Good morning, Fort Myers.

Mark Loren of a Fort Myers jewelry shop restored church reliquaries for cloistered nuns at Church of the Ascension on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian damaged their church and relics.

He cleaned and refurbished the items in October and described his work as a meaningful gift — an effort that helped recover cherished relics and shared valuable lessons for all involved.

Dan Ervin, a 68-year-old veteran from Englewood, had his home’s hot water restored after nine hard months—help from a fellow veteran-owned plumbing company brought relief to him and his wife just in time for Thanksgiving.

Lee County Parks & Recreation is hosting five holiday events in December across the county with festivities scheduled from Fort Myers to Estero.

The events include a Holiday Market on Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center — SantaFest and Winter Yard Sale on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at Estero Recreation Center, Cocoa with Claus on Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at North Fort Myers Recreation Center, Holiday Express Train rides at Lakes Park from Dec. 12 through Dec. 30, and Winter Wonderland on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park in Lehigh Acres.

On Black Friday, Miromar Outlets in Estero experienced its largest crowd yet as eager shoppers lined up early for special deals and a busy shopping atmosphere.

Vice President Jeff Staner said the record turnout boosted sales in over 120 shops—signaling a promising start to the holiday season.

Inside the Edison Mall, Christmas and Gifts by Gale—run by owner Gale Griswold—offers year-round holiday magic with handmade ornaments, custom wreaths, and ready-to-display trees.

The unique store—born from years of seasonal pop-ups—brings new traditions and one-of-a-kind decor to local shoppers.

Major shipping carriers announced holiday shipping deadlines for Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lee County with USPS deadlines from Dec.

17 to Dec. 20 and FedEx services available until Dec. 24. UPS shippers should check details as send-by dates vary by delivery type—especially for international and military-bound mail.

Local business owners in Cape Coral and Fort Myers are gearing up for Small Business Saturday—offering discounts from 10% to 20% to attract holiday shoppers.

Lee County deputies advise shoppers to secure their vehicles and avoid carrying large sums as some sales are expected to continue into Sunday.

Fort Myers Beach Art Association is celebrating 75 years with its 'Celebration' exhibit at its gallery at Cypress Square Shopping Center, next to Prawnbroker Restaurant & Fish Market on McGregor Boulevard.

The show will run through Dec. 5 and features artists' best works from the past three years as the association begins a new chapter after moving from its Hurricane Ian-damaged location.

Mike Cosden from Edison and Ford Winter Estates offers clear tips for installing outdoor LED lights, advising on waterproof quality, proper spacing for palm trees, and ladder safety.

His advice comes as the estates launch (Holiday Nights), which will run until Jan 4 with a break on Dec 24 and 25.

Riverdale Raiders played in the Class 5A-Region 3 football championship game in Fort Myers on Nov.

28 against the Manatee Hurricanes — a rematch of last year when the Hurricanes won 38–0 in Bredenton.

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.

19th Annual Fort Myers Festival of Trees

11 a.m. – 9 p.m. — Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center — $2 admission, free with toy donation — Enjoy beautifully decorated trees and support local charities through festive fun.

The Nutcracker by North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts

7-9 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Starting at $22 — Experience a magical rendition of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic featuring over 200 talented students.

Bob Lauver's Comedy Hypnosis Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — Tickets available — Experience laughter and amazement at this unique blend of comedy and hypnosis.

Nurse Blake's Comedy Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Tickets vary by package — Enjoy a night of laughter with Nurse Blake's hilarious new comedy exploring the quirks of healthcare.

A Christmas Carol (Broadway Version)

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the festive transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge in this classic Broadway adaptation enriched by iconic music.

9th Annual Builders Care Charity Clay Shoot

7:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Bermont Shooting Club — Sponsorship available — Compete in a fun and competitive clay shoot while supporting housing repairs for local homeowners in need.