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Neighborhood News
RSW Braces for Holiday Rush
With the holidays ramping up, RSW is seeing a big spike in travel. According to recent data, daily passenger traffic across the airport jumped about 26%, from roughly 16,200 to over 20,300 travelers per day during the peak Thanksgiving period. (NewsPress)
Roberto Clemente Park Reopens with SWFL’s Tallest Slide
Fort Myers is officially reopening Roberto Clemente Park on Dec. 5, unveiling major upgrades, including a brand-new amphitheater, refreshed inclusive playground, and a 21-foot slide, now the tallest playground slide in Southwest Florida.(Wink News)
New School Bus Camera Enforcement Starts Monday
Starting Monday, December 8, drivers in Lee County who pass a school bus with its red lights flashing, even on two or multi-lane roads, will be automatically recorded by cameras on the bus, and could receive a $225 fine. The rule applies both directions on most roads, unless there is a raised median or physical divider separating traffic from the bus. The school-bus safety program, run by the district in partnership with law enforcement, began with a month of warning notices; tickets will kick in once the new enforcement begins. This is a good reminder for everyone, when the bus lights flash and the stop arm goes out, slow down and stop. (WGCU)
Mail Your Letter to Santa at San Carlos Park Fire Stations
San Carlos Park Fire District has teamed up with Santa this year! All five fire stations now have official Santa Mailboxes, where kids can drop off their letters—no postage needed, just a little holiday magic. Be sure to include your child’s name and address, and the Fire District will make sure Santa sends back a personalized letter.Deadline to drop off letters: December 15th.
Drop-off locations:
Station 51 – 8013 Sanibel Blvd.
Station 52 – 16901 Island Park Rd.
Station 53 – 19591 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy.
Station 54 – 16900 Oriole Rd.
Station 55 – 9302 Oak Town Center Ln.
(San Carlos Park Fire Stations)
Know Before You Go!
Coconut Point’s annual Tropical Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting happening on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Mommy & Me Yoga Club Soft Launched this week!
A new yoga community for moms and little ones has officially arrived in Estero/Bonita! Mommy & Me Yoga Club, founded by local moms Athena Jackson Pavlovich and Kaitlyn Hoffman, offers affordable yoga classes for moms, babies, and toddlers. Children are welcome at every single class, even the flow sessions designed for mom’s workout.
December Classes
Evenings at Big City Kids
Includes yoga plus playtime for the kids — all for just $20
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Powerhouse Dance Studio in Coconut Point
Mondays, Fridays & Sundays
Drop-ins are $15 (or $13 with a class pack). Operating out of partner studios keeps pricing family-friendly and flexible.
Special Events This Month
Thursday 12/11 – Mommy & Me Yoga with The Mom Walk Co
$10 • 9 AM at Estero Community ParkSaturday 12/13 – Pop-Up Yoga
$20 • 11 AM at Hopsized Brewing (includes a drink)Wednesday 12/24 – Free Christmas Eve Family Yoga
FREE • 9 AM at Estero Community Park
A full lineup of prenatal, postpartum, and children’s classes will launch in January, along with a grand-opening celebration featuring prizes and free-class giveaways. Check out Mommy & Me Yoga Club!
🐾 New Tool Helps Reunite Lost Pets & Free Microchipping All December!
Find My Pet Portal
This free online tool, provided by Lee County, lets residents upload photos of lost or found pets, making it easier to connect owners and finders quickly, even before a pet enters the shelter system. The portal is part of recent updates to the county’s animal-control ordinance, which also clarified rules around microchipping and stray-intake procedures.
Free Microchipping in December
To support the new system and boost pet safety, LCDAS is offering free microchipping all month long. No appointment is needed, simply stop by Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Microchips are one of the fastest ways to reunite lost pets with their families, and this is a great opportunity to get it done at no cost.
Events
Friday, December 5
Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers
Date: Friday, December 5 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Naples 5th Ave South Tree Lighting and Christmas Walk
Date: Friday, December 5 | 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Naples
Lighting of the tree will be approximately 6pm. This signature holiday event will feature live music, live art performances, festive food offerings, a market, and activities for all ages! There will be a Living Nativity, Skating Rink, table dining on 5th, live music and a special appearance by Santa Claus!!
Movie in the Park: The Santa Claus 2
Date: Friday, December 5 | 5:45 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL
The Santa Claus 2, rated G, will be shown and will start approximately at dusk (between 5:30pm-6pm)
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Friday, December 5 | 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.
Bell Tower Shops Tree Lighting
Date: Friday, December 5 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave , Fort Myers, FL
Live Music, Family sing-along, tree lighing & pictures with Santa
Saturday, December 6
Winter Yard Sale
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 7:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL
Community Yard Sale. Register online, by phone, or in person until November 29, 2025. $5/spot.
