Good Morning SWFL!

Week two of back to school is almost complete, and if you're a mom (or dad!) still figuring out the new morning routine, just know you're not alone. We're all out here running on caffeine and calendar apps. And for those of you without little ones in the mix, we hope the school zone speed limits and carpool lines haven't added too much to your commute. Either way, fall is creeping in and the SWFL event calendar is filling up fast. There's a lot happening in Southwest Florida this week, let's take a look!

Audubon and Kingston Developer Reach Settlement
Cameratta Companies and Audubon have reached a landmark settlement ending a federal lawsuit over the massive Kingston development north of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The agreement eliminates controversial easements through the sanctuary, with Cameratta agreeing to return those easements to Audubon within two years. The deal also includes improved water quality protections, wildlife corridors for endangered Florida panthers, and the purchase of an approximately 100-acre parcel adjacent to Audubon's property using no taxpayer dollars. Audubon emphasized it sought no monetary settlement.(News-Press)

Collier County Approves $100K for New Artificial Reef off Naples
Collier County has secured $100,000 in funding, a $50,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation matched by $50,000 from the Coastal Conservation Association Florida, to build a new artificial reef approximately 10 miles off the coast of Naples, expected to be completed later this year. The prefabricated concrete reef modules will help restore marine ecosystems impacted by climate change, overfishing, and pollution while creating new habitat for grouper, snapper, and amberjack and boosting fishing and diving opportunities along the Paradise Coast.(Gulfshore Business)

Bonita Springs residents approved a $35 million bond measure on August 18th with 68% of the vote, securing the final piece of funding needed to purchase the Bonita Estero Rail Trail corridor. The vote authorizes the city to issue general obligation bonds to acquire its 5.8-mile segment of the trail, costing the average homeowner approximately $57 per year over 30 years. With Estero committing $19.8 million for its 4.1-mile stretch and Collier County pledging $11.6 million for 1.5 miles, all three segments of the 11.4-mile trail are now fully funded, with a land closing expected in October.

BERT will convert an inactive Seminole Gulf Railway corridor running through the heart of downtown Bonita Springs into a multi-use pathway for walking, running, biking, and rolling. Lee County did not approve the Alico Road to Estero section of the trail, meaning the northern end of the trail will begin at Estero Boulevard rather than connecting further north as originally envisioned. The trail connects to a much larger regional network including Lee County's SUN Trail Network, Collier County's Paradise Coast Trail. Beyond recreation, the trail sits within a mile of 11 local schools, will bring 70,000 residents within a 10-minute bike ride or walk, and is expected to boost downtown businesses and property values. Similar trails in Florida cities like Sarasota and Venice have transformed their surrounding communities, with the Legacy Trail in Sarasota alone drawing more than 700,000 users annually.

So what comes next? The due diligence process, including an environmental inspection of the corridor, must be completed before the October land closing. A Project Development and Environment study is already underway, and once that is complete, construction of the trail is estimated to take approximately 18 to 24 months. Funding for design and construction is expected to come from a mix of private donations, state and federal grants, and local sources.

Beginning in 2006, the ongoing survey tracks the abundance, social behavior, well-being, travel range, and genealogy of the local bottlenose dolphin population around Marco Island, making it one of the longest continuously running wild dolphin studies in the country, and one of the few anywhere that everyday boat passengers help power. The team identifies individual dolphins through "photo-ID," matching the nicks and notches on each dolphin's dorsal fin like a fingerprint, and because they've tracked family lines for nearly two decades, they've been able to map out entire family trees. As of their 2025 records, the study has identified 14 grandmother dolphins in the local population.

The scale of the work is impressive. This past quarter, the team collected 1,873 identified sightings of the local population, following 2,184 documented sightings in the first quarter, bringing the first half of the year to a close with 4,057 sightings to review. The local society consists of 40+ adult females, 15 adult males, and the rest of the group made up of calves still by their mom's sides and young dolphins that have left mom's side but aren't yet fully mature, bringing the local population to 125+ dolphins.

A dorsal fin isn't a permanent ID card. Dolphins pick up new nicks and scars over time from boat strikes, fishing line entanglements, and everyday roughhousing, so a fin can look noticeably different a year or two later. That's why the study depends on continual, repeated sightings; every trip adds a fresh data point that helps researchers keep each dolphin's file current and correctly trace family lines across generations. It's citizen science in action: guests help spot, name, and log dolphins, helping maintain one of the most detailed dolphin genealogies in the world, all funded entirely by ticket sales.

