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Lee County Approves Controversial Development Changes in Southeast Lee
Lee County Commissioners voted 4-0 on August 19 to send proposed amendments to the Southeast Lee Plan to the state for review, loosening development restrictions in the over 83,000-acre Density Reduction Groundwater Resource area that stretches from State Road 82 south to Bonita Beach Road and the Collier County line. The changes, prompted by 11 developer-requested amendments since 2023, would allow for more intensive development in a sensitive area that includes Imperial Marsh Preserve, CREW Wildlife and Environmental Area, and Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, drawing strong opposition from environmentalists concerned about impacts to wildlife, water quality, and aquifer protection. Commissioners will hold another public hearing before any final approval.(WINK News)

FPL Brings Honeybees to Solar Sites Across Florida
Florida Power & Light is partnering with third-generation Florida beekeepers across 18 counties to integrate honeybee colonies into existing green space at solar energy centers, with more than 40 honeybee projects now active statewide. The initiative, known as agrivoltaics, explores the feasibility of combining solar energy infrastructure with agricultural activity on the same land. Beyond the bees, FPL is also piloting cattle grazing in DeSoto County, sheep grazing in Northwest Florida, and working with UF/IFAS to study crop growing efficiency at its Miami-Dade Solar Energy Center.(WGCU)

One of the most significant infrastructure changes coming to Southwest Florida is the planned widening of Interstate 75 through the Estero and Collier County corridor, and public input meetings are happening right now.

Since the original announcement in December 2024, the project has grown significantly. As of August 2026, FDOT's project scope has expanded north to Alico Road, bringing the total impacted stretch from 18.5 to 21 miles. The proposed improvements include adding auxiliary and express lanes in both directions, a new diverging diamond interchange at Immokalee Road, ramp modifications at key interchanges, resurfacing, and noise walls at qualifying locations. Between Corkscrew Road and Immokalee Road, the proposal calls for five lanes in each direction for a total of 10 lanes, while other sections will be widened from six to eight lanes. Construction on the Corkscrew Road to Bonita Beach Road section is not expected to begin until 2029, but decisions that will shape the project, including whether and where noise barriers will be built, are being made right now.

Why This Matters to You

For residents living near I-75 in communities like Stoneybrook, The Woods, Tidewater, Villagio, Shadow Wood, Copperleaf, Lighthouse Bay, and Pebble Pointe, the biggest concern is noise. More lanes mean higher speeds, and higher speeds mean more traffic noise. Beyond the annoyance, prolonged exposure to traffic noise has been linked to cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbances, and other serious health concerns.

In April 2026, more than 130 people attended an Engage Estero meeting on the project, with residents raising concerns about quality of life and property values. Engage Estero and area residents have called on FDOT to install 22-foot noise barriers along the west side of I-75, along with noise-reducing pavement, as part of the project. A well-designed noise wall can reduce highway noise by 5 to 10 decibels, which is perceived as cutting the noise roughly in half. The upcoming public meetings will include details about qualifying noise wall locations, making attendance especially important for affected residents.

Public Input Meetings: Your Voice Matters!

FDOT is holding three public input meetings where residents can review preliminary project and noise study information and share their concerns. All three meetings will present the same information, so attend whichever works best for you:

In Person: Lee County
Monday, August 31, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Estero Community Park
9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard, Estero, FL 33928

In Person: Collier County
Tuesday, September 1, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
North Collier Regional Park, Exhibit Hall Room A
15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109

Online via Microsoft Teams
Wednesday, September 2, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Join at: bit.ly/I-75GGtoAlico

If you live near I-75 and are concerned about noise, this is your opportunity to make your voice heard. You can also signal your concern and be included in Engage Estero's collective note to FDOT Project Manager Nicole Harris by filling out the form. Full project details can be viewed here.

The Groundbreaking

After nearly four years of waiting, rebuilding, and advocating, the Fort Myers Beach Pier finally broke ground on Friday, August 21, 2026. The ceremony took place in front of more than 100 people at the newly reopened Crescent Beach Family Park at 1100 Estero Blvd., just adjacent to the pier site near Times Square. It was three years, ten months, and 24 days between the day Hurricane Ian destroyed the pier and this groundbreaking.

