Good morning, Fort Myers.

Family Initiative is accepting nominations for its 2026 Autism Acceptance Awards Gala that honors educators, clinicians and advocates; nominations close March 31 while the gala will be held on April 25 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers.

After Christmas, Fort Myers Beach had a lively crowd and a business revival as visitors returned and shops reopened.

The Whale now serves about two thirds of its pre-storm customers + expects tourist numbers to match pre-hurricane levels by end of 2026.

A Lehigh Acres family suffered a Christmas Day fire that destroyed their home & took the life of one dog while firefighters fought the blaze and rescued other pets, leaving the family with little more than the clothes on their backs as they plan next steps with community help.

Cape Coral’s UndrDog Hemp has racked up millions of views for its viral treasure hunts & natural fiber T-shirts which promote a plastic-free approach.

Founder Chuckie Gregory said the company will resume hunts in January as it expands to boxers, sweatshirts, and shorts.

Photographer Andrew West from Fort Myers showcased his top 2025 images featuring a SpaceX rocket and local scenes that highlight his checklist of moments, light, and composition.

His selections reveal how tension and vibrant color bring scenes to life and capture the essence of Southwest Florida.

Amateur photographers can submit digital photos of native species from the preserve until Jan.

31 for a contest honoring longtime volunteer Carolyn Babb, with winners to be announced at the Interpretive Center on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m.

Today the Calusa Nature Center on Ortiz Avenue keeps its holiday lights up and offers interactive nature activities along with local wildlife displays; visitors can explore 15 acres including a butterfly garden — an engaging way to experience SWFL nature.

A nonviable egg has left the Pritchett Farm eagle pair with one eaglet to raise in North Fort Myers.

E26 is growing steadily+it is expected to fledge in March as viewers track its progress on the SWFL Eagle Cam.

Cape Coral residents have faced a severe drought with dried lawns, low water pressure and irrigation restrictions since November, forcing some to buy bottled water.

Forecasts predict one of the driest years on record affecting the region (including Fort Myers) as the community awaits relief.

Photojournalist Andrew West shared his top nature photos from 2025, highlighting Fort Myers wildlife from coyotes to roseate spoonbills.

His images capture local ecosystems including Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed and Six Mile Cypress Slough, showcasing *rare* moments in Florida’s natural environment.

At Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Paul VI won the 52nd City of Palms Classic as Jordan Smith Jr. earned MVP honors; Montverde claimed a win and Notre Dame’s Abdor Toure won the dunk contest (four legends were inducted into the Hall of Fame).

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.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Taylor Swift

6-7:04 p.m. — Music & Arts Community Center - Gulf Coast Symphony — Tickets available — Experience Taylor Swift's music in a captivating candlelit setting.