Santa Fest
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 7:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL
Meet Santa, Crafts, Carolers, Photos Ops, Yard Sales, Coffee & Treats
Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Lakes Park Bird Patrol Walk
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Guided birding tours. Tours meet at Shelter A7
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Holiday Coco Mug
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 9:00 AM
Location: Home Depot, Your closest Home Depot
Build a project, learn basic tool safety and skills, and take home their creation, an apron, and a special pin. (ages 5-12)
Cookies with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Ace Hardware(San Carlos Park), 18911 Tamiami Trail South Fort Myers, FL 33908
Meet Santa, enjoy cookies, and take your family holiday photos with Santa Claus
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 9:00 AM
Location: Cantina Laredo
Open Gate Day at Tiny Hiney Farm
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Tiny Hiney Farm, 6251 Longhorn Trail Fort Myers, Fl 33905
Meet Wheaton the miniature pony & all our farm animals, visit the chickens, goats, tortoises & explore the farm and see what's growing.
Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 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.
Market & Santa on the Farm
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farm, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
Local Market and a visit from Santa (1-2:20pm)
Naples 5th Ave South Tree Lighting and Christmas Walk
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Naples
This signature holiday event will feature live music, live art performances, festive food offerings, a market, and activities for all ages! There will be a Living Nativity, Skating Rink, table dining on 5th, live music and a special appearance by Santa Claus!!
Car Show, Holiday Market, Parade & Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 11:00 AM-8:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point, 8038 Via Monte Carlo Way, Estero, FL 33928
A Car & Truck Show starting at 11AM, a Holiday Vendor Fair from 11AM-3PM. At 5 PM, Fashion Drive comes alive with Polynesian and tropical dance performances, live steel drum music, and hula dancers. Don’t miss our colorful parade featuring local high school bands, bright floats, and lots of holiday spirit. Then join Santa Claus for the annual tree lighting ceremony!
Naples Santa’s Storytime
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: South Regional Branch, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples, Florida, 34113
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 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 6 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
SnowFest 2025
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 3:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Paradise Coast Sports Complex
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 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.
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Matanzas Pass Bridge, Fort Myers Beach
Holly Jolly Cart Parade
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Innovation Preparatory Academy of Naples, 12101 Immokolee Road, Naple
Parade begins at 6:30pm
Sunday, December 7th
Audubon of SWFL Shorebird Steward Walk
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 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.
Car Show: The Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Miromar Outlets by WINK Playland., 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
Family-friendly car shows featuring beautifully restored vehicles, muscle cars, and cruisers.
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 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: Gnome Jars
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 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 8th
Preschool Holiday Sing-Along with Shawn Paris
Date: Monday, December 8 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Hanukkah Celebration
Date: Monday, December 8 | 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Holiday Themed Line Dancing Class
Date: Monday, December 8 | 5:30 PM
Location: Tracy Cox Fitness
Tuesday, December 9th
Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, December 9 | 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
Christmas Story, Craft + Farm Playdate
Date: Tuesday, December 9 | 10:00 AM
Location: M + M Farms
Holiday Jazz: A Crooner Christmas
Date: Tuesday, December 9 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Joy to the World: A Musical Celebration of the Holiday Season
Date: Tuesday, December 9 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, December 9 | 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 9 | 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
Naples Christmas Parade
Date: Tuesday, December 9 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Downtown Naples
Begin on 3rd Street South and 9th Avenue South, proceed north and turn on to 5th Avenue South, continue east and turn on to 8th Street South.
Wednesday, December 10th
Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, December 10 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, December 10 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Thursday, December 11th
Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, December 11 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928
Mommy & Me Class
Date: Thursday, December 11 | 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
Yoga w/ Mommy & Me Club & MomWalkCo
Date: Thursday, December 11 | 9:00 AM
Location: Estero Recreation Center
Mom Walk
Date: Thursday, December 11 | 9:00 AM
Location: University Village
Holly Jolly Santa Visit
Date: Thursday, December 11 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
Christmas Movie on the Lawn Home Alone
Date: Thursday, December 11 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Naples Area Board of REALTORS, 1455 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL 34109-2139, United States
Pictures with Santa, pizza, candy, popcorn, and beverages. The feature movie will be The Santa Clause.
Friday, December 12th
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
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
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
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, FL
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
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 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
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.
Reindeer Run 5K
Date: Saturday, December 13 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Coral Oaks Golf Course, 1800 Northwest 28th Ave, Cape Coral, FL, United States, Florida
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
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
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
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.
Until next week! ❤
-Sarajane
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