Hello SWFL!

SWFL ON THE MICHELIN MAP — Fort Myers, Bonita Springs & Naples Restaurants Recognized in First-Ever Statewide Guide
The MICHELIN Guide revealed its 2026 restaurant selection for Florida on May 28 — and for the first time, the selection covers the entire state. When the MICHELIN Guide Florida debuted in 2022, Greater Miami, Orlando and Tampa were the only cities featured. But as of 2026, the selection became statewide. Southwest Florida made a strong showing with restaurants in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples all receiving recognition. Canary Club in Bonita Springs earned a Bib Gourmand designation, awarded to restaurants offering exceptional food at an affordable price, while Bicyclette Cookshop in Naples and Liberty in Fort Myers were among the Michelin-recommended restaurants. A full list of SWFL recognized restaurants is available at guide.michelin.com — search Florida.

Lee County Uses Drones to Fight Mosquitoes
The Lee County Mosquito Control District has become the first in the nation to release sterile mosquitoes by drone, using a Skydio X10 that can carry up to 35,000 mosquitoes and reach areas previously inaccessible by road. The sterile insect technique program releases lab-raised, X-ray sterilized male mosquitoes to mate with wild female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, resulting in eggs that won't hatch, using a locally developed strain native to Captiva and Fort Myers that takes about 10 days to raise and sterilize. (WGCU)

Fort Myers Film Festival Crowns 16th Annual Winners
The 16th Fort Myers Film Festival concluded May 24th after screening 85 films over five days at venues across SWFL. Best Feature went to "If I Go Will They Miss Me," a story about a boy reconnecting with his father after prison set in Watts, Los Angeles, while Best Documentary honored "Outlaws of the Everglades," a visually stunning look at pioneer families connected to Florida's wilderness. Local honors went to "Blisters and Brotherhood," a short documentary about a 50-mile backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch, and the Audience Favorite was "A Matter of Time," an emotional immigration story featuring Best Actress winner Priscila Buiar. (WGCU)

School's out and summer is officially here! Every week I'll shine a light on something worth doing, seeing, or exploring right here in our own backyard. From local events to hidden gems, we've got your summer covered.

This weeks we will be starting off with Wonder Gardens, right here in downtown Bonita Springs. Established in 1936, Wonder Gardens holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating roadside attraction in the entire state of Florida, and this historic oasis has been inspiring a love of nature and wildlife ever since, housing and caring for rescued and non-releasable animals nestled amongst beautiful botanical gardens.Peacocks roam freely as you explore the lush, tropical grounds, and you'll also find rescue birds, reptiles, alligators, turtles, otters, and more.

One of the best parts? The sprawling tree canopy provides generous shade throughout most of the property, making it a surprisingly cool and comfortable visit even on the hottest summer days. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wonder Gardens is located at 27180 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. Visit wondergardens.org for tickets and more information. Wonder Gardens is part of the Lee County Library's Cultural Enrichment Pass program! Check out a pass from either the Bonita Springs or Fort Myers branch and receive free admission for one adult and one child. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to check availability at Lee County Library Website.

As a bonus, the Bonita Springs Public Library is just minutes away, making for the perfect summer day combo. Head to Wonder Gardens in the morning while it's cool and shaded, then beat the afternoon heat at the library. The kids' room at the Bonita Springs branch has a wide variety of toys set up all day long, plus you can check out a summer reading program, attend a library event, or simply let the kids unwind in a cool, welcoming space.

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 free 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 — a 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 -- tickets limited and required in advance, liability waiver required.

Horse Rides & Icee Cola Truck
Date: Saturday, May 30 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: RAD Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd., Estero, FL
Guided horse rides, grooming sessions, and treat cups at RAD Corkscrew Winery plus shaved ice from the Icee Cola Truck.

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

Michaels: Embroidered Bookmark - Invite Grandma!
Date: Sunday, May 31 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Craft Store
A free beginner-friendly in-store class where you and grandma make monogram embroidered bookmarks together to celebrate the grandma core trend.

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.

Regal $1 Summer Movies: Sing & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Mutant Mayhem
Date: Monday, June 1- Thursday, June 4th | All day
Location: Your Local Regal Theater
Two family favorites on the big screen for just $1. A musical spectacular and the turtles' action-packed origin story.

Chick-fil-A Kid Cow Club
Date: Monday, June 1 | 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.

GCR Summer Run for Fun
Date: Monday, June 1 | 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.

