Good Morning SWFL!

Gator Lanes Transforms into Fort Myers Dinner Theatre
Gator Lanes, a south Fort Myers landmark bowling alley for nearly 50 years, has been sold for $3.1 million to Michelle and Jeremy Kuntze, who are converting the 28,000-square-foot building at 1901 Crystal Drive into Fort Myers Dinner Theatre. The new venue will feature a 150-seat youth theater, a 200-seat main theater, bowling lanes, a mystery dinner theater, and an on-site kitchen opening in September, with summer camps already underway and after-school programs launching when school resumes. (Gulfshore Business)

Lee County Expands Conservation 20/20 with Four New Parcels
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of four parcels under the Conservation 20/20 program, including three on Pine Island totaling nearly 66 acres along Stringfellow Road and Monaco Lake Drive, and a 3.5-acre infill parcel at 10301 Palm Beach Boulevard east of Fort Myers to be incorporated into the Orange River Preserve, with a combined purchase price of approximately $2.58 million. (Gulf Coast News Now)

Doc Ford Brand Trial Set for Local Author Randy Wayne White
A trial date has been set in the lawsuit between Sanibel Island-based New York Times bestselling author Randy Wayne White and Fort Myers-based HM Restaurant Group over the Doc Ford brand. White sued the company in July 2025, alleging it violated their licensing agreement by using the Doc Ford name to promote restaurants beyond those covered in the deal and failing to properly pay royalties. HM Restaurant Group, which operates four Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille locations in Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and St. Petersburg, denies the allegations and says it has fulfilled its obligations.(News-Press)

Election Day is Tuesday, August 18, and there are several ways to cast your ballot in Lee County. Here's your quick guide to making sure your vote counts:

Early Voting
Early voting runs August 8 through August 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 12 locations across Lee County. You can vote at any early voting site regardless of your assigned Election Day precinct. Check wait times online before heading out at lee.vote. and here is a list of early voting locations and hours.

Vote by Mail
You still have time to request a mail-in ballot, but you must do so by 5 p.m. today, August 6th! Once received, completed ballots must be returned to the Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, August 18 to be counted. Although the deadline is today, Lee County encouraged voters to mail their ballots back by August 4 to ensure timely delivery. So you may want to consider an alternative option. If you haven't mailed yours yet, it is strongly encouraged to drop it off in person rather than mail it. Ballots can be dropped off at the Supervisor of Elections Office or any early voting location during early voting hours. You can track your ballot online at here.

Election Day
Polls are open on Tuesday, August 18. All voters casting a ballot in person should bring a valid photo ID with a signature.

Why This Primary Matters
This year's ballot includes judicial races, school board contests, and the Lee County Commission District 5 race, which is a universal primary meaning all registered Lee County voters can participate regardless of party affiliation. For Bonita Springs voters specifically, the Bonita-Estero Rail Trail (BERT) is also on the ballot, giving residents a chance to weigh in on the future of this highly anticipated trail project that would connect Bonita Springs and Estero.

For a full list of early voting locations, sample ballots, and more information visit lee.vote.

This week's Summer Spotlight is the last of our summer series! With the kiddos heading back to school and summer winding down, I wanted to go out with an extra special spotlight!

The Bird Gardens of Naples at 1060 Purple Martin Drive in Naples is one of the most unique and memorable experiences in all of Southwest Florida, and chances are many of you have never heard of it.

This nonprofit avian rescue and sanctuary has been caring for relinquished and abandoned birds since 2011 and is home to approximately 200 birds at any given time, including Macaws, African Greys, Cockatoos, and more. The guided tour winds through beautiful, lush paths that lead you through the property's many aviaries, where you can get up close and personal with some truly remarkable birds.

Tours are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. Gates open at 10:45 a.m. and the guided tour begins promptly at 11:00 a.m., so be punctual as it is the only tour of the day! Tours typically last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. No reservations are required, just show up and sign a waiver at the gate. And here is the best part: there is no admission fee! The Bird Gardens operates entirely on donations, so be sure to bring some cash to support their incredible mission of caring for these magnificent animals. Pro tip: bring unsalted nuts or blueberries as treats for the birds (no peanuts please!).

Yes, it is a bit of a drive south depending on where you are coming from, but every review says the same thing: absolutely worth it.

This event list is quite long this week. I expect that the email will be cut off, you can read online for the full version.

Seashell Walk
Date: Friday, August 7 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A ranger-led shelling walk along the shoreline, learning about local seashells and the creatures that make them.

SWFL Mom Walk Playdate Event
Date: Friday, August 7 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Moms from all the SWFL Mom Walk chapters gather together for a playdate at Southern Fresh Farms.

Alamo $7 Summer Movie: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Date: Friday, August 7 | 4:00 PM
Location: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Unit 8205, Naples, FL 34108
The internet-famous tiny shell makes his big screen debut in this achingly sweet family film.

