Good morning, Fort Myers.

Fort Myers Beach is reviving as new restaurants open and familiar favorites return; Marina Cantina on San Carlos Island drew 282 customers after a busy Green Bay game and four eateries are set to debut in a two-week span, including The Beach Bar's grand opening this Saturday and The Whale's reopening on Nov. 14. Local tourism leaders report strong hotel and vacation rental bookings and plan major events like the Sand Sculpting Championship later this month even as the historic pier rebuild remains delayed until 2026.

Residents in Southwest Florida will soon enjoy a busy weekend of events including the Fort Myers Boat Show at Centennial Park from Nov.

13-16 — a boat show with seminars and live music — along with the Stone Crab Music Fest and Bonita Springs Pride Festival, both on Nov. 9. Other fairs, live performances and community events continue through mid-November to offer fun for locals and visitors.

Lee County School District approved a new TALC Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Teachers Association that gives teachers with six to 14 years of experience a 7% raise and adds nine minutes to the instructional day starting in FY26—teachers now have a base salary of $54,500 with enhanced benefits like 20 days of paid parental leave.

Franklin Adams helped raise money to create Big Cypress National Preserve and spent many years guiding and teaching visitors about the Everglades—his work has helped keep these lands safe.

The City of Fort Myers is urging residents to apply for $1,726,794 from Florida's Hurricane Housing Recovery Program to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Ian.

Applicants must be Fort Myers homeowners with incomes below 120% of the area median — Spanish-speaking help is available.

Southwest Florida International Airport is in phase two of its $1.1 billion expansion project as it builds a new Concourse E with 14 gates designed to serve up to 15,000 more passengers daily.

The project—Lee County’s largest public works effort—is on schedule and on budget as crews install drainage piping and move soil to pave the new concourse.

Cape Coral City Council was expected to approve a $22.7 million contract with Wright Construction to rebuild the Cape Coral Yacht Club, which has been empty for over three years since Hurricane Ian.

The project includes a new seawall, boat ramps, a dock, resort-style pool, playground and a four-story parking garage — work that is expected to take about two years.

Lee County residents will participate in Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Florida SouthWestern State College on November 8— the event will begin at 8 a.m. with a Promise Garden ceremony at 8:45 a.m. to honor those affected by the disease and raise funds for care, support and research.

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.