Good afternoon SWFL!

Major Land Deal on US 41 Corridor Near Alico Road, 61 Acres Sold for $20.45 Million One of the last large tracts already entitled for development off U.S. 41 between Estero and Fort Myers sold on March 27th for $20.45 million. Ryan Companies, a Minneapolis-based apartment developer, purchased the 61.3-acre parcel, which is divided by the Alico Road intersection. Development plans have not yet been announced publicly but it is zoned for up to 350 apartment units, up to 200,000 square feet of commercial space and a hotel with up to 150 rooms. (GulfShoreBusiness)

Fort Myers Beach Gets Brand-New $12 Million Fire Station
A major recovery milestone for the island. The new Fort Myers Beach Fire Station 31 opened Thursday, April 2, with a grand opening ceremony and open house. The new station at 2545 Estero Boulevard replaces the one at Donora Boulevard and Estero Boulevard that was damaged by Hurricane Ian — a building that served the department for about 70 years. The new station costs approximately $12 million to construct and is built to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour. It houses the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District's ladder truck and primary ambulance and is home to firefighters working 24-hour shifts.(FortMyersBeachTalk)

Fort Myers Mini Golf Course Makes USA Today's Top 10 List
Castle Golf in Fort Myers has been recognized among USA Today's 10 Best mini golf courses. Located at 7400 Gladiolus Drive next to Lakes Park, the medieval-themed course has been voted number one in Florida by Florida Monthly magazine and holds top spots on TripAdvisor and Yelp.The 18-hole course features lush tropical plants, waterfalls, local wildlife, and a medieval castle theme with knights and dragons, open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.(NewsPress)

Opening weekend features a packed slate of promotions at Hammond Stadium: Tickets start at $12.

Other Noteworthy Dates:

Beach and Estuary Walk
Date: Friday, April 3 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a leisurely walk over the estuary and along the beach to discover the natural treasures of the Lovers Key shoreline.

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers
Date: Friday, April 3 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street

Friday Night Concert Series ft. Silverback
Date: Friday, April 3 | 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 Silverback, a high-energy 6-piece band delivering familiar, upbeat favorites and nonstop fun.

First Friday Concert: The Purple One
Date: Friday, April 3 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free high-energy tribute concert celebrating Prince and other 80s icons performed by The Purple One Lives On at Gulf Coast Town Center's open-air courtyard.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 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.

Lakes Park Bird Patrol Walk
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Lee County Bird Patrol volunteers invite you to join them as they lead monthly birding tours at Lakes Park. A variety of birds including ibis, egrets, herons, cormorants and anhinga offer good bird watching and photographic opportunities. Bring your binoculars and learn with the people who know them best. Tours meet at Shelter A7

Mommy & Me Pilates Class
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 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 4 | 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 4 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Free admission at Naples Zoo(Collier Residents Only)
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Location: Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102
Collier County residents receive free zoo admission all day long with proof of residency.

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop: Keepsake Box
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 9:00 AM
Location: Home Depot, Your closest Home Depot
Home Depot's free Kids Workshops provide a hands-on DIY experience for children ages 5-12, where they build a project, learn basic tool safety and skills, and take home their creation, an apron, and a special pin.

Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Arts & Crafts Fair hosted by Local Ladies Social Network featuring unique handcrafted items, local food, and local artisans.

Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Come to the Bass Pro Lake for some fishing! Rods, reels and bait (everything you would need) to catch some fish are provided. Outfitters are available to help with baiting hooks and showing kids how to fish.

Art in the Park
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Cambier Park, 601 Park Street, Naples, FL 34102
Naples Art Institute's last art fair of the season returns to Cambier Park with unique outdoor artwork, an Open House gallery, and creative programming.

Sunshine Ace Eggfest
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
BBQ competition and festival featuring Big Green Egg cookers with food sampling and family activities.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

SWFL IPA Fest
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Coastal Dayz Brewery
A free Easter-season IPA festival at Coastal Dayz Brewery showcasing local breweries and special releases from across SWFL, with flights, full pours, and half pours available for purchase.

Easter on the Farm
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A family Easter celebration at Southern Fresh Farms featuring an Easter egg hunt, craft corner, bounce house, Easter Bunny visit, and local vendors.

Beer in the Bushes
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: SCCF Headquarters & Erick Lindblad Preserve, 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
The 12th annual SCCF fundraiser brings a swing-themed evening with live music by the Squirrel Nut Zippers, craft beer tastings from local breweries, and food trucks — all benefiting Southwest Florida coastal conservation.

Yoga by the Sea
Date: Sunday, April 5 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A gentle beachside practice blending meditation and mindful flow at Lovers Key State Park.

Car Show: The Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida
Date: Sunday, April 5 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Miromar Outlets by WINK Playland., 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
The Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida bring timeless classics and vintage rides to Miromar Outlets. Join us for family-friendly car shows featuring beautifully restored vehicles, muscle cars, and cruisers.

Easter Family Fun Day at Backyard Social
Date: Sunday, April 5 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
An Easter Sunday celebration at Backyard Social with two movie showings, Easter Bunny photos, brunch from food trucks, crafts, and games for the whole family.

