Good morning SWFL!

Another week, another roundup of what’s happening around town. From local news to upcoming events, there’s plenty to catch up on. As always, I want this newsletter to be as helpful (and easy to keep up with) as possible, which brings me to this week’s question.

What day would you prefer this newsletter to land in your inbox each week? Cast your vote in the poll below.

Construction Starts on Estero's Regional Sports Complex
Suffolk broke ground on Phase 1 of Estero Sports Park, a regional recreational complex on Williams Road near Estero High School. Phase 1 includes site infrastructure, the Via Coconut Point entrance providing access to High 5 entertainment venue, two practice fields, a lake, privacy wall, and utility systems. Construction expected late 2026, with Phase 2 starting before Phase 1 finishes. Suffolk is using a progressive design-build approach, bringing architects, engineers, contractors, and the village together early to identify challenges and reduce costs. (Gulfshore Business)

Female Eagle Missing from Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Nest
Female bald eagle F23 has been missing from the North Fort Myers Bayshore Road nest since Friday morning (Feb. 27), last seen at 8:12 a.m. on the popular Southwest Florida Eagle Cam. Male eagle M15 is now caring alone for eaglet E26, who is nearing fledgling age. FWC and CROW have been alerted. This marks the second time a female eagle has disappeared from this nest. In 2023, Harriet vanished and was never found. Last season, the pair's eaglets E24 and E25 both died from avian flu, though M15 and F23 recovered. The livestream has received over 231 million views since 2012. (WGCU)

58 Manatees Dead in Lee County Since January 1
FWC released its final report on Lee County manatee deaths, confirming 58 manatees have died in the county since Jan. 1, with the majority occurring during the recent cold weather period. Of the 58 deaths, 49 occurred since Jan. 2, with 12 verified as cold stress, three from watercraft collisions, and the rest verified but not autopsied. Deaths were recorded mostly in the Orange and Caloosahatchee Rivers, plus Estero Bay, Fish Trap Bay, San Carlos Bay, Punta Rassa Cove, Matlacha Pass, and Glover Bight. Manatees seek warm water sites like the park when temperatures drop below 68 degrees. (WGCU)

Here’s your weekend roundup (Friday–Sunday). For the full round up, click ‘click online’ in the top right of the email.

Beach and Estuary Walk
Date: Friday, March 6 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Leisurely ranger-led walk over the estuary and along the beach discovering seashells, crustaceans, starfish, and other sea creatures.

SWFL Ag Expo
Date: Friday, March 6 | 4:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Mike Greenwell Regional Park (Lee County Civic Center Complex), 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
11-day agricultural expo featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, exhibits, food vendors, live entertainment, petting zoo, and youth agriculture programs.

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

Shamrock Pub Crawl
Date: Friday, March 6 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Ticketed St. Patrick's Day-themed pub crawl with tasting experience at participating restaurants, center court entertainment, DJ, photo booth, caricature artist, themed performers, and raffle.

Spring Training: Atlanta Braves vs Minnesota Twins
Date: Friday, March 6 | 6:05 PM
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Florida Everblades vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Date: Friday, March 6 | 7:30 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Estero Community Yard Sale
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 7:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928
Community yard sale with vendor spots available for $5, registration opens February 1, 2026.

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

Free admission at Naples Zoo(Collier Residents Only)
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 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: Farm Planter
Date: Saturday, March 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.

Coastal Dayz 8th Anniversary Party
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Location: Coastal Dayz Brewery, 2161 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Coastal Dayz Brewery celebrates its 8th anniversary with two days of live music, new beer releases, food trucks, axe throwing, and a Sip & Shop market.

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival - Saturday
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A full day of festival fun including a 5K run, parade, arts and crafts fair, Pink Gold Shrimp Boil, and the Queens Pageant.

Judge's Car & Truck Show
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Car and truck show featuring Corvettes, open-class cars, trucks, and jeeps.

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

SWFL Ag Expo
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 11:00 AM-11:00 PM
Location: Mike Greenwell Regional Park (Lee County Civic Center Complex), 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
11-day agricultural expo featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, exhibits, food vendors, live entertainment, petting zoo, and youth agriculture programs.

Pupchella Music Festival
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Dog-friendly music festival with live music, face painting, balloon artist, paint with your pup, bubbles, temporary tattoos, dog cool-down station, photo ops, and hand painted cookies benefiting Gulf Coast Humane Society.

FIESTA Bonita Springs
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 1pm-8pm
Location: Riverside Park, Riverside Park, Bonita Springs, FL
A free, all-ages community celebration featuring live music, cultural performances, family activities, food vendors, and local businesses.

Spring Training: Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Pints in the Pines
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Evening under the stars with craft beer, local bites, live music, moonlit trails, and planetarium show.

Florida Everblades vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Date: Saturday, March 7 | 7:00 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Professional hockey game featuring the Florida Everblades.

Yoga by the Sea
Date: Sunday, March 8 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Gentle beachside yoga practice blending meditation and mindful flow on Sunday morning.

Dads & Kids Volunteer Day
Date: Sunday, March 8 | 10:00 AM
Location: Jefferson Park, 1610 Jefferson Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Level Up Dads hosts a father-child park cleanup at Jefferson Park, teaching kids responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of giving back to the community.

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival - Sunday
Date: Sunday, March 8 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A full day of festival fun including an arts and crafts fair, Pink Gold Shrimp Boil, Blessing of the Fleet, and a Shrimp Eating Contest.

