Hello SWFL!

Manhattan Construction Relocates from Collier to Lee County
Manhattan Construction broke ground on a $15 million, 53,000-square-foot regional headquarters in Lee County that will consolidate about 300 employees across four companies, with completion expected by April 2027. The Oklahoma-based construction firm is relocating from Naples to position closer to the center of Southwest Florida development activity, where 90% of its work is in Lee County or Charlotte County.(GulfShoreBusiness)

FGCU Builds First-in-State Employee Housing
Florida Gulf Coast University is building Eagle View Village, the first employee housing community among Florida's 12 state universities, with 74 units scheduled for completion in December 2026 at below-market rates to address Southwest Florida's 28% housing price increase over five years. The $25 million first phase, located about 2 miles north of campus near West Lake Village and Gulf Coast Town Center, will prioritize faculty hired from outside Southwest Florida with leases renewable for up to three years at approximately 20% below local market rates. (FGCU360)

Fort Myers Ranks #2 for Small Business Startups
Fort Myers ranked second nationwide among 1,334 small cities as the best place to start a business, according to WalletHub's 2026 analysis, with one of the highest numbers of investors per capita in the country and office space costs at $12.20 per square foot. The city scored 62.33 overall and ranked fourth nationally for access to resources, with small business growth of nearly 21% between 2017 and 2023.(WalletHub)

Resurgence Brewing Co. Grand Opening - Fort Myers
Date: Friday, April 17 | 11:00 AM
Location: Resurgence Brewing Co. Fort Myers, Fort Myers, FL
Celebrate the grand opening of Resurgence Brewing Co. Fort Myers with live music, meet the brewers, sample brews, a full restaurant menu, lawn games, and family-friendly activities.

Southwest Florida Mural Festival 2026
Date: Friday, April 17 | 5:30 PM-9:30 PM
Location: 2027 Monroe St - Downtown Fort Myers, 2027 Monroe St, Fort Myers, FL
The 4th annual SWFL Mural Festival celebrates its Unity & Diversity theme with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, and a chance to meet the four featured muralists transforming Downtown Fort Myers.

Friday Night Concert Series ft. Grand Slam
Date: Friday, April 17 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Miromar Outlets - Outdoor Stage, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 34135
A free outdoor concert at Miromar Outlets featuring Grand Slam, purveyors of fine funk, soul, blues, and rock with a sound that keeps the crowd moving.

Music Walk
Date: Friday, April 17 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets.

Florida Everblades vs. Reading Royals
Date: Friday, April 17 | 7:30 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Located right in front of the Bonita Bay community, this lively farmers’ market brings together fresh produce, local vendors, artisanal goods, and ready-to-enjoy treats.

Earth Day Festival
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL
A free community celebration at the Nature Center featuring boat rides, food trucks, face painting, kids activities, and a special groundbreaking ceremony.

Big City Kids Mommy & Me Pilates Class
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 8:30 AM-9:00 AM
Location: Big City Kids Cafe
A 30-minute Mommy & Me Pilates class at Big City Kids Cafe with a complimentary coffee, yoga mat, and kids playtime included.

Bonita Beach Yoga
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 8:30 AM-9:30 AM
Location: Bonita Beach Park, 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs, FL 34134
An all-levels outdoor yoga class on the beach at Bonita Beach Park, blending alignment postures, breathwork, and meditation with stunning Gulf views.

Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Beach and Estuary Walk
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Leisurely walk over the estuary and along the beach to discover natural treasures.

Earth Day Birthday Celebration
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
A family-friendly Earth Day celebration at Calusa Nature Center featuring guided hikes, live animal shows, local vendors, and educational presentations on environmental protection and sustainability.

Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919
Drop in for free, hands-on family fun. Explore something new every month like art making, gallery activities, games and more – all inspired by artworks on view in the gallery, famous artists, national holidays and artistic traditions around the world.

Free Lowe's Kids Workshop: Terrarium
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lowe's Home Improvement, Southwest Florida locations
Free kids' workshop to build a tiered terrarium box for plants or treasures (registration opens 3/21).

Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers YMCA, 1360 Royal Palm Square Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
The YMCA's free annual celebration of health and wellness for kids and families packed with fun activities, games, fitness challenges, and hands-on learning to inspire kids to stay active all year long.

Lovers Key State Park Discovery Day: Beach & Dunes
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free family day of beach discovery at Lovers Key State Park featuring a ranger-led estuary walk, beach bingo, kids shell painting, and informational tables on local wildlife and volunteering.

Southern Fresh Farms Family Day
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A family playdate at Southern Fresh Farms with animal feeding and the new playground.

Wonder Gardens Early Earth Day & Family Yoga
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL
A family-friendly Earth Day celebration with animal meet and greets, arts and crafts, face painting, educational activities, and a local vendor market.

Earth Day Event: Paint, Plant & Pizza
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza, Estero Coconut Point
A fun and creative hands-on experience just for kids combining art, nature, and delicious food.

