Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 5th of November.
Good morning, Fort Myers.
Volunteers from Fort Myers are gathering and sending needed items to help communities in Jamaica post-Melissa while asking locals for canned goods, baby items (diapers and wipes), and more.
Dr. Deanie Singh Brown of Premier Mobile Clinic is coordinating drop-offs at the clinic off Colonial Boulevard and through The Collaboratory.
The new Bonita Fish Company opened Monday on Fishermans Wharf at Fort Myers Beach, drawing early diners as a dolphin swam by nearby.
The remodeled restaurant kept parts of Bonita Bill’s while offering a new menu—featuring local pink Gulf shrimp—and plans to add boat slips soon.
Sea Love in Estero is hosting a candle making class at Coconut Point Mall where guests mix over 100 scents with 100% soy wax and pure cotton wicks & create clean candles.
Owner Tina Smagala left her corporate career to start the business and said the eco-friendly class offers a fun family activity that benefits the environment.
Fort Myers has grown from 73,000 in 2015 to over 103,000 in 2025 and officials project the population will reach up to 117,000 by 2030 — the city is starting new projects like a police headquarters, expanded health facility, new apartments, and an Amazon warehouse to support the growth. Residents see promise in the changes while watching potential road challenges as the community evolves.
Slide Insurance Co. agreed to pay a $250000 fine after a state order said it broke laws while handling claims after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Idalia.
The order said the company used unappointed adjusters in 53 cases - failed to provide proper disclosure statements in 105 cases for estimates and in 70 cases for partial payments.
Southwest Florida International Airport is offering remote parking for Thanksgiving travelers with a $60 flat fee that must be prepaid online.
Cars will be accepted from Nov 24 at 3 a.m. to Nov 26 at 7 p.m. and shuttles will run between the lot and terminal from Nov 24 until Nov 26 and in reverse from Nov 28 until the last flight on Nov 30 — this reservation applies only to the remote lot — providing a planned option for holiday travel.
HealthPark Care Center in Fort Myers and Life Care Center in Estero were named to Newsweek’s best nursing homes for 2026—Newsweek and Statista analyzed over 14,000 facilities to pick the top 1,200 based on data from clinical performance and resident care; more than 100 Florida nursing homes made the list.
Between Oct. 24 and Oct.
28, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation inspected Lee County restaurants and awarded 14 perfect scores while Estero Country Club At The Vines, Budda Bachi Express, and Temptation Bar & Grill received high priority violations. The department inspects these restaurants to help keep food safe.
SW Florida high school sports for the week of Nov 3-8 showed strong local performances in boys and girls golf and girls soccer.
At Cove Cay Country Club, Community School's Spencer Ives tied for second to earn a state championship berth and Bishop Verot's team finished third, while Ida Baker placed 12th at Heritage Harbor and North Fort Myers defeated Lehigh 9-0 in girls soccer.
SW Florida’s high school football power rankings were finalized after games ended Oct.
31—based on records, strength of schedule and head-to-head matchups—with Riverdale ranking first while Naples and Lely followed closely. Key wins such as Lely's 56-20 victory over South Fort Myers and Riverdale's win over Lehigh drove the rankings ahead of the upcoming FHSAA playoffs.
FGCU women’s basketball named Raina Harmon as the program’s third head coach in April and she will look to build on Karl Smesko’s legacy.
Harmon—who spent eight years as an assistant at Iowa—has added six transfers and a standout freshman to boost the team ahead of a home game against Davidson on Nov. 8.
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.
Family Fun Night at Bell Tower
5-7 p.m. — Bell Tower — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities in a vibrant local destination.
Christian Singles Fellowship Event
5-7 p.m. — Café Blue — $20 for non-members — Enjoy a night of fellowship and fun with local Christian singles in a relaxed setting.
Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift
6:00-7:04 PM — Music & Arts Community Center — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting sounds of Taylor Swift performed by a string quartet in a magical candlelit setting.
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