Good morning, Fort Myers.

Bay Oaks' 36th Annual Fright Night takes place Friday, Oct.

23 at Bay Oaks Park from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for $5 per family (families can enjoy inflatables, trunk or treat, craft tables, local vendors, a food truck and costume contests).

Gulf Coast News launched two weekday digital newscasts from 7 to 9 a.m. on Sept.

28 on its digital platforms (Very Local, GulfCoastNewsNow.com, and its app) to fill the gap between early morning TV broadcasts in Fort Myers.

Nine-year-old Kyra, a sweet malamute, is available for adoption (or fostering) through the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers.

Local families interested in a loving pet can contact the society to provide Kyra a forever home.

National Geographic photographer Mac Stone will display over 50 large-format photos along the 2.25-mile boardwalk at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary starting Oct.

27, showing ancient cypress trees and the beauty of old-growth wetlands for local visitors.

Family Initiative celebrated the completed expansion of Thrive Academy today in Cape Coral, where the renovated campus now offers increased capacity and new therapy programs for K-12 students with autism (including Applied Behavior Analysis and Occupational Therapy) to meet a growing community need.

Lee County commissioners denied MedTrek's request to expand advanced life support transports into the county on Tuesday.

They said current EMS transfer figures show no need for extra service despite a growing, aging community.

DiamondHead Beach Resort's expansion plans to add 55 rooms are set to be reviewed by the Town Council on Nov.

16 after a 2 in favor plus 1 opposed vote rendered the previous remand invalid. Neighbors and town staff want further review of public benefits as council membership changes.

FEMA announced on Tuesday that Fort Myers residents can now use Floodsmart.gov to get flood insurance quotes and buy policies online+via licensed agents in nearly 22,700 communities.

The new tool aims to reduce barriers for policyholders.

Lee County commissioners have awarded a $991,300 contract to Fort Myers-based Earth Tech Enterprises Inc to install concrete mats along the Punta Rassa shoreline near the boat ramp to reduce erosion & boost resiliency.

Work will begin in late 2026 and finish in spring 2027.

Local health experts warn women that menopause increases heart disease risk as early as the mid-30s when perimenopausal changes occur.

Dr. Emily Lau & Dr. Jen Ashton advise checking blood pressure, cholesterol and A1C to help manage rising risks.