Daily
Fort Myers
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sanibel Captiva Community Bank President Kyle DeCicco was recently honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers – Sunrise; the recognition celebrated his leadership in community service and came as the bank exceeded $1 billion in total assets. Florida Weekly
- ➤ More than three years after Hurricane Ian, some condo owners at Seven Lakes remain locked out because they must sign a release form waiving their right to sue over repairs. Ted Stegner, 71, continues living in his van as he pays his mortgage, utilities, and fees. WINK News
- ➤ This holiday season, local Christmas trees display ornaments featuring photos of adoptable dogs from Team Moose Rescue (a Cape Coral nonprofit that aids dogs with special needs such as cleft lips and past abuse survivors); Debbie McCoy invites neighbors to scan the ornament label to learn how to help these dogs find a loving home. WINK News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Producing Artistic Director Joe Simonelli announced Cape Cafe Dessert Theatre in Cape Coral will close permanently on Jan. 1 (after two final Christmas Cabaret performances on Dec. 19 and 20) due to low ticket sales. WGCU
- ➤ Players Circle Theatre will present Little Women, the Musical from Jan. 6-25 at its intimate venue, where local and national talent bring Louisa May Alcott’s classic to life on stage. The show will offer a Broadway-style experience that connects the timeless tale to modern audiences. Florida Weekly
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Laurel Blackburn, a district math coach in Cape Coral serving 22 K-12 schools, was named Lee County Schools Teacher of the Year on Dec. 17 + officials praised her for her positive impact on students and fellow educators. ABC7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The winter solstice marks the official start of winter with the longest night occurring Sunday, Dec. 21 at 10:03 p.m. in Fort Myers; locals can also enjoy twin meteor showers (Geminids and Ursids) giving sky watchers a chance to catch fireballs before sunrise. ABC7
- ➤ A confirmed pip appeared early Wednesday in an eagle egg at the North Fort Myers nest along Bayshore on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, signaling the hatch could occur within 24-48 hours (handlers note every crack brings the chick closer to emerging). WGCU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ An FAA report dated May 15 showed significant wear on Runway 6-24 at Southwest Florida International Airport, though officials assure travelers that safety is not compromised during the busy holiday season; Lee County auditors are still awaiting key documents. ABC7
- ➤ Town Manager Will McKannay met with School District official Ken Savage last week to discuss Beach Elementary’s future. He said the conversation was constructive but did not resolve funding or repair challenges, and he plans to meet with contractors to form a counter-proposal. Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin
- ➤ The Town of Fort Myers Beach is launching FRAUD WATCH, a newsletter to update residents on scam trends and guide them to verify official communications. It will launch on Jan. 5 in response to recent QR code and utility payment scams affecting local residents and businesses. Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin
- ➤ Lee County installed over 250 AEDs at local recreational sites (including Lakes, Buckingham, and Three Oaks) to alert 911 during cardiac emergencies and ease community concerns. Additional devices will be added at Brooks and Rutenberg Park later this month. ABC7
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Restaurants in Cape Coral and Fort Myers are offering special Christmas Eve and Day menus featuring festive dishes such as prime rib, ham, seafood, and pasta for holiday celebrations+ reservations are recommended as hours and availability may vary. The News-Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At the Hendry County Speedway today, 9-year-old Bannon Elam impressed crowds by flagging during the final stock car races of the season. Inspired by longtime flagger Steve Dielmann and now a two-time Junior Flagman winner (a sign of his dedication), he has become a local favorite. ABC7
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Advice Performance
7 p.m. — Florida Repertory Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a captivating night of performing arts in Fort Myers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
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