Good morning SWFL!

Critical Sawfish Habitat in Caloosahatchee River Threatened by Development
One of only two known smalltooth sawfish pupping areas in the Caloosahatchee River faces extinction threats from habitat destruction and rising sea levels, with the critically endangered species' population down to just a few hundred individuals. The shallow, mangrove-fringed nursery waters protect young sawfish from bull shark predators during their first five to six years of life, with conservationists warning that development of these two critical areas could cause the species to disappear entirely.(WinkNews)

Fire District Acquires Land for Future Station
South Trail Fire Protection & Rescue Service District purchased an 8.22-acre parcel at 12700 Ben C. Pratt Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers for $2.02 million, with plans to build a new fire station on the site between two apartment complexes. The independent taxing district, which serves approximately 62,000 residents across 39 square miles in south Fort Myers and currently operates five stations, bought the property from a local LLC that had purchased it for $1.05 million in 2022, though no timeline has been set for construction.(BusinessObserverFL)

Spring Training Wraps with Economic and Community Impact
JetBlue Park led the Grapefruit League in attendance this season as spring training concluded in Fort Myers, with the Red Sox and Twins facilities collectively generating $69.5 million in tax revenue over the nine-week period FORT MYERS. Beyond game days, JetBlue Park continues serving the community year-round, recently hosting the first two workouts for the Professional Women's Baseball League, the first women's league in 80 years, while maintaining a focus on fan experience that includes post-game player interactions and autograph opportunities.(GulfCoastNewsNow)

The Gulf Coast Humane Society is hosting "Pupilates: Pups and Pilates" on Saturday, March 28, from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Edison Mall parking lot in Fort Myers, where about 250 people and their dogs will participate in coordinated mat Pilates exercises designed for both humans and canines. Trainers from Club Pilates will lead the human exercises while canine fitness trainers from Canine Fit Club and Dogs by Melissa guide the dogs, with registration at $50 per person (four-foot leashes, T-shirts, and swag bags included) and all proceeds benefiting the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

The event promotes health and wellness "at both ends of the leash," offering a unique way for pet owners to bond with their dogs while staying active together. For more information or to register, visit gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/pupilates.

Movie Night: Battle of the Smithsonian
Date: Friday, March 27 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
Outdoor movie night showing Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG), doors open at 5:30pm, movie starts at 6pm.

Celebrate Bonita Immersive Stroll
Date: Friday, March 27 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bonita Springs
Free immersive stroll with glowing visual art displays celebrating Bonita Springs.

Florida Everblades vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates
Date: Friday, March 27 | 7:30 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Night Hikes: Mysterious Moths
Date: Friday, March 27 | 7:30 PM-9:30 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.

Annual Butterfly Release
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 7:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: North Collier Regional Park, North Collier Regional Park, Naples, FL
Avow's annual community event features a live butterfly exhibit, children's activities, and a remembrance ceremony honoring loved ones with a butterfly release.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 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.

Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Kids Day at WINK Playland – Crafts, Face Painting & Free Treat
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 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

BBQ, Bands & Brew
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33901
The 15th annual Lee BIA Builders Care fundraiser brings live music, SW Florida's top BBQ pit masters competing for "Best BBQ in Town," and family-friendly activities including bounce houses, face painting, and more.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Hoppin' Around GCTC
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A family-friendly spring celebration at Gulf Coast Town Center with Easter Bunny photos and an Egg Stop route through participating businesses to collect treats and sweets.

SWFL Pet Expo
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 1:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Mike Greenwell Regional Park, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, FL
A free community pet expo celebrating adoptions, animal wellness, and pet-positive recreation with dozens of local rescues and vendors all under one roof.

SWFL BBQ Showdown
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 4:00 PM-12:00 AM
Location: Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
6+ BBQ joints and food trucks compete in SWFL's first serious BBQ competition of the year.

Celebrate Bonita Immersive Stroll & Concert
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bonita Springs
Free immersive stroll with glowing visual art displays celebrating Bonita Springs, plus concert with local school and band performances.

Mom's Night Out Book Swap at Peculiar Play Cafe
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 6:30 PM
Location: Peculiar Play Cafe, 8750 Gladiolus Dr Unit 6, Fort Myers, FL 33908
A moms-only evening at Peculiar Play Cafe featuring drinks, treats, and a book swap, bring a book you loved and go home with a new read.

Florida Everblades vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 7:00 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Beach Cleanup
Date: Sunday, March 29 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a beach cleanup at Mid-Beach, helping keep the state park clean.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, March 29 | 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 ft. Saffron
Date: Sunday, March 29 | 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 Sunday afternoon outdoor concert at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach featuring live music by Saffron — bring lawn chairs and your island spirit.

Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Monday, March 30 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A lap-sit storytime for babies and caregivers featuring books, rhymes, and songs to build early literacy, language, motor, and social skills.

The Adventure Story Time w/ The Mom Walk
Date: Monday, March 30 | 10:00 AM
Location: Zero Gravity Dance Studio, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A spring-themed morning for little ones combining cozy storytime with hands-on sensory play and activities that bring the book to life, ages 18 months and up.

Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Monday, March 30 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free lap-sit program for babies birth to 18 months featuring books, rhymes, and songs to build early literacy, language, and social skills.

Toddler Tales
Date: Monday, March 30 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A high-energy interactive storytime for toddlers and caregivers using stories, music, movement, and rhymes to support language and motor skills.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, March 31 | 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.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, March 31 | 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!

Stardust Memories Big Band
Date: Tuesday, March 31 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Free big band concerts featuring the Stardust Memories Big Band performing swing and big band music.

Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, April 1 | 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, April 1 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Family Storytime
Date: Wednesday, April 1 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A fun storytime for young children and caregivers featuring books, rhymes, songs, and activities to build early literacy skills and friendships.

Preschool Storytime
Date: Wednesday, April 1 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
An independent storytime for preschoolers that builds school readiness skills through reading, singing, writing, and play.

Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, April 2 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928

Grand Opening of Fire Station 31
Date: Thursday, April 2 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Beach Fire Station 31, 2545 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL
Celebrate the opening of Fort Myers Beach's newest fire station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours, and light refreshments ‚a major milestone in the island's recovery from Hurricane Ian.

Family Storytime
Date: Thursday, April 2 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free weekly storytime for children birth to age 5 featuring books, rhymes, songs, and activities that build early literacy and social skills.

Storytime at Lakes Park
Date: Thursday, April 2 | 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.

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers
Date: Friday, April 3 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street

First Friday Concert: The Purple One
Date: Friday, April 3 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free high-energy tribute concert celebrating Prince and other 80s icons performed by The Purple One Lives On at Gulf Coast Town Center's open-air courtyard.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 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, April 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

Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Free admission at Naples Zoo(Collier Residents Only)
Date: Saturday, April 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: Keepsake Box
Date: Saturday, April 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.

Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Arts & Crafts Fair hosted by Local Ladies Social Network featuring unique handcrafted items, local food, and local artisans.

Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Date: Saturday, April 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.

Sunshine Ace Eggfest
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
BBQ competition and festival featuring Big Green Egg cookers with food sampling and family activities.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Beer in the Bushes
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: SCCF Headquarters & Erick Lindblad Preserve, 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
The 12th annual SCCF fundraiser brings a swing-themed evening with live music by the Squirrel Nut Zippers, craft beer tastings from local breweries, and food trucks — all benefiting Southwest Florida coastal conservation.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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