Good morning, Fort Myers.

First Bank announced today that its annual donation drive raised $38,685 to help provide about 77,370 meals across Southwest Florida (local branches in Clewiston, LaBelle, East Fort Myers, Moore Haven, Belle Glade, and Immokalee rallied community support while the bank doubled donations with an extra $25,790).

Tropicalia is featuring top Southwest Florida reader photos and invites locals to email submissions with details like their full name, where the photo was taken, and the camera or phone used; submission does not guarantee publication.

After a festive Not Your Mothers Cookie Exchange holiday party (with creative cookie displays), Fort Myers will kick off 2026 with a downtown Art Walk on Jan.

2, a fundraiser A Seat at the Table at Burroughs Home Gardens on Jan. 15, and a Celtic Festival on Jan. 24.

Residents in Fort Myers face bumpy rides on Michigan and Marsh Avenues due to uneven roads.

The city plans to repave Michigan Avenue this summer and county work on Marsh Avenue will start in January — raising hopes for smoother travel.

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.