Good morning, Fort Myers.

Multiple holiday toy drives are accepting new, unwrapped donations in Southwest Florida—events include a toy match drive on Dec 6 at Coconut Point Mall aiming for 500 toy donations, a car show and toy drive on Nov 22 at Bell Tower in Fort Myers for Golisano Children's Hospital, a drive until Nov 28 at Gulf Coast Town Center benefitting Ronald McDonald House, and donation drop-offs through Nov 21 at Lee County Tax Collector centers for Child Care of Southwest Florida.

St. Matthew’s House and Capital Wealth Advisors are partnering for the 21st Annual CWA Turkey Drop and expect more than 250 volunteers to pack meal boxes at First Naples Church on Saturday, Nov.

22 — one of eight distribution events planned from Nov. 17 to Nov. 24 across three counties to help feed about 8,200 individuals and families with a record-breaking 9,000 turkeys and fixings.

Cape Coral police confirmed that beloved teacher Alex Ashby from Ida S.

Baker High School died when her car swerved and hit a utility pole on Pine Island Road early Friday—authorities said drugs and alcohol were not involved.

Liv Schiller, who won Rock the Stage when she was 11, returns as a 15-year-old songwriter and will perform an original song during the semifinals in Fort Myers.

The 5th-annual competition supports the Tabarrini Foundation and will feature singer and band rounds on Nov. 22 and Nov. 29 followed by finals on Dec. 14—offering music scholarships, recording time, and free lessons for children.

Dr. Harry Maisch of Florida Gulf Coast University has discovered fossilized shark and ray species never before recorded in Florida – his team extracted tiny microfossils from sediment off Venice’s coast that help scientists study ancient sea levels, water temperatures, and ecosystems from millions of years ago.

Since Nov. 6, cameras on school buses have documented 1,139 drivers illegally passing them—261 of which the sheriff's office has approved for review while 875 await further checking, and violations verified after Dec.

8 will lead to $225 fines.

Starting Monday, commercial truck drivers in North Fort Myers will use I-75 instead of the Wilson Pigott Bridge on State Road 31 as FDOT begins safety upgrades on the bridge deck — officials say the detour will protect the public.

Drivers traveling north must take I-75 north and exit via Bayshore Road while drivers going south will use I-75 south and exit via Palm Beach Boulevard — a plan designed to manage increased traffic efficiently.

Snug Harbor will serve a Thanksgiving buffet on November 27th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with adults paying $49, children 4 to 10 paying $25, and kids under 4 free (reservations required by calling 239-436-4343).

Fort Myers was named among the nine best coastal towns for retirees by a national travel magazine because its barrier islands and beaches offer clear views and nature tours.

The magazine noted that accessible boardwalks and local field trips add to the city's appeal—details that could influence where retirees choose to live.

Data from Zumper shows that Fort Myers apartment listings decreased 9% from last year's median of $2,195 to about $2,000 in October.

One-bedroom rents dropped 10% from $1,500 to $1,350 while two-bedroom rates remained at $1,800—findings reflect active listings for apartments of all sizes.

Fort Myers Firecats player Amelia 'Queen' Smith — who switched from cheerleading to football seven months ago — is the only girl on the field competing in the Pop Warner playoffs in Tampa.

Coach Freddie Preciado said she earns full respect from her teammates and will inspire girls as her team chases a national championship in Orlando next weekend.

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.