Bayside Park Concert Series ft. Relentless Fire
Date: Sunday, April 5 | 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 Relentless Fire, a SW Florida rock band mixing classic, party rock, and new rock with a bit of soul.

Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Monday, April 6 | 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 6 | 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 6 | 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.

Lego Club
Date: Monday, April 6 | 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free drop-in Lego Club for kids ages 3-11 at the Bonita Springs Library, all brick-building materials provided, just bring your creativity.

Breakfast Bingo at Chick-fil-A Estero
Date: Tuesday, April 7 | 8:30 AM-9:30 AM
Location: Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S Tamiami Trl, Estero, FL
A free fun morning of Breakfast Bingo in the Chick-fil-A Estero dining room with a chance to win special treats and prizes — no RSVP needed, first come first served.

University Village Mom Walk
Date: Tuesday, April 7 | 9:00 AM
Location: University Village, 19801 Village Center Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A group walk from Urban Buzz coffee shop toward FGCU and back, followed by kids' playtime on the green space by the fountain at University Village.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, April 7 | 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.

Teen Game Night
Date: Tuesday, April 7 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Teens ages 12-18 drop in for a fun evening of board games and video games including Mario Kart Switch and PS5.

Mommy & Me Yoga Class
Date: Tuesday, April 7 | 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.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, April 7 | 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!

Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, April 8 | 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 8 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966

Family Storytime
Date: Wednesday, April 8 | 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.

Lakes Park Mommy & Me Yoga + Farmers Market
Date: Wednesday, April 8 | 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL
A donation-based Mommy & Me outdoor yoga class at Lakes Park in Fort Myers, followed by a visit to the farmers market — all fitness levels and ages welcome.

Music and Movement at GCTC
Date: Wednesday, April 8 | 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 8 | 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.

Art & Soul Night
Date: Wednesday, April 8 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free community evening at Shangri-La Springs with live music by Ross Brown, an artisan market with local vendors and artists, organic food, and a cash bar.

Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, April 9 | 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 9 | 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 9 | 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.

Three Oaks Park Mom Walk + Playdate
Date: Friday, April 10 | 9:30 AM
Location: Three Oaks Park, 18251 Three Oaks Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33967
A casual group walk around Three Oaks Park loop followed by playground time for the kids.

Hoppy Tails & Bunny Kisses Yappy Hour
Date: Friday, April 10 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Family-friendly Easter event with Easter egg hunts, golden egg prizes, photos with Easter Bunny, bunny-themed contests, Hoppy Paws Parade, and creative stations including pet-safe egg decorating and paint-a-paw spring art.

Friday Night Concert Series ft. The Delprados
Date: Friday, April 10 | 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 The Delprados, the ultimate tribute to new wave and alternative hits from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Florida Everblades vs. South Carolina Stingrays
Date: Friday, April 10 | 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 11 | 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.

Bird Patrol Walk at Six Mile Cypress Slough
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 8:00 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966
A free monthly guided bird walk along the 1.2-mile boardwalk with a volunteer naturalist — limited to 15 participants, first come first served, ages 10 and up.

Gator Fest 2026
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A two-day wildly fun festival at Southern Fresh Farms featuring live alligator wrestling, live music, smoked BBQ, craft beer, celebrity guests from Swamp People and Everglades Outlaw, local vendors, and family activities.

Mommy & Me Pilates Class
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 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 11 | 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 11 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Bonita Moms & Minis - Rooted in Nature
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
A stroller-friendly outdoor gathering for moms and little ones at Koreshan State Park with a nature walk, scavenger hunt, picnic play, and time to connect with local moms.

Bats and Bees Family Day
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Discover the importance of bats as nocturnal insectivores and bees as diurnal pollinators in Florida's ecosystem.

JCPenny Kids Zone Craft
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: JC Penny in Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave #903, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Bats and Bees Family Day
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Collier County Museums - Government Center, 3335 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112
A free family day at Collier County Museums exploring how bats and bees work together to protect Florida's fragile ecosystem as nocturnal insectivores and diurnal pollinators.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

CMON Spring Fling
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: Children's Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109
Fifth Annual Spring Fling celebrating animals, plants, produce, and environment with family-friendly activities.

Teen Arts & Crafts
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Teens ages 12-18 show off their creativity while catching up on favorite crafts from past programs, with limited space and supplies available.

SWFL Grilled Cheese Contest
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 4:00 PM-12:00 AM
Location: Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
8+ chefs and food trucks compete in professional grilled cheese showdown with creative and classic creations.

Pole Vault in the Plaza
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 4:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Mercato, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, FL 34108
Watch talented athletes compete in a live pole vault competition right on the streets of Mercato, benefiting St. Matthews House's mission to combat hunger, homelessness, and addiction.

Florida Everblades vs. South Carolina Stingrays
Date: Saturday, April 11 | 7:00 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Sunday Swap at the Farm
Date: Sunday, April 12 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: M&M Farms, 5450 Higginbotham Road, Fort Myers, FL 33905
A laid-back community swap meet where locals trade treasures, enjoy fresh air, and soak up the farm vibes.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, April 12 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Bayside Park Concert Series ft. Jacob's Ladder
Date: Sunday, April 12 | 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 Jacob's Ladder, a SW Florida band known for fat-bottomed rock, great lead vocals, and harmonies.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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