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Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Local alumni and community members gathered in Fort Myers to celebrate Dunbar High School’s 98th anniversary of its original building opening, honoring its legacy for the black community and paving the way for a centennial reunion in 2027 (organizers confirmed).  WGCU
  • Former Fort Myers High coach Sam Sirianni Jr. was named grand marshal for the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade on Feb. 21 in downtown Fort Myers — he is honored for his long football career and his work raising scholarship funds.  The News-Press

CULTURE NEWS

  • Frozen: The Musical will open tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at The Belle Theatre in Cape Coral — the first full-length Broadway version in the area and it will run until Dec. 28.  ABC7

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Fort Myers native and FAMU student Mardochee Simon died on Dec. 7 from health issues just days before his scheduled graduation on Dec. 12; his degree was awarded posthumously to his family during the commencement ceremony, and the community remembers his life.  The News-Press
  • Lee County public schools will start winter break on Dec. 22 after an early dismissal on Dec. 19; students will return on Jan. 6 and all districts will observe MLK Day on Jan. 19.  The News-Press

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is working to protect three key species amid growing development, focusing on the smalltooth sawfish, Florida bonneted bat, and panther whose survival depends on intact wild lands — local efforts aim to secure these crucial habitats.  The News-Press

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Lee County launched a new map today to help residents locate nuisance properties and monitor code enforcement actions, tracking over 11,000 active violations this year (a measure to boost neighborhood accountability).  ABC7

HEALTH NEWS

  • Fort Myers man Al Kinkle lost his daughter to overdose ten years ago and now runs Kimmie's Recovery Zone to fight a 22 percent holiday spike in overdoses by hosting marathon meetings on Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve at 507 Center Road.  Fox 4
  • The CDC reported a mild uptick in flu cases and urges residents to secure a vaccine as flu season begins. Lee Health (a local provider) is preparing for an expected influx of patients this winter.  WGCU
  • Lee County will expand lifesaving resources in parks by adding AED units & Stop the Bleed kits to five park locations. New devices at Brooks Park & Rutenberg Park will be installed later this month, adding to those already serving Buckingham Park, Lakes Park, and Three Oaks Park.  WINK News

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • Residents at Seven Lakes Association are unable to return to their condos because keys are withheld until owners sign a waiver that could strip legal rights, an attorney said. He noted the practice may be illegal under Florida law as residents face hardship & await a legal remedy.  WINK News

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

    6-9:45 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas carols beautifully performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

    Fri, 12/19/25

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  • The Trial Of Ebenezer Scrooge

    7 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Check website for ticket price — Experience a unique twist on a classic tale in this engaging theatrical performance.

    Sat, 12/20/25

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  • Christmas Celebration for Christian Singles

    6:30-9 p.m. — Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium — $13 for Holiday Lights ticket — Experience a magical evening filled with Christmas lights, a laser show, and cozy bonfire conversations.

    Sun, 12/21/25

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  • Advice Performance

    7 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a captivating night of performing arts in Fort Myers.

    Tue, 12/23/25

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  • Advice

    2-3 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the captivating performance of 'Advice' in a top-rated theatre.

    Fri, 12/26/25

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  • PokeKon Fest - Fort Myers, FL 2025

    10 AM – 5 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops — $20 — Connect with fellow Pokémon collectors and immerse yourself in a day of trading and fandom.

    Sat, 12/27/25

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  • NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

    3:00 – 4:30 PM — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall — Starting at $43.02 — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a magical performance filled with whimsy and Tchaikovsky's enchanting music.

    Tue, 12/30/25

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  • 3rd Annual New Year's Eve 5K

    8-10 a.m. — DiamondHead Beach Resort — Registration fee applies — Celebrate New Year's Eve with a scenic 5K run/walk to support the Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club.

    Wed, 12/31/25

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  • Cops n Joggers 5K Family Fun Night

    6-12 p.m. — Downtown Jewelry & Watch Company — $30 Adult/$20 Youth — Participate in a family-friendly 5K night race benefiting local heroes with food, music, and activities for all ages.

    Sat, 1/10/26

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  • 2026 Highlander Golf Classic

    11 a.m. — Bonita Bay Club — Entry Fee Required — Swing into action at a charity golf event benefiting cancer care and support.

    Sun, 1/11/26

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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