Read the full second quarter research results | Meet the dolphins in the 2026 Dolphin Directory

Read online for the full list of events

Beach and Estuary Walk
Date: Friday, August 21 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A ranger-led walk over the estuary and shoreline exploring seashells, crustaceans, and starfish.

Alamo $7 Summer Movie: Where Is the Friend's House?
Date: Friday, August 21 | 4:00 PM
Location: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Unit 8205, Naples, FL 34108
A quietly moving Iranian film about a boy on a determined mission to return his classmate's notebook.

Baby Rave
Date: Friday, August 21 | 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
Location: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Avenue N. E., Naples, FL 34120
A high energy dance party for babies, toddlers, and their grown ups featuring music, movement, and sensory fun.

Family Yoga
Date: Friday, August 21 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A family yoga session held during Fort Myers' Music Walk.

Music Walk
Date: Friday, August 21 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets.

The Elevate Community Social
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 8:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Elevate SWFL, 28120 Race Track Rd, Bonita Springs, FL
A community meetup with a run/walk, free fitness classes, open play, a kickball tournament, and local vendors.

Paddle & Flow: Paddleboarding, Sandbar Yoga & Sound Healing
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 8:30 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Mike's Coastal Expeditions, LLC, 26083 Hickory Boulevard, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
A guided paddleboard outing followed by sandbar yoga and sound healing; boards and gear included, no experience needed.

Pupilates: Pilates + Pups
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 9:00 AM-9:50 AM
Location: Chocolattes Coffee Co. - Downtown Fort Myers, 2180 W First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A 50-minute mat Pilates class you take alongside your dog, benefiting the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Pilates for Moms
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Big City Kids, 12601 Trade Way Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Moms and babies take a Pilates class together, with mats and props provided.

Kids Club: Watercolor Chameleon
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Michaels (check your local store)
Kids ages 4+ paint a beginner's watercolor chameleon in this free in-store class.

Gardening for Butterflies & Pollinators
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: The Garden Place, 20071 S Tamiami Trl, Estero, FL 33928
A free workshop on gardening to attract butterflies and pollinators.

Read to Dogs
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A free drop-in program where kids practice reading aloud to friendly therapy dogs — no reservations required.

Al Fresco Art Family Day
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
A free outdoor art family day at Collier Museum where families paint their own masterpiece to take home, inspired by the surrounding landscape and works of local artist E. George Rogers.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Babies & Brews
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Swamp Cat Brew Co, 1943 Fowler St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A family meetup for parents and babies at Swamp Cat Brew Co., with donations accepted for Eva's Closet.

End of Summer Luau
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 7:00 PM-11:45 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
An island-themed party with a fire dancer performance, leis, and tropical drink specials.

South Cape's Bacon Fest Pub Crawl 2026
Date: Saturday, August 22 | 7:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: South Cape, Cape Coral, FL
A bacon-themed pub crawl through South Cape with drink and appetizer samples, live judging, and a photo booth contest; 21+.

Mommy & Me Yoga
Date: Sunday, August 23 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: CrossFit Naples, 4110 Enterprise Ave #106, Naples, FL 34104
Moms and kids practice yoga together at CrossFit Naples.

Naples Pokemon Card Show
Date: Sunday, August 23 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: The White Rose, 2320 Moulder Drive, Naples, FL 34120
A Pokemon-focused card show with vendors, trading, and giveaways; kids 12 and under get in free.

Ice Cream in a Bag
Date: Sunday, August 23 | 12:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Farm Store, 23111 Fashion Drive Unit 105, Estero
Kids learn to make their own ice cream in this hands on activity.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, August 23 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

The Social Canvas
Date: Sunday, August 23 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Millennial Brewing Co., 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Local business owners network over a guided paint experience, no pitches or artistic talent required.

Bingo with Cats!
Date: Sunday, August 23 | 7:10 PM-8:10 PM
Location: Cattyshack Cat Cafe, 9902 Gulf Coast Main St, Ste D-140, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A bingo night featuring the cafe's resident cats.

Preschool Art
Date: Monday, August 24 | 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A free drop-in preschool art program for birth to age 5 — explore collaborative and individual art methods, no registration required though space and supplies are limited.

Mimosas in Mully
Date: Monday, August 24 | 11:10 AM-12:10 PM
Location: Cattyshack Cat Cafe, 9902 Gulf Coast Main St, Ste D-140, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Sip mimosas and spend time with cats in the cafe's Mully room.

Free Morning Yoga
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
A free all-levels vinyasa yoga class open to hotel guests and the local community.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 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.

