Hello SWFL!

New Big Carlos Pass Bridge Opens, Artificial Reef Created
The new $90.8 million Big Carlos Pass Bridge officially opened June 30, replacing the old drawbridge with a fixed span offering 60 feet of boat clearance, bicycle lanes, and shared-use paths, and is built to last 75 years. About 2,400 tons of concrete from the demolished old bridge were repurposed to create the Big Carlos Bridge Artificial Reef, located about 4 nautical miles west of Big Carlos Pass. Looking ahead, construction is expected to begin this fall on a new public beach access area beneath the south side of the bridge, which will include 74 parking spaces, restrooms, and landscaping improvements.(Gulfshore Business)

Third Florida Panther Killed in Lee County in Three Weeks
A 4-year-old male Florida panther was found dead on Corkscrew Road in Lee County on July 1, the third panther killed in less than three weeks and the 11th lost in 2026, all suspected victims of vehicle strikes. (WGCU)

Lee County Schools Earn Highest District Score in a Decade
The Lee County School District earned its highest point total in a decade in the 2025-2026 School Grades Report, with 24 schools earning an "A" and 29 earning a "B," meaning nearly two-thirds of traditional public schools are now rated "B" or higher. Notably, no school received a "D" or "F," four schools improved by two letter grades, and 25 improved by one, with the district collectively earning 37 more points than last year and maintaining its overall "B" rating while targeting an "A" district by 2028. (Lee County Schools)

Looking for a fun, festive way to spend the Fourth of July weekend with the family? Lakes Regional Park in south Fort Myers (7330 Gladiolus Drive) has something extra special going on right now!

Through July 4th, the beloved miniature train ride is running as the Liberty Express, a patriotic-themed experience featuring flags from all 50 states and 5 U.S. territories proudly displayed along the entire train route. This 1/8th scale train takes passengers on a scenic 15-minute journey through the park, passing lakes, wooded areas, miniature villages, a 100-foot tunnel, a waterfall, and a 24-foot trestle bridge, all decorated in red, white, and blue for the holiday. 🇺🇸 It's a uniquely special and memorable ride the whole family will love!

Tickets: Children ages 1-5 ride free, and ages 6 and up are just $5. (Note: pregnant moms, children under 1 are not able to ride.)

Hours:

Make a Full Day of It!

Lakes Park is so much more than just the train. Pack your sunscreen and plan to spend the whole day! Let the kids burn off energy at one of the two playgrounds, then head over to Wheel Fun Rentals to rent a surrey, bike, kayak, or pedal boat and explore the park from a whole new perspective. When everyone is ready for a break, cool down with a scoop of homemade ice cream at the Whistle Stop Ice Cream Shoppe. With so much to do all in one place, it's the perfect family day trip.

And keep your eyes peeled, the long-awaited Lakes Park splash pads are expected to reopen any day now after a $2.6 million rebuild following Hurricane Ian! When they do open, Lakes Park will truly be the ultimate summer day destination all in one place. Follow Lee County Parks on social media for the official reopening announcement.

Parking is $1 per hour or $5 for the day.

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.

I also removed the majority of 4th of July Events from the list, you can view them all here.

Seashell Walk at Lovers Key
Date: Friday, July 3 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a guided 1-mile shoreline hike at Lovers Key State Park to learn about local seashells, the creatures that make them, and Florida shelling regulations.

Art Walk Fort Myers - America 250th Special Edition
Date: Friday, July 3 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: First Street, First Street, Downtown Fort Myers, FL
A special Americana-themed art walk with 60+ artists, plus Free live concerts featuring Tom Petty and Eagles tribute bands at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater.

Lakes Park Bird Patrol Walk
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 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

San Carlos Park 4th of July Parade
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 8:30 AM
Location: Sunshine Ace Hardware Plaza, Corner of Sanibel Blvd and US 41, San Carlos Park, FL
A Free community parade organized by the San Carlos Park Fire Department, open to anyone who wants to march or watch.

Bonita Springs 4th of July Parade
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Fire Department Station 3, Old 41, Bonita Springs, FL
The annual Bonita Springs 4th of July Parade along Old 41, organized by the Bonita Springs Firefighters Union since 1958.

City of Naples 4th of July Parade
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 9:00 AM
Location: Downtown Naples, Downtown Naples, FL
The City of Naples celebrates America's 250th birthday with a patriotic Fourth of July parade through Downtown Naples.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 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.

