Hello SWFL!

Everblades Advance to Face Rival Stingrays in Kelly Cup Playoffs
The Florida Everblades swept the Savannah Ghost Pirates 4-0 in the South Division Semifinals to advance to face the South Carolina Stingrays in the Division Finals, marking the ninth time these two ECHL postseason rivals have met in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. The best-of-seven series begins with Games 1 and 2 at Hertz Arena in Estero on Friday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m., with the Everblades holding a dominant 5-0-1 regular season record against the Stingrays. (WINK News)

School Bus Cameras Catch 25,454 Violations in Lee County
School bus cameras in Lee County caught 25,454 drivers illegally passing stopped buses over five months, with the top violation hotspot at the 200 block of State Road 82 recording 194 citations in April alone. The $225 fine have brought in a total of $5.7 million in citations.(WINK News)

Gulf Coast Humane Society Needs Kitten Foster Volunteers
The Gulf Coast Humane Society is urgently seeking foster home volunteers to care for vulnerable baby kittens as the shelter experiences a larger influx of animals during seasonal changes, including orphaned kittens and puppies too young for adoption, injured or sick pets needing time to heal, and animals requiring a quiet break from the shelter environment. (WINK News)

Shorebird Stroll at Lovers Key
Date: Friday, May 8 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free ranger-guided shoreline walk at Lovers Key State Park to discover and learn to identify the shorebirds that call the beach home, reservations required, space is limited.

Mommy and Me Painting with Little Connections
Date: Friday, May 8 | 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
Location: The Little Gym of Naples, 7740 Preserve Lane, Unit 1, Naples, FL 34119
A heartfelt Mother's Day keepsake crafting session at The Little Gym Naples. 1-hour of guided painting with your little one followed by one hour of open gym play and connection.

Battle of the Paddle: Great Dock Canoe Race Opening Ceremony
Date: Friday, May 8 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
Explore the nearly 50-year history of Naples' beloved Great Dock Canoe Race at this opening ceremony exhibition at the Naples Depot Museum.

Bouquets & Bubbly for Mom at Mercato
Date: Friday, May 8 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Mercato - Piazza, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, FL 34108
A free Mother's Day weekend celebration at Mercato's Piazza with a complimentary glass of prosecco, personalized bouquets from Dottie Jean's Flower Truck, permanent jewelry from Summie Jewelry, and live music by Wendell Ray all weekend.

Pawsitively Loved Yappy Hour: Mother's Day
Date: Friday, May 8 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A Mother's Day-themed dog-friendly evening at Bell Tower Shops with live music by Sheena Brook, professional dog-and-mom photos, and a Build-Your-Own Bouquet Bar.

Florida Everblades Kelly Cup Playoffs: South Division Finals Game 1
Date: Friday, May 8 | 7:30 PM-10:30 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero, FL 34135
Game 1 of the Florida Everblades Kelly Cup Playoffs South Division Finals vs. the South Carolina Stingrays at Hertz Arena. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.

Bird Patrol Walk at Six Mile Cypress Slough
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 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.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 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.

Mother's Day Weekend U-Pick Flowers Grand Opening
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Kenny Bee Company, 18551 Nalle Rd, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Kenny Bee Company's first-ever flower U-Pick in North Fort Myers -- two time slots each day at 8 AM and 10 AM, bouquets purchased the day of, preorder tickets required.

Family Yoga at the Farm
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 9:00 AM
Location: Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A Mother's Day Weekend family yoga experience at Southern Fresh Farms with free professional family photos, mini massages for moms, giveaways, vendors, farm animals, a brewery, coffee, and food, children attend free.

NPD 3rd Annual Safety Fair & Family Fun Day
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Baker Park, 280 Riverside Circle, Naples, FL 34102
The Naples Police Department's 3rd annual free family day at Baker Park with food, music, games, community partners, safety resources, and friendly competition between local agencies.

Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 US-41, Fort Myers, FL 33907
The Local Ladies Social Network hosts a community fair at Bell Tower Shops featuring handcrafted items, local food, and local artisans.

Kids Club: Mother's Day Flower Stamped Card and Thumbprint Necklace
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 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 make a handmade flower stamped card and a thumbprint necklace gift for Mom.

