Good morning, Fort Myers.

Hurricane Melissa is battering Jamaica and the damage remains unknown.

Volunteers in Southwest Florida from groups like the Marco Patriots and Jamaica Outreach Program are preparing to send aid once it is safe—coordinating funds and delivery plans.

B&I Contractors announced a major expansion of its Fort Myers corporate headquarters on Canal Street that will extend two existing buildings and add a new one—boosting its space by 95,000 square feet and creating hundreds of jobs over the next 18 months.

CEO Jason Grabowski said the expansion reflects the company’s 60-year commitment to the local community.

Oak Wells Aquatics announced its first franchise in Fort Myers—bringing award-winning pool design, construction and outdoor living services to local homeowners.

The company will expand its innovative approach and personalized service as it grows its presence in the Sunshine State.

Seed and Bean Market announced its upcoming third location will open at The Cove at 47th in Cape Coral, with construction underway and a soft opening expected later in October.

The 2800 square foot space—larger than its Fort Myers and Venice sites—will offer indoor and outdoor dining and the owners will soon announce a job fair to hire over 40 workers.

The 35th American Sand Sculpting Championship will return to Fort Myers Beach from Nov 20-24 at DiamondHead Beach Resort—hosting over 20 expert sculptors with more space for vendors and nightly live music.

Local organizers urge visitors to book early as accommodations may fill quickly.

Florida Southwestern State College campus houses the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery where Rauschenberg 100: A Centennial Celebration of the famed 20th century artist is on display, curated by Gallery Director Jade Dellinger.

Tribby Arts Center in Shell Point will open its 2025-2026 season on Nov 1 with Minute Masterpieces, a show that displays 143 miniature paintings by 38 artists including five works by Fort Myers' Alberto Chailosky & provides magnifying glasses for visitors to see fine details; the exhibit runs until Jan 17. A second exhibition featuring glass and textile artworks and the opening of the Serendipity gift shop also kick off the season on Nov 1.

Florida Gulf Coast University launched its new Dendritic Institute to guide students, staff, and faculty on ethical AI use.

Ethics specialist Chrissann Ruehle said the institute will set policies for data security and academic integrity—while also addressing environmental concerns from expanding data centers.

Lee County School District Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin will not attend mediation at Fort Myers Beach Town Hall but will join a meeting on Nov.

5 at 1 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Bonita Springs—chosen as a neutral site during private talks over mediator costs—and the session will address steps to reopen Fort Myers Beach Elementary School.

SNAP will run out of funds on Nov.

1 if federal funding is not restored—Florida officials warned nearly 3 million residents may face delayed food benefits while lawmakers consider a special session to secure funding. States are planning alternatives to help millions of beneficiaries fill the gap during the ongoing government shutdown.

Steven Hennigan, the Lee County Port Authority's Executive Director & CEO, gives an update on construction progress at Southwest Florida International Airport with details on key project milestones and next steps planned to improve travel capacity.

CoreFit Wellness in Bonita Springs helps stroke survivors and other clients regain strength and balance through adaptive fitness and recovery programs — offering personal and group training, cryotherapy, and massage therapy.

The gym rebuilds lives by emphasizing consistent care and personalized support.

The Housing Authority of Fort Myers’s nonprofit arm, Southwest Florida Housing Foundation, broke ground on Legacy Point—a 373-unit modern mixed-income community replacing the former Southward Village—on Oct.

16. Community leaders, project partners and supporters joined the event, marking a key step in local housing improvements.

Florida Gulf Coast University Athletics will host Night at the Nest Gala Friday, Dec.

5 at Alico Arena—more than half the tables are reserved after last year's record-breaking event that raised over $1 million for Eagle student-athletes. Guests will enjoy a refined dinner, live and silent auctions, and a discussion on how proper nutrition fuels athletic success.

Strangelove - Depeche Mode Tribute Band

7:30-9 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Starting at $43.01 — Experience a pitch-perfect tribute to Depeche Mode that spans their iconic career.

Child's Anthem - The Music of Toto

7:30-9 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Starting at $51.54 — Enjoy a captivating tribute to Toto featuring some of Nashville's finest musicians.

Clay Walker Concert

6-8:30 p.m. — Caloosa Sound Amphitheater — General admission free — Rock out to a night of 90's country revival with Clay Walker and special guest Drake Milligan.

Monthly Wine Tasting at Farmer Joe's

6-8 p.m. — Farmer Joe's — Wine tasting event — Enjoy a cozy evening sampling various wines in a friendly atmosphere.

Worth Tasting Culinary Getaway

12 PM - 6 PM — Luminary Hotel & Co. — $995+ Room — Indulge in a delicious culinary adventure with tastings, tours, and social hours in charming Fort Myers.

Hermans Hermits with Peter Noone

7:30-9 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the nostalgic sounds of the swinging sixties with the legendary frontman Peter Noone.

Lee County Golf Classic

11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. — The Club at Renaissance — Registration fees apply — Participate in a fun-filled golf scramble while supporting a local nonprofit.

ECHO International Agricultural Conference

6:30 a.m. — Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast — Paid entry — Join practitioners and educators in sustainable agriculture for inspiring talks and hands-on workshops.

Fort Myers Christian Singles Mini Golf Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — PopStroke — $20 for Non Hub Members — Enjoy an evening of mini golf, yard games, and community with fellow Christian singles.

Yappy Hour Celebration

6-8 p.m. — Bell Tower — Free entry — Enjoy happy hour with your furry friends in a community-friendly atmosphere.