Hello SWFL!
From hurricane recovery milestones to the return of one of Southwest Florida’s most graceful seasonal visitors, this week brings a thoughtful mix of progress, nature, local history, and of course the most loved events section.
I changed things up a bit. You’ll find Friday through Sunday events right here in the email. For the full 10 day list, simply click the “Read Online” button at the top.
Neighborhood News
FGCU Vester Field Station Reopens After Hurricane Damage
FGCU's Vester Marine & Environmental Research Field Station on Bonita Beach Road officially reopened on February 16 after being damaged by three hurricanes: Ian, Helene, and Milton. The station, which has served as a research hub for students, faculty, and international scientists since 2007, celebrated its return with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by FGCU President, Aysegul Timur. (WGCU)
Dead fish linked to cold snaps create foul smell at Lakes Park in Fort Myers
A series of cold fronts in mid-February 2026 triggered patchy fish kills at Lakes Park and other Southwest Florida waterways. Non-native tropical species like cichlids and tilapia — unable to tolerate cold temperatures — died in large numbers, washing up along shorelines and trails. Lee County has been working to remove the fish, but the decomposition has created a strong odor driving visitors away from the park's shoreline. (WINK)
Swig Opens First Fort Myers Location on Summerlin Road
Swig, the Utah-based "dirty soda" chain, opened its first Fort Myers location at 13401 Summerlin Road with a soft opening on Valentine's Day. The 1,200-square-foot shop specializes in customizable soda drinks mixed with flavored syrups, fruit purees, and cream or coconut cream, marketed as a caffeine alternative to coffee. The concept gained national attention through social media and also has a Cape Coral location in the works. (GulfShoreBusiness)
Sanibel Outlets Property Sold for Affordable Housing Development
A 4.6-acre parcel at the former Sanibel Outlets site sold for $5.25 million to Wendover Housing Partners, an affordable housing developer. The project, called Helm's Bay at Grande Calusa, will include 200 units (88 workforce, 102 affordable) at 20350 Summerlin Road near the Sanibel Causeway. Construction could begin as early as late March, though vertical building permits haven't been filed yet. The broader Grande Calusa redevelopment includes plans for up to 297 additional residential units, two 18-story residential towers, and mixed-use commercial space. (WINK News)
Swallow-Tailed Kites Begin Their Return to Southwest Florida
One of Southwest Florida's most graceful seasonal residents is making the journey home. Swallow-tailed Kites, the striking black-and-white raptors known for their deeply forked tails and effortless aerial acrobatics, have begun their 5,000-mile migration from South America back to their U.S. breeding grounds. Researchers with the Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI) have been tracking GPS-tagged kites as they navigate north through Brazil, with some already crossing into the Amazon region while others linger in the pasturelands of Mato Grosso do Sul. You can follow their journey in real-time at arcinst.org, where researchers post updates on each bird's progress.
Swallow-tailed Kites spend their summers in Florida, often seen soaring over wetlands, parks, and neighborhoods from March through August, where they nest and raise their young before making the epic return trip to South America each fall. They're particularly common around the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel-Captiva, and throughout Lee and Collier counties, where they hunt for insects, small reptiles, and frogs while performing their signature mid-air meals. Keep your eyes on the skies over the next few weeks. Once these distinctive raptors arrive with their graceful, floating flight, you'll know spring in Southwest Florida has officially begun.
This Week in Local History: The Battle of Fort Myers
Black troops who enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War are honored here. Some helped defend Fort Myers when Confederate forces attacked on February 20, 1865. This image appears on one side of the United States Courthouse and Post Office in downtown Fort Myers.
This week marks 161 years since the Battle of Fort Myers, the southernmost battle of the Civil War, which was fought over cattle. Union troops stationed at Fort Myers had been raiding South Florida farms and shipping stolen beef north, disrupting Confederate supply lines. On February 20, 1865, 100-200 Confederate soldiers known as "The Cow Cavalry" marched from present-day LaBelle and demanded the fort's surrender. When the Union commander refused, a six-to-eight-hour cannon battle ensued until the Confederates retreated, leaving behind bloody bandages and evidence of heavy casualties. The Union never surrendered, and today a statue honors the Black soldiers who defended the fort, including one unnamed former slave killed in the opening gunfight.
Events
Here’s your weekend roundup (Friday–Sunday).
Friday, February 20th
The Mom Walk co Farmer Mike's- Strawberry Picking
Date: Friday, February 20 | 9:30 AM
Location: Farmer Mike's Bonita
Strawberry picking at the farm with pay-per-pound pricing for berries picked.
Naples National Art Fair
Date: Friday, February 20 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Cambier Park, Cambier Park
A top-ranked, juried fine art event drawing over 20,000 visitors annually, celebrated for its exceptional quality and consistently recognized as one of the country's best art fairs.
Walk on the Wild Side
Date: Friday, February 20 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Guided ranger hike along Black Island Trail learning about vegetation, wildlife, and local history in the maritime hammock ecosystem.
