Good morning, Fort Myers.

The 53rd Annual Fort Myers Boat Show is underway downtown this weekend and offers hundreds of boats, live music—food trucks and boating seminars running until Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services will host its annual Pet Fest on Saturday, November 15 at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers, where families will enjoy pet photo sessions with Santa or the Grinch through a $10 donation that supports care for adoptable animals.

Local vendors will offer holiday gifts and pet products while rescue groups share pet adoption opportunities—promising a festive day for animal lovers.

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers is teaming with Beach Talk Radio and 92.5 Fox News to collect holiday cards for the troops and challenged Lee County mayors to join the effort.

Residents can drop off cards at four spots—Bad Ass Coffee in Santini Plaza, Wahoo Willie’s on Old San Carlos, and Bonita Fish Company on Matanzas Pass Bridge—with cards due by November 23rd.

After the government shutdown ended, many Southwest Florida families are still waiting for their November SNAP benefits as the state office has not set a payment date — prompting local law firm Viles and Beckman to launch a grocery giveaway.

The firm will offer five $100 Publix gift cards with applications closing November 21 and winners chosen later that week.

Bridgit and Dan Budd announced the permanent closure of The Pecking Order — the fried chicken shop loved on Sanibel since 2015 — saying that rebuilding meant starting over completely.

They said they will remain on the island through other ventures — including Bridgit’s Pies and Wildseed Construction — to keep serving local fans.

Margaritaville Resort is hosting a free kickoff party at Fort Myers Beach tonight from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to reveal the first sculpture and feature live music by TC and the Troublemakers—while the 35th Annual Sandsculpting Championships begin next Thursday, November 20th.

Dr. Jose H. Leal from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum made a list of ten rare shells to hunt for on Florida beaches that excludes the popular Junonia shell — his list shows why shells like the Atlantic Morum and Dog Head Triton are hard to find.

He warned that some shells reside in deep water or are very small — collectors should not take shells that still house living creatures.

Kelly Neff, a Southwest Florida singer-songwriter—who has played with big names—previewed her upcoming songwriting event on Good Morning Gulf Coast.

She will host the workshop tomorrow at the Foulds Theatre on the Alliance for the Arts campus for local musicians and teachers.

Crews shifted traffic onto the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge last night, marking a key step in Fort Myers Beach recovery from Hurricane Ian—drivers now enjoy a 60 foot clearance for boaters.

Although the bridge has opened, work continues as crews build bike lanes, a six foot wide sidewalk, and convert parts of the old bridge into an artificial reef until summer.

After a 43-day shutdown ended with a deal signed on November 12, SNAP benefits in Florida will resume within 24 hours of the government reopening — the state’s Department of Children and Families has not yet announced its schedule for November payments.

Southwest Florida International Airport will offer RSWRemote reserved parking during Thanksgiving week to help travelers with extra parking in a remote north-side lot.

Cars will be accepted from Nov. 24 at 3 a.m. until Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. and may exit from Nov. 28 until the last flight, with each reservation costing $60 (located at 11861 Regional Lane) (reservation required).

Florida Gulf Coast University will host the first Lee County Heart Walk on Saturday, Nov.

15 at the FGCU Library Lawn to boost heart health and offer hands-only CPR training — sponsorship opportunities are available for local supporters.

On November 13, Lely High School beat Estero 52-26 in a playoff game as their strong offense and defense secured the win, with plans to face Central next week.

Oasis won 24-0 over Inlet Grove in the Florida Invitational Tournament with nine sacks—demonstrating the competitive spirit of Southwest Florida high school football.

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.

Fiorentina Soccer Camp

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Florida Gulf Coast University — Early Bird pricing available — Experience elite coaching from Fiorentina Academy coaches in a supportive environment.

The Trial Of Ebenezer Scrooge

Tuesdays – Sundays — Arcade Theatre — Tickets from $15 — Enjoy a delightful holiday comedy filled with laughs and life lessons as Scrooge sues the ghosts of his past.