Estero Historical Society - Declaration of Independence Reading
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 9:00 AM
Location: Estero Historical Society Cottage Museum, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL
A Free patriotic celebration with a costumed reading of the Declaration of Independence, flag raising by Estero Fire Rescue, and watermelon served picnic-style.

Free admission at Naples Zoo(Collier Residents Only)
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 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: Tow Truck
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 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.

Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 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.

Star Spangle Bonita
Date: Saturday, July 4 | 6:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Free Independence Day celebration featuring live music, food, kids activities and a spectacular drone, fireworks and laser light show at dusk.

Free Community Workout
Date: Sunday, July 5 | 8:30 AM-9:30 AM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free monthly outdoor HIIT community workout at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs hosted by Ionic Fitness and lululemon Miromar Outlet — all fitness levels welcome, equipment provided.

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

Michaels: Fan Fanatics Banners and Bracelets
Date: Sunday, July 5 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Craft Store
A free in-store event where you make a fan bracelet in your favorite team's colors and watch a demo on creating a custom team banner - ages 13 and up.

Bayside Park Concert Series:LIMITED EDITION
Date: Sunday, July 5 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free weekly outdoor concert at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach — bring lawn chairs and your island spirit.

Regal $1 Summer Movies: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & How to Train Your Dragon
Date: Monday, July 6
Location: Your Local Regal Theater
Sonic faces a powerful new enemy, plus Hiccup and Toothless return in the next chapter of their epic friendship.

Baby Social Hour
Date: Monday, July 6 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A cozy drop-in social playtime for babies ages 0-23 months with soft music, toys, and space for caregivers to connect - no registration needed.

Pre-K USA!
Date: Monday, July 6 | 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Lee County Library - Lakes Park Branch, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A patriotic preschool program for ages 0-5 with games, activities, and crafts celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

GCR Summer Run for Fun
Date: Monday, July 6 | 5:15 PM-6:30 PM
Location: Naples High School
A free 6-week kids track program at Naples High School with field events and races ranging from 50 meters to 1600 meters for ages 3-14.

Mr. Glen and the Readers of the Lost Book
Date: Monday, July 6 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
An adventurous STEM show for kids ages 6-11 where Mr. Glen uses simple machines to recover lost storybook pages scattered across the world.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, July 7 | 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.

Drawing Florida Wildlife
Date: Tuesday, July 7 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Lakes Park Branch, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A step-by-step drawing program for all ages focused on Florida's captivating wildlife - registration required, seating limited.

Comedy Magic Show by Cesar Domico
Date: Tuesday, July 7 | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A hilarious and amazing magic show for kids ages 6-11 performed by magician Cesar Domico - registration required.

Dragon Vision
Date: Tuesday, July 7 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
A guided teen art program for ages 12-18 where local artist Mrs. M leads participants in creating a detailed dragon eye drawing using pens, markers, and watercolors.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, July 7 | 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!

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Tuesday, July 7 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium for Turns 2'sday.

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, July 8 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Dino-Roar Storytime
Date: Wednesday, July 8 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
A stomping, chomping, roaring dinosaur storytime for ages 0-5 filled with stories, songs, and rhymes.

Draw Your Own Storybook Characters
Date: Wednesday, July 8 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Teens ages 12-18 develop original cartoon characters and storyboards guided by local cartoonist Doug MacGregor - registration required, snacks provided.

Mixed Media Succulents at the Library
Date: Wednesday, July 8 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Collier County Public Library – Headquarters, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
A free drop-in craft event at Collier County Library for teens and tweens to create their own mixed media succulent using felt, beads, and more — all supplies provided.

July Summer Movie Series: Moana
Date: Wednesday, July 8 | 7:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Free outdoor movie screening of Moana at Backyard Social in Fort Myers — bring a lawn chair and blanket, free popcorn provided.

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Wednesday, July 8 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium for Wear It Wednesday and Silver Sluggers Night.

Coffee & Crafts Workshop
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 10:00 AM
Location: Forever Grounded Coffee, 2633 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33916
A free family meetup at Forever Grounded Coffee featuring crafts for kids from Little Connection Studio — coffee, drinks, and small bites available for purchase.

Kids Comedy Magic Show by Cesar Domico
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
Location: Lee County Library - Lakes Park Branch, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A hilarious and amazing magic show for kids ages 6-11 performed by magician Cesar Domico - no registration needed.

Little Explorers: Frank the Sawfish
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
A free Conservancy of Southwest Florida story time and craft program for ages 2-5 at Headquarters Regional Library -- kids learn about the critically endangered sawfish, play games, and make their own rostrum to take home.

