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Neighborhood News
RSW Expansion Update: New Concourse E Reaches Major Milestone
RSW placed the final structural beam on its new Concourse E, a key milestone in the airport’s $1.1B expansion. The “topping off” brings the project one step closer to improving the passenger experience with 14 new gates, larger security areas more flights and upgraded amenities. The concourse is expected to open in December 2027.(NewsPress)
“Flesh-Eating Bacteria” Case in Lee County
Lee County has reported another case of vibrio vulnificus, a rare but dangerous bacteria found in warm salt and brackish water. Officials warn it can enter through open cuts and is more risky for those with weakened immune systems. To stay safe, avoid the water with any open wounds and use caution when swimming or handling raw seafood.(GulfCoastNews)
Florida Reinstates Black Bear Hunt
For the first time in over a decade, Florida has reinstated a state-sanctioned black bear hunt. The season began Dec. 6 with 172 permits issued statewide. Supporters say it helps manage a growing bear population, while critics argue the hunt is unnecessary. The season runs through Dec. 28.(WinkNews)
New Development at Three Oaks & Alico? Here’s What Permits Suggest
At Alico and Three Oaks, behind the existing McDonald’s, Roadies, a Naples-based drive-thru coffee shop is expanding north into Lee County.
On the parcels flanking the new Wawa, applications show space allocated for both a Wendy’s and a Chick-fil-A, creating a new cluster of fast-casual options right along Alico.
Further north on Three Oaks Parkway, plans outline a 10,000-sq-ft emergency room.
On the Alico side of the development, filings indicate a Walmart Neighborhood Market(grocery store only), complete with a liquor store.
While none of the following projects have been officially announced, recent permits and planning documents give us a pretty good idea of what could be coming.
Road & Connectivity Plans: Three Oaks Extension to Daniels
In addition to commercial growth, Lee County is underway with a major transportation project that will extend Three Oaks Parkway north from Alico Road to Daniels Parkway and help support increased traffic in the area.
Construction has started, widening Daniels Parkway to eight lanes between Danport Boulevard and Powers Court/Apaloosa Lane. There will also be a diverging diamond, at the I-75 on/off ramps. The project is expected to be done in 2028.
This extension will create a new north-south connection parallel to I-75, improve mobility through south Lee County and provide additional relief for congestion around major intersections.
Know Before You Go: Holiday Shipping Deadlines
Deadlines for each shipping carrier for delivery on or before December 25th!
UPS
UPS Ground: varies by destination but could be as early as the 13th (check here)
UPS 3 Day Select: December 19th
UPS 2nd Day Air: December 22nd
UPS Next Day Air: December 23rd
Fed Ex
FedEx Ground Economy: December 15th
FedEx Express Saver: December 20th
FedEx 2Day: December 22nd
FedEx SameDay: December 24th
USPS
Ground Advantage & First-Class Mail: December 17th
Priority Mail: December 18th
Priority Mail Express: December 20th
Events
Friday, December 12th
Little Flurries: Movie & Craft
Date: Friday, December 12 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library, 3095 Blount St., Fort Myers, FL 33916
Holiday Wrappy Wrap!
Date: Friday, December 12 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Friday, December 12 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Music, Hot Chocolate and Roast Marshmallows at our firepit, and walk our 1/3 of a mile fully decorated Pine Loop Trail.
Naples 5th Ave South Tuba Christmas
Date: Friday, December 12 | 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
Location: The Naples Players, 698 4th Ave S, Naples, FL
50 musicians ring in the season on tubas, sousaphone, euphonium, and baritone horn players.