Mommy & Me Yoga Club - Estero
Date: Friday, February 20 | 10:30 AM
Location: Coconut Point - Powerhouse Dance Studio, 23106 Cinema Way, Estero, FL 33928
Yoga for moms with optional child watch, followed by Juice Society and playground time.
51st Annual Greek Fest Fort Myers
Date: Friday, February 20 | 11:00 AM-11:00 PM
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 8210 Cypress Lake Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Authentic Greek food, live music by Aegean Duo, traditional dance groups, carnival rides, marketplace, and church tours.
Spring Training: Northeastern Huskies Baseball vs Boston Red Sox (Exhibition)
Date: Friday, February 20 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Bayside Park Concert Series: Wayward Souls
Date: Friday, February 20 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free outdoor concert featuring The Wayward Souls playing Funk, Soul, and Rock and Roll.
Free Friday Night Concert: The Jersey Beat
Date: Friday, February 20 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Dance all night long to the beat of the 50's-80's.
Music Walk
Date: Friday, February 20 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets.
Spring Training: Golden Gophers vs Minnesota Twins (Exhibition)
Date: Friday, February 20 | 6:05 PM
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Create a Lei Share the Aloha (Ages 10+)
Date: Friday, February 20 | 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Hands-on class to design and create your own handmade lei using flowers and natural elements while exploring the tradition and meaning of leis.
Florida Everblades vs. Jacksonville IceMen
Date: Friday, February 20 | 7:30 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.
Saturday, February 21st
Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Located right in front of the Bonita Bay community, this lively farmers’ market brings together fresh produce, local vendors, artisanal goods, and ready-to-enjoy treats.
Run Like a Kid 5K
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 8:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Bell Tower, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Family-friendly festive 5K through Bell Tower supporting Golisano Children's Hospital with costumes encouraged and playful atmosphere.
Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets
Free Tai Chi and Meditation
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Florida Blue Fort Myers, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Gentle Saturday morning Tai Chi class with flowing movements to boost energy, relieve stress and improve coordination.
Book, Puzzle, and Board Game Swap
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Bring your new or gently loved books, puzzles, and board games to trade! Bring as many as you want, take as many as you need. Leftovers will be donated.
Crafts on the River
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL
2-day festival featuring local art, crafts, food, and beverages along Edwards Drive.
Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 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: Birdhouse
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lowe's Home Improvement, Southwest Florida locations
Free kids' workshop to build and decorate a colorful birdhouse for feathered friends.
Jr. Ranger Program
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Educational Junior Ranger program exploring natural resources, cultural resources, recreation, and service with passport stamps.
Kids Club: Chenille Stem Spring Flowers
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Michaels Craft Store, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Free kids crafting event making a cute bouquet of flowers using chenille stems.
Naples National Art Fair
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Cambier Park, Cambier Park
A top-ranked, juried fine art event drawing over 20,000 visitors annually, celebrated for its exceptional quality and consistently recognized as one of the country's best art fairs.
51st Annual Greek Fest Fort Myers
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 11:00 AM-11:00 PM
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 8210 Cypress Lake Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Authentic Greek food, live music by Aegean Duo, traditional dance groups, carnival rides, marketplace, and church tours.
Love Your Pet Family Day
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Learn about caring for different pets from bearded dragons to bulldogs, including habitats, basic dog obedience, and choosing the right pet.
Koreshan Historic Engine Demonstration
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Location: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
Park Rangers demonstrate historic engines used by the Koreshans almost 100 years ago to power machines and provide electricity.
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available
Spring Training: Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 1:05 PM
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Pups 'n' Books
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Meet and greet with Golden Paws Dogs for ages 6-12.
Artist Block: Live Creativity While You Dine
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza - Coconut Point, 8001 Plaza Del Lago Dr, Estero, FL 33928
Local artists from COCO Art Gallery create live art while guests enjoy dining and drinks in a unique atmosphere.
Bonita Springs City Wide Clean-up 2026
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: Depot Park, Depot Park
Magic Show
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Family-friendly magic show with John Russell featuring classic magic effects.
Bonita Brew Fest 2026
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 4:00 PM-7:30 PM
Location: Riverside Park, Riverside Park, Bonita Springs
SWFL's best outdoor party features unlimited sampling of 200+ unique beers and ciders, live music by Tru Phonic, local food trucks, and a souvenir pint glass.
Edison Festival of Light Pre-Parade Party
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 4:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Millennial Brewing, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Pre-parade party with free bounce houses, food trucks, beer, wine, and cocktails.
Edison Festival of Light 5K
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 5:15 PM
Location: Downtown River District, Edwards Drive/US 41, Fort Myers, FL 33901
5K Run in Downtown River District
Mardi Groove 2026
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 6:00 PM-2:00 AM
Location: Bay Street Yard, Bay Street Yard, Fort Myers, FL
FREE Mardi Gras celebration transforming Bay Street into Bourbon Street with live bands from New Orleans, DJs, Cajun food and performers.
