Hello SWFL!

Everblades Begin Eastern Conference Finals with Two Home Games at Hertz Arena This Weekend
The Florida Everblades are on a historic run. After sweeping Savannah in Round 1 and eliminating South Carolina in five games in the South Division Finals, the Everblades have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the 11th time in team history and the seventh time in the last eight postseasons, facing the Wheeling Nailers in a best-of-seven series that opens at Hertz Arena this Friday, May 22 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, May 23 at 7:00 PM (Florida Everblades)

Estero Reviews 370-Unit Mixed-Use Development Proposal
The Residential Group is seeking to rezone 5.275 acres at the southwest corner of Estero Parkway and Three Oaks Parkway to build a 370-unit apartment complex with 33,000 square feet of commercial space, replacing a 1994-approved shopping center plan that never materialized. The developer claims the proposal would generate significantly less traffic (3,826 daily trips versus 9,908 under the old plan) and build at lower density than current zoning allows, which permits up to 479 units or 599 with bonuses. (Gulfshore Business)

American Airlines Proposes December Launch at Naples Airport
American Airlines is proposing three daily arrivals and departures at Naples Airport starting December 2, 2026, with regional jets between Naples and Charlotte, marking the first commercial passenger service at the airport since 2017. The airline's managing director of Global Network Planning sent a proposal to Naples Airport Authority Executive Director Chris Rozansky on May 13, promising to operate 65-seat regional jets within the voluntary curfew hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the North Road Terminal.(Gulf Coast News Now)

Sweet Tomatoes is OPEN in Fort Myers! 🍅🎉
They're doing a soft launch right now (no official grand opening date yet). Staff is not seating at full capacity, so there's a wait but the line moves fast! They're seating in batches of about 15 people at a time. We went for lunch this week and only waited around 20 minutes.

Work Week Wind Down at Wiggins Beach
Date: Friday, May 22 | 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, 11100 Wiggins Pass Rd, Naples, FL 34110
A weekly Friday evening of gentle Qigong, movement, and mindfulness at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park as the sun sets over the Gulf -- open to all, $10 donation sugested

$5 Bachata & Salsa Group Classes
Date: Friday, May 22 | 7:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Brian Oakes Ballroom & Latin Lessons Naples
Drop-in Latin dance classes led by Brian Oakes, with Bachata at 7:30 and Salsa at 8:30 every Friday.

Night Hikes: Twlight Tour
Date: Friday, May 22 | 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.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 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 Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 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.

Nature Walks with the Conservancy
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 9:00 AM
Location: North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109
A free guided hike through the forests and wetlands of North Collier Regional Park with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida -- learn how nature is connected while spotting local plants and animals. Registration required, opens two weeks prior.

Acrylic Painting with Pat Smelkoff
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A guided acrylic painting class at Alliance for the Arts where you'll paint vibrant tulips with all supplies provided.

Kids Club: DIY Kids Bookmarks
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Store, 13741 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 1, Fort Myers, FL
A free all-ages Kids Club event at your local Michaels where kids kick off summer reading by making their very own DIY bookmark.

Playdate & Pancakes on the Farm
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: M&M Farms & Cattle Co, 5450 Higginbotham Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33905
A ticketed family morning at M&M Farms with open playground, farm animal visits, made-to-order mini pancakes from Lupita's, coffee, and a fully stocked farm stand.

Sip & Sculpt Rooftop Pilates Party
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Rooftop at Riverside, 8002 Mediterranean Dr, Estero, FL 33928
A rooftop Pilates party with Grounding Spot at Rooftop at Riverside Estero featuring bottomless mimosas, a party playlist Pilates class, cold plunge access, and Gulf views -- wear red or blue, spots are limited.

Free Community Day at Artis-Naples
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Hayes Hall & The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, FL 34108
A free all-ages community day at Artis-Naples with live musical performances, free museum admission, an instrument petting zoo, food trucks, face painting, and community partners.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Memorial Day Weekend Cookout at The Perry Hotel Naples
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: The Perry Hotel Naples, 12155 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34110
A poolside Memorial Day cookout at The Perry Hotel Naples at Bodega with BBQ favorites, drink specials, Cazadores Tequila and Angel's Envy Bourbon tastings, and live poolside music - day passes available via ResortPass.

Evening Creative Session at Summer's Art Studio
Date: Saturday, May 23 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Summer's Art Studio & Gallery, 27665 Old 41 Rd, Unit 1, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A guided painting night at Summer's Art Studio in Bonita Springs designed to help you unwind and reconnect with creativity -- herbal teas, coffee, light bites, and optional wine, no experience needed, limited seating.

Fort Myers Beach Sunrise Yoga
Date: Sunday, May 24 | 7:15 AM-8:15 AM
Location: Fort Myers Beach - Old Pier, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
An all-levels outdoor sunrise yoga class on Fort Myers Beach guided by Kimberly York, featuring crystal bowls sound healing at the end — bring a towel, water, and optional mat.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, May 24 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Michaels Craft: Junk Journals
Date: Sunday, May 24 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Store, 13741 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 1, Fort Myers, FL
A free beginner-friendly event at your local Michaels to learn all about junk journaling and make your very own small junk journal to take home.

Charity Drag Queen Bingo
Date: Sunday, May 24 | 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: Coastal Dayz Brewery, 2161 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A free-to-play Drag Queen Bingo at Coastal Dayz Brewery benefiting Cattyshack Cares cat rescue, hosted by Alyssa Lemay and Savage, with free drinks as prizes, specialty cocktails, food by Fat Thors, and cash donations encouraged for the cause.

