Good Morning SWFL!

Fort Myers Weighs First Property Tax Increase in a Decade
Fort Myers City Council will vote August 3 on raising the property tax millage rate cap from 6.5 to 7.3112 mills for the first time in a decade, driven by slowing population growth, rising costs, and capital project needs including a new police headquarters, fire station, and Midtown improvements. If approved, a homeowner with $100,000 in taxable value would see their annual city property tax rise from $650 to $731.12, with the city also considering a 30% increase in the fire assessment fee, raising the residential rate from $218 to $283.40. The final millage rate and budget will be set at public hearings in September before the new fiscal year begins October 1.(Gulfshore Business)

Lee County Gets New Weather Radar to Better Detect Severe Storms
Lee County has partnered with Kentucky-based Climavision to install a new X-band weather radar on the roof of the Lee County Public Safety Center in Fort Myers, expected to be operational within days and filling a known gap in National Weather Service radar coverage across Southwest Florida. The radar can detect weather up to 60 miles from the site and will provide a more detailed look at low-level atmospheric activity, with Climavision sharing all weather data with Lee County at no cost in exchange for use of the rooftop space.(Naples Daily News)

Luxury Motorsports Club Proposed Near Everglades Faces Opposition
A proposed luxury motorsports club and residential community on the edge of the Everglades in Collier County is facing pushback from environmentalists and nearby residents concerned about its proximity to sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitat. The project, which would bring a private members-only racing facility and luxury residences to the area, has drawn opposition over potential environmental impacts, noise, and traffic in an area bordering protected lands.(Marco Eagle)

Looking for a uniquely Florida summer outing that's fun, affordable, and delicious? Sun Harvest Citrus at 14601 Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers is a must! This third-generation family-owned business has been a Fort Myers landmark for over 35 years, offering fresh-picked citrus, juices squeezed right on the premises, baked goods, gourmet foods, Florida-themed gifts, and their famous soft-serve ice cream.

Their soft-serve ice cream comes in orange, vanilla, and the fan-favorite orange vanilla twist, plus a "creamsicle" option that combines orange and chocolate. Not a cone person? They also serve shakes and slushies in flavors like orange strawberry. Free samples of fresh citrus and juices are available in store daily, so come hungry and try before you buy!

Planning an evening outing? Stop by during Happy Hour from 6 to 8 p.m. for buy one, get one half off ice cream cones. There's also a small playground on site, making it a great spot to let the kids play while the adults browse the store and gift shop.

Bonus tip: the south end of the John Yarbrough Linear Park trail is just across the street, making it the perfect combo outing! Take a walk, run or bike ride along the trail and then cool off with an ice cream cone when you're done. The perfect summer evening!

A personal note from me: tucked away in the back right corner of the shop is a hidden gem, a Post Office that most people walk right past without noticing. In my previous life, before kids, I owned an e-commerce business and shipped thousands of packages a year, so I know all about the local post offices. This is the best one in town, hands down. Their last mail collection is at 6 p.m., the latest in the area, and Vicki and the team there are some of the nicest, most accommodating people you will ever encounter at a post office. If you know, you know!

This event list is quite long this week. I expect that the email will be cut off, you can read online for the full version.

Fire House Tour at San Carlos Station 53
Date: Friday, July 31 | 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Location: San Carlos Fire Dept Station 53, 19591 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Kids and families get a firehouse tour and demo from the firefighters at San Carlos Station 53.

Alamo $7 Summer Movie: Paddington 2
Date: Friday, July 31 | 3:45 PM
Location: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Unit 8205, Naples, FL 34108
The beloved bear is back in this charming and critically acclaimed sequel about proving his innocence.

Mighty Mussels vs. Palm Beach
Date: Friday, July 31 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Palm Beach at Hammond Stadium with Friday Fireworks and Mussel Man's Birthday celebration.

Retro Rooftop Party with DJ Selecta AJ
Date: Friday, July 31 | 8:00 PM-12:00 AM
Location: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center – Rooftop, 2301 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A ticketed retro-themed rooftop dance party at Sidney's Rooftop Sculpture Garden in Fort Myers with DJ Selecta AJ — dress as your favorite era from the 60s through Y2K and dance under the stars.

Lakes Park Bird Patrol Walk
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 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

Lightworx Paddle & Flow: Paddleboarding, Sandbar Yoga & Sound Healing
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 8:30 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Mike's Coastal Expeditions, LLC, 26083 Hickory Boulevard, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
A guided paddleboard outing followed by sandbar yoga and sound healing; boards and gear included, no experience needed.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, Monroe and First Streets, Fort Myers, FL
A free weekly outdoor farmers market in Downtown Fort Myers every Saturday with fresh local produce, artisan goods, and community vendors at Monroe and First Streets.

