Hello Friends!

This week’s newsletter comes with a bit of a Florida plot twist: colder temps, rain, and yes… maybe even snow flurries Saturday night into Sunday morning ❄️ (I know, I know, the rest of the country is rolling their eyes). Because of the weather, some events may change or get cancelled last-minute, so be sure to double-check details before heading out this weekend. As always, I’ve rounded up a mix of things to do with the kiddos, without them, and everything in between.

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Lee County Creates Special Registry and Crisis Care Program for Vulnerable Residents
The Lee County Sheriff's Office is launching a new partnership with Family Initiative Incorporated to improve how deputies respond to calls involving individuals with developmental disabilities. The program includes licensed clinical professionals available for consultation, a Special Persons Registry for families to enroll loved ones, and Golden Paws Crisis Care canine teams trained to help de-escalate situations.(FOX4)

Critical Blood Shortage Prompts Urgent Donation Needs
The American Red Cross declared a severe blood shortage after the national supply fell 35% in the past month due to a nationwide flu outbreak and harsh winter weather. Lee Health reported nearly 2,300 flu cases while NCH has seen 501 cases, with the shortage particularly critical for blood types O, A negative, and B negative essential for trauma victims and severe medical conditions.(WINK News)

Fort Myers Commits Funds to Plan Future of City of Palms Park
The Fort Myers City Council unanimously voted to grant up to $356,000 to Card and Associates to develop plans for the City of Palms Park site if and when the stadium is demolished. The Indianapolis-based company will explore possibilities including a fieldhouse for basketball tournaments, hotel, housing, and green space for the 14-acre property, with plans expected in the coming months. (WGCU)

Lee Health Opens Advanced Heart Failure Center
Lee Health has opened a new Advanced Heart Failure Center at the Lee Health Heart Institute at HealthPark Medical Center, bringing cutting-edge cardiac treatment to Southwest Florida. The center provides specialized heart failure care for more than six million Americans affected by the condition, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for treatment.(Florida Weekly)

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.

Night Hikes: Nocturnal Mammals
Date: Friday, January 30 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Guided after-sunset walk with hands-on activities in a low-light immersive nature experience.

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
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.

The Garden Place Grand Re-Opening
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: The Garden Place, 20071 South Tamiami Trail, Estero, FL 33928
Celebrate the grand re-opening of The Garden Place (formerly Driftwood) with special offers, raffles, workshops, and food trucks.

Free 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, relieve stress and improve coordination.

SWFL Muscle Car Show
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: North Collier Regional Park, Naples, FL
Classic and vintage muscle car show featuring vehicles from Southwest Florida.

Art Walk at Promenade at Bonita Bay
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM-4:30 PM
Location: 26811 S Bay Dr, 26811 S Bay Dr , Bonita Springs, F
Immerse yourself in the area's finest art in a unique outdoor Art Walk with artists displaying a variety of artworks along the pathways and sidewalks.

Farmer Mike's STEM on the Farm
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Farmer Mike's Fort Myers, 8751 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Kids ages 5-12 design build and launch stomp rockets while learning about science technology engineering and math.

Kids Day at WINK Playland
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Free face painting & crafts, free pizza from Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta, ice cream coupons from Dairy Queen

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.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, January 31 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

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.

World Ukulele Day Concerts
Date: Sunday, February 1 | 8:00 AM-11:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bonita, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs,
Free concerts all day long at Shangrila-Spa, Sugar Shack, Rooftop, Heavenly Shakes, Chartreuse and Riverside Park.

Art Walk at Promenade at Bonita Bay
Date: Sunday, February 1 | 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Location: 26811 S Bay Dr, 26811 S Bay Dr , Bonita Springs, F
Immerse yourself in the area's finest art in a unique outdoor Art Walk with artists displaying a variety of artworks along the pathways and sidewalks.

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
The Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida bring timeless classics and vintage rides to Miromar Outlets. Join us for family-friendly car shows featuring beautifully restored vehicles, muscle cars, and cruisers.

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.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, February 1 | 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: 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.

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.

Full Moon Meditation & Chi-Do
Date: Monday, February 2 | 2:00 PM-3:15 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
A wellness experience combining seated guided meditation and Chi-Do moving meditation open to all levels.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, February 3 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Stop by for a quick and easy craft your little ones can assemble on the spot or take home to enjoy.

