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Rise and shine, Fort Myers! Caloosahatchee Bridge lighting proposal, goat snuggling, a brewery’s 13th anniversary party, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Toward a new nighttime icon: Fort Myers could soon see the Caloosahatchee Bridge lit up, as resident Dennis Adams’ proposal moves through design with the CRA and an engineering firm. Two concepts are being considered — see what’s being considered.
Nonprofit partners with the town: What’s Up FMB is raising money for Red, White, & Beach July 4 fireworks and parade for Fort Myers Beach. Fundraising runs through May 31, with scaled-back options if needed — see plans, costs, and options.
Three-mile fast-food expansion: Lee County approved development orders for new drive-thru spots along Alico Road and Ben Hill Griffin, including Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, Dutch Bros, and Roadies Pit Stop — see what’s planned and where.
Terminal expansion brings changes: A temporary TSA checkpoint for Concourse C is now open at RSW with a longer walk to gates and amenities, and is expected to remain in place for two years — learn more about the changes.
Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. American Hartford has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to $25,000 of free silver on qualified accounts – check it out here.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare car insurance rates (it’s free): The average car insurance bill is roughly $175/month. I was paying more until I took a few minutes to compare quotes where I live. I ended up switching and cut my premium in half. Even if you’re not ready to switch, it’s worth checking – this comparison tool makes it easy.
*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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🫶 We got your back
Build confidence on the water: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 91 on Fort Myers Beach will host the Boat America responsible boating course on February 21. Expect navigation basics, required safety gear, emergencies, and eco practices. It costs $45 per person, with students under 17 free with an accompanying adult. See what’s covered and cost.
Family fun and fitness options: Bay Oaks Recreation Center on Fort Myers Beach is closed today for Presidents Day, but the grounds, tennis courts, and seven outdoor pickleball courts remain open. Memberships and day passes are available, including a $7 resident weight room pass. The Easter Bunny will visit on Saturday, March 28. See location, pricing, and amenities.
Fresh-baked fix, unlocked: European American Bakery Cafe makes mornings feel special with scratch-baked breads, flaky croissants, and pastries made with real vanilla and butter. Whether you crave savory or sweet, the Fort Myers hustle can wait five minutes.
Fresh cut confidence: If winter hair is giving meh, Salon Amiche delivers precise cuts, custom color, and luxe extensions using gentle, high-quality products. Expect a friendly vibe, thoughtful consultations, and results that make the mirror your friend again… finally.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
The weight loss game has changed: New GLP-1 medications work with your body’s natural hormones to help reduce appetite and support steady weight loss under medical supervision. Remedy Meds connects you with licensed clinicians online to see if you’re a good candidate. They’ll evaluate your health, provide transparent pricing, and ship medication straight to your door.
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📆 Around town this week
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.
🐐 Goat Snuggling @ Dim Jandy Ranch | Monday (2/16) at 10:00 AM – Trade your inbox for actual kid goats, and a meet-cute with Marsala, the shaggy Highland calf. Thirty minutes of snuggling bliss, then wander the ranch to feed donkeys, hold chickens, and browse the shop. Space is tight, tickets required, kiddos 4+.
🎻 SWFL Fiddlers @ The Berne Davis Botanical Garden | Tuesday (2/17) at 10:00 AM – Skip the errands and wander Berne Davis Gardens while the SWFL Fiddlers set the mood. It is free, with parking on Virginia Ave by the green wire fence, free tours from Volunteer Master Gardeners, and ask at the sign in table about cuttings. Donations appreciated.
👗 Celebration Time: Style Show and Luncheon @ Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club | Tuesday (2/17) at 11:00 AM – Break out the linen and head to Kelly Greens for a style show and luncheon with actual flair. The Islander’s fashions, Tom Maio’s tunes, raffles, and a cash bar await. $45 gets lunch, dessert, and five raffle tickets, all helping Boardwalk Caper Club rebuild post-Ian.
🚌 Bus Trip to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens @ The Berne Davis Botanical Garden | Wednesday (2/18) at 6:45 AM – Hop the bus from Berne Davis Gardens to Fairchild Tropical, let someone else handle the traffic while you ogle orchids and pretend you know Latin. There’s a restroom on board, so hydration is encouraged. Call Sandy at 239-994-8147 to grab a seat and pay fee.
🍻 13th Anniversary Party @ Fort Myers Brewing Company | Thursday (2/19) at 2:00 PM – Clear your calendar and head to Fort Myers Brewing for a free, four-day 13th birthday bash with 50+ rotating beers, Spyk’d seltzers, slushies, live local bands, and a small army of food trucks. Saturday’s the blowout, Sunday’s drunch with Matt and Zack, bring the dog.
🎶 February Music Walk @ Live on Hendry | Friday (2/20) at 6:00 PM – Downtown Fort Myers turns into one long soundtrack, with street corners belting blues, patios crooning covers, and bars doing their best soundcheck impression. We stroll, we sip, we nod like proud regulars, then pretend we’re still night owls. Wear comfy shoes, bring tip money.
🤠 Fort Myers Pro Rodeo @ Lee County Posse Arena | Friday (2/20) at 7:00 PM – Friday night calls for dust, bulls, and bragging rights at the Fort Myers Pro Rodeo. Spring for VIP if you prefer fewer elbows and better sightlines, or go full package and make it a proper outing, boots, brim, and all.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Fort Myers report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 76°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 20%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. North wind around 7 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 81°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 81. East northeast wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. East wind 2 to 6 mph.
This house is wild
This 1925 Spanish Colonial sits in the historic McGregor District on half an acre near the river. The main home has 4 beds and 2 baths. A chef’s kitchen offers an island, stained glass cabinets, and breakfast nook. French doors open to a lanai and pool, plus a courtyard. A separate 2-bed, 1-bath guest house sits above a 3-car garage.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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