Good morning, Fort Myers.

11-year-old Darya Taeb raised $1,020 for St. Matthew's House Women and Children's Shelter in Fort Myers by selling hundreds of handmade beaded pens and bracelets—money that will support homeless children and families.

She and her mom toured the shelter to see how her donation would be used and inspired her plans to volunteer further.

Today, the Fair at Fenway South opens at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers with rides, live entertainment and fair food for families.

It will run through three weekends—today through Nov. 2, Nov. 7—9 and Nov. 14—16—and supports local nonprofits through the Jordan Schuman Foundation for Kindness.

Fort Myers mother Kayla Doane said her family relied on local food pantries after their food stamp benefits fell from nearly $700 to $16 a month and her benefits will end next month—she said her faith kept her hopeful amid the struggles.

City Takers Southwest Florida is preparing to help more families as demand rises and its lead director urged the community to stay calm and safe during the expected surge.

People in Southwest Florida with deep ties to Jamaica helped after Hurricane Melissa hit by donating food, clothes, and toiletries.

Dr. Deanie Singh of Premier Mobile Health collected donations (with drop-offs at 10676 Colonial Boulevard) and aimed to send hundreds of barrels to support families in Jamaica.

Two restaurant chains are helping families during a SNAP benefits gap by offering free kids meals.

Chicken Salad Chick will serve one free meal per day to children 10 and under at Fort Myers, Estero and Port Charlotte starting November 1—while Florida Boy Burger Co. in Fort Myers and Cape Coral will serve free meals to students in kindergarten through 12th grade until SNAP benefits are restored.

An investor and the Captiva Island Fire District have offered to buy Bob Rauschenberg’s 22-acre compound, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has started a letter-writing campaign urging islanders to support keeping the land undeveloped—protecting bay-front acres for emergency use and honoring the artist’s legacy. The foundation said selling to the community will stop overdevelopment and help guide future conservation efforts.

A new CARFAX report shows that Florida now has over 82,000 flood-damaged vehicles on the road, the highest count in the nation.

Fort Myers auto technician Jason LaBonte said buyers should check car titles carefully before purchasing to avoid hidden saltwater damage.

Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation arranged $14 million financing for a Cape Coral self-storage facility at 1111 S.W.

Pine Island Road with a five-year term and 18-month interest-only period, while Coffee Rush plans its first Fort Myers drive-thru location opening this month. Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field reported increased September passenger traffic, and the Real Estate Investment Society will hold a meeting on Nov. 12 where property appraiser Matt Caldwell will present valuation insights.

La Ola Surfside closed its Bell Tower location so owner Tom Houghton can focus on rebuilding the original Fort Myers Beach restaurant in Times Square, with construction on the new multi-level space set to begin in spring 2027—ensuring the beach location remains open until Phase 2 starts.

Lee County School District suspended teacher Nuria Acuna—who tested positive for drugs and reportedly allowed students to vape, shared her personal device, and sold drinks and chips—in a decision that removed her from Island Coast High School on February 13.

A $20 million project completed in Lee County widened Littleton Road with added turning lanes, sidewalks and a bike path—improving safety for commuters and families near schools—and included a new roundabout connecting North Fort Myers to Cape Coral.

Green Cup Cafe reopened in a larger downtown location on First Street after Hurricane Ian destroyed its original shop in September 2022.

The vegan cafe—known for in-house made sauces and a unique plant-based menu—welcomed loyal customers and plans to offer plant-forward dinners soon.

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.

A Magical Cirque Christmas

3:00-4:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Starting at $54.73 — Experience a dazzling holiday show with festive charm, laughter, and spectacular acrobatics.