Hello Friends!
If you caught last week’s intro, you may have noticed I was very ready to fast-forward us into 2027 😅. I’ve since checked the calendar and can confirm it is, in fact, 2026. I was writing while simultaneously nursing myself and my family back to health after a nasty bug made its way through our house.
I made it a personal goal to send out a newsletter every week of 2026, so skipping the first week wasn’t an option, sick or not! I did, however, leave off the events section, and engagement actually hit a high. That got me thinking… what do you come here for most? I’ve added a quick survey to find out whether you love local news, business openings & new development, or the event list Your feedback will help shape what this newsletter looks like all year long.
My favorite section of The Squeeze SWFL is?
Neighborhood News
Fort Myers is moving forward with the Innovation Walk
A new riverfront project that will create an engaging, walkable connection from Centennial Park to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, complete with public art and sculptures celebrating great innovators. Backed by the Edison Awards and the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency, a master plan led by design firm Perkins&Will is now underway to help boost tourism, walkability and economic activity downtown as the concept continues through community planning and design stages.(Fox4Now)
Fort Myers Pilot Wins $2 Million on MrBeast YouTube Challenge
A 20-year-old Fort Myers pilot, won over $2 million after beating 99 other pilots in a MrBeast global challenge filmed in Saudi Arabia. The 36-hour competition tested endurance and skill, ending with a final briefcase challenge. Brown chose the cash over a private jet and plans to invest the money while inspiring future aviators.(Fox4Now)
Lee County Schools Achieves Highest Graduation Rate in District History
Lee County Schools reached a historic milestone with the Class of 2025 earning the highest graduation rate in district history at 89.8%, far outpacing the state’s average and showing significant growth from the previous year. All 15 traditional high schools and Lee Virtual School hit graduation rates of 90% or above, with nine schools at 97% or higher and Fort Myers and North Fort Myers High Schools each posting an outstanding 99% rate. (LeeSchools)
Fort Myers Looks to Expand Scooter Access Beyond Downtown
Fort Myers is considering expanding its electric scooter program beyond the downtown pilot area to citywide service, with scooter company Spin proposing to double the fleet and extend operating hours to meet rising demand. While the program has logged thousands of rides and strong local use, some city council members are raising safety and infrastructure concerns about broader scooter use on busy streets. A formal council vote on the next phase is coming soon as officials weigh benefits like congestion relief against safety and planning questions. (GulfshoreBusiness)
Lee County Parks Install New AEDs to Improve Safety
Lee County has expanded public safety by installing more than 250 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at recreational locations, including over 70 units at local parks such as Lakes, Buckingham and Three Oaks, to help respond to the nearly 30 cardiac-related calls the county receives from parks each year. The AEDs are placed in cabinets that automatically send a 911 alert when opened, helping ensure emergency responders are dispatched quickly.
County officials and park visitors say the new devices provide added peace of mind, especially in outdoor areas where physical activity and Florida heat can increase health risks. Lee County plans to install additional AEDs later this month at Brooks Park and Rutenberg Park, expanding access to this potentially life-saving equipment.
New Farmers Market Coming to Downtown Fort Myers
Downtown Fort Myers is getting a new weekend staple with the launch of a Farmers Market on Saturday, January 17, running 9 a.m.–1 p.m. in the heart of downtown from Monroe & First Streets to Broadway & Main Street. City Council is expected to approve a management agreement on January 5 with Local Roots LLC, a Southwest Florida market operator, to oversee the market through at least April, with hopes it could continue year-round in some capacity.
Local Roots has already signed 42 vendors, with 78% focused on agriculture and food, according to city briefing materials. The agreement requires that at least 40% of vendors sell food or agricultural products, including produce, plants, meats, seafood, baked goods, and dairy. While no more than 20% may fall into any single non-agricultural category, such as crafts or retail, unless approved by the city. Vendors will also be required to post signage identifying the origin of their produce, a policy organizers say is important for transparency since not all items are grown locally.
Current vendors include two produce sellers, a flower vendor, a French bakery, and a Vietnamese food tent, with more expected to join. Beyond fresh food, city officials say downtown farmers markets provide an economic boost to surrounding businesses, citing studies showing that 27% of every 1,000 market visitors also shop elsewhere downtown during their visit, making the market a win for both residents and local businesses. Read More Here
Events
Friday, January 16th
Play date @ Peculiar Play Cafe
Date: Friday, January 16 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Peculiar Play Cafe, 8750 Gladiolus Dr Unit 6, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Free playdate at Peculiar Play Cafe; food and drink purchase required to stay and play.
Free Texas Hold 'Em Tournament
Date: Friday, January 16 | 6:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: 810 Entertainment - Suite 50, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL
Weekly free poker tournaments at 6 PM and 8 PM with house cash prizes and chances to win Vegas trips and cruises.
Music Walk
Date: Friday, January 16 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets.
Saturday, January 17th
Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Tai Chi
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 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.
Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Local Ladies Social Network hosts artisan fair featuring unique handcrafted items and local food at Bell Tower.
