Good morning, Fort Myers.

St. Raphael’s Church on Williams Drive in Fort Myers Beach will hold its Christmas Day service at 10 a.m. on Dec.

25 & the church recently reopened its main building after serious damage from Hurricane Ian.

A local artist in Fort Myers has launched an exhibit capturing portraits of those who overcame homelessness (the 2025 PIT Count recorded over 28,000 cases) to raise community awareness about recovery paths.

Cape Coral’s annual Holiday Boat-a-Long will set sail tomorrow from Four Freedoms Park at 4 p.m., featuring a 7 p.m. boat parade, live music, food trucks, crafts, and a visit from Santa — followed by a free park movie.

Local boaters may register on a first-come, first-served basis.

Single mom Amy Burge, battling ovarian cancer, saw support swell this holiday season as neighbors visited her home with gifts to boost her son Owen’s remission from leukemia.

Local supporters donated over $6,000 & brought hope and joy to their family.

The Village of Estero approved a $19.5 million project for the first phase of Estero Sports Park along Williams Road near Estero High School.

Construction will begin next month for site work, infrastructure, and roads before adding sports fields + a driving range to boost outdoor activities.

Local ballerina Skylar Frye returns to the stage after a break with Gulfshore Ballet, set to perform classic roles including Dew Drop and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker at the Barbara B.

Mann Performing Arts Hall on Dec. 20 and 21. Her comeback rekindles her long cherished passion for dance.

North Fort Myers’ famous eagle pair (M15 and F23) is hatching a new eaglet at a nest off Bayshore Road; the chick began breaking free Thursday afternoon and a sibling will hatch on Sunday.

North Fort Myers' famous eagle pair M15 and F23 began hatching a chick at their Bayshore Road nest Thursday as the first eaglet broke free from its shell, with a second expected to hatch Sunday.

Lee County is boosting public safety by adding 5 new AEDs + Stop the Bleed equipment at local parks, increasing the county’s total to 258 devices.

Three units are now active in Fort Myers, and two more will be installed in July.

Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the protection of over 21,500 acres of conservation and agricultural lands for $27.4 million, including 10,996 acres in Collier and Hendry counties.

The easements connect vital wildlife areas + support rural economies.

Local businesses in South Cape offer last-minute holiday deals as prices drop ahead of next Thursday’s big gift day.

Visitors can shop personalized gifts at Zak’s Jewelry on Cape Coral Parkway & discover daily discounts at Simply Golden Boutique on SE 47th Terrace while supporting local jobs.

Two local high school graduates from Fort Myers and Naples were picked in the top five of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Dec.

18. Their success adds to a legacy of local draft talent including MLB star Mike Zunino and NHL standouts, marking a proud moment for the region.

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.

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.

Advice Performance

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

Advice

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2026 Gulf Coast Boating & Marine Expo

9 AM–5 PM (Jan 15-17), 9 AM–4 PM (Jan 18) — JetBlue Park — Free entry — Explore versatile boats perfect for the Gulf Coast lifestyle and enjoy exclusive incentives on upgrades.