Good morning, Fort Myers.

The U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies are searching for fishermen Randy Spivey, 57, and Brandon Billmaier, 33, who left on a Friday morning fishing trip and haven't returned+family and volunteers remain hopeful for their safe return.

Grace's Trattoria opened at Lani Kai Island Resort on Fort Myers Beach, serving Italian and Sicilian cuisine with Gulf views indoors and outdoors.

Manager Larry Puccia highlighted family recipes and a happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m. as part of the resort’s refreshed offerings after Hurricane Ian.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 17-year-old Peter Campanella was found safe after he went missing when last seen paddle boarding at Bunche Beach on Sunday + community members helped support the search.

Tropicalia featured the best reader photos capturing Caloosahatchee and Fort Myers from across SW Florida.

Readers are invited to email their shots including name, location, and camera details for a chance to be printed.

Entries are accepted for the Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve 2026 Photo Contest honoring the late Carolyn Babb, with a deadline of Jan.

31, 2026. Amateur photographers can submit digital photos of native species taken at the preserve (including Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve North) for prizes displayed at the Interpretive Center on Feb. 22.

Families in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and nearby Lee County areas can enjoy seasonal holiday events featuring light displays, theater performances & Santa visits through late December.

Venues like the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and local theaters offer festive evenings for all ages.

Retired Fort Myers teacher Yvonne Schmitz rented her home last year to fund a journey across 17 islands, from snorkeling in Africa to island-hopping in Bora Bora.

She now shares budget-friendly travel tips in her new book Island Buffet to help readers explore local culture.

A new study found that parts of Sanibel Island risk future flooding from rising sea levels and storm surges — city officials will use the findings to plan nature-based defenses like living shorelines.

The grant-funded report was accepted by the city council to help protect the island.

Bishop Verot’s Vikings earned a Hugh Thimlar win against Barron Collier Cougars in the 2025 City of Palms High Thimlar game + a highlight video shows the winning play.

At Suncoast Arena on Saturday, Dec.

20, Notre Dame clinched the Sunshine Series title while CIA-Bella Vista and Olympia won key games at the City of Palms Classic. Today, six semifinals are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the arena.

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.

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.

Candlelight Concert: Queen vs. ABBA

8:30 p.m. — Music & Arts Community Center - Gulf Coast Symphony — Tickets selling fast — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the hits of Queen and ABBA.