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers
Date: Friday, August 7 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street

Coastal Theme Wooden Books & Oar Craft Workshop
Date: Friday, August 7 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Lumber Axe Whiskey Bar & Grill, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Craft a coastal oar sign or stacked wooden books at Lumber Axe; food purchase required.

Wonder on Tap at Ankrolab Brewing Company
Date: Friday, August 7 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Ankrolab Brewing Company, 3555 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112
A craft beer fundraiser at Ankrolab Brewing benefiting Wonder Gardens' animal residents and historic grounds.

First Friday Concert: Elvis Through the Years
Date: Friday, August 7 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free outdoor tribute concert spanning Elvis Presley's most iconic eras, from his 1956 rise to fame through the legendary '68 Comeback Special, at Gulf Coast Town Center's courtyard.

Bird Patrol Walk at Six Mile Cypress Slough
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 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.

Lightworx Paddle & Flow: Paddleboarding, Sandbar Yoga & Sound Healing
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 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.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 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.

Kids Club: Lazy Daisy Embroidery
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Michaels (check your local store)
Kids ages 6+ learn beginner cross stitch techniques with a lazy daisy embroidery project.

JCPenny Kids Zone Craft: Color Notebook & Pencil Pouch
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: JC Penny in Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave #903, Fort Myers, FL 33901

King Charles Cavalier Meetup: Yappy Hour at Backyard Social
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners and their dogs meet up at Backyard Social.

Public Wild Saturdays: Alligators
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 11:00 AM-11:45 AM
Location: East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Dr, Naples, FL 34112
A free family program at East Naples Community Park featuring games, activities, and crafts all about Florida's iconic alligators and the swamps and marshes they patrol. Registration required, opens two weeks prior.

Power Up for Summer - Back to School Bash
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free family celebration with live entertainment, a costume contest, and a kids' entrepreneur market.

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

Dog Dayz
Date: Sunday, August 9 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing Co., 9201 Cockleshell Ct, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Off-leash dog play, vendors, and award-winning brews on tap; celebrating all August dog birthdays.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, August 9 | 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: "Mockingbird"
Date: Sunday, August 9 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free outdoor concert featuring party band Mockingbird at Bayside Park.

Yoga with Cats!
Date: Sunday, August 9 | 5:10 PM-6:10 PM
Location: Cattyshack Cat Cafe, 9902 Gulf Coast Main St, Ste D-140, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A yoga class held alongside the cafe's resident cats.

Emo Night Karaoke Ft Myers
Date: Sunday, August 9 | 7:00 PM-11:59 PM
Location: The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Sing your favorite emo hits with a live backing band and full production at this karaoke night.

Regal $1 Summer Movies: The Sandlot & Muppet Treasure Island
Date: Monday, August 10
Location: Your Local Regal Theater
A timeless summer baseball classic paired with the Muppets' swashbuckling take on Treasure Island.

810 Day
Date: Monday, August 10 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: 810 Billiards & Bowling, Suite 50 (Miromar Outlets), 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
A free day of complimentary buffet, gaming, and activities celebrating 810 Entertainment.

Pilates and Pints
Date: Monday, August 10 | 7:30 PM-8:15 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A sunset Pilates class on the farm followed by a cold beverage from Southern Fresh Brew Co.

Free Morning Yoga at Hyatt Coconut Point
Date: Tuesday, August 11 | 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 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, open to hotel guests and the community.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, August 11 | 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.

Classic Film: Stand and Deliver
Date: Tuesday, August 11 | 2:00 PM-3:45 PM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Watch the PG-rated, National Film Registry classic about a teacher who inspires his students to excel; snacks provided.

Bingo Night at Chick-fil-A Estero
Date: Tuesday, August 11 | 4:30 PM
Location: Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S Tamiami Trl, Estero, FL 33928
A free monthly Bingo Night at Chick-fil-A Estero with two sessions at 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM, walk-ins welcome, no RSVP needed.

Pour Your Own Epoxy
Date: Tuesday, August 11 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Riptide Brewing Company - Bonita Springs, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A hands-on workshop crafting an epoxy river charcuterie board, lazy susan, or other wood piece; finished project shipped after curing.

Yoga for Moms
Date: Tuesday, August 11 | 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. Clearwater
Date: Tuesday, August 11 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Clearwater at Hammond Stadium for Turns 2'sday.

Downtown Showdown
Date: Tuesday, August 11 | 8:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Sugarshack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL
Southwest Florida singers compete live for a $2,500 grand prize in this weekly singing competition.

Women's Basic Self-Defense Class
Date: Wednesday, August 12 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Healthy Life Center - Coconut Point, 23450 Via Coconut Point, Estero, FL 34135
The Lee County Sheriff's Office teaches teen and adult women personal safety, situational awareness, and basic self-defense tactics.