Toddler Storytime
Date: Tuesday, February 3 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM & 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Storytime for birth to age 3, featuring sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, and puppets.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, February 3 | 6:15 PM-7:15 PM
Location: Kava Culture Estero, 10801 Corkscrew Rd , Suite 327, Estero, FL
Join us for an all-levels yoga class led by Nichole of Renegade Metaphysical! Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just getting started, this class offers plenty of options to make your practice your own. Stretch, breathe, and reset in our cool, breezy corridor—the perfect escape from the heat!

February Flings...How to lose a guy in 10 days
Date: Tuesday, February 3 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Outdoor movie screening of 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' with free popcorn on the lawn.

Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, February 4 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
From juicy fruits and veggies to baked goods and artisan crafts, the farmers market has something for everyone. Bring the family, meet local vendors, and enjoy a morning of fresh finds.

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, February 4 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Toddler Storytime
Date: Wednesday, February 4 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM & 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Storytime for birth to age 3, featuring sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, and puppets.

Preschool Storytime
Date: Wednesday, February 4 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Interactive storytime for children ages 3-5 years to build relationships, develop school readiness skills, and foster independent thinking through reading, talking, singing, writing, and playing.

Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, February 5 | 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, February 5 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Fun and engaging program for children ages birth-5 years with caregiver featuring books, rhymes, songs, activities, and early literacy strategies.

Storytime at Lakes Park
Date: Thursday, February 5 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Join us for a story, music, craft, and fun in the park! All ages welcome but designed for 2-4 years old. Located in the children's garden.

LEGO Fun
Date: Thursday, February 5 | 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Independent building fun with LEGO for kids age 6 and up.

Networking in Estero
Date: Thursday, February 5 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: 19800 Village Center Dr, 19800 Village Center Dr, Ste 235B,
Monthly networking event at Pelican Larry's offering a relaxed evening to connect with familiar faces and meet new professionals over good food and conversation.

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers
Date: Friday, February 6 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street

ArtFest Fort Myers
Date: Friday, February 6 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers Riverfront, Downtown Fort Myers
Family Initiative brings mobile sensory trailer with calm welcoming space and hands-on art activities to downtown ArtFest.

Apres Ski Winter Olympics Kick Off Party
Date: Friday, February 6 | 8:00 PM-1:00 AM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Apres ski-themed party celebrating the 2026 Winter Olympics kickoff with costume contests and DJ

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 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.

Lakes Park Bird Patrol Walk
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Lee County Bird Patrol volunteers invite you to join them as they lead monthly birding tours at Lakes Park. A variety of birds including ibis, egrets, herons, cormorants and anhinga offer good bird watching and photographic opportunities. Bring your binoculars and learn with the people who know them best. Tours meet at Shelter A7

Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop: Penguin Mailbox
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 9:00 AM
Location: Home Depot, Your closest Home Depot
Home Depot's free Kids Workshops provide a hands-on DIY experience for children ages 5-12, where they build a project, learn basic tool safety and skills, and take home their creation, an apron, and a special pin.

All-Abilities Kids Storytime
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Interactive storytime for children with unique learning needs featuring books music and sensory activities in a calm comfortable environment.

ArtFest Fort Myers
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers Riverfront
Family Initiative brings mobile sensory trailer with calm welcoming space and hands-on art activities to downtown ArtFest.

Kids Club: Valentine's Card
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Michaels Craft Store, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Free kids crafting event making cute Valentine's Day cards with all supplies provided.

Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 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.

Family Magic Show
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Comical upbeat magic show fun for the whole family with all ages welcome.

Teen Painting Workshop
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Valentine's Day-themed painting workshop led by United Arts Collier for teens to create artwork with acrylic paints and mixed media.

Teen Bath Bombs and Shower Steamers
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Teens collaborate to make aromatherapy bath bombs and shower steamers that need to dry overnight before pickup.

Stretch the Love: A Valentine's Mommy & Me Flow
Date: Saturday, February 7 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: YogaSix Naples, 4649 Tamiami Trl N, Naples, FL 34103
Family yoga fundraiser for The Shelter for Abused Women & Children with donation drive, giveaways, and goodie bags ($15 donation).

ArtFest Fort Myers
Date: Sunday, February 8 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers Riverfront
Family Initiative brings mobile sensory trailer with calm welcoming space and hands-on art activities to downtown ArtFest.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, February 8 | 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: Valentine's Mason Jar
Date: Sunday, February 8 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Michaels Craft Store, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Paint mason jars for Valentine's Day; purchase the mason jar and Michaels provides the rest of the supplies free.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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