Barbie Truck Tour
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center - The Courtyard, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL
Barbie Truck offers exclusive merch and sweet treats all day with special meet-and-greet activities from 12-2 PM.
4th Annual Venezia Renaissance Faire
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM-5:30 PM
Location: 28010 Race Track Road, 28010 Race Track Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Immersive medieval festival with jousting, knights, stage performers, medieval marketplace, food, and family activities.
Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 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
Junior Ranger Program
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 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
77th Swamp Buggy Parade
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM
Location: Downtown Naples
Parade along 41 starting at Fleishmann Blvd. and continuing all the way to 5th Ave.
Mommy & Me Yoga Club Official Launch Party
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing Co., 9201 Cockleshell Court, Unit 13, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Free family event at Hopsized Brewing with yoga, food trucks, raffles, games and brews
Mom Walk at Southern Fresh Farms
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Visit Southern Fresh Farms to feed barn animals followed by playground playtime
Free Cross Stitch for Beginners Class
Date: Saturday, January 17 | 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
Sunday, January 18th
Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, January 18 | 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.
4th Annual Venezia Renaissance Faire
Date: Sunday, January 18 | 10:00 AM-5:30 PM
Location: 28010 Race Track Road, 28010 Race Track Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Immersive medieval festival with jousting, knights, stage performers, medieval marketplace, food, and family activities.
Neighborhood Market
Date: Sunday, January 18 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Rooftop at Riverside, 27333 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Shop local vendors with $5 mimosas, $15 Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar, DJ and laid-back rooftop vibes.
Monday, January 19th
Pour Your Own Epoxy
Date: Monday, January 19 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, 28, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Hands-on workshop to craft custom epoxy river charcuterie board or lazy susan with beer included - tickets required.
Tuesday, January 20th
Marvelous Manatees
Date: Tuesday, January 20 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free ranger-led lecture on local manatees and how to protect them - reservations required.
Yoga
Date: Tuesday, January 20 | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Florida Blue Fort Myers, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Free yoga class to gain strength, balance and flexibility with Instructor Meredith. Bring your own mat.
Movie on the Lawn: A Minecraft Movie
Date: Tuesday, January 20 | 6:15 PM-8:15 PM
Location: Mercato Piazza, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108
Wednesday, January 21st
Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, January 21 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Fishing Clinic
Date: Wednesday, January 21 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free ranger-led fishing education covering tackle, bait rigs and the best spots.
Family Storytime
Date: Wednesday, January 21 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Storytime for children ages birth-5 with caregiver featuring books, rhymes, songs and activities
Bonita Fire Station Tour w/ TMWC
Date: Wednesday, January 21 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bonita Fire Station, 27490 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Tour of the Downtown Bonita Fire Station.
Preschool Storytime
Date: Wednesday, January 21 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Independent storytime for children ages 3-5 building school readiness through reading, singing and playing
Thursday, January 22nd
Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, January 22 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928
Family Storytime
Date: Thursday, January 22 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Storytime for children ages birth-5 with caregiver.
Strength, Balance and Stretch
Date: Thursday, January 22 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Florida Blue Fort Myers, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Free fitness class with Instructor Meredith to strengthen, tone muscles, tone muscles and work on balance and flexibility for all ages.
Sunshine & Snowflakes Family Fun Night
Date: Thursday, January 22 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Winter celebration with tropical twist featuring snow foam play, snow cones, limbo dancing, bounce house and inflatable jousting.
Zumba
Date: Thursday, January 22 | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Florida Blue Fort Myers, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Fun dance fitness class combining world rhythms and dance moves to burn calories - ditch the workout and join the party.
Friday, January 23rd
Painting on Glassware - Painting Class
Date: Friday, January 23 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Paint your own wine glasses with Artist-in-Residence Jenny M. Licht; all materials and designs provided.
Shorebird Stroll
Date: Friday, January 23 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Ranger-led walk to identify and learn about shorebirds along Lovers Key beach.
Free Texas Hold 'Em Tournament
Date: Friday, January 23 | 6:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: 810 Entertainment - Suite 50, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL
Weekly free poker tournaments at 6 PM and 8 PM with house cash prizes and chances to win Vegas trips and cruises.
Saturday, January 24th
Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Tai Chi Class
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 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.
Beach Cleanup
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Ranger-led beach cleanup at Mid-Beach; gloves and supplies provided.
6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
3rd Annual Mercato Art Celebration
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Mercato, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108
Naples' most exclusive juried art show showcasing exceptional artists in stunning outdoor venue.
IMAG Community Day
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Family day with science shows, foam party, animal shows, and Ranger Rob - kids 18 & under Free, adults half price admission.
Artisan Craft Show
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Level Up Dads Free Bowling Day
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Gator Lanes, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, FL
Free bowling event for dads and kids including 2 hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and soda; registration required.
Sunday, January 25th
3rd Annual Mercato Art Celebration
Date: Sunday, January 25 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Mercato, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108
Naples' most exclusive juried art show showcasing exceptional artists in stunning outdoor venue.
Until next week! ❤
-Sarajane
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