Free admission at Naples Zoo(Collier Residents Only)
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Location: Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102
Collier County residents receive free zoo admission all day long with proof of residency.

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop: Rocket Game
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 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.

Back to School Bash
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Water slides, a foam party, and a live DJ celebrate back-to-school, with a school supply donation drive.

Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 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.

Caturday Playtime (all ages)
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Cattyshack Cat Cafe, 9902 Gulf Coast Main St, Ste D-140, Fort Myers, FL 33913
All-ages playtime with the cafe's resident cats.

Kids' Gemstone Hunting at Provident Jewelry
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 11:00 AM
Location: Provident Jewelry, 15245 S. Tamiami Trail #15, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Kids ages 5 and up sift through sand to find and keep real gemstones while learning about birthstones and how gems are found in nature - call to RSVP.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Lunch with Bluey
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Mellow Mushroom Estero, 10950 Eagle Village Dr, Estero, FL 33913
A character meet and greet with Bluey at Mellow Mushroom.

SWFL Chicken Wing Showdown
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Millennial Brewing Co., 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Local food trucks battle it out with bold wing flavors while you sample and vote for your favorite; free entry and parking.

Bonita Springs RiverFest
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park & Liles Hotel Grounds, Downtown Bonita Springs, FL
A free downtown festival with live music, food trucks, rubber duckie races, and kayak river races on the Imperial River, benefiting Friends of BERT.

Family Movie Night at Chocolattes
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Chocolattes (Both Locations), 16120 San Carlos Blvd & 2180 W First St #120, Fort Myers, FL
A cozy family movie night at both Chocolattes locations, Ratatouille at Roast House and Trolls at Downtown, with a $9 kids combo including a drink, popcorn, and a s'more, plus free refills all night.

Mighty Mussels vs. Palm Beach
Date: Saturday, August 1 | 6:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Palm Beach at Hammond Stadium for County Fair Night with a Trucker Hat Giveaway.

Back-to-School Support | San Carlos
Date: Sunday, August 2 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Three Oaks Middle School, 18500 Three Oaks Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33967
Free backpacks and school supplies for local students, plus a worship service and prayer team support.

Sunday Family Fun Day x Pokemon Family Fun Day
Date: Sunday, August 2 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A Pokemon-themed family day with trading, giveaways, a kids' market, and a Pokemon movie screening.

Mighty Mussels vs. Palm Beach
Date: Sunday, August 2 | 12:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Palm Beach at Hammond Stadium — kids get free tickets and a pre-game catch on the field.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, August 2 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Sunday Event: Prismacolor Bookmarks
Date: Sunday, August 2 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Michaels (check your local store)
Kick off August Art Month by making a Prismacolor pencil bookmark and learning about the brand.

Bonsai & Cheers: European Olive Bonsai Workshop
Date: Sunday, August 2 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Bone Hook Brewing Company, 1514 Immokalee Rd, Naples, FL 34110
A beginner-friendly guided bonsai workshop at Bone Hook Brewing in Naples where you build your own European Olive Bonsai — includes two beers, bonsai shears, pot, soil, and all materials.

Bayside Park Concert Series: "Relentless Fire"
Date: Sunday, August 2 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free outdoor concert featuring Relentless Fire, a Southwest Florida rock band blending classic, party, and new rock with a bit of soul.

Crafts After Dark
Date: Sunday, August 2 | 8:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Kava Culture, 1615 Hendry St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A relaxed Sunday night of painting, crochet, and coloring with snacks and kava; one drink minimum.

Regal $1 Summer Movies: Charlie the Wonderdog & Despicable Me 4
Date: Monday, August 3-6
Location: Your Local Regal Theater
A heroic pup saves the day, plus Gru and the Minions are back for another hilarious adventure.

Lego Club
Date: Monday, August 3 | 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free drop-in Lego building program for ages 3-11 — all supplies provided, no registration required.

Little Lee County Community Band Performance
Date: Monday, August 3 | 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A free live concert featuring the Little Lee County Community Band with audience participation encouraged — props provided.

Pilates and Pints
Date: Monday, August 3 | 7:30 PM-8:15 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A sunset Pilates class on the farm followed by a cold beverage from Southern Fresh Brew Co.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, August 4 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
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.

Diamond Art Bookmarks for Teens
Date: Tuesday, August 4 | 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free chill craft event for teens ages 11-18 — decorate pre-designed bookmarks with rhinestones, enjoy snacks, and unwind at the end of summer.