The New Pier

The replacement pier will extend roughly 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide — more than 70% longer and 50% wider than the pier destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. It will incorporate reinforced concrete piles, a concrete deck, aluminum railings, an entry gate, and three shade structures, establishing it as a durable community landmark for generations to come. The $14.4 million project is being funded using FEMA Public Assistance, Tourist Development Taxes, and RESTORE ACT grants, and is expected to be completed in late summer 2027.

The History: A Pier That Has Survived It All…Until Ian

The story of the Fort Myers Beach Pier is really the story of the island itself: resilient, beloved, and always coming back.

Originally built in the 1930s, Lee County took over management of the pier in the late 1940s. The county added a bathhouse in the 1950s, and the concrete pier was installed in the bicentennial year of 1976. It was later dedicated by the county in 1976 and became one of Lee County's most visited tourist spots, known for its view of the Gulf, the island's panoramic sunsets, and the daily parade of pelicans, dolphins, and stingrays passing underneath.

In its heyday, the pier bustled daily with sightseers and anglers amid the street performers and café tables of Times Square. It even withstood past hurricanes like 2004's Hurricane Charley. The pier extended 560 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and included a pavilion, a bait shack, and viewing spots for aquatic life.

But on September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian's Category-4 fury hit Fort Myers Beach head-on. Ian obliterated the pier, ripping the concrete-and-wood structure down to a mere skeleton of pilings in the surf. A group of neighbors formed the Fort Myers Beach Pier Committee to advocate for a faster and stronger rebuild. Committee members Allen and Cynthia Shanosky spent a full year visiting more than two dozen coastal towns to learn how other communities rebuilt their piers, and surveyed over 10,000 people to gather public input and demonstrate broad community support.

That advocacy worked. The new pier is bigger, stronger, and built to last and is now officially under construction with an expected completion in late summer of 2027.

Read online for the full list of events

Happy Hour on the Farm
Date: Friday, August 28 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Tiny Hiney Farm, 6251 Longhorn Trl
A self guided evening at Tiny Hiney Farm where you bring your own food and drinks and wander among the animals at your own pace. Both on Friday and Saturday

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.

Sweet Heat BBQ Cooking Class (Ages 6-15)
Date: Friday, August 28 | 6:00 PM-8:30 PM
Location: 811 SW 44th Street Suite #3, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Kids ages 6 to 15 build a full BBQ style meal from scratch, including homemade brioche buns, BBQ chicken sliders, and roasted potato wedges.

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.

Paddleboarding, Sandbar Yoga & Sound Healing
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 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.

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.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, Monroe and First Streets, Fort Myers, FL
A free weekly outdoor farmers market in Downtown Fort Myers every Saturday with fresh local produce, artisan goods, and community vendors at Monroe and First Streets.

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.

Waterlily Weekend
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112
Naples Botanical Garden celebrates nearly 300 waterlily varieties in peak bloom with tours, demonstrations, and special guided experiences.

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.

Jr. Pizza Chef
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Tony Sacco's
Kids get hands on with pizza making, from tossing dough to building their own pie, before it is fired in the coal oven.

Knit and Stitch Social Hour
Date: Saturday, August 29 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, South Building, Meeting Room ABCD, Fort Myers, FL
A relaxed afternoon of knitting, crocheting, and cross stitching with beginner supplies provided.

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.

Adult Gymnastics
Date: Sunday, August 30 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: 15989 Old US 41, Fort Myers, FL
An open gymnastics session for adults of all skill levels.

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

Crafts After Dark
Date: Sunday, August 30 | 8:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Kava Culture, 1615 Hendry St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A relaxing weekly craft night with painting, crochet, coloring, and community, hosted by Creative Hands Events.

Pour Your Own Epoxy Workshop at Fort Myers Brewing
Date: Monday, August 31 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr Suite 28, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A ticketed hands-on epoxy workshop at Fort Myers Brewing where you craft your own epoxy river charcuterie board, lazy susan, clock, key holder shelf, coasters, or mini pair — includes a drink ticket, food truck on site.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, September 1 | 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.

