Good morning, Fort Myers! In today’s edition: Park reopens with a record slide, Some Like It Hot musical, Burroughs Home’s 125th anniversary, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Rules shaping vendor lineup: Downtown Fort Myers farmers market launches Jan. 17 and runs at least until April. City Council is expected to approve an agreement with Local Roots to operate the market — learn about contract and vendors.

New chapter for beloved park: Fort Myers’ Roberto Clemente Park has reopened after major renovations, adding an amphitheater and the tallest slide in Southwest Florida at 21 feet. A grand opening was held December 5 — get all the details.

Milestone for a cherished landmark: Fort Myers’ historic Burroughs Home is set to reopen after Hurricane Ian repairs, with a refreshed roof, paint, and porch, coinciding with its 125th anniversary and celebrating the city’s heritage — learn more about the restoration.

Expert paddler shares insights: Learn about kayaking this week as the first Calusa Blueway program is held at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center in Fort Myers, featuring Don Rice, followed by a two-day safety training — get all the details.

Public safety funding debate: Fort Myers City Council is considering a police impact fee after a study estimating $9.35 million over 10 years for vehicles and a new headquarters, though growth assumptions drew questions — learn more about the proposal.

Courts for every vibe: With 24 courts, organized play, and clinics that actually sharpen your dinks, PicklePlex is an easy hop from Fort Myers. Show up for a low drama game, meet friendly regulars, and find plenty of space to play at your pace.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🎨 Experimental Tuesday – Indoor Painting @ Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery | Tuesday (1/13) at 9:00 AM – Tuesday nights are for getting paint under your nails and pretending it was intentional. Drop in for an indoor painting session with weekly themes, rotating inspirations, and zero weather excuses. Bring your favorite brushes, your curiosity, and that old hoodie.

🌳 The Art of Bonsai @ Berne Davis Gardens | Tuesday (1/13) at 9:30 AM – Bonsai is taking root with Richard Owens of the Bonsai Society of Southwest Florida, followed by meeting, a $1 plant exchange, and a 50/50 raffle. Guests welcome, RSVP, and bring cuttings, seeds, or a craft to sell, because tiny trees go with wheeling and dealing.

🌶 Some Like It Hot @ Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW | Tuesday (1/13) at 7:30 PM – Think you know Some Like It Hot? This 13-time Tony-nominated, Grammy-winning musical takes the classic black-and-white romp and turns it technicolor, with big-band charm, sharp laughs, and dancing that might make your FitBit nervous. Fort Myers, ditch the beach chair for a theater seat.

🧘 Reflect, Refocus and Reset For Your Healthiest 2026 @ Online event | Thursday (1/15) at 6:30 PM – If your 2026 kickoff feels more power nap than power move, join a free women’s health webinar with Julie Hill, registered dietitian and functional medicine pro. Get practical tips to boost energy, balance hormones, tame stress, and rev metabolism, online, limited spots.

🎶 Tim and Myles Thompson @ Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium | Thursday (1/15) at 7:00 PM – Head to Music Under The Stars at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, where father-son virtuosos Tim and Myles Thompson make fingerstyle, fiddle, and mandolin the family act you’ll want an encore from. Expect fresh takes and standout originals. ACMA’s Gareth Rockliffe opens with heartfelt songs.

🍎 Fort Myers Beach Farmer’s Market @ Times Square | Friday (1/16) at 9:00 AM – Take a breezy lap through Times Square for the Fort Myers Beach Farmer’s Market, Friday mornings, October through April. Coastal art, boutique bites, jewelry, and beach gear, all without mall lighting. Go early, chat with makers, and outpace the snowbirds for parking.

🚶 Downtown Fort Myers Walk @ TBD | Friday (1/16) at 6:00 PM – Downtown Fort Myers Music Walk is in full swing, and Shy Blossom is mixing sing-along covers with their own tunes. Wander the River District, grab something cold, and let the people-watching do the heavy lifting, because cardio is for weekdays.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Fort Myers report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 82°F – Low: 64°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 82. South southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. North northwest wind 1 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 82°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 4%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. North wind 2 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind around 13 mph.

Most popular house this week

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