Naples Pride Fest 2026
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Cambier Park, 601 Park Street, Naples, FL 34102
SWFL's biggest celebration of love, diversity, and equality returns to Cambier Park with entertainers, speakers, musicians, performers, vendors, kids activities, and food and drink.

Resurgence Brewing Co. Grand Opening
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 11:00 AM
Location: Resurgence Brewing Co. Fort Myers
Celebrate the grand opening of Resurgence Brewing Co. Fort Myers with live music, meet the brewers, sample brews, a full restaurant menu, lawn games, and family-friendly activities.

Florida Everblades vs. Reading Royals
Date: Saturday, April 18 | 7:00 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, April 19 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Mercato on the Event Lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, Fl 34108
Browse hundreds of cool cars located around the property. Check out the traffic circle to see our featured cars of the month and connect with car enthusiasts from Southwest Florida

Yoga by the Sea
Date: Sunday, April 19 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Gentle beachside yoga practice blending meditation and mindful flow.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, April 19 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Michaels Free Class: Clay Pencil & Paintbrush Pals
Date: Sunday, April 19 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Store, 13741 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 1, Fort Myers, FL
A free all-ages Kids Club event at your local Michaels where kids make adorable clay creatures to use as pencil or paintbrush rests.

Bayside Park Concert Series ft. Guilty Pleasure
Date: Sunday, April 19 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free Sunday afternoon outdoor concert at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach featuring Guilty Pleasure, a high-energy band performing the best in concert and dance music led by vocalist Lisa Nixon.

Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Monday, April 20 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A lap-sit storytime for babies and caregivers featuring books, rhymes, and songs to build early literacy, language, motor, and social skills.

Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Monday, April 20 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free lap-sit program for babies birth to 18 months featuring books, rhymes, and songs to build early literacy, language, and social skills.

Toddler Tales
Date: Monday, April 20 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A high-energy interactive storytime for toddlers and caregivers using stories, music, movement, and rhymes to support language and motor skills.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, April 21 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Stop by for a quick and easy craft your little ones can assemble on the spot or take home to enjoy.

Mommy & Me Pop-Up Sculpt & Flow
Date: Tuesday, April 21 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: The Commons Fort Myers - Forever Grounded Coffee, Fort Myers, FL
A Mommy & Me Sculpt & Flow pop-up at The Commons with Forever Grounded Coffee, including a complimentary drink, kids play area, free mini facials, local vendors, and a chance to win learning toys.

Kids Earth Day Mini Gardens
Date: Tuesday, April 21 | 6:00 PM-6:45 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Kids ages 6-11 create their own Earth Day mini garden using all-provided supplies, dress for mess!

Mommy & Me Yoga at Big City Kids - Bonita Springs
Date: Tuesday, April 21 | 6:00 PM-6:45 PM
Location: Big City Kids Play Cafe, 12601 Trade Way Drive, Bonita Springs, FL
A 45-minute Mommy & Me yoga class at Big City Kids in Bonita Springs where moms flow and kids play free in the play cafe alongside them.

Press & Shine: Spring Foil Art
Date: Tuesday, April 21 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Kids ages 6-11 create shiny, sparkling spring scenes using pre-cut foil shapes in this hands-on process art program at the Bonita Springs Library.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, April 21 | 6:15 PM-7:15 PM
Location: Kava Culture Estero, 10801 Corkscrew Rd , Suite 327, Estero, FL
Join us for an all-levels yoga class led by Nichole of Renegade Metaphysical! Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just getting started, this class offers plenty of options to make your practice your own. Stretch, breathe, and reset in our cool, breezy corridor—the perfect escape from the heat!

Movie on the Lawn: Home
Date: Tuesday, April 21 | 6:30 PM
Location: Mercato - Piazza, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108
Outdoor movie screening of Home in the Piazza at Mercato.

Audubon of SWFL Birding Field Trip
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 8:00 AM-10:30 PM
Location: Billy's Creek Preserve & Filter Marsh, 4320 Woodside Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Join fellow nature lovers for guided birding trips to some of Southwest Florida’s best spots. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, these outings are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and learn more about local wildlife.

Earth Day at Ding Darling
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 8:30 AM
Location: J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
A free all-day Earth Day celebration at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge with birding tours, wildlife lectures on gators, manatees, and snakes, craft tables, and a shell table — no sign-up needed.

Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
From juicy fruits and veggies to baked goods and artisan crafts, the farmers market has something for everyone. Bring the family, meet local vendors, and enjoy a morning of fresh finds.

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Earth Day at YMCA
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 10:00 AM
Location: YMCA Bonita Springs, 27200 Kent Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A nature-themed Earth Day morning for kids featuring sensory bins and a craft at the Bonita Springs YMCA.

Family Storytime
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A fun storytime for young children and caregivers featuring books, rhymes, songs, and activities to build early literacy skills and friendships.

Preschool Program: Batty for Bees
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Earth Day preschool program (ages 3-5) with pollinator-themed crafts, story time, and homemade pollinator garden activity.

