Daily
Fort Myers
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Fort Myers city officials confirmed that hackers from overseas streamed a pornographic video during a Zoom call with roughly 165 viewers and that the video remained on screen for nearly 10 minutes before staff removed it - digital evidence has been handed over to police and security measures have been tightened by switching to a webinar platform with US-only access. ABC7
- ➤ Nicole Crowther lost her beloved Chihuahua Pearl when a sitter hired through a popular dog-sitting app left her in care during a family trip to Key West—Pearl died within 24 hours amid a chaotic incident involving another dog and a reported ER visit by the sitter, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office said no criminal charges will be filed as it is a civil matter. WINK News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Starting Tuesday the Florida minimum wage increased to $14 per hour—tipped workers now earn $10.98 as part of a voter-approved plan to reach $15 per hour by September 30, and the law protects workers from employer retaliation when they assert their rights. WINK News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Government scientists reported that drought, which has caused $365 billion in damage over 45 years, is expected to worsen in South Florida because climate change will increase dryness. Water managers must plan now for less water as drier conditions may force over-pumping of coastal aquifers—risking saltwater in drinking water. WGCU
- ➤ On July 2, 2012, the USS Mohawk was towed from Fort Myers and scuttled 30 miles off Sanibel Island to become Lee County’s first Veterans Memorial Reef dedicated to U.S. veterans. The cleaned 165-foot ship was placed in 90 feet of water and later hosted an underwater art gallery showcasing its World War II history—highlighting Florida’s active artificial reef program. The News-Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new traffic light at Fifth Street and San Carlos Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach is now operating—FDOT says it will cut jaywalking and dangerous turns at this busy gateway. Some locals remain divided on whether the light will fully solve long-standing safety issues. WINK News
- ➤ Federal officials are discussing possible budget cuts that may affect local services—like schools, FEMA, disaster relief and VA services—and local school districts are watching the situation closely. The Senate will vote on stop-gap bills and a nominee tomorrow at 11 a.m., and federal workers must continue working during any shutdown. WINK News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials have lifted the water quality advisory at Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach after tests on Sept. 17 showed Enterococcus bacteria levels 28 times above safety standards. The state website still displayed a poor reading—officials confirmed that water quality now meets state guidelines. The News-Press
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Renaissance Development Group and Redburn Development Partners broke ground on the Bloom affordable housing project off MLK Boulevard and U.S. 41 to serve local workers earning 80% of median income. The project, funded by a $20 million CDBG-DR award, began foundation work in May and is expected to be complete by late 2027 — offering 336 units with modern features. Florida Weekly
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ FGCU will join the new ASUN with seven teams starting July 2026 as part of a realignment that splits non-football and football schools—this move is expected to ease their path to the NCAA Tournament and grow their fan base in Texas while details on scheduling and media rights are still being finalized. The News-Press
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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