Hello SWFL!

Oakes Farms Proposes Major Entertainment Complex in Bonita Springs
Oakes Farms has submitted a proposal to the City of Bonita Springs to transform the former dog track site on Bonita Beach Road along Old U.S. 41 into a large entertainment destination called "Oakes Landing." The approximately 12-acre site would feature a 100,116-square-foot building with bars, restaurants, a stage, pools, a playground, and other recreational amenities, replacing the existing facility that currently houses a card room, simulcasting, a restaurant, and an indoor and outdoor sports challenge facility.(WINK News)

Lee County School Enrollment Declining
The Lee County School District is down nearly 2,000 students compared to last school year, with a district study revealing that 2,442 students left to go out of state or out of the country, 1,785 transferred to another Florida public school district, 1,101 moved to private schools, and 938 left to homeschool. The enrollment decline is contributing to budget pressures, prompting the district to implement zero-based budgeting across schools, with principals building budgets strictly based on per-pupil state funding and current enrollment.(WINK News)

Blind Pass Waterway Clears Between Sanibel and Captiva
The large sandbar that had blocked water flow between Sanibel and Captiva islands at Blind Pass has naturally cleared, reopening the waterway that was first reported as blocked in mid-March. The blockage had been caused by a combination of natural coastal dynamics and a major beach renourishment project by the City of Sanibel, which placed roughly 300,000 cubic yards of new sand along the island's northern shoreline from near the former Mad Hatter Restaurant to the western edge of Bowman's Beach Park. (WINK News)

Swim Lessons Are Still Available This Summer!

This week's Summer Spotlight is a little different, instead of highlighting a place to visit, we're pointing you toward an opportunity you won't want to miss. Swimming is one of the most important life skills a child can have, and two local community pools still have availability for summer swim lessons.

San Carlos Community Pool (Lee County Parks & Recreation) offers a full progression of swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, from babies as young as 6 months all the way through advanced swimmers, plus private lessons for children and adults. To view current class availability and register, visit leegov.com/parks/pools/sancarlospool/programsclasses.

Bonita Springs Community Pool also still has summer swim lesson availability for children ages 3 and up, with small class sizes of just 6 children per session. Saturday availability is still open. For schedules, pricing, and to register, visit bonitaspringsparks.org/community_pool/lessons or call (239) 992-2556.

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.

Shorebird Stroll
Date: Friday, June 12 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Join a park ranger on a guided shoreline walk to discover and learn to identify the birds that call Lovers Key home - free with paid park entry, reservations required.

Family Yoga
Date: Friday, June 12 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Powerhouse Dance Studio
A playful all-ages family yoga class with partner poses, games, and mindfulness activities - no experience needed, mats provided.

The Rainbow Fish Musical
Date: Friday, June 12 | 1:00 PM
Location: Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A beloved children's musical about a fish who learns that kindness matters more than beauty, with lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Florida Everblades vs Kansas City Mavericks - Kelly Cup Finals
Date: Friday, June 12 | 7:30 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero, FL 34135
Watch the Florida Everblades take on the Kansas City Mavericks at Hertz Arena in the Kelly Cup Finals.

Free Summer Saturday Camps in June
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 7:30 AM-10:15 AM
Location: Burn Boot Camp - Fort Myers, 6810 Shoppes at Plantation Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Free Saturday boot camp classes open to the public with optional complimentary childwatch.

Bird Patrol Walk at Six Mile Cypress Slough
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 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.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 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.

Stone Setting Silver Ring Class
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Shelby Wandrey Studio, 23601 N Commons Dr, Estero, FL 34134
A one-day hands-on silver ring workshop at Shelby Wandrey Studio in Estero where you learn to size rings, create custom bezels, and set the stone of your choice -- all skill levels welcome, register at shelbywandrey.art.

Free Lowe's Kids Workshop: Trophy Cup
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lowe's Home Improvement, Southwest Florida locations
Free kids' workshop to build and decorate a soccer-themed trophy cup (registration opens 5/16).

Michaels Kids Club: Father's Day Card
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Craft Store
A free kids craft event where children make a special handmade Father's Day card to gift dad - ages 4 and up.

JCPenny Kids Zone Craft
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: JC Penny in Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave #903, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Public Wild Saturdays: Sea Turtles
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 11:00 AM-11:45 AM
Location: Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Dr, Naples, FL 34112
A free family program at Sugden Regional Park about sea turtle nesting in Florida -- games, activities, and crafts exploring how scientists and everyday citizens help protect sea turtles. Registration required, opens two weeks prior.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

SWFL Pride Street Festival
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 2:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, Downtown Fort Myers, FL
A Free, all-welcome street festival with live entertainment, local vendors, food, and music celebrating community and inclusivity.

Sunset Paint and Sip at LaPlaya Beach Resort
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
Location: LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, 9891 Gulf Shore Dr, Naples, FL 34108
An immersive guided painting experience on LaPlaya's Gulf Lawn led by a local Paint the Town artist, with all supplies and a complimentary cocktail included -- plus 20% off BALEEN's menu before and after.