Music and Movement at GCTC
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 10:30 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free weekly family music class in the GCTC courtyard featuring singing, movement, chanting, and instrument exploration for kids at their own pace.

Preschool Storytime
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
An independent storytime for preschoolers that builds school readiness skills through reading, singing, writing, and play.

Earth Day STEAM
Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Kids ages 6-11 celebrate Earth Day by creating a window greenhouse and an original weaving using recycled materials, dress for mess!

Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, April 23 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928

The Commons Mommy & Me Pilates Class
Date: Thursday, April 23 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: The Commons Fort Myers
A 45-minute Mommy & Me mat Pilates class focused on reconnecting and strengthening your body while bonding with your little one and other moms.

Family Storytime
Date: Thursday, April 23 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free weekly storytime for children birth to age 5 featuring books, rhymes, songs, and activities that build early literacy and social skills.

Preschool Paw Patrol
Date: Thursday, April 23 | 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Preschoolers ages 2-5 enjoy Paw Patrol-themed games, activities, and crafts alongside their caregivers.

Children's Entrepreneur Market + Earth Day Celebration at Family Fun Night
Date: Thursday, April 23 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Family Fun Night featuring Children's Entrepreneur Market with young creators showcasing products, plus Earth Day celebration with hands-on nature sensory zone and planting station.

Mom Walk: Lakes Park Walk with Special Treats
Date: Friday, April 24 | 9:00 AM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL
A group walk through Lakes Park with complimentary healthy snacks from local mom-owned sponsor Happy Little Treats.

Shorebird Stroll
Date: Friday, April 24 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Guided walk down the shoreline to discover and learn how to identify birds.

Movie Night: Secret of the Tomb
Date: Friday, April 24 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
Outdoor movie night showing Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG), doors open at 5:30pm, movie starts at 6pm.

Friday Night Concert Series ft. Rock City
Date: Friday, April 24 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Miromar Outlets - Outdoor Stage, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 34135
A free outdoor concert at Miromar Outlets featuring Rock City, playing classic tunes from the 1960s through the 1980s plus other crowd-favorite hits.

Night Hikes: Night Lights of Nature
Date: Friday, April 24 | 7:30 PM-9:30 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Guided after-sunset walk with hands-on activities in a low-light immersive nature experience.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Located right in front of the Bonita Bay community, this lively farmers’ market brings together fresh produce, local vendors, artisanal goods, and ready-to-enjoy treats.

Big City Kids Mommy & Me Pilates Class
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 8:30 AM-9:00 AM
Location: Big City Kids Cafe
A 30-minute Mommy & Me Pilates class at Big City Kids Cafe with a complimentary coffee, yoga mat, and kids playtime included.

Bonita Beach Yoga
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 8:30 AM-9:30 AM
Location: Bonita Beach Park, 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs, FL 34134
An all-levels outdoor yoga class on the beach at Bonita Beach Park, blending alignment postures, breathwork, and meditation with stunning Gulf views.

Beach Cleanup
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a lovely hour on the beach doing your part to keep it clean.

Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Touch-a-Truck
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, 8016 Summerlin Lakes Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A family-friendly event where kids can explore and interact with emergency, law enforcement, and commercial vehicles and the professionals who drive them.

Big City Kids 1 Year Birthday Celebration
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
Location: Big City Kids Play Cafe, 12601 Trade Way Drive, Bonita Springs, FL
Celebrate Big City Kids' 1st birthday during all three play sessions with open play, local vendors including Sparkle & Strand, Pivot Charm Bar, IcedCoffeeGirly, TaylorMades, Weetsco, LuckyLinks Jewelry, and Miam's Baked Goods.

Kids Day at WINK Playland – Crafts, Face Painting & Free Treat
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Free face painting & crafts, free pizza from Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta, ice cream coupons from Dairy Queen

April Jr. Chef Event
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza, Estero Coconut Point
A fun, hands-on cooking experience designed especially for kids ages 5–12 to create their very own pizza.

Babies & Brews April Meetup
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Lombardough's Pizza & Beer, 17081 S Tamiami Trl, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Babies & Brews meetup at Lombardough's Pizza & Beer with pizza, beer, and family fun.

Mom Beach Yoga - Fort Myers
Date: Saturday, April 25 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, FL
A moms-only beach yoga class featuring a gentle flow, guided reflection, and meaningful connection, all set to the backdrop of a beautiful Fort Myers beach.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, April 26 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Michaels Free Class: Paint a Spring Birdhouse or Make a Derby Horseshoe
Date: Sunday, April 26 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Store, 13741 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 1, Fort Myers, FL
A free crafting event at your local Michaels, choose to paint a spring birdhouse (base for purchase) or make a free derby horseshoe craft to take home.

Bayside Park Concert Series ft. The Echo
Date: Sunday, April 26 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free Sunday afternoon outdoor concert at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach featuring The Echo, a 5-piece high-energy dance rock band playing classic rock favorites from the 70s and 80s.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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