Good morning, Fort Myers.

On the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Ian, Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero held the first mass at the Church of the Ascension on Fort Myers Beach, offering hope to nearly 300 parishioners and discussing plans to repair or rebuild the church (a temporary chapel may serve about 100 until renovations begin).

On Saturday, Florida Mudcutters discovered that over half of their landscaping tools were stolen from job boxes near the bike trails at Caloosahatchee Regional Park, and local mountain bikers raised more than $4,000 to help replace the equipment.

Starbucks closed nine underperforming stores in Florida, including the Fort Myers location (4790 Colonial Blvd), after a Sept.

24 announcement. Affected employees received transfer options or severance support in the latest round of closures.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe launches its season with Sophisticated Ladies — a Duke Ellington tribute featuring over two dozen hits and powerful dance moves.

The show opens Oct. 14 at the local theater and runs until Nov. 22.

Over the weekend, Cypress Lake School for the Arts presented A Monster Calls — a devised play that immersed students in a creative, script-free production method.

Artistic Director Carmen Crussard led the ensemble through innovative techniques that are reshaping local theater.

Veterans from Cape Coral VFW announced a Voice of Democracy scholarship contest for high school students in grades 9 through 12 with submissions due on Oct.

31; winners may receive up to $35,000 with a three- to five-minute audio essay on what veterans taught them about America.

Researchers tracking over 350 invasive Burmese pythons between 2017 and 2024 in Southwest Florida found that these snakes now climb trees to search for scarce prey.

The study suggests that hunters may need to look upward to spot pythons among resting and basking limbs.

Englewood residents oppose the Manasota Beach Road extension, saying it threatens local green space & their lifestyle.

The county says permits are in place and construction could begin early next year, while neighbors plan to review their legal options.

Retired Coast Guard pilot Albert Allison from Fort Myers nearly lost his leg last year after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous flesh-eating bacteria, while fishing and was saved by a prolonged hospital stay.

Florida Gulf Coast University has established a women’s flag football club to join the NIRSA Women’s Flag Football League, with dozens of students training weekly to compete against other colleges.

Marvens Saintil returned to the football field in week-five against Island Coast after missing last season due to knee surgery.

Mariner Head Coach Doug Faasse noted that Saintil’s hard work at practice has kept him a vital part of the team.