Good morning, Fort Myers.

On Christmas Eve, fireworks disturbed residents and pets in Lee County, prompting calls for a quieter holiday as locals noted that fireworks are legal only on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and the Fourth of July.

On Christmas Day, families gathered early at the Dr. Piper Center in Fort Myers for its 110th annual celebration supported by community donations that provided free toys & bikes and gifts.

Some traveled from as far as Miami to join this cherished holiday tradition.

Family Initiative will host the 2026 Autism Acceptance Awards Gala on April 25 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers.

The event invites nominations and sponsorships to honor unsung heroes across four award categories (Believer, Champion, Partner and Dylan Awards).

St. Matthew's House hosted its annual Christmas dinner at Lulu's Kitchen on Dec.

25, serving 856 people with volunteer support. The event celebrated over 20 years of hot meals and community care for those in need.

A house fire in Lehigh Acres on Christmas left one dog dead and displaced a family after the home on the 9000 block suffered major damage — three other dogs survived as firefighters investigated the cause while the Red Cross assisted the displaced family.

Throughout 2025, several longtime local restaurants closed, including Bonita Bill’s — now rebranded as Bonita Fish Co. — Roadhouse Café after 17 years, Joe’s Crab Shack, Leone’s following a 47‑year run, and Scotty’s Bierwerks, whose beers will continue to be served locally.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation laid about 9,000 pounds of oysters in Lee County — using fossilized restaurant shells to rebuild reefs that filter water, protect shores, and create habitats for marine life.

On Dec. 25, a garbage truck caught fire in Collier County when a battery left in a child's toy ignited during trash pickup; officials advised Fort Myers Beach residents to remove batteries from devices and drop them off at a local recycling center for safe disposal.

A 15-year-old Fort Myers boxer, KMani Deihim, defeated the nation's top-ranked fighter and will chase a national title; his career began over two years ago in Polk County.

Coach Jose Ojeda praised his adjustments — he is expected to become a national champion in 2026 and beyond.

Youth baseball returns to Alva as Buckingham Youth Baseball League revives play at Alva Fields on North River Road this Spring 2026.

About 65 children aged three to sixteen (practices start mid-January and games run through June) can register through a partnership with Lee County Parks Recreation and Alva, Inc.

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.

The Creative Collective

7-9 p.m. — Florida Gulf Coast University — Free entry — Gain insights into creating impactful content through a Christ-centered lens with award-winning professionals.

Yacht Rock Revue Concert

6-9 p.m. — Caloosa Sound Amphitheater — Food concessions available — Drift away to the smooth classic sounds of Yacht Rock with live tunes from the 70s and 80s.