JCPenny Kids Zone Craft
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: JC Penny in Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave #903, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Free Public Wild Saturdays: Florida Panthers
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 11:00 AM-11:45 AM
Location: North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109
A free family program at North Collier Regional Park all about Florida Panthers -- games, activities, and crafts exploring our rare state animal, registration required.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Bouquets & Bubbly for Mom at Mercato
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Mercato - Piazza, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, FL 34108
A free Mother's Day weekend celebration at Mercato's Piazza with a complimentary glass of prosecco, personalized bouquets from Dottie Jean's Flower Truck, permanent jewelry from Summie Jewelry, and live music by Wendell Ray all weekend.

Ceramic Workshop: Making Handbuilt Mugs
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Jordan B Ceramics Studio, 6300 Janes Lane, Suite 3 & 4, Naples, FL 34109
A one-day ceramic workshop in Naples for beginners learning basic slab construction to handbuilt mugs -- clay and firing included, all tools and materials provided, registration required.

Fort Myers Mighty Mussels: Princess & Pirates Night
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 6:05 PM
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
A Fort Myers Mighty Mussels home game with a Princess and Pirates theme -- dress in your finest for special character appearances and a costume contest during the game.

Florida Everblades Kelly Cup Playoffs: South Division Finals Game 2
Date: Saturday, May 9 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero, FL 34135
Game 2 of the Florida Everblades Kelly Cup Playoffs South Division Finals vs. the South Carolina Stingrays at Hertz Arena — bring your playoff energy and a chance to win tickets by liking, commenting, and sharing the event post.

Fort Myers Beach Sunrise Yoga
Date: Sunday, May 10 | 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.

Mother's Day Mommy & Me Yoga + Prosecco + Brunch
Date: Sunday, May 10 | 10:00 AM
Location: The Mini Bar Naples, Naples, FL
A ticketed Mother's Day Mommy & Me yoga class at The Mini Bar Naples including a 45-minute yoga class, complimentary prosecco, a $300 facial gift card for each mom, a Mommy & Me photo, and a Daddy & Littles play area, stay after for optional brunch.

Mother's Day Brunch at Hopsized Brewing
Date: Sunday, May 10 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing, 9201 Cockleshell Court, Unit 13, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A Mother's Day brunch celebration at Hopsized Brewing in Bonita Springs with crepes, Cuban coffee, permanent jewelry, a flower bar, balloon decor, a local clothing boutique pop-up, mimosas, and free totes for the first 30 moms.

Bouquets & Bubbly for Mom at Mercato
Date: Sunday, May 10 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Mercato - Piazza, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, FL 34108
A free Mother's Day weekend celebration at Mercato's Piazza with a complimentary glass of prosecco, personalized bouquets from Dottie Jean's Flower Truck, permanent jewelry from Summie Jewelry, and live music by Wendell Ray all weekend.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, May 10 | 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: Balloons with Bows Demos + Decoupage Mason Jar with Floral
Date: Sunday, May 10 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Your Local Michaels Store, Your Local Michaels Store, Fort Myers, FL
A free Mother's Day event at your local Michaels featuring trendy balloon bow decorating demos and a decoupage floral mason jar craft, buy the jar and all other supplies are free.

Wine and Canvas: Van Gogh's Sunflowers
Date: Sunday, May 10 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: RAD Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
A Mother's Day paint and sip event at RAD Corkscrew Winery in Estero -- expert instruction from Kaylin, all painting supplies provided, drinks and treats available for purchase, save $5 with code RAD5.

Mother's Day English Afternoon Tea
Date: Sunday, May 10 | 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: Sunburst Cafe, Naples, FL
A charming Mother's Day English afternoon tea at Sunburst Cafe Naples featuring finger sandwiches, Scottish shortbread, English scones with clotted cream and jams, cheesecake bites, and premium tea served in floral teapots -- limited seating, reservation required.

Bayside Park Concert: Mockingbird
Date: Sunday, May 10 | 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 Sunday concert at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach, band to be announced, check the Bayside Concert Series Facebook page for updates.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, May 12 | 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.

Kids Art Lab
Date: Tuesday, May 12 | 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero, FL 34135
A free monthly hands-on art experience for kids ages 6-11 at South County Regional Library — space is limited to 20 kids, registration required, dress for mess.

Bingo Night at Chick-fil-A Estero
Date: Tuesday, May 12 | 4:30 PM
Location: Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S Tamiami Trl, Estero, FL 33928
A free monthly Bingo Night at Chick-fil-A Estero with two sessions at 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM, walk-ins welcome, no RSVP needed.