Saturday, December 13th
Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Rockin Around the Bell Tower 5K
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, Bell Tower Shops Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Dave and Buster's, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. Fort Myers Fl 33907
Milk and Cookies with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 9:00 AM-11:00 PM
Location: Eagle Lakes Park, 11565 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, FL
Hello Kitty Party
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center | Courtyard, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL 33913
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, sweet treats and exclusive merch, balloon twisting, photo ops and face painting
JCPenny Kids Zone Craft
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: JC Penny in Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave #903, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Build a Lego Toucan or Monster Truck
Grinch Fest
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 11:00 AM-2:30 PM
Location: John Michael's Diamond and Jewelry Studio, 1333 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral
Pajama Party: Meet the Grinch: Snap a fun 360 Camera Video, Meet Santa, Buttery Popcorn, Sweet Cotton Candy, Snow Cones, Grinch Bounce House & Create your own ornament
Tinkers & Toy-Makers Family Day
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL, 34112
We’ll be making some nostalgic fun toys that you can take home. Best for ages 5-12
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available
Christkindlmarkt- German American Social Club Christmas Festival
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: German American Social Club of Cape Coral, Florida
Christkindlmarkt and Festival
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: German American Social Club of Cape Coral, 2101 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL
Live music & Arts & Crafts Holiday MarketDelicious German food & Glühwein
Free Michaels Ornament Painting Event
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Santa Paws
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Sea Salt, 1186 3rd Street Naples, FL
Santa and Mrs. Claus available for photos with your pets
Candy Cane Lane
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 3:00 PM-5:30 PM
Location: Holiday House of Fort Myers, 2208 first street fort Myers Florida
Come meet Santa and find the gingerbread during a scavenger hunt through downtown
Holiday on the Bay
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 3:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL
Complimentary photos with Santa, character appearances, and the joyful sounds of the Naples Carolers. Snow show at 6pm.
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Music, Hot Chocolate and Roast Marshmallows at our firepit, and walk our 1/3 of a mile fully decorated Pine Loop Trail.
Naples Christmas Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Naples City Dock, 845 12th Ave S, Naples, FL
Marco Island Christmas Street Parade
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL
Parade begins at Balfour and San Marco Road and will end at San Marco and Barfield.
Mr. Glen's Holiday Science Show
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Norris Center, 755 8th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
Sunday, December 14th
Audubon of SWFL Shorebird Steward Walk
Date: Sunday, December 14 | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
All welcome, learn from dedicated stewards and even contribute your observations to real-world conservation efforts.
Mini Buddhas Kids Yoga
Date: Sunday, December 14 | 9:00 AM
Location: Children's Museum of Naples, 5080 Livingston Rd Naples, FL 34109
30-minute session designed for all ages. Parents can participate.
Christmas Art Fair
Date: Sunday, December 14 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: University Villages, 19800 Village Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL
Santa is Coming to Sun Harvest
Date: Sunday, December 14 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Sun Harvest, 14601 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, December 14 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available
Free Michaels Craft Class: Clay Trinket Tray
Date: Sunday, December 14 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Christmas Under the Stars Concert
Date: Sunday, December 14 | 5:45 PM
Location: Riverside Park
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Sunday, December 14 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Music, Hot Chocolate and Roast Marshmallows at our firepit, and walk our 1/3 of a mile fully decorated Pine Loop Trail.
Monday, December 15th
Make & Take: Holiday Cards
Date: Monday, December 15 | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Naples Regional Branch, 650 Central Ave, Naples, Florida, 34102
Paper Plate Santa
Date: Monday, December 15 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva, FL, 33924
Steel Drum Christmas
Date: Monday, December 15 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
Chanukah Celebration
Date: Monday, December 15 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Mercato on the Event Lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, Fl 34108
Celebrate Chanukah with a Menorah lighting ceremony, live entertainment, donuts, gelt and more.
