-SWFL and Visuality submitted a permit application for a June 13, 2026 celebration near the Sidney—Berne Davis Arts Center.

The event will include a walking parade covering a few downtown blocks and officials say more details will be announced soon.

Florida SouthWestern State College’s dual enrollment programs saved families money by letting more than 3,200 high school students take courses last year and 436 students earn certificates in May—helping them prepare for careers in health care, technology, education, and business.

The programs also made students about 1.5 times more likely to get scholarships and build pathways to affordable, workforce-ready education.

Iguanas are causing problems in Cape Coral as residents like Bill Seaman report seeing them crossing roads and multiplying near abandoned buildings, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is drafting new containment rules—tougher cages, stricter transport regulations, and storm preparation requirements—and will accept public comments until October 20.

At Vanderbilt Beach, a nearly 12-foot storm surge from Hurricane Ian caused severe damage with impassable roads and flooded parking garages—local sales director Pat McLaughlin noted that after repeated storms, the final stages of rebuilding are coming together.

Residents remain hopeful as the community works hard to restore the area.

Today, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring three tropical systems as Tropical Storm Humberto near the northern Leeward Islands is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane early next week and Invest 94L off the Bahamas is expected to develop into a tropical depression soon—while Hurricane Gabrielle has moved east toward the Azores and poses no threat to Florida. Forecasters say the possible Fujiwhara effect between Humberto and Invest 94L creates uncertainty for coastal impacts, and residents are advised to stay updated.

Lee County is set to break ground on a wastewater treatment upgrade at the Southeast Advanced Water Reclamation Facility—expected to finish in 2029—that will process 10 million gallons daily for public use including lawn irrigation.

Some local residents have expressed concern over the project’s impact on wetlands used for flood mitigation.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach approved a nearly 15% property tax rate increase to rebuild emergency reserves after a $9 million deficit from hurricane recovery spending — Town Manager William McKannay said FEMA reimbursements may take years to arrive.

Registration is open for the annual Partners Pink Run in Fort Myers, which raises funds for Partners for Breast Cancer Care to help pay for free breast screening and treatment for underserved local residents—set for Oct.

11 at 8 a.m. at Bell Tower and presented by Worthington Realty.

After nearly a decade in the minor leagues, John Vittas received a life-changing phone call that moved him from the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels to a full-time role with the Twins radio team in Minnesota.

He credited his work in Florida, including his coverage of local tournaments and college games, for paving the way to the majors—he plans to return for spring training each year.

Fort Myers boxer Tiara Brown defended her WBC featherweight title in Houston with her signature left hook and weeks of intense training from local gyms—she said she plans to unify the division’s belts and move up to the 130 weight class with strong support from fans and mentors.

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.

Air Supply Concert

7-9 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Tickets available — Experience the iconic 80s duo Air Supply performing their beloved hits live.

Trevor Wallace: The Alpha Beta Male Tour

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Check local listings for ticket pricing — Trevor Wallace brings his witty stand-up to Fort Myers.

Christian Singles Gathering in Fort Myers

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Bay Street Yard — $20 for non-members, free for Hub members — Enjoy food and friendly competition while connecting with local Christian singles.

Shrek the Musical

7 PM – 8 PM — Fort Myers Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved story of Shrek brought to life with new songs and laughter on stage.