Florida Everblades vs Kansas City Mavericks - Kelly Cup Finals
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 7:00 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero, FL 34135
Watch the Florida Everblades take on the Kansas City Mavericks at Hertz Arena in the Kelly Cup Finals.

Slick City Summer Bash After Hours
Date: Saturday, June 13 | 8:30 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Slick City Action Park, 9978 Gulf Logistics Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A neon-themed after-hours night at Slick City with slides, music, and glow vibes for the whole crew.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, June 14 | 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 feat. On The Rocks
Date: Sunday, June 14 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free outdoor concert at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach featuring On The Rocks, Florida's hottest party band playing Dance, Pop, Rock, Punk and a little Country.

Art Themed Field Day at Bell Tower Shops
Date: Sunday, June 14 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A family-friendly art-themed field day at Bell Tower Shops with interactive art stations at every vendor booth, hands-on activities for kids, and local vendors - wear or bring a white shirt!

Regal $1 Summer Movies: Kpop Demon Hunters Sing-Along & The Wild Robot
Date: Monday, June 15- Thursday, June 18th
Location: Your Local Regal Theater
Sing along with the Kpop Demon Hunters, then watch Roz the robot learn to survive in the wild.

Chick-fil-A Kid Cow Club
Date: Monday, June 15 | 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S Tamiami Trl, Estero, FL 33928
A free themed kids activity morning at Chick-fil-A Estero with special guests and complimentary coffee for parents.

Preschool Playdate
Date: Monday, June 15 | 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Lee County Library - Lakes Park Branch, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Hands-on STEM and early literacy playtime for children ages 0-5 - no registration, but space and supplies are limited.

Alamo $7 Summer Movie: Kpop Demon Hunters
Date: Monday, June 15 | 4:00 PM
Location: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Unit 8205, Naples, FL 34108
The Netflix phenomenon comes to the big screen for a limited Kids Camp screening.

GCR Summer Run for Fun
Date: Monday, June 15 | 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.

Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show
Date: Monday, June 15 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
An action-packed live dinosaur show for kids ages 6-11 featuring life-like puppets, science, storytelling, and laughs.

Pilates and Pints
Date: Monday, June 15 | 7:30 PM-9:15 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A weekly Monday sunset Pilates class on the farm hosted by SoulBody Studios with an ice cold beverage from Southern Fresh Brew Co included after class.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | 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.

Sculpt & Flow
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | 10:00 AM
Location: Forever Grounded Coffee Ft. Myers
A mom-and-baby pop-up fitness class blending yoga, Pilates, and functional movement with a complimentary drink, vendors, and a play area for kids - all levels welcome.

The Rainbow Fish Musical
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | 1:00 PM
Location: Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A beloved children's musical about a fish who learns that kindness matters more than beauty, with lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Daddy Daughter Date Night
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | 5:00 PM-7:45 PM
Location: Chick-fil-A Naples Center, 5825 Airport Pulling Rd N, Naples, FL 34109
A special evening for dads and daughters with a meal, photo opportunity, and a craft activity together.

Mr. Glen and the Readers of the Lost Book
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
An adventurous STEM show for kids ages 6-11 where Mr. Glen uses simple machines to recover lost storybook pages scattered across the world - registration required.

Adams Animal Encounters: Reptiles Revealed! Teen Edition
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
A hands-on summer reading program for teens ages 12-18 featuring exotic animals and an up-close look at wildlife conservation.

Yoga for Moms at Big City Kids Play Cafe
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | 6:00 PM-6:45 PM
Location: Big City Kids Play Cafe
A weekly yoga class for moms at Big City Kids where kids play free while moms flow - all fitness levels welcome, mats provided.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | 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!

Movie on the Lawn: Luca
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | 6:30 PM
Location: Mercato - Piazza, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108
Outdoor movie screening of Luca in the Piazza at Mercato.

Mom Walk Collective: Play Date at Cutie Patooties Play Cafe
Date: Wednesday, June 17 | 9:00 AM
Location: Cutie Patooties Play Cafe, 24860 S Tamiami Trail Unit 1, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
A casual mom-and-kids morning play date at Cutie Patooties Play Cafe with coffee and food available for purchase.

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, June 17 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Ocean Playdough Party with The Nature Classroom
Date: Wednesday, June 17 | 9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Big City Kids, 12601 Trade Way Drive, Unit 1, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Kids ages 2 and up make their own ocean playdough kit to take home, then enjoy open play.

Community Helper Storytime: Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
Date: Wednesday, June 17 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
A magical storytime for ages 0-5 featuring a visit from a real mini horse from the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center.

Discover Bunny Yoga and Mindfulness
Date: Wednesday, June 17 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A calming teen yoga and mindfulness session for ages 12-18 with free-roaming bunnies - bring a towel or mat, dress for comfort, snacks provided - registration required.

I Need to Unwind Crochet Meetup
Date: Wednesday, June 17 | 5:15 PM-7:15 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
A casual drop-in crochet meetup for all skill levels to connect, create, and share at the South County Regional Library.

Kids Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show
Date: Thursday, June 18 | 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
Location: Lee County Library - Lakes Park Branch, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
An action-packed live dinosaur show for kids ages 6-11 featuring life-like puppets, science, and storytelling - no registration needed.

