Good morning, Fort Myers.

Heather Hackett launched the Local Relief app to help locals find disaster resources after storms by pulling in information from officials and residents — the technology was inspired by her experience during Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The free app connects neighbors for support during recovery efforts — it is available for download on major platforms.

All 13 Cape Coral fire stations will host an open house this Saturday from 9 a.m.—noon so visitors can meet firefighters, see fire equipment, and join safety demonstrations from local partners.

Fire Chief Mike Russell said the event is designed to boost public understanding of emergency services.

The Animal Refuge Center announced its 31st Annual Starlight Auction will be held Saturday, Nov.

29 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa where guests will enjoy dinner, a silent auction, and a live auction featuring items like jewelry and getaways. The event will also celebrate a boost in pet adoptions with cat adoptions up 72% and dog adoptions up 47%, and sponsorships are available starting at $500.

The Midpoint Bridge will be closed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today for the Midpoint Madness Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk so drivers should use the Cape Coral Bridge or U.S. 41 and Business 41 bridges — message boards will be set up by the Lee County Department of Transportation by Monday.

The race starts at 6:30 p.m. with pre and post-race activities at Royal Palm Square in Fort Myers — drivers are asked to plan alternate routes.

Lovers Key Adventures, a family-run business at Lovers Key Park for nearly 20 years, will close soon as the state ended its contract and the family has 10 days to sell its kayaks, chairs, and umbrellas—making way for a new state vendor.

The sale will take place on Saturday and the new bid deadline ends Nov 12.

What’s Up FMB will host its first Illuminations Parade at dusk Saturday — the lantern-lit procession starts at Bayside Park, moves up Old San Carlos to the beach and ends at DiamondHead.

The event, presented by King Family Foundation and The Whale, is free and offers local workshops for making lanterns.

Today a strong cold front is driving record low temperatures in Fort Myers as forecasts call for a morning low of 41 degrees—other areas along the Gulf Coast face similar frigid readings.

Tonight winds will gust up to 25 mph as skies clear and dry conditions persist until gradual warming begins on Wednesday.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, along with the Florida Highway Patrol, is hosting its annual 'Stuff the Charger' food drive to help stock local food banks until Nov.

30—residents can drop off non-perishable items at local FHP stations to support families in need.

Tonya Manderino, a disabled SNAP recipient with little food left, said she could not get help when the Lee County Human & Veteran Services website repeatedly showed error messages as she tried to apply for assistance with food and rent.

Her benefits are on hold due to the government shutdown and the portal now opens at noon until a daily limit is reached—forcing her to choose between paying for food or rent.

Crews will shift traffic to the new south end $90.8 million bridge at 11 p.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday and motorists will drive on it early Friday; the project began in summer 2023.

LeeTran trolley stops on its east side will open for service once traffic is moved — while work continues on the narrow sidewalk and the old bridge is dismantled for an artificial reef.

Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes is hosting a free virtual online security class on Wednesday, November 19 from 2 to 3 p.m. The class will cover cybersecurity basics, how to spot scams, and how the Clerk’s office protects your data (including tips for using the free Property Fraud Alert service).

The City of Fort Myers invites homeowners to apply for the remaining $1,726,794 in Hurricane Ian Housing Recovery Program funds to repair damaged homes, with applications accepted on a first-come—first-served basis through June.

Eligible applicants must live in the city, have a homestead exemption, and meet HUD’s income guidelines.

Demolition of the former tallest building in Fort Myers took place on Monday, Nov.

10 — the Fort Myers Housing Authority will build a new structure on the site after the building fell into disrepair and renovation costs proved too high.

Eight high school male athletes competed to be named SW FL Boys Athlete of the Week for Nov.

3-8 — the winner will earn a T-shirt from BSN Sports and a tote bag from local newspapers. Last week, Bishop Verot golfer J.C. Iglesias won the poll with 48% of the vote.

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.

14th Annual FGCU XC Gobbler 5K Event

7:30-8:35 a.m. — Alico Arena — Registration from $20 — A festive community 5K run/walk supporting the FGCU Cross Country Program.

Lindsey Stirling: Snow Waltz Holiday Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Tickets vary — Experience a magical evening of holiday classics and original pieces performed by the enchanting Lindsey Stirling.

Humberto Plancarte and Los Ávila Concert in Florida

10:00 p.m. — 4135 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Myers, FL — Ticket prices vary — An unforgettable night of live Mexican regional music featuring top artists and their greatest hits.

SW-FloridaCon 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops — $20 — Explore a vibrant pop culture collectors convention with fandoms from comics to gaming.