Good morning, Fort Myers.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 91 in Fort Myers Beach is seeking volunteers to join operations like radio watchstanding, surface patrols, and vessel safety checks.

Applicants will receive full training (founded in 2006) and help keep Southwest Florida’s waterways safe.

This holiday season, the Salvation Army is running its longstanding Christmas Kettle Program from the Saturday after Thanksgiving until December 24 to offer extra hours and support shelter and food services; Community Cooperative is hosting food drives and adopting families to help serve 2,500 turkeys in Southwest Florida—each effort making a local difference.

The 31st annual ARC Starlight Auction at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort and Spa raised $297,630 for the animal refuge that cares for abused and abandoned pets and covers room, board and medical bills.

Organizers said silent auction baskets valued at $36,000 and a $27,000 jewelry piece—along with strong local support from title sponsors Dave and Jennifer Nichols—helped the event reach near record levels.

The 8th annual Woman's Club holiday event will take place December 12 and 13 at Margaritaville Beach Resort.

The Christmas Tree Festival will feature decorated trees and wreaths for bidding — all proceeds will benefit a local nonprofit.

On Saturday, the owners of Winward Passage on the north end of Estero Boulevard cut the ribbon to reopen their building more than three years after Hurricane Ian—Kim took a full tour of the facility.

The event marked a significant step in the building's recovery as the community looks to move forward.

The family of Lt. William 'Bill' Garlick, a devoted husband, father, and CERT Team Leader who earned two Lifesaver Awards, mourned his death after his motorcycle collided with an SUV Saturday night in North Fort Myers—neighbors urged improvements on US 41 to prevent future tragedies.

Cape Coral's locally owned businesses held holiday sales on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday to boost the local economy.

South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association will host its Business Gift-or-Treat event on Dec 6 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. + a free Santa Photo Booth will be available at MM Brands at 1322 Lafayette St.

SW-FloridaCon returned to Fort Myers—drawing over 2,500 comic and anime fans—and featured cosplay contests, vendor booths, and panels.

Show manager Carmine De Santo said six to eight months of planning ensured the one-day event delivered a memorable pop culture experience for families.

Bess Charles, owner of LadyCakes Bakery, released her second children’s book ‘The Adventures of LadyCakes: The Courage of Cookie Dough’ about Cookie Dough, a shy blob who learns that being different is special—local book signings will be held in December and January throughout Southwest Florida.

The School District of Lee County announced on Monday the names of two new schools.

Green Meadow Elementary will have a temporary campus open in August 2026 and a permanent facility ready in August 2028 on State Road 82 with Ed Carter as principal, while Alva High will open in August 2027 on Tuckahoe Road with Joe Restino as principal.

Social Security retirement benefits for December will be paid on the 10th, 17th, and 24th based on birth dates, while Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive two payments in line with their usual schedule.

A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment will boost payments beginning in January, giving nearly 5 million Florida beneficiaries about $56 more per month — details were provided by the Social Security Administration.

Lee Health celebrated its first anniversary as a community-focused private nonprofit health system—effective Nov.

1, 2024—after a long process to change its care model. The health system has kept its promises by providing about $168 million in charity care and launching new programs like community paramedicine and Hospital at Home to expand care for local residents.

Property owners have submitted a plan for a new project on the nearly 12 acre Wyndham site that was a popular hangout before Hurricane Ian destroyed it — the plan features a 7200 square foot tiki hut, an 18000 square foot mobile restaurant bar with trailers, live entertainment, a paid parking area, and a beach recreation space. Town staff will review the application before it moves to the LPA and Town Council — further steps will be shared in due course.

Sammy Sirianni Jr. retired as head coach of Fort Myers High School football after 40 seasons—his career ended early after a stroke on Sept.

4—and he will officially step down in June. Over 57 years, he and his father built a strong local football legacy that united players and community.

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.

Fort Myers Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4-9 p.m. — City Tavern — Tickets required — Embrace the holiday spirit with the ugliest sweaters in town during a festive pub crawl filled with games and prizes.

Every Christmas Tour Featuring Michael W. Smith

7-8:30 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with a renowned artist spreading joy through music.

The Trial Of Ebenezer Scrooge

7 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Check event website for ticket info — A unique theatrical retelling of a classic Christmas tale in a courtroom setting.