Little Explorers: Felina's New Home
Date: Thursday, June 18 | 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 -- meet Felina the Florida panther and learn how biologists help her share her habitat with the people moving in.

Dino Mini Golf
Date: Thursday, June 18 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A dinosaur-themed mini golf course for children ages 2-5 where kids stomp, flap, and putt their way through - registration required.

Nature Navigators: Shark Week
Date: Thursday, June 18 | 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 -- gear up and dive deep into the ocean to learn about sharks and the animals that live alongside them. Registration required, opens two weeks prior.

Michaels: 4th of July Party Celebration
Date: Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Craft Store
A free in-store event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US with demos, a free party popper craft, and more - ages 13 and up.

Paper Flower Craft
Date: Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A hands-on crafting session where participants create beautiful paper flowers using folding, cutting, and gluing techniques - limited to 16, registration required.

Build It: LEGOS
Date: Thursday, June 18 | 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.

Walk on the Wild Side
Date: Friday, June 19 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a guided hike along the Black Island Trail to learn about the maritime hammock ecosystem, local wildlife, and history - free with paid park entry, reservations required.

The Rainbow Fish Musical
Date: Friday, June 19 | 1:00 PM
Location: Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A beloved children's musical about a fish who learns that kindness matters more than beauty, with lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Mexican Cuisine Cooking Demo at Artichoke & Company
Date: Friday, June 19 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Artichoke & Company, 11920 Saradrienne Ln, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
An interactive 5-course Mexican cooking demo at Artichoke & Company in Bonita Springs featuring a welcome cocktail, live demonstrations, and take-home recipes -- reservations required, call 239-263-6979.

Music Walk
Date: Friday, June 19 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets.

Free Summer Saturday Camps in June
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 7:30 AM-9:30 AM
Location: Burn Boot Camp - Fort Myers, 6810 Shoppes at Plantation Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Free Saturday boot camp classes open to the public with complimentary childwatch (no 9:30 AM session this week).

Juneteenth Freedom Run
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 7:30 AM
Location: Fort Myers Stars Complex, 2980 Edison Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916
A free morning run at the Fort Myers Stars Complex celebrating Juneteenth as part of the Lee County Black History Society's annual celebration.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 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.

Crusty Cravings: Sourdough Bread Making Workshop
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Forever Grounded Coffee, 2633 Dr Martin Luther King Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A hands-on 3-hour sourdough workshop covering every step of the bread-making process - from mixing and shaping to fermentation - with two loaves to take home and bake.

Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 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 – all inspired by artworks on view in the gallery, famous artists, national holidays and artistic traditions around the world.

Jr. Ranger Program
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Kids join park staff at Lovers Key for a Junior Ranger educational program covering natural resources, cultural resources, recreation, and service - earn passport stamps, free with park entry, reservations required.

Family Fit 4 Father's Day Weekend
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 10:30 AM
Location: Hopsized Brewing Company, 9201 Cockleshell Ct, Ste 13-14, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A family fitness event at Hopsized Brewing celebrating Father's Day with a group workout, cold plunge, giveaways, vendors, and a BBQ party after class.

Family Dino Build - Session 1
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Build your own 3D cardboard dinosaur using the ChompSaw in this all-ages hands-on family program - registration required.

Third Saturdays | Free Event
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Naples Art District, Shirley St. and J & C Blvd., Naples, FL 34109
A Free monthly art walk where visitors can explore working artist studios and discover one-of-a-kind artwork.

Family Dino Build - Session 2
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Lee County Library - Estero Branch, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Build your own 3D cardboard dinosaur using the ChompSaw in this all-ages hands-on family program - registration required.

Princess Tea Party Cruise aboard the Naples Princess
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 3:00 PM-4:30 PM
Location: Naples Princess Cruises, 550 Port O Call Way, Naples, FL 34102
A magical princess cruise featuring Rapunzel, Tiana, and Cinderella with singing, stories, Princess Training, a tiara and wand, red carpet photo, light snacks, and princess punch.

2026 Juneteenth Celebration
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 4:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Stars Complex, 2980 Edison Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916
A free community Juneteenth celebration hosted by the Lee County Black History Society featuring live music, food, storytelling, and family fun - capped off with a fireworks display at 9:00 PM.

Slick City Summer Bash After Hours
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 8:30 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Slick City Action Park, 9978 Gulf Logistics Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A neon-themed after-hours night at Slick City with slides, music, and glow vibes for the whole crew.

Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, June 21 | 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. Check out the traffic circle to see our featured cars of the month and connect with car enthusiasts from Southwest Florida

Car Show: The Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida
Date: Sunday, June 21 | 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.

Michaels: Mahjong Bag Charm
Date: Sunday, June 21 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Craft Store
A beginner-friendly in-store craft event where you make a Mahjong-themed bag charm using Michaels supplies - just purchase a charm of your choosing.

Bayside Park Concert Series: THE BAD BANDITOS
Date: Sunday, June 21 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free outdoor live music concert every Sunday at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach - bring lawn chairs and well-behaved pets.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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