Movie on the Lawn: National Treasure
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 6:00 PM
Location: Mound House, 451 Connecticut St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Florida Everblades vs. Jacksonville IceMen
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 7:00 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.
Grand Parade of Light
Date: Saturday, February 21 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown River District, Fort Myers, FL
Southeast's largest night parade with national participants, marching bands, floats, and officials.
Sunday, February 22nd
Classic Car Show
Date: Sunday, February 22 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL
Hundreds of classic vehicles line Edwards Drive with food, beverages, and crafts.
Crafts on the River
Date: Sunday, February 22 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL
2-day festival featuring local art, crafts, food, and beverages
Naples National Art Fair
Date: Sunday, February 22 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Cambier Park, Cambier Park
A top-ranked, juried fine art event drawing over 20,000 visitors annually, celebrated for its exceptional quality and consistently recognized as one of the country's best art fairs.
51st Annual Greek Fest Fort Myers
Date: Sunday, February 22 | 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 8210 Cypress Lake Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Authentic Greek food, live music by Aegean Duo, traditional dance groups, carnival rides, marketplace, and church tours.
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, February 22 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available
Sunday Makebreak: Paper Butterfly Brooch
Date: Sunday, February 22 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Michaels Craft Store, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Craft butterfly brooches out of paper; purchase the charms and Michaels provides the rest of the supplies free.
Spring Training: Toronto Blue Jays vs Boston Red Sox
Date: Sunday, February 22 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Bonita Springs Concert Band
Date: Sunday, February 22 | 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park Bandshell, 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Free afternoon concerts featuring a large concert band performing marches and a wide variety of other music.
Bayside Park Concert Series: Relentless Fire
Date: Sunday, February 22 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free outdoor concert featuring Relentless Fire playing Classic, Party Rock and New Rock styles infused with soul.
Monday, February 23rd
Mom Walk co Estero Park Walk |
Baby Rhyme Time |
Goat Snuggling, including our Highland calf, Marsala! |
Toddler Tales |
Free Total Body Wellness Class |
Zumba with Meredith |
Tuesday, February 24th
Baby Rhyme Time |
Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts |
Mommy & Me Yoga Club |
Toddler Storytime |
Toddler Tales |
SoulBody Studios Mommy & Me Pilates |
Spring Training: Baltimore Orioles vs Minnesota Twins (Split Squad) |
Spring Training: Pittsburgh Pirvses vs Boston Red Sox |
Anime Tales |
Yoga with Meredith |
Daddy Daughter Date Night |
Free Pizza Tuesdays |
Mommy & Me Yoga Club - Bonita Springs |
Free Golden Hour Yoga |
February Flings...10 Things I Hate About You |
Wednesday, February 25th
Farmers Market at Lakes Park |
6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk |
Baby Rhyme Time |
Family Storytime |
Preschool Program: Wild Florida |
Preschool Storytime |
Toddler Storytime |
Spring Training: Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins |
Free Admission to Art After Hours |
Thursday, February 26th
Farmers Market at Coconut Point |
SWFL Marine Industries Boat Show |
Family Storytime |
Strength, Balance and Stretch Class |
Lunch & Learn: Heart-Healthy Living & Nutrition |
Spring Training: Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox |
Adult Craft Day: Felt Brooch |
SWFL Ag Expo |
Children's Entrepreneur Market at Family Fun Night |
Zumba with Meredith |
Florida Everblades vs. Orlando Solar Bears |
Friday, February 27th
Painting with Passion |
SWFL Marine Industries Boat Show |
Mommy & Me Yoga Club - Estero |
Spring Training: New York Yankees vs Minnesota Twins |
SWFL Ag Expo |
Free Friday Night Concert: Shore Nuff Band |
Level Up Dads: Free KidStrong Gym Class |
Night Hikes: Owl-Hunters of the Night |
Saturday, February 28th
Bonita Springs Farmers Market |
Peculiar Play Cafe Mommy & Me Pilates |
Beach Cleanup |
Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market |
Free Tai Chi and Meditation |
The Big Shred |
Arts & Crafts Fair |
Kids Club: Spring Beaded Butterflies |
Kids Day at WINK Playland – Crafts, Face Painting & Free Treat |
SWFL Marine Industries Boat Show |
Family Initiative Autism Awareness Walk |
Jr. Chef Event |
SWFL Ag Expo |
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ |
Spring Training: Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox |
Painting Workshop: Colorful Blooms |
KidStrong Open House & 2 Year Celebration |
Sunday, March 1st
SWFL Marine Industries Boat Show |
Car Show: The Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida |
SWFL Ag Expo |
Kids Skate Free at SPINZ |
Sunday Makebreak: Pearl and Ribbon Bracelet |
Spring Training: Atlanta Braves vs Minnesota Twins (Split Squad) |
Spring Training: Baltimore Orioles vs Boston Red Sox |
Sunset Sound Bowl Session |
Until next week! ❤
-Sarajane
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