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, May 12 | 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!

Free Tuesday Trivia Night at Fort Myers Brewing
Date: Tuesday, May 12 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, #28, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A free weekly trivia night at Fort Myers Brewing hosted by ZIMCO Entertainment — arrive early to snag a table, enjoy food trucks, and test your knowledge for prizes.

Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, May 13 | 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 13 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Mom Walk at Three Oaks Park
Date: Wednesday, May 13 | 9:30 AM
Location: Three Oaks Park, 18251 Three Oaks Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33967
A morning group walk at Three Oaks Park sponsored by Good Crisps, bring your little ones and enjoy the trail together.

Music and Movement at GCTC
Date: Wednesday, May 13 | 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.

Trivia Night at Hopsized Brewing
Date: Wednesday, May 13 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing, 9201 Cockleshell Court, Unit 13, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free weekly Wednesday trivia night at Hopsized Brewing in Bonita Springs with prizes, a rotating food truck, and cold brews -- arrive early to snag a table.

Estero Park Walk + Craft Activity
Date: Thursday, May 14 | 9:30 AM
Location: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928
A casual morning group walk at Estero Recreation Center followed by a cute craft activity provided by Little Connection Studio, do it at the playground or take it home.

Walk on the Wild Side at Lovers Key
Date: Friday, May 15 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free ranger-guided hike along Lovers Key's Black Island Trail exploring the maritime hammock ecosystem, local wildlife, vegetation, and history, closed-toe shoes required, reservations needed.

Art Class with Little Connection Studio
Date: Friday, May 15 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Peculiar Play Cafe, 8750 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL
A fun kids art class hosted by Little Connection Studio at Peculiar Play Cafe in Fort Myers.

Music Walk
Date: Friday, May 15 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, May 16 | 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.

Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, May 16 | 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.

Free Lowe's Kids Workshop: Garden Basket
Date: Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lowe's Home Improvement, Southwest Florida locations
Free kids' workshop to build a garden basket for seeds, tools, or pretend produce (registration opens 4/18).

Jr. Ranger Program at Lovers Key
Date: Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free Junior Ranger educational program at Lovers Key State Park covering one of four topics, natural resources, cultural resources, recreation, or service, with a passport stamp upon completion.

SWFL Mama & Mini Pilates at Hampton Social
Date: Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Hampton Social - Mercato, 9115 Strada Place, Naples, FL 34108
A ticketed Mommy and Me Pilates and yoga fusion class at Hampton Social in Mercato Naples, hosted by Posh Mama Club and Mommy and Me Yoga Club, with a Kendra Scott pop-up, goodie bags, and a complimentary mimosa, prosecco, or mocktail.

Makers Market at Shangri-La Springs
Date: Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free monthly open-air Makers Market at Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs featuring nearly 30 local artisans, artists, crafters, and makers offering original artwork, jewelry, textiles, home decor, and more.

Cultivating Utopia: Koreshan Unity Garden Tour
Date: Saturday, May 16 | 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
A 90-minute guided walking tour of the historic Koreshan State Park grounds exploring the early 1900s community's unique plantings, architecture, and horticultural legacy.

Fort Myers Beach Sunrise Yoga
Date: Sunday, May 17 | 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.

Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, May 17 | 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

Family Yoga and Parent Mingle at Palm City Brewing
Date: Sunday, May 17 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Palm City Brewing Company, 7887 Drew Circle, Suite 130, Fort Myers, FL 33967
Enjoy a free 30-minute family yoga class followed by a community parent mingle.

Babies & Brews Family Yoga at Palm City Brewing
Date: Sunday, May 17 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Palm City Brewing, Fort Myers, FL
A free 30-minute family yoga class at Palm City Brewing for all ages followed by a Babies and Brews social meetup, with an optional Mindful Kit add-on from Just Play by E.Co.

Bayside Park Concert: Simpli-Fi
Date: Sunday, May 17 | 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 Simpli-Fi, a fun classic rock dance band playing festivals, parties, clubs, and tiki bars across SWFL.

Sunset Yoga by the Sea at Lovers Key
Date: Sunday, May 17 | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A free evening beachside yoga class at Lovers Key State Park blending gentle movement, breathwork, and meditation as the sun sets over the Gulf, bring a mat or towel, reservations required.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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