|
Subscribe | Get featured
It’s Friday, Fort Myers! Let’s finish this week strong.
In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Point Ybel Brewing Co. expansion, gold and silver’s comeback, and Whiskers & Wagers casino night + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.
|
📰 In the news
From homebrew to expansion: Point Ybel Brewing Co. plans a brewpub on the western end of downtown Fort Myers, expected to open in March at 2180 W. First St., across the hall from Chocolattes — learn more about the expansion.
Haggle-friendly shopping adventure: Fleamasters Flea Market in Fort Myers is open today through Sunday, with air‑conditioned aisles, over 900 vendors, and deals that make $35 go surprisingly far for Southwest Florida treasure hunters — get all the details.
New milestone in patient care: Cape Coral Hospital earned Magnet recognition, joining Golisano Children’s Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center as Lee Health’s third Magnet hospital in 2026, strengthening nursing excellence for Southwest Florida families — learn what Magnet status means.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.
Highlights this week:
|
🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?
Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz
Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.
The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.
I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.
This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.
|
🫶 We got your back
Plant-powered pick-me-up: If your week needs a reset, The Sanibel Sprout serves vibrant plant-based bowls, smoothies, and the Coconut Bacon BLT locals rave about, comforting without the nap. It’s easy self-care that leaves you feeling bright afterward.
Treasure-hunting, upgraded: At Gannon’s Antiques & Art, wander a lively maze of vintage finds, art, estate jewelry, and oddities from dozens of vendors. It’s the place where “just browsing” somehow becomes discovering the piece your living room never knew it needed.
Brows that stay put: If your mornings still involve wrestling with pencils, Lash & Brow Master quietly fixes it with natural-looking microblading, powder brows, liner, and more. Artists here obsess over symmetry so you don’t have to, delivering wake-up-and-go energy… even through this very humid week.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
|
📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🛍 Outdoor Market @ Paradise Vintage Market | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 AM – Set your alarm for the parking-lot treasure hunt at Paradise Vintage Market, where the early birds snag the good stuff by 5am. Think quirky finds, neighborly haggling, and coffee strong enough to justify rummaging before sunrise, all in the North Cleveland asphalt jungle.
🏷 BL Community Garage Sale @ Botanica Lakes Gated Community | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Clear out your trunk and your calendar for Botanica Lakes’ community yard sale, open to the public. Think neighborly bartering, lightly used patio sets, and that vintage casserole dish you swear your aunt had. Stroll, haggle, then brag over coffee, treasure securely in tow.
📚 Southwest Florida Reading Festival @ Fort Myers Regional Library | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Trade your beach read for the real thing at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival at Fort Myers Regional Library. Hear from Wally Lamb, Rachel Gillig, Adrienne Young, Brad Thor, plus dozens more, snag a free book for kids, and pretend sunscreen counts as literary ambiance.
🎨 Acrylics with Pat Smelkoff @ Alliance for the Arts | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Trade yardwork for a brush and let artist Pat Smelkoff walk you through painting a cheerful basket of spring blooms. Acrylics, step-by-step, all skill levels welcome. You’ll learn composition, color mixing, and brushwork, then go home with actual art, not just pollen.
🎲 Whiskers & Wagers Casino Night @ St. Cecilia Catholic Community | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – If you like your charity with a side of blackjack, an Italian buffet, and bragging rights, this casino night at Marian Hall calls. Seventy-five bucks gets you Gypsy Blue live, $2,000 in play money, lessons, a Kendra Scott pop-up, and pets saved. Snag tickets early.
🥨 Sweet and Salty Market @ Lochmoor Plaza | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – Take a break from errands and wander the Sweet and Salty Market, a cozy vendor market where caramels, pickles, pretzels, and small-batch sauces play nice. Chat with local makers, sample shamelessly, then leave with a pantry upgrade, a gift or two, and zero regrets.
🍖 BBQ Rib Throwdown @ American Legion Post #192 | Sunday (3/8) at 12:00 PM – Sharpen your tongs for a BBQ Rib Throwdown, ten bucks to enter and tastings for purchase. Bring your own grill, smoker, and tent, plus a generator if you run electric; prizes for the top three and a people’s choice vote. Call Laurene at 845-238-4723.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
|
📻 Fort Myers report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 87°F – Low: 68°F – Precip: 30%
A chance of rain showers after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain showers before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
—
Tomorrow – High: 87°F – Low: 67°F – Precip: 27%
A chance of rain showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of rain showers before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Something in your house is about to break 🏠
It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major system and appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’re staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast.
It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.
American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.
The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.
This house is wild
This bright Fort Myers gem on Bonaire Circle features a spacious, light filled layout with modern finishes and a meticulously maintained exterior. Serene surroundings pair with quick access to local amenities. An inviting outdoor retreat sets the stage for easy entertaining and downtime, capturing a breezy slice of Southwest Florida paradise.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