Preschool Glow Party
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Preschoolers enjoy neon art, dancing, and games under ultraviolet lights; dress for mess.

Toddler Storytime
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, and puppets for toddlers and their caregivers.

Get Hooked!
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Beginners learn basic crochet stitches - chain, single, and double crochet - with supplies provided.

Grandparent Date Night
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S Tamiami Trl, Estero, FL 33928
A dress up dinner night for grandparents and grandkids with activities, photos, and a visit from the Chick-fil-A Cow.

Kids Tiny Town Design
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 6:00 PM-6:45 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A free drop-in kids design and building program for ages 6-11 — design and color a tiny community, all supplies provided, space and supplies limited.

Tuesday Open Classroom Event: Guided Art - Paint By Number Frames
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Michaels (check your local store)
Try Michaels' paint-by-number frames in-store; free kits provided while supplies last.

Yoga for Moms
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Big City Kids, 12601 Trade Way Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Moms practice yoga together weekly, with free after-hours play time for kids and mats provided.

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium for Turns 2'sday.

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, August 26 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Preschool Program: Mini Monets
Date: Wednesday, August 26 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
A free preschool art program at Collier Museum where kids ages 3-5 create watercolor masterpieces inspired by Monet and Florida landscape artists while building fine motor and color recognition skills.

Mommy & Me Yoga: Family Edition
Date: Wednesday, August 26 | 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free family yoga class for birth to age 5 with caregiver — all levels welcome, move and connect with your little one. Registration required.

Toddler Storytime
Date: Wednesday, August 26 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, and puppets for toddlers and their caregivers.

Art After Hours at The Baker Museum ft. The Reunited Duo
Date: Wednesday, August 26 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, FL 34108
A free evening at The Baker Museum featuring live vocals and guitar by The Reunited Duo, free admission to all museum exhibitions, and concessions at Heidi's Place

Prenatal Yoga & Sound Bath
Date: Wednesday, August 26 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Prenatal yoga and a sound bath for expecting moms, in collaboration with Doula for the Soul; child-free event.

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Wednesday, August 26 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium for Wear It Wednesday and Silver Sluggers Night.

Bubble Party - Bubblemania!
Date: Thursday, August 27 | 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Kids blow bubbles and dance to favorite tunes in this soapy outdoor party.

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Thursday, August 27 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium for College Night and Mussel Up for the Community.

Retro Game Night
Date: Friday, August 28 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Naples Depot Museum
A family game night with classic board games and a free ice cream sundae bar.

Funny Marco at Off the Hook
Date: Friday, August 28 | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM & 9:00 PM-10:30 PM
Location: Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100, Naples, FL
Stand-up comedy from Funny Marco at Off The Hook Comedy Club.

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Friday, August 28 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium with Friday Fireworks and a Pre-Game Happy Hour.

Beach Cleanup
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Volunteers help clean up Mid-Beach; gloves, buckets, and pickers provided..

Summer Saturdays at Mound House
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Mound House, 451 Connecticut St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free family-friendly day at the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach with crafts, atlatl demonstrations, and family activities — free admission all day.

Poses & Pints Yoga
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Point Ybel Brewing Company DwnTwn, 2180 W First St Ste. 110, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A slow, intentional Saturday morning vinyasa class led by veteran and musician Kyle, followed by a pint.

All-Abilities Storytime
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
An inclusive, sensory-friendly storytime for children ages 3-12 with unique learning needs and their caregivers.

Kids Day at WINK Playland – Crafts, Face Painting & Free Treat
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 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

Family Build-It
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free drop-in family building activity for all ages with a variety of building stations — no registration required, all materials provided.

Back-to-School Photo Event
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Paws for Wellness Veterinary Clinic, 2025 Arcadia St, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Professional back-to-school photos for kids and pets, plus local vendors; $10 donation benefits Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Knit and Stitch Social Hour
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library (South Building), 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Knit, crochet, or cross-stitch with fellow crafters and learn about the library's crafting resources.

Teen Diamond Painting
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A free drop-in teen craft for ages 12-18 — paint animal and food-themed magnets using adhesive gems, no reservations required while supplies last.

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 6:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium for Everblades Night with a Hockey Sweater Giveaway.

Funny Marco at Off the Hook
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 6:30 PM-8:00 PM & 8:30 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100, Naples, FL
Stand-up comedy from Funny Marco at Off The Hook Comedy Club.

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Sunday, August 30 | 12:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium — kids get free tickets and a pre-game catch on the field.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, August 30 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available