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Good morning, Fort Myers! In today’s edition: Police impact fee debate, a women-owned skate shop opening, a candlelight tribute to Queen, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
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.
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.
Spotlight on species recovery: Calusa Waterkeeper’s State of Our Water meeting is Jan. 10 in Fort Myers, with Dr. Gregg Poulakis on endangered smalltooth sawfish and how development and management could affect its habitat — get all the event details.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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Your next group gathering, but make it creative
In partnership with Wine & Canvas
If you’re tired of planning the same ol’ happy hour or potluck, Wine & Canvas has a better idea: a private painting party that brings people together through fun and creativity.
Perfect for groups of 8 or more, their private events are ideal for team-building, birthdays, bachelorettes, reunions, or any excuse to celebrate. They’ll come to your home, office, or venue of choice – and if you don’t have a space, they can even connect you with one of their restaurant partners.
Choose a 2- or 3-hour event that fits your schedule, then let their instructors handle the rest. No experience needed, all supplies included, and yes…you’ll leave with artwork you’re actually proud to display. It’s a relaxed, hands-on way to build camaraderie, or simply do something different with your favorite people.
Planning a party for kids? Wine & Canvas offers kid-friendly painting parties too.
Learn more and book your party today.
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🫶 We got your back
Shaking up the skate scene: Rotten Hearts Skate Shop has opened in Fort Myers, the city’s first women-owned skate shop. Founders Cammi Laboa and Jessica Blair, who met through roller derby, built a punk, grunge, and horror inspired hub for skaters and artists, with opportunities for collaboration and a platform that supports local artists’ earnings. Learn more about their mission.
Curate your cozy corners: Equal parts design den and sip spot, Remedies Parlor pairs vintage and new home finds with lush plants, apothecary goods, and a friendly wine and beer bar. Style that stubborn shelf, then wander to the garden for a celebratory sip.
Craving crisp cider? At Coastal Dayz Brewery, a 16-tap lineup shares space with Florida ciders in cans (think 3 Daughters Key Lime, Raspberry Lemonade, Pineapple), so you can sip something bright and apple-y while your hop-loving friends nerd out. Easy weeknight win.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🎸 ACMA Songwriters Showcase @ The Collaboratory | Tuesday (1/6) at 6:30 AM – Think you know all the cover bands? Try the ACMA Songwriters Showcase at The Collaboratory, three free outdoor shows where local pros trade original tunes, stories, and hard-won wisdom. Bring a chair, settle under the stars, think Bluebird vibes without the airfare, enjoy free parking.
🍸 Motown & Martinis @ Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center | Thursday (1/8) at 6:00 PM – Craving a little Motown with your skyline? Head to Sidney’s rooftop for martinis, city views, and Melinda “BLou Note” Daniel pouring out the classics under the stars. It’s the kind of Thursday that reminds you why you live here, and why babysitters exist.
✂ Winterfest 2 Day Crop @ All Souls Episcopal Church | Friday (1/9) at 12:00 PM – Two days of guilt-free scrapbooking to kick off 2026, with pizza one night, lunch, dinner, demos, prizes, and the rare joy of leaving your table set up without anyone touching it. Spots go fast, so claim yours, bring your stash, and settle in.
This weekend
🏡 Home & Garden Shows @ Caloosa Sound Convention Center | Saturday (1/10) – Thinking about finally tackling the patio or paint color? Fort Myers’ Home & Garden Show gathers fresh ideas, clever gadgets, and local pros under one roof. Wear comfortable shoes, browse, and leave with inspiration, samples, and the nagging feeling you might start another project.
🌊 State of Our Water Quarterly Speaker Series @ Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council | Saturday (1/10) at 9:30 AM – Bring your coffee for a dive into smalltooth sawfish, the sharky neighbor with a hedge trimmer for a snout, as Dr. Gregg Poulakis explains why our Caloosahatchee is recovery central. Calusa Waterkeeper flags development impacts, shares how you can help, and gives a waterway update.
📖 Little Women @ Players Circle Theater | Sunday (1/11) at 3:00 PM – Trade your usual reruns for Little Women at Players Circle Theater here in Fort Myers, a warmly staged take on the March sisters, ambition, and stubborn hearts. Ideal for book-club veterans, reluctant romantics, and anyone who appreciates good manners, better dialogue, and a tasteful cry.
👑 Candlelight: Tribute to Queen @ Florida Repertory Theatre | Sunday (1/11) at 6:00 PM – Fort Myers gets downright regal with a candlelit tribute to Queen, set in one of those jaw-drop venues you forget we have. Think live strings, flickering glow, and all the hits you secretly belt in the car, tastefully reimagined. Grab tickets, bring a friend, bask.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Fort Myers report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 80°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 0%
Areas of fog before 9am. Sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 1 to 6 mph. Later: Areas of fog after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Northwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 0%
Areas of fog before 9am. Sunny, with a high near 79. South southeast wind 1 to 6 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
This house is wild
Set on an oversized lot above the 2nd hole, this remodeled Wyman Stokes built residence spans 3,800 square feet. Coffered and triple tray ceilings elevate the living areas. A private courtyard plan offers 4 bedrooms plus office and a kitchen with island and pantry.
The first level primary suite includes a sitting area, two walk in closets, and a spa like bath with soaking tub and an expansive shower. A remodeled pool and spa meet a screened lanai with fairway views. A casita with full bath adds guest privacy. Whole house generator and hurricane protection provide peace of mind.
Take a peek inside →
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