Daily
Fort Myers
Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Myers. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lee Builders Care and Lennar partnered with other contractors to rebuild Fort Myers resident Valentina Pereira's home (77) after damage from hurricanes and a tornado; an unveiling ceremony took place on Friday, Dec. 19 as the work was completed in time for the holidays. The News-Press
- ➤ The newly renovated South County Regional Library in Estero reopened Dec. 18 with a $10 million update that added more space for children, teens & study areas. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. with a community celebration to follow Jan. 10 at 21100 Three Oaks Parkway. The News-Press
- ➤ The Town of Fort Myers Beach will launch FRAUD WATCH on Jan. 5 — the newsletter aims to alert residents and businesses to scam attempts and provide guidance on verifying official communications. Officials urge anyone receiving suspicious messages to contact the Public Information Office. Florida Weekly
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sweet Tomatoes will return to Fort Myers with a new location at 14080 S. Tamiami Trail set to open in 2026 under new ownership. Hiring has begun for key positions as the restaurant makes a comeback after closing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The News-Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Teacher Laurel Blackburn was named Lee County Teacher of the Year on Friday, Dec. 19; as Cape Coral's west region math coach for 22 schools, she uses her own journey to help students overcome math fear + she aims to pay forward the inspiration she once received. WGCU
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ E26 hatched shortly before 7:30 p.m. Thursday from a North Fort Myers nest off Bayshore Road just east of Slater Road, with a second egg expected to pip soon. The chick, born to the eagle pair F23 and M15, was captured live on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam. WGCU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Lehigh Acres homeowner is finally seeing drainage improvements after county crews regraded his yard and cleared ditch work along 36th Street SW. The county says further work will finish by the first week of Jan as part of a long-term plan to prevent flooding. WINK News
- ➤ Fort Myers Beach canceled its fireworks display this year after a budget review showed expenses exceeded projections by about $1 million. Town officials said the decision supports recovery efforts and prioritizes essential services (the display cost over $300,000) to safeguard taxpayer dollars. WINK News
- ➤ Lee County fines totaling $393K from 1,750 citations for passing stopped buses have been reinvested by the school district into student safety programs, including installing cameras on buses by January. Enforcement averaged 350 daily tickets, and funds may support driver incentives + safety enhancements. WINK News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Gulf Coast alums Ricardo Louis, a Fort Myers High School graduate, and Harvey Sarajian of Naples High have been picked in the top five of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, with Louis joining FC Dallas and Sarajian heading to Orlando City SC. NBC2
- ➤ FGCU Athletics raised nearly $1.5M at its Night at the Nest fundraiser held on Dec. 5, featuring Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sales + the funds will support a nutrition program for over 270 athletes. The News-Press
- ➤ Ben Hammer ended his three-season tenure at Lely High School, finishing with an 8-4 record, a district title, and a regional semifinal appearance before his departure on Dec. 19 — the school has already added former star Sergio Morancy to the coaching staff. The News-Press
- ➤ The City of Palms Classic returns to Fort Myers to showcase top high school basketball talent, featuring national ranking seniors + juniors in its 51st year. The tournament runs through the weekend and its championship game is on Tuesday. ABC7
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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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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.
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2026 Gulf Coast Boating & Marine Expo
9 a.m.–5 p.m. — JetBlue Park — Free entry — Celebrate the Gulf Coast’s boating culture with a range of boats and marine technology.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Myers
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