Yoga for Moms
Date: Tuesday, August 4 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Big City Kids, 12601 Trade Way Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Moms practice yoga together weekly, with free after-hours play time for kids and mats provided.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, August 4 | 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!

Crafts & Drafts Mosaic Class at Resurgence Brewing
Date: Tuesday, August 4 | 7:00 PM-9:30 PM
Location: Resurgence Brewing Company Fort Myers, 6160 Exchange Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912
A beginner-friendly mosaic art class at Resurgence Brewing in Fort Myers. Pick your shape and colors, create your piece, and take home a grout kit to finish the next day, all materials included.

Downtown Showdown
Date: Tuesday, August 4 | 8:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Sugarshack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL
Southwest Florida singers compete live for a $2,500 grand prize in this weekly singing competition.

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, August 5 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Pilates for Moms
Date: Wednesday, August 5 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: The Pilates Pearl, 600 Goodlette Rd. #110, Naples, FL 34102
Moms take a reformer Pilates class with child watch included.

Art After Dark | Free Community Event
Date: Wednesday, August 5 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Naples Art District, 5760 Shirley St, Naples, FL 34109
Meet local artists and explore commissioned art pieces at this free community art event.

Adult Pizza Making Class
Date: Thursday, August 6 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza – Estero, 8001 Plaza Del Lago Dr, Estero, FL 33928
A 21+ hands-on pizza making experience at Tony Sacco's including a welcome cocktail, appetizer, your own 3-topping coal-fired pizza, dessert, and 2 drink tickets.

Mercato Nights Music Series ft. The Squallies
Date: Thursday, August 6 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Mercato, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, FL 34108
Live music from The Squallies at Mercato's Piazza; bring a lawn chair, food and drinks are available on site.

SWFL Mom Walk Playdate Event
Date: Friday, August 7 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Moms from all the SWFL Mom Walk chapters gather together for a playdate at Southern Fresh Farms.

Alamo $7 Summer Movie: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Date: Friday, August 7 | 4:00 PM
Location: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Unit 8205, Naples, FL 34108
The internet-famous tiny shell makes his big screen debut in this achingly sweet family film.

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers
Date: Friday, August 7 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street

First Friday Concert: Elvis Through the Years
Date: Friday, August 7 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free outdoor tribute concert spanning Elvis Presley's most iconic eras, from his 1956 rise to fame through the legendary '68 Comeback Special.

Bird Patrol Walk at Six Mile Cypress Slough
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 8:00 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966
A free monthly guided bird walk along the 1.2-mile boardwalk with a volunteer naturalist, limited to 15 participants, first come first served, ages 10 and up.

Lightworx Paddle & Flow: Paddleboarding, Sandbar Yoga & Sound Healing
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 8:30 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Mike's Coastal Expeditions, LLC, 26083 Hickory Boulevard, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
A guided paddleboard outing followed by sandbar yoga and sound healing; boards and gear included, no experience needed.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, Monroe and First Streets, Fort Myers, FL
A free weekly outdoor farmers market in Downtown Fort Myers every Saturday with fresh local produce, artisan goods, and community vendors at Monroe and First Streets.

Kids Club: Lazy Daisy Embroidery
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Michaels (check your local store)
Kids ages 6+ learn beginner cross stitch techniques with a lazy daisy embroidery project.

JCPenny Kids Zone Craft
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: JC Penny in Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave #903, Fort Myers, FL 33901

King Charles Cavalier Meetup: Yappy Hour at Backyard Social
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners and their dogs meet up at Backyard Social.

Public Wild Saturdays: Alligators
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 11:00 AM-11:45 AM
Location: East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Dr, Naples, FL 34112
A free family program at East Naples Community Park featuring games, activities, and crafts all about Florida's iconic alligators and the swamps and marshes they patrol. Registration required, opens two weeks prior.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Power Up for Summer - Back to School Bash
Date: Saturday, August 8 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free family celebration with live entertainment, a costume contest, and a kids' entrepreneur market.

Dog Dayz
Date: Sunday, August 9 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing Co., 9201 Cockleshell Ct, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Off-leash dog play, vendors, and award-winning brews on tap; celebrating all August dog birthdays.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, August 9 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Bayside Park Concert Series: "Mockingbird"
Date: Sunday, August 9 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free outdoor concert featuring party band Mockingbird at Bayside Park.

Yoga with Cats!
Date: Sunday, August 9 | 5:10 PM-6:10 PM
Location: Cattyshack Cat Cafe, 9902 Gulf Coast Main St, Ste D-140, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A yoga class held alongside the cafe's resident cats.