Mom Walk Collective: Story Time & Play Date
Date: Tuesday, June 2 | 9:00 AM
Location: Bonita Rec Playground
A mom-and-kids story time and play date hosted by The Mom Walk Collective at Bonita Rec Playground.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, June 2 | 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.

Yoga for Moms at Big City Kids Play Cafe
Date: Tuesday, June 2 | 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 2 | 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!

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, June 3 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Mercato Nights Music Series ft. TreeHause
Date: Thursday, June 4 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Mercato - Piazza, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, FL 34108
A free outdoor concert at Mercato's Piazza featuring TreeHause, an exciting mix of pop, classic rock, Latin, dance, R&B, and hip hop -- lawn chairs welcome, sponsored by Porsche Naples.

Seashell Walk
Date: Friday, June 5 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a relaxing hike along the Lovers Key shoreline to learn about local seashells, the creatures that make them, and Florida shelling regulations.

Family Line Dancing Class
Date: Friday, June 5 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: South Cape Community Center, 4454 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, FL
A weekly family line dancing class at South Cape Community Center covering popular dances across all music genres.

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

First Friday Concert: Almighty Queen
Date: Friday, June 5 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free outdoor tribute concert where Almighty Queen brings Queen's legendary catalog to life, from Bohemian Rhapsody to We Will Rock You, performed by world-class musicians at Gulf Coast Town Center.

$5 Bachata & Salsa Group Classes Every Friday Naples
Date: Friday, June 5 | 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.

City of Naples Tree Fest
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 7:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Baker Park, 50 Riverside Cir, Naples, FL 34102
Naples celebrates nature and community at Baker Park with hands-on outdoor activities and fun for the whole family.

Lakes Park Bird Patrol Walk
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 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 Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 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.

Free admission at Naples Zoo(Collier Residents Only)
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 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: Go Kart
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 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.

Mercato in Motion
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Mercato, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, FL 34108
A free morning wellness event at Mercato featuring fitness classes, cold plunges, juice samples, assisted stretching, and more under the Piazza.

Flow and Glow: Yoga, Pampering & Kids Play at Big City Kids
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 9:30 AM
Location: Big City Kids Play Cafe
A special mom-and-kids event featuring yoga, complimentary mini facials, massages, scalp massages, vendors, coffee, treats, and giveaways while kids play free.

All-Abilities Kids Storytime
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lee County Library - Lakes Park Branch, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
An inclusive storytime for kids of all abilities at the Lee County Library Lakes Park Branch.

Family Fun Day
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Naples Area Board of REALTORS
A free community summer celebration with vendors, games, face painting, a bounce house, a petting zoo, complimentary food and drinks, and prize giveaways.

Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 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.

Kids' Gemstone Hunting at Provident Jewelry
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 11:00 AM
Location: Provident Jewelry, 15245 S. Tamiami Trail #15, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Kids ages 5 and up sift through sand to find and keep real gemstones while learning about birthstones and how gems are found in nature - call to RSVP.

Babies & Brews Unicorn Fest
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Millennial Brewing Co., 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A family-friendly Unicorn Fest at Millennial Brewing featuring a Mommy and Me class by The Little Gym, bounce house, fairy hair, a unicorn costume contest, vendors, and a Babies and Brews meetup, plus a chance to win a $300 private event.

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

Neon Glow Dance Party
Date: Saturday, June 6 | 8:00 PM-12:00 AM
Location: Millennial Brewing Co., 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A high-energy neon glow dance party at Millennial Brewing with DJ Savvy spinning live, glow-inspired drinks, and neon lights all night.

Summer Sips with Dad at Hopsized Brewing
Date: Sunday, June 7 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing Company, 9201 Cockleshell Court, Unit 13, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free family-friendly Father's Day weekend celebration at Hopsized Brewing with food trucks, craft beer, sweet treats, giveaways, and outdoor patio vibes.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, June 7 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Paint Shiplap & Sip at RAD Corkscrew Winery
Date: Sunday, June 7 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: RAD Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd., Estero, FL
A guided step-by-step shiplap painting class at RAD Corkscrew Winery hosted by Wine & Canvas of Fort Myers - no experience needed, all supplies included.

Bonsai & Cheers: Bougainvillea Bonsai Class
Date: Sunday, June 7 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing Company
A hands-on Bougainvillea bonsai class at Fort Myers Brewing Company where each ticket includes a live tree, bonsai shears, pot, soil, all materials, and two beers.

Bayside Park Concert Series: Band TBD
Date: Sunday, June 7 | 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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