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, August 12 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Drowning Prevention Talk
Date: Wednesday, August 12 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free informative talk on drowning prevention. Learn how to keep children safer in and around water with practical tips and preparation strategies.

Scrapbook Club at Summer's Art Studios
Date: Wednesday, August 12 | 5:00 PM-6:30 PM
Location: Summer's Art Studio & Gallery, 27665 Old 41 Rd Unit 1, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A monthly scrapbook gathering at Summer's Art Studios in Bonita Springs for all skill levels. Bring your photos and memories, studio supplies provided, plus snacks, drinks, and tea included.

Mighty Mussels vs. Clearwater
Date: Wednesday, August 12 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Clearwater at Hammond Stadium for Wear It Wednesday and Silver Sluggers Night.

Mighty Mussels vs. Clearwater
Date: Thursday, August 13 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Clearwater at Hammond Stadium for College Night and Mussel Up for the Community.

Shorebird Stroll
Date: Friday, August 14 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A ranger-led shoreline walk to spot and identify the birds that call Lovers Key home.

Jurassic Quest
Date: Friday, August 14 | 1:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Mike Greenwell Regional Park, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, FL
Life-sized, moving, roaring animatronic dinosaurs plus dino rides, fossils, and inflatables.

Emo Nite at Backyard Social
Date: Friday, August 14 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A 90s-2000s emo night with live music from Bayfrontview at Backyard Social.

Mighty Mussels vs. Clearwater
Date: Friday, August 14 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Clearwater at Hammond Stadium with Friday Fireworks and a Pre-Game Happy Hour.

Jurassic Quest
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Mike Greenwell Regional Park, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, FL
Life-sized, moving, roaring animatronic dinosaurs plus dino rides, fossils, and inflatables.

Bell Tower Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A community arts and crafts fair at Bell Tower hosted by the Local Ladies Social Network featuring unique handcrafted items, local food, and great company.

MomCo Naples Lemonade Social
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Vineyards Community Park Splash Pad, 6231 Arbor Blvd W, Naples, FL 34119
Moms socialize at the splash pad while kids play; new moms always welcome.

Candle Making Workshop for Beginners
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Collier County Museums - Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Avenue West, Immokalee, FL 34142
Hands-on beginner workshop at Collier County Museums teaching traditional candle making with wax, wicks, and matches.

Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 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: Dino Island Volcano
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lowe's Home Improvement, Southwest Florida locations
Free kids' workshop featuring PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie–inspired build (registration opens 7/11).

Jr. Ranger Program
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Kids complete a hands-on Junior Ranger activity and can earn a passport stamp for the day's theme.

Caturday Playtime (all ages)
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Cattyshack Cat Cafe, 9902 Gulf Coast Main St, Ste D-140, Fort Myers, FL 33913
All-ages playtime with the cafe's resident cats.

Community Author Storytime with Dana Eikenberg
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free special storytime for birth to age 5 featuring local author Dana Eikenberg reading her book Hank the Brave — registration required.

Pizza Making at Tony Sacco's
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Tony Sacco's Estero, 8001 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Families make their own pizza together, with an apron, chef hat, drink, and sweet treat included.

Third Saturdays | Free Event
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Naples Art District, Shirley St. and J & C Blvd., Naples, FL 34109
A Free monthly art walk where visitors can explore working artist studios and discover one-of-a-kind artwork.

Pups 'n' Books
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Meet Golden Paws Assistance Dogs at the library; all ages welcome, no registration needed.

Teen & Tween Looming Workshop
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Teens and tweens learn simple looming techniques to make coasters, hearts, and other small weaving projects.

Women's Self Defense Course at Fort Myers Brewing
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr Suite 28, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A ticketed hands-on two-hour women's self defense workshop at Fort Myers Brewing taught by nationally recognized law enforcement and martial arts instructor Robert Tirollo, includes two beers after class.

Mighty Mussels vs. Clearwater
Date: Saturday, August 15 | 6:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Clearwater at Hammond Stadium for Augtoberfest and Bark in the Park.

Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, August 16 | 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

Jurassic Quest
Date: Sunday, August 16 | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Mike Greenwell Regional Park, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, FL
Life-sized, moving, roaring animatronic dinosaurs plus dino rides, fossils, and inflatables.

Mighty Mussels vs. Clearwater
Date: Sunday, August 16 | 12:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Clearwater at Hammond Stadium — kids get free tickets and a pre-game catch on the field.

Pokemon Scavenger Hunt at 810 Entertainment
Date: Sunday, August 16 | 2:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: 810 Billiards & Bowling, Suite 50 (Miromar Outlets), 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
A Pokemon-themed scavenger hunt with a challenge card, costume contest, and themed treats and drinks for all ages.

Bayside Park Concert Series: "Guilty Pleasure"
Date: Sunday, August 16 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free outdoor concert featuring Guilty Pleasure, performing concert and dance hits led by vocalist Lisa Nixon.