SWFL Ag Expo
Date: Sunday, March 8 | 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Location: Mike Greenwell Regional Park (Lee County Civic Center Complex), 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
11-day agricultural expo featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, exhibits, food vendors, live entertainment, petting zoo, and youth agriculture programs.

BBQ Rib Throwdown
Date: Sunday, March 8 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: American Legion Post #192, 3130 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33916
A backyard BBQ rib competition with tastings, prizes, and a public vote for the best ribs.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, March 8 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Mr. Glen's St. Paddy's Day Workshop at Riptide Brewing
Date: Sunday, March 8 | 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Location: Riptide Brewing Company, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A festive St. Patrick's Day kids science workshop where little ones explore rainbows, rainmaking, leprechauns, chocolate gold coins, and four-leaf clover growing while parents enjoy the brewery.

Spring Training: Philadelphia Phillies vs Minnesota Twins
Date: Sunday, March 8 | 1:05 PM
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Spring Training: Philadelphia Phillies vs Boston Red Sox
Date: Monday, March 9 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, March 10 | 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.

Mommy + Me Yoga Club w/ The Mom Walk
Date: Tuesday, March 10 | 10:00 AM
Location: Forever Grounded Coffee - The Commons, 2633 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A Mommy & Me Sculpt & Flow yoga pop-up at Forever Grounded Coffee where moms can build strength, move with intention, and connect with community, with a free coffee included.

Spring Training: Detroit Tigers vs Boston Red Sox
Date: Tuesday, March 10 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, March 10 | 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: Zootopia 2
Date: Tuesday, March 10 | 6:30 PM
Location: Mercato - Piazza, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108
Outdoor movie screening in the Piazza at Mercato (movie title to be announced).

Audubon of SWFL Birding Field Trip
Date: Wednesday, March 11 | 8:00 AM-10:30 PM
Location: CREW Marsh Trails, 4320 Woodside Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Join fellow nature lovers for guided birding trips to some of Southwest Florida’s best spots. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, these outings are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and learn more about local wildlife.

Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, March 11 | 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, March 11 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Spring Training: Detroit Tigers vs Minnesota Twins
Date: Wednesday, March 11 | 1:05 PM
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Big City Kids Yoga - Moms Flow, Kids Play Free
Date: Wednesday, March 11 | 6:00 PM-6:45 PM
Location: Big City Kids Play Cafe, 12601 Trade Way Dr, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A strength-building yoga class designed for moms while kids play freely in the same space.

Disney on Ice
Date: Thursday, March 12
Location: Hertz Arena
3/12 7pm 3/13 7pm 3/14 11am/3pm/7pm 3/15 1pm/5pm

Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, March 12 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928

Spring Training: Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins
Date: Thursday, March 12 | 1:05 PM
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Seashell Walk
Date: Friday, March 13 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Relaxing ranger-led hike along the shoreline learning about seashells, their creatures, and shelling regulations.

Spring Training: Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox
Date: Friday, March 13 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Brews for the Birds
Date: Friday, March 13 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Bonita Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Ticketed fundraiser featuring craft beer tastings in the historic gardens supporting bird conservation.

Lucky Paws Celebration Yappy Hour
Date: Friday, March 13 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Irish-themed event for dogs and their humans with green treats, pup-friendly drinks, live Celtic music, leprechaun costume contest, Kiss Me I'm a Rescue booth, Luck of the Leash parade, and complimentary caricatures.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 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.

McGregor's Kilts & Kilometers 5K
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33912
5K and 1 Mile Race to kick off Lee County's biggest Irish festival with commemorative pint glass, shamrock socks, finisher's medal, followed by live music, beer specials, and authentic Irish fare.

Downtown Ft Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Ft. Myers, Monroe and First streets

Pop-Up: Bubble Tea + Sculpt & Flow
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 9:00 AM
Location: Banh Mi & Tea at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Suite 323, Estero, FL 33928
A mommy-and-me sculpt and flow workout class blending yoga, functional movement, and Pilates with a free bubble tea after class.

Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 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.

Center for the Arts Art Festival
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Top-ranked national art festival featuring juried artists from across the country with live music and food.

Naples Train Day
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
Celebration of railroading history with historic train cars, hands-on activities, train rides, and model train displays.

JCPenny Kids Zone Craft: Florial Wreath
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: JC Penny in Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave #903, Fort Myers, FL 33901

50th Annual Naples St. Patrick's Day Parade
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 11:00 AM-1:30 PM
Location: Downtown Naples, 3rd Street South and 10th Avenue, Naples, FL 34102
The largest privately-funded parade in Florida returns for its 50th year with floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, and more through the streets of downtown.

Shamrock Social
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 11:00 AM-10:45 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A St. Patrick's Day celebration featuring green beer, specialty cocktails, live music from Red Hannah and The Rowdy Bards, and 6 food trucks.

Spring Training: Tampa Bay Rays vs Minnesota Twins
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 1:05 PM
Location: Lee Health Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912

Teen DIY UV Resin
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Teens create a unique UV resin piece in this hands-on art program with limited space and supplies.

Irish Food Clash
Date: Saturday, March 14 | 4:00 PM-2:00 AM
Location: Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Professional Irish food competition with chefs and food trucks, house-brewed Irish beer, and car bombs.

Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, March 15 | 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

Center for the Arts Art Festival
Date: Sunday, March 15 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Top-ranked national art festival featuring juried artists from across the country with live music and food.

Spring Training: Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox
Date: Sunday, March 15 | 1:05 PM
Location: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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