Santa Paws at PAWty in the Piazza
Date: Monday, December 15 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Mercato on the Event Lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, Fl 34108
Live music and pictures with Santa for pets
Tuesday, December 16th
Mom Walk and Playdate
Date: Tuesday, December 16 | 9:00 AM
Location: University Village
Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, December 16 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Easy craft your little ones can assemble on the spot or take home to enjoy
Tiny Hands, Big Holidays
Date: Tuesday, December 16 | 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
Location: South Building, Meeting Room ABCD, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Movie on the Lawn: Elf
Date: Tuesday, December 16 | 5:45 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Mercato on the Event Lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, Fl 34108
Teen Crafting & Cocoa
Date: Tuesday, December 16 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, December 16 | 6:15 PM-7:15 PM
Location: Kava Culture Estero, 10801 Corkscrew Rd , Suite 327, Estero, FL
An all-levels yoga class led by Nichole of Renegade Metaphysical
Running Club at FM Brewing
Date: Tuesday, December 16 | 6:30 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, Fort Myers, FL
All runners at all paces to attend a quick run and Stay for Trivia at 7pm
Wednesday, December 17th
Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, December 17 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, December 17 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Thursday, December 18th
Mommy & Me Class
Date: Thursday, December 18 | 9:00 AM-10:15 AM
Location: DNA Academics, 9131 College Parkway Suite 115 Ft. Myers, FL 33919
Music and Movement, Circle Time Activity, Crafts & Baking Fun. Registration Required
Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, December 18 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928
Holly Jolly Babies
Date: Thursday, December 18 | 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Paper Plate Santa
Date: Thursday, December 18 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva, FL, 33924
Storytime at Lakes Park
Date: Thursday, December 18 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
In the Children's Garden a story, music, craft, and fun in the park! All ages welcomeDesigned for ages 2-4.
Winter Baby Playdate
Date: Thursday, December 18 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
Bell Tower Santa and Children’s Market
Date: Thursday, December 18 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave , Fort Myers, FL
photos with Santa, explore the Children’s Entrepreneur Market & Christmas themed inflatables
Friday, December 19th
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Friday, December 19 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Music, Hot Chocolate and Roast Marshmallows at our firepit, and walk our 1/3 of a mile fully decorated Pine Loop Trail.
Music Walk
Date: Friday, December 19 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets.
Candlelight Christmas Caroling
Date: Friday, December 19 | 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Baker Park, 50 Riverside Cir, Naples, FL 34102-1405
Pre Caroling Food and Beverages(5:30PM) Caroling(6:30PM-8:00PM)
Saturday, December 20nd
Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Mom Walk and Playdate
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 9:30 AM
Location: Lakes Park
Junior Ranger Program at Lovers Key State Park
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park in the Welcome and Discovery Center Community Room, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931
Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 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
Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair Fair at Bell Tower
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, Bell Tower Shops Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Free Cross Stitch for Beginners Class
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road Estero, FL 33928
Materials are provided, including fabric, needles, scissors, embroidery thread, and a free cross stitch pattern that we will begin in the class! Registration required
Lunch with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Location: Sea Salt, 1186 3rd St S, Naples, FL
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available
Free Michaels Ornament Painting Event
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Santa Paws
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center | Courtyard, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Join us for a festive photo-op your furry friends won’t want to miss!
Christmas on the Farm
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: M&M Farms & Cattle Co, 5450 Higginbotham Road, Fort Myers, FL
Playground, bounce house, photo op with Santa, Hay ride, Hot Coco & Smores
Christmas Boat Parade and Movie
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 4:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct Cape Coral, FL 33904
Boat Parade and Movie on the Lawn
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Music, Hot Chocolate and Roast Marshmallows at our firepit, and walk our 1/3 of a mile fully decorated Pine Loop Trail.
Marco Island Christmas Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 20 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Marco Island Esplanade, 800 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL
boats will be passing by The Esplanade Shoppes and Snook Inn Restaurant & Chickee Bar along Collier Bay
Sunday, December 21st
Audubon of SWFL Shorebird Steward Walk
Date: Sunday, December 21 | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Bunche Beach, 18201 John Morris Road Fort Myers, FL 33908
All welcome, learn from dedicated stewards and even contribute your observations to real-world conservation efforts.
Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, December 21 | 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.
Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair Fair at Bell Tower
Date: Sunday, December 21 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, Bell Tower Shops Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, December 21 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Sunday, December 21 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Music, Hot Chocolate and Roast Marshmallows at our firepit, and walk our 1/3 of a mile fully decorated Pine Loop Trail.
Until next week! ❤
-Sarajane
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