Good morning, Fort Myers.

A Coast Guard crew rescued eight boaters from a disabled boat 35 miles west of Venice on Saturday at 9:32 p.m.—they were safely brought to a Venice Inlet boat ramp without injuries.

Fort Myers Beach will see its first sit-down restaurant on the south end since Hurricane Ian when Lenyo’s Italian Kitchen opens in early December.

Crews are finishing the final touches, and the owner said the new eatery—located across from the sand—will offer Italian dishes and live music to boost the island’s comeback.

Lee County man Shannon Summey turns a beach hobby into art and will compete in the American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach from November 20–24—his passion began when his wife shared a video and now he attracts viewers both near and far.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre will present A Christmas Story, a musical based on the 1983 movie, from Nov.

21 through Dec. 28. Director Amy Marie McCleary will bring fresh choreography — including a wild west number and 1920s tap extravaganza — to reimagine familiar holiday scenes for family audiences.

Southwest Floridians welcomed the new season as many attended the Women’s Legacy Fund Luncheon on November 16, where local leaders shared stories of overcoming struggles, and the Arts for ACT Fine Arts Auction downtown featured live jazz and active bidding in support of a local non-profit. On December 1, the Fort Myers Film Festival will host TGIM at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center where local judges will review short films starting at 6:30 p.m.

Florida education officials approved new social studies standards that will teach McCarthyism and the Cold War using language from that era — the guidelines will be used in public schools in the 2026-2027 school year, and some experts worry the lessons may limit open discussion of history.

Fort Myers remains dry and warm as high pressure holds off rain until Thanksgiving—temperatures will reach the mid-80s while some patchy fog may occur in the morning; tonight, the Leonid meteor shower is expected to produce about three bright meteors per hour for a brief period.

On Saturday morning, about 4,000 residents joined the Lee County Heart Walk at FGCU to raise funds and awareness for heart health as part of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers effort to double survival rates by 2030—walkers had the option to complete either a full 5K or a one-mile route for survivors and their loved ones.

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.

Comedy Night with Jimmy McCartney

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snappers Comedy Club Fort Myers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with stand-up comedian Jimmy McCartney as he highlights the absurdities of life.