Hello Friends!
Last week, I asked what you come to this newsletter for most… and you were loud and clear! More than 70% of you said events, so consider this your official confirmation that the event list is very much here to stay. From grand openings and community celebrations to can’t-miss local happenings, I’ll keep making sure you know what’s going on from Fort Myers to North Naples.
I loved hearing from you all last week, so let’s try it again: Have you ever attended an event because you read about it here?
Have you attended an event after reading about it in The Squeeze?
Reader Appreciation: Thank you Tricia G. for sending contributions for The Squeeze!
Fun Fact: I read and respond to every newsletter reply! So, if you just want to say hi or know of a fun event or community initiative that would be a great fit for The Squeeze, just hit reply and let me know!
Let’s get into it!
Neighborhood News
Estero High Band Director Wins National Teaching Award
Estero High School band director Scott Burrows has been named a winner of the prestigious Manilow Music Teacher Award and will be honored onstage by music legend Barry Manilow during his upcoming live performance, receiving a $10,000 prize including cash and classroom instrument funds. (WINK News)
Lee County Considers 1% Sales Tax Hike to Fund Roads
Lee County leaders are discussing a proposal to raise the local sales tax by 1% to help pay for overdue and future road projects, with the idea set for initial review by the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization before potentially going to voters. Supporters say the extra funds could speed up improvements that lack current funding, while some residents worry higher taxes could strain local businesses and household budgets. (Gulf Coast News Now)
Age Is Just a Number: Navy Veteran Parasails at 90
A 90-year-old U.S. Navy veteran celebrated his birthday by taking to the skies for a parasailing adventure off Fort Myers Beach, fulfilling a long-held personal promise. Surrounded by family and friends, he enjoyed sweeping Gulf views and marked the milestone with a moment of adventure and reflection. (WINK News)
Florida Homeowners See Possible Insurance Rate Relief, But Uncertainty Remains
Some Florida homeowners may see a small break on their insurance bills as Citizens plans its first rate cut in years, but many are still unsure what comes next. As policies move back to private insurers, homeowners are left wondering how stable their coverage and future costs will be. (WINK News)
In Case You Missed It
Exciting news at Lakes Park! The train playground is getting an upgrade, and organizers want your input. Learn more about the project and share your thoughts by taking a quick survey.
The Village of Estero is planning the future of the U.S. 41 corridor and nearby neighborhoods, from Estero Parkway in the north to Hertz in the south, on both sides of U.S. 41. This effort focuses on protecting natural areas, honoring Estero’s history, and ensuring high-quality development. You can participate in this important planning process by responding to a short survey that takes about five minutes.
A burn ban has been announced for all of Lee County effective Jan. 20, 2026. (Read More)
Residents of unincorporated Lee County are reminded that beginning Feb. 1, a one-day-a-week watering schedule will be in place through the end of May to conserve water and protect the aquifer. Odd-numbered addresses may water on Saturdays, while even-numbered addresses and common areas may water on Sundays. No watering is permitted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Read More)
Bonita Springs Celebrates World Ukulele Day with Free Music and Events
Six downtown Bonita Springs spots will feature free live ukulele music on Sunday, Feb. 1, from noon to 6 p.m., celebrating World Ukulele Day with local musicians and upbeat island-style tunes.
Venues include:
Shangri-La Springs Spa
Rooftop at Riverside
Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge
Sugarshack Downtown
Heavenly Scents and Shakes
Early-morning brunch service at Shangri-La Springs Spa runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sugarshack Downtown will keep music going through the evening until 10 p.m..
Attendees can also take part in a community ukulele jam at Riverside Park from 3 to 3:45 p.m., led by local ukulele clubs and musicians. The festivities conclude with a free headliner concert from 4 to 6 p.m. at Riverside Park featuring performers such as Lil Rev with Ray Cyrgrymus, Devin Scott and Ally, Tom Hood, Dave Helm, Jay Nunes, Bobby Schuster, and Kirk Jones. So bring lawn chairs and coolers for an afternoon of music in the park. Organizers include Achieva Credit Union, Kala Ukuleles, and downtown Bonita Springs merchants. Read More at WGCU
Events
Featured Event
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.
Rodeo in North Fort Myers
Date: Friday, January 23 | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Lee County Posse, 17401 Palm Creek Dr, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Two-day professional rodeo event with gates opening at 5pm Friday and 4pm Saturday.
Movie Night: Night at the Museum
Date: Friday, January 23 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
Enjoy a free screening of Night at the Museum at Naples Depot Museum with limited seating and RSVP required
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
Tai Chi and Meditation
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.
The Whole Life Festival
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919-1002
Join The Whole Life Festival for free wellness workshops, yoga, art, health professionals, dance performances, and family activities
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
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.
Touch a Truck
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Saint Michael Lutheran School, 3595 Broadway, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Free family event featuring hands-on vehicle exploration, bounce houses, face painting, sensory-sensitive hour, and more.
Koreshan Historic Engine Demonstration
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 11:30 AM-2:30 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.
2026 Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 11:30 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Caloosahatchee Park, Fort Myers, 2101 Edwards Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Celebrate Southwest Florida's largest Celtic festival with music, Highland Games, Irish dancing, and a car show.
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.
SWFL Pickle Palooza
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A pickle-themed celebration featuring pickle-forward beers, cocktails, pickle backs, and pickle-themed food in a family-friendly and pet-friendly atmosphere.
Elsa Winter Wonderland
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Swirls & Scoops Ice Cream & Yogurt by Michoacana, 3369 Pine Ridge Rd #103, Naples, FL 34109
A Princess Elsa-themed royal celebration featuring hairstyling, glam makeup, crafts, meet and greet, story time, and dancing.