Creative Drama Storytime: Three Billy Goats Gruff
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
An interactive storytime for ages 0-5 where kids hop, stomp, and act out the Three Billy Goats Gruff - registration required.

Nature Navigators: Our Healthy Ocean
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
A free Conservancy of Southwest Florida library program for ages 6-8 diving into the Gulf of Mexico -- kids follow Tally on a grand ocean adventure and learn about marine life. Registration required, opens two weeks prior.

Build It: LEGOS
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
A drop-in family LEGO building challenge with all materials provided - no registration needed.

Dino-Tastic Magic Adventure at the Library
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Collier County Public Library – Headquarters, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
A free kids magic show at Collier County Library featuring Jim Chartier with dinosaur-themed magic tricks, hilarious audience participation, and laugh-out-loud comedy for ages 6-11.

Origami Paper Cranes & Butterflies
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A step-by-step origami workshop for all skill levels where participants fold cranes and flapping butterflies and learn about the paper crane's cultural significance - registration required.

Teen Paracord Project
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Lakes Park Branch, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Teens ages 12-18 learn to make a cobra knot paracord bracelet, keychain, or lanyard - no registration needed, supplies limited.

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Thursday, July 9 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium for College Night and Mussel Up for the Community.

Shorebird Stroll at Lovers Key
Date: Friday, July 10 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a guided 1-mile shoreline walk at Lovers Key to learn how to identify local shorebirds and their diet, behavior, and nesting habits.

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Friday, July 10 | 7:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium with Friday Fireworks and Muddin' with the Mussels.

Bird Patrol Walk at Six Mile Cypress Slough
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 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.

Sweat. Sip. Shop. Summer Series – Fort Myers
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Forever Grounded Coffee – The Commons, 2633 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33916
A morning event at Forever Grounded Coffee with a free community walk at 8 AM, a 45-minute all-levels Pilates class at 9 AM, and a free indoor vendor market from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Bell Tower Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A community arts and crafts fair at Bell Tower hosted by the Local Ladies Social Network featuring unique handcrafted items, local food, and great company.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 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.

The Motherhood Hangout at Southern Fresh Farms
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 9:00 AM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33912
A free family-friendly mom meetup at Southern Fresh Farms in Fort Myers featuring farm animals, playground fun, and coffee and conversations.

Free Lowe's Kids Workshop: Mini Toy Box
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lowe's Home Improvement, Southwest Florida locations
Free kids' workshop to build a mini toy box with compartments for keepsakes (registration opens 6/13).

Michaels Camp Creatology: Wood Space Pals
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Craft Store
A free kids in-store event where children make wooden space pals as part of the Camp Creatology program - ages 4 and up.

Freedom & Fun Family Day
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
A free family day at Collier Museum celebrating America's 250th anniversary with hands-on activities, crafts, and a showcase of Drawn Together contest winners.

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

Public Wild Saturdays: Gopher Tortoises
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 11:00 AM-11:45 AM
Location: Big Corkscrew Island Park, 810 39th Ave NE, Naples, FL 34120
A free family program at Big Corkscrew Island Park featuring games, activities, and crafts all about gopher tortoises and the hundreds of other species that depend on their burrows for survival. Registration required, opens two weeks prior.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton
Date: Saturday, July 11 | 6:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Catch the Mighty Mussels take on Bradenton at Hammond Stadium for Miracle Night with a Miracle Throwback Tee Giveaway.

Beach Pilates + Paddle Morning
Date: Sunday, July 12 | 8:30 AM
Location:
A free morning of movement and community on the beach with a mini Pilates class by Fit30A followed by a fun paddleboard session hosted by Grayton Beach Surf Club — bring your own board if you have one.

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

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, July 12 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Michaels: Watercolor Cards
Date: Sunday, July 12 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Craft Store
A beginner-friendly in-store event where you learn to make cute trendy watercolor cards for any occasion using Michaels supplies - just purchase your watercolors.

Sip & Craft Hat Painting Workshop
Date: Sunday, July 12 | 2:00 PM-4:30 PM
Location: RAD Corkscrew Winery - Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd #172, Estero, FL
A beginner-friendly hat painting workshop at RAD Tasting Room at Miromar Outlets where you customize a pre-laser-engraved suede rancher hat with paints and fabric pens.

Bayside Park Concert Series: TBD
Date: Sunday, July 12 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Free weekly outdoor concert at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach — bring lawn chairs and your island spirit.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

If you know someone who’d appreciate these updates, pass along this link so they can subscribe.