Bayside Park Concert: The Guilty Pleasure Band
Date: Sunday, May 24 | 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 The Guilty Pleasure Band.

Memorial Day Celebration
Date: Monday, May 25 | 9:00 AM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Annual public ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in service to the country. Approximately one hour in length with traditional ceremony and remembrances honoring those who have given their lives in service to their country.

Pilates and Pints at Southern Fresh Farms
Date: Monday, May 25 | 7:30 PM-9:15 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A weekly Monday evening sunset Pilates class on the farm hosted by SoulBody Studios instructor Victoria Grasland, followed by an ice cold beverage from Southern Fresh Brew Co. Don’t forget your mat!

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, May 26 | 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.

Mother Son Date Night
Date: Tuesday, May 26 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S Tamiami Trl, Estero, FL 33928
A Secret Agent-themed Mother-Son Date Night with tableside service, activities, games, and puzzles - RSVP required.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, May 26 | 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.

Tuesday Tempo Park Run
Date: Tuesday, May 26 | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Estero Community Park
A casual group run/walk at Estero Community Park where you choose your own pace, route, and distance.

Last Farmers Market of the Season at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, May 27 | 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, May 27 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Last Music and Movement Class at GCTC
Date: Wednesday, May 27 | 10:30 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free weekly family music class in the GCTC courtyard featuring singing, movement, chanting, and instrument exploration for kids at their own pace.

Adult Pizza Making Class
Date: Wednesday, May 27 | 6pm
Location: Tony Sacco’s in Coconut Point
A fun and interactive hands-on event where adults can roll up their sleeves and create their own coal-fired pizza.

Art After Hours at The Baker Museum ft. Jim Blackburn
Date: Wednesday, May 27 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, FL 34108
A free evening at The Baker Museum featuring live saxophone music by Jim Blackburn, free admission to all museum exhibitions, and concessions at Heidi's Place .

Bass Pro Shops Hiring Event
Date: Thursday, May 28 | 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Bass Pro Shops is hosting a walk-in hiring event with immediate on-site interviews.

Little Explorers: Little Lost Owl
Date: Thursday, May 28 | 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; Little Owl has fallen from his nest and needs help finding his way home, followed by an owl craft to take home.

Nature Navigators: Who's that Animal?
Date: Thursday, May 28 | 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 exploring Florida's wild animals through a book, crafts, and an interactive trait-matching activity. Registration required.

School's Out + Summer Kickoff Expo Family Fun Night
Date: Thursday, May 28 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
An end-of-school celebration at Bell Tower Shops with waterslides, a foam party, craft station, bubble zone, and a Summer Kickoff Expo connecting families with local summer camps, enrichment programs, and resources.

Miromar Outlets Mom Walk & Play
Date: Friday, May 29 | 9:30 AM
Location: Miromar Outlets Playground, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Unit 199, Estero, FL 33928
A casual group walk and playdate at Miromar Outlets starting at the playground, strolling to Starbucks and back, with sponsor treats and kids' play time.

Paint Your Partner at Summer's Art Studio
Date: Friday, May 29 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Summer's Art Studio & Gallery, Downtown Bonita Springs, FL
A fun guided partner painting night at Summer's Art Studio in Downtown Bonita Springs; paint each other, laugh a lot, and leave with a one-of-a-kind keepsake and some great memories.

Work Week Wind Down at Wiggins Beach
Date: Friday, May 29 | 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, 11100 Wiggins Pass Rd, Naples, FL 34110
A weekly Friday evening of gentle Qigong, movement, and mindfulness at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park as the sun sets over the Gulf. Open to all, $10 donation suggested

Level Up! Dads Night Out: Mighty Mussels Game
Date: Friday, May 29 | 7:00 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL
A Level Up! Dads Bronze Event for dads only, night at the ballpark with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels with ticket and $10 food voucher included.

$5 Bachata & Salsa Group Classes Every Friday Naples
Date: Friday, May 29 | 7:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Brian Oakes Ballroom & Latin Lessons Naples
Drop-in Latin dance classes led by Brian Oakes, with Bachata at 7:30 and Salsa at 8:30 every Friday.

Beach Cleanup at Lovers Key
Date: Saturday, May 30 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free ranger-led beach cleanup at Lovers Key's Mid-Beach, all supplies provided, just bring water and closed-toe shoes. Reservations required, space is limited.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, May 30 | 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 Day at WINK Playland – Crafts, Face Painting & Free Treat
Date: Saturday, May 30 | 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. Craft: First Birdie Bungalow, kids can paint, decorate, and build a special home for their future feathered friends!

Playdate on the Farm at M&M Farms
Date: Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: M&M Farms & Cattle Co, 5450 Higginbotham Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33905
A ticketed family morning at M&M Farms with open playground, farm animal visits, a fully stocked farm stand, and lemonades.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, May 30 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Evening Creative Session at Summer's Art Studio
Date: Saturday, May 30 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Summer's Art Studio & Gallery, 27665 Old 41 Rd, Unit 1, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A guided painting night at Summer's Art Studio in Bonita Springs designed to help you unwind and reconnect with creativity; herbal teas, coffee, light bites, and optional wine, no experience needed, limited seating.

Fort Myers Beach Sunrise Yoga
Date: Sunday, May 31 | 7:15 AM-8:15 AM
Location: Fort Myers Beach - Old Pier, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
An all-levels outdoor sunrise yoga class on Fort Myers Beach guided by Kimberly York, featuring crystal bowls sound healing at the end — bring a towel, water, and optional mat.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, May 31 | 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: The Echo
Date: Sunday, May 31 | 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 The Echo, a 5-piece high-energy dance rock band playing classic rock favorites from the 70s and 80s.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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