Good morning, Fort Myers.

Oak & Stone joined the final day of Sizzle Dining in Southwest Florida, donating $1 per meal to Blessings in a Backpack to help provide healthy meals and snacks for local kids in school.

A water main broke along Michael G.

Rippe Parkway yesterday near the RaceTrac gas station, prompting Lee County Utilities and the South Trail Fire Protection Rescue Service District to shut off the water and close two lanes until the issue was under control.

Yonutz Donuts and Ice Cream in Cape Coral offers gourmet Smashed Donuts (donut paired with ice cream) and fall-themed treats while hosting community spirit nights and fundraisers to boost business during a slow summer.

Fort Myers Beach hosts two exciting fall events: ParrotPhest runs Oct.

1 to Oct. 4 with live music, tropical pageants, and a raffle benefiting the Alzheimer's Association, and Sand and Suds Beerfest debuts on Oct. 10 featuring craft beer, food trucks, local vendors (including an art auction).

Florida's minimum wage increased to $15 an hour on Wednesday as the final step of a 2020 voter‐approved amendment took effect statewide, with the rate fixed until Dec.

31 and employers required to update their payroll systems.

Florida SouthWestern State College has surpassed 17,000 students + marking its highest enrollment in over a decade and third highest record ever, which shows growing confidence in its programs and boosts local economic impact.

Social Security and SSI payments are following the normal October schedule; SSI recipients receive a check today with another arriving on Oct.

30, and Social Security benefits are set for Wednesdays by birthdate (the COLA is expected on Oct. 14) to help beneficiaries plan budgets.

The free Lee County Senior Expo will provide seniors with information on Medicare and health insurance changes on Saturday, Oct.

10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Fort Myers Recreation Center (2000 North Recreation Park Way); attendees include hospital groups, doctor’s offices, eldercare law firms, and nonprofit organizations.

Lee Health CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci retired today after 43 years of service, handing the leadership role to Ben Spence.

He will remain active locally through work with Florida Gulf Coast University.

IMAG History and Science Center in Fort Myers celebrates National Mud Pack Day today — with Christian, Kate, and a special guest discussing science and skin benefits for visitors.

Local sports reporters Dan DeLuca, Dustin Levy and Kenneth Manoj preview 10 top high school football games for Week 7 in SWFL (offering team picks and insights) as local matchups will begin later this week.

Harlem Globetrotters will perform their Rivalry Tour at Alico Arena on April 16, 2027, providing fans with the Ultimate Fan Pass and MVP Court Pass (for early court access).

FGCU fans can purchase tickets from 10 a.m. Sept. 30, with general sale on Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.