Toddler Storytime
Date: Tuesday, September 1 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, and puppets for toddlers and their caregivers.

Teen Karaoke
Date: Tuesday, September 1 | 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Teens ages 12-18 grab the mic and sing their favorite songs at library karaoke.

Bad Art Night
Date: Tuesday, September 1 | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free kids art program for ages 6-11 where imperfection is the point — create wacky, funky artwork with no pressure and all the silliness.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, September 1 | 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!

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, September 2 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Toddler Storytime
Date: Wednesday, September 2 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, and puppets for toddlers and their caregivers.

Storytime Social
Date: Wednesday, September 2 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free storytime meet-and-greet for birth to age 5 — meet the librarians, enjoy a shared storytime, and connect with other families in the community.

Art After Dark | Free Community Event
Date: Wednesday, September 2 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Naples Art District, 5760 Shirley St, Naples, FL 34109
Meet local artists and explore commissioned art pieces at this free community art event.

Open Paint Thursday, Indoor (Summer)
Date: Thursday, September 3 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: FMBAA Gallery (McGregor), 13451 McGregor Blvd, unit #1, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A weekly drop in painting session where local artists work on their own projects together.

Baby Playtime
Date: Thursday, September 3 | 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Babies and families build early literacy skills through free play, games, and toys.

Stress Relief Meditation
Date: Thursday, September 3 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
A seated meditation session blending mindfulness and gentle breathwork to relieve stress; open to all levels.

Craft Corner Class
Date: Friday, September 4 | 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Location: Florida Blue Fort Myers, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
A hands-on craft class where beginners learn art techniques and take home a unique project.

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers
Date: Friday, September 4 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street

SummerWeen Night Market at Fort Myers Brewing
Date: Friday, September 4 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing Co., 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, Unit 28, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A Friday night market with local vendors, live music, food trucks, and trick or treating to kick off SummerWeen weekend.

Emo Nite at Backyard Social
Date: Friday, September 4 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A live emo night with music from Bayfront View Band and a DJ.

First Friday Concert: Almighty Queen – A Tribute to Queen
Date: Friday, September 4 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free, family-friendly outdoor tribute concert at Gulf Coast Town Center featuring Almighty Queen performing the music of Queen, blending heavy metal, glam rock, opera, and hard rock.

1st Annual Mud Bash Volleyball Tournament
Date: Saturday, September 5 | 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33912
A muddy 4-on-4 volleyball tournament with team awards, food, live music, and free spectator admission.

Lakes Park Bird Patrol Walk
Date: Saturday, September 5 | 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

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, September 5 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, Monroe and First Streets, Fort Myers, FL
A free weekly outdoor farmers market in Downtown Fort Myers every Saturday with fresh local produce, artisan goods, and community vendors at Monroe and First Streets.

Free admission at Naples Zoo(Collier Residents Only)
Date: Saturday, September 5 | 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: School Bus Organizer
Date: Saturday, September 5 | 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.

Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Date: Saturday, September 5 | 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.

Repticon's ReptiDay Fort Myers
Date: Saturday, September 5 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL
A family friendly reptile and exotic animal expo where guests can shop, learn from breeder-vendors, and get pet care advice.

Kids' Gemstone Hunting at Provident Jewelry
Date: Saturday, September 5 | 11:00 AM
Location: Provident Jewelry, 15245 S. Tamiami Trail #15, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Kids ages 5 and up sift through sand to find and keep real gemstones while learning about birthstones and how gems are found in nature - call to RSVP.

SummerWeen with Rock Republic at Fort Myers Brewing
Date: Saturday, September 5 | 12:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing Co., 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, Unit 28, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A Halloween in September party with live music from Rock Republic, costume contests, and a watermelon carving contest.

First Sunday Paddle - Clam Pass Park
Date: Sunday, September 6 | 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Clam Pass Park, Seagate Dr & Crayton Road, Naples, FL
A club kayak and paddle outing through Clam Bay to North Clam Bay, guided by local trip coordinators through mangrove trails and wildlife viewing.