Kids Day
Date: Saturday, January 24 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: RAD Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL
A family fun day featuring face painting, guided horses, live music, food trucks, playground, and RAD wine.
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.
Kids Club: Yarn Painting
Date: Sunday, January 25 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Michaels Craft Store, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Free kids crafting event creating cute shapes and characters by "painting" with yarn.
Rest and Restore Beach Pilates Class
Date: Sunday, January 25 | 5:00 PM-6:30 PM
Location: Lowdermilk Beach, Naples, FL
Join Club Pilates for a beachside pilates class and sound bath at sunset with intention writing and giveaways.Dynamic Monday workout with Meredith to unleash strength
Toddler Tales
Date: Monday, January 26 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Interactive high-energy storytime for toddlers ages 18-36 months with stories, music, movement, and rhymes.
Free Zumba with Meredith
Date: Monday, January 26 | 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.
Tuesday, January 27th
Walk + Play at 3 Oaks Park
Date: Tuesday, January 27 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Three Oaks Park, 18251 Three Oaks Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Walk laps around the path with bikes and scooters welcome, then play on the playground at 3 Oaks Park.
Free Yoga with Meredith
Date: Tuesday, January 27 | 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
Family Game Night at Chick-fil-A Estero
Date: Tuesday, January 27 | 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Location: Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S Tamiami Trl, Estero, FL 33928
Join Chick-fil-A Estero for an exciting family game night with board games, dinner, and friendly competition.
Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, January 28 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Family Storytime
Date: Wednesday, January 28 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Storytime for children ages birth-5 years with books, rhymes, songs, and activities to build skills and friendships.
Preschool Program: Things That Go!
Date: Wednesday, January 28 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
We will be learning about things that go, surrounded by historic vehicles, train cars, and more. Join us for STEM-based crafts and play, as well as a story time that will have you moving!
Mom Yoga + Littles (Optional Childwatch)
Date: Wednesday, January 28 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Powerhouse Dance Studio, 26801 Old 41 Rd, Ste 5, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Yoga class for moms with optional childwatch service available.
Preschool Storytime
Date: Wednesday, January 28 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Independent storytime for ages 3-5 building school readiness skills through reading, singing, writing, and playing.
Free Admission to Art After Hours
Date: Wednesday, January 28 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108
Florida Everblades vs. Atlanta Gladiators
Date: Wednesday, January 28 | 7:30 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, Estero, FL
The Florida Everblades take on the Atlanta Gladiators in professional hockey action.
Thursday, January 29th
Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, January 29 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928
Coconut Point Walk
Date: Thursday, January 29 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Farmer Market, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Walk and explore Coconut Point Farmer Market in Estero.
Mom Yoga + Littles Play @Big City Kids
Date: Thursday, January 29 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Big City Kids, 12601 Trade Way Dr, Unit 1 & 2, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Mom and child yoga class at Big City Kids indoor play space.
Friday, January 30th
Mom Yoga + Littles (Optional Childwatch)
Date: Friday, January 30 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Powerhouse Dance Studio, 26801 Old 41 Rd, Ste 5, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Yoga class for moms with optional childwatch service available.
Greek Fest 2026
Date: Friday, January 30 | 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Location: St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 7100 Airport Pulling Rd N, Naples, FL 34109
A weekend celebration featuring authentic Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, and cultural experiences for the entire family.
Free Texas Hold 'Em Tournament
Date: Friday, January 30 | 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 31st
Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134
Tai Chi and Meditation
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 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
Kids Day at WINK Playland – Crafts, Face Painting & Free Treat
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Art In The Park
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Cambier Park, 770 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
A celebrated juried outdoor art fair showcasing local and regional creativity in a family-friendly setting.
Pineapple Day at the Marco Island Historical Museum
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Marco Island Historical Museum, Marco Island, FL
A celebration of pineapple farming history featuring games, crafts, recipes, decorating ideas, and gardening tips.
Greek Fest 2026
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Location: St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 7100 Airport Pulling Rd N, Naples, FL 34109
A weekend celebration featuring authentic Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, and cultural experiences for the entire family.
Koreshan Historic Engine Demonstration
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 11:30 AM-2:30 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.
Pop-Up Vendor Market
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: RAD Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL
Shop local vendors while sipping wine and enjoying live music at the winery.
Celebrating 90 Years of Wonder - Evening Celebration
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
An evening celebration featuring local restaurant bites, live entertainment, animal interactions, live auction, and paddle raise.
Sunday, February 1st
Car Show: The Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida
Date: Sunday, February 1 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Miromar Outlets by WINK Playland., 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
Celebrating 90 Years of Wonder - Family Day at Wonder Gardens
Date: Sunday, February 1 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
An all-ages community celebration featuring hands-on activities, entertainment, vendors, games, animal interactions, food and refreshments.
Sunday Family Fun Day & Magician Show
Date: Sunday, February 1 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Family fun day featuring free magician shows at 12pm and 1pm, face painting, sweets, six food trucks, and full service bar.
Greek Fest 2026
Date: Sunday, February 1 | 12:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 7100 Airport Pulling Rd N, Naples, FL 34109
A weekend celebration featuring authentic Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, and cultural experiences for the entire family.
Wine and Wags
Date: Sunday, February 1 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: RAD Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL
Dog-friendly event featuring off-leash play yard, homemade treats, custom dog necklaces, and handmade bandanas.
Sunday Makebreak: Valentine's Pollock Painting
Date: Sunday, February 1 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Michaels Craft Store, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Create a fun heart painting using Pollock-style techniques; purchase the canvas and Michaels provides the rest of the supplies free.
Until next week! ❤
-Sarajane
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