Good morning, Fort Myers.

Downtown Fort Myers is hosting a free New Year's Eve celebration today at 6 p.m. with multiple stages, a 70s-themed party, fireworks, and a ball drop at Hendry and Bay — street closures and enhanced security measures will help manage the large crowd.

The Salvation Army of Fort Myers opened its Center of Hope at 2400 Edison Ave as a temporary warming shelter on Tuesday + continues to serve today.

Admission was held Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m., and capacity will be reassessed on Wednesday based on space availability.

The City of Fort Myers partners with River District Alliance to expand downtown’s free events and showcases a New Year’s Eve celebration today at First + Hendry that brings live music and community gatherings to boost local business.

Tiki Tails Dog Resort has opened a state-of-the-art facility at 4420 SE 16th Place in Cape Coral; its grand opening on Jan.

4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. features expanded indoor daycare + outdoor play areas, private boarding suites and special giveaways for dog lovers.

At Sakata Seed America, a local seed research farm in Lee County is preparing its winter pepper breeding crops for colder temperatures coming as New Year’s Eve nears.

The team covers rows of peppers with cloth and black plastic to help trap heat and protect valuable seed research.

Fly Heli Tours began training flights on a barge over Fort Myers Beach to prepare for its planned helicopter tours, and local environmental groups worry the aircraft noise could harm dolphins and birds + the company said commercial flights may start as soon as March.

A Fort Myers eleventh-grader won first place in the U.S. District Court essay contest on Bill of Rights Day at the courthouse—he explained how founding his nonprofit helps youth connect through sports and honors his family's legacy at the same site.

Data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows over 628 manatees died statewide this year, with Lee County recording 113 deaths versus 85 last year.

Officials warn boat traffic and rule violations put manatees at risk and urge obedience to no-wake zones.

Lee County Mosquito Control will collect up to eight tires per resident on Jan.

17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. off Homestead Road, teaming with Lee County Solid Waste + the Rotary Club of Fort Myers East to clear garages and reduce mosquito breeding spots.

Lee County Government and its partner agencies activated a cold-weather outreach plan this week; warming buses, mobile warming stations, and free supplies are available across Fort Myers—including a limited bed service on Edison Ave—to assist those in need.

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.

Little Women - The Musical

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Players Circle Theater — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience the beloved tale brought to life in this epic musical.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele

6:00 – 6:59 PM — Florida Repertory Theatre — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience a magical candlelight concert honoring the music of Adele.