Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m so thankful for this growing community and for everyone who opens, reads, and shares this newsletter each week. If you’re grateful for it too, I’d truly appreciate you passing it along to someone who might enjoy it, a friend, a neighborhood group chat, or local Facebook group. Sharable link

Next week, I know our inboxes will be overflowing with Black Friday promos, but don’t skip my email! I’ll be sharing our big Holiday Event Directory with over 100 SWFL holiday happenings. Stay tuned!

Bayshore Eagle Nest Kicks Off Nesting Season with Two Eggs
At the Bayshore Road eagle nest in North Fort Myers, the breeding pair F23 and M15 have laid two eggs this week. This marks an important milestone following last season’s heartbreaking loss of both eaglets to avian flu. The nest, featured on the popular Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, has drawn over 230 million views since its launch, and viewers are now closely watching the “hatch-watch” period for these eggs.
(WGCU) Watch the Southwest Eagle Camera Here

New Hangar Opens at Page Field to Empower Young Aviators
At Page Field Airport in Fort Myers, the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 66 (EAA 66) officially opened a new hangar this past Saturday. The facility is dedicated to nurturing young aviators, offering space for training, scholarships and aviation-focused programs aimed at positioning the region as a hub for youth in aerospace and flight. (Wink)

Remote Parking at RSW for Thanksgiving Week
RSW’s new RSWRemote lot opens Monday, Nov 24 at 3 a.m. for parkers and stays open until Wednesday, Nov 26 at 7 p.m. You can leave your car there until Sunday, Nov 30 (last flight out). It costs $60 flat, must be pre-reserved, and you’ll take a shuttle from the lot to the terminal. Add an extra 30 minutes to your schedule if you use this. (Wink)

New South End Trail Coming to Fort Myers Beach & Bonita Springs
A brand-new shared‐use trail is in the works along Estero Boulevard — 3.25 miles long and 12 feet wide, designed for walkers, bikers and outdoor lovers. A $1.26 million contract has been approved to kick off design work.(BeachTalkRadioNews)

Mom Walk w/ TMWC
Date: Friday, November 21 | 9:30 AM
Location: Caloosahatchee Creek Preserve, 17100 McDowell Dr North Fort Myers, FL 33917

American Sand Sculpting Championship
Date: Friday, November 21 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: DiamondHead Beach Resort, 100 Lovers Lane, Ste. 3E, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Paint your own Lainey Wilson–inspired hat. You select the hat color and design.

Walk On The Wild Side
Date: Friday, November 21 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931, Fort Myers Beach
Join a park ranger for a guided hike along our Black Island Trail. Meet at Black Island Trail head located in parking lot 2.

Free Painting with Passion Class
Date: Friday, November 21 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
An immersive art event where you can unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of painting

Tin City Preview
Date: Friday, November 21 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Tin City Naples, 1200 5th Ave S, Naples, FL
Sipping and strolling, where you can enjoy live entertainment, light bites, special in-store promotions, and a fun photo opportunity with Santa

Music Walk
Date: Friday, November 21 | 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, November 22 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134

Lovers Key Beach Cleanup
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park in the Welcome and Discovery Center Community Room, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a beach cleanup

Free Tai Chi Class
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 9:00 AM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928

Autumn Garden Festival
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Edison Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901
More than 80 garden vendors from around Florida and the Southeastern states will have exotic and native plants and trees for sale

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966

American Sand Sculpting Championship
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: DiamondHead Beach Resort, 100 Lovers Lane, Ste. 3E, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Live music, food trucks, interactive zones for kids, and an awe-inspiring display of sand-sculpture talent

Free Cross Stitch for Beginners Class
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road Estero, FL 33928
Materials are provided, including fabric, needles, scissors, embroidery thread, and a free cross stitch pattern that we will begin in the class! Registration required

Thanksgrilling BBQ Party
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Crowder Bros Ace Hardware, Ace Hardware, 9102 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs, FL
Annual ACE Thanksgrilling BBQ Party. The grills will be fired up and serving savory bites, presenting BBQ demos and have great deals in store!

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Kids Day
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 12:00 PM
Location: Rad Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd., Estero, FL
Face painting, Petting zoo, Live music, Food truck & Cornhole

Saigon Night Market
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 3:00 PM
Location: Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A lively night market featuring authentic Asian street food, cultural performances, and artisan vendors for a fun, flavor-packed evening. Ticketed Event.

Naples Grand Illuminations at Village Shops
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 3:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL,
Tree lighting, Free Santa Photos & Snow

Ave Maria Christmas Crawl Around the World
Date: Saturday, November 22 | 4:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Ave Maria Town Center, Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria, FL 34142, Saturday
Live Performances and Pictures with Santa

Audubon of SWFL Shorebird Steward Walk
Date: Sunday, November 23 | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Bunche Beach, 18201 John Morris Road Fort Myers, FL 33908
All welcome, learn from dedicated stewards and even contribute your observations to real-world conservation efforts.

Autumn Garden Festival
Date: Sunday, November 23 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Edison Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901
More than 80 garden vendors from around Florida and the Southeastern states will have exotic and native plants and trees for sale

American Sand Sculpting Championship
Date: Sunday, November 23 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: DiamondHead Beach Resort, 100 Lovers Lane, Ste. 3E, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Live music, food trucks, interactive zones for kids, and an awe-inspiring display of sand-sculpture talent

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, November 23 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

American Sand Sculpting Championship
Date: Monday, November 24 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: DiamondHead Beach Resort, 100 Lovers Lane, Ste. 3E, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Live music, food trucks, interactive zones for kids, and an awe-inspiring display of sand-sculpture talent

Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Monday, November 24 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109, Naples
Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets and much more(birth to age 3 & 1/2)

Free Total Body Wellness Fitness Class
Date: Monday, November 24 | 10:30 AM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Cost: Free

Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Monday, November 24 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109, Naples
Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets ( birth to age 3 & 1/2)

Free Zumba Class
Date: Monday, November 24 | 5:30 PM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Cost: Free

Naples Third Street South Tree Lighting and Snow
Date: Monday, November 24 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Naples, Third Street South, Monday
Santa’s Arrival(6:15 PM), Tree Lighting and Snowfall 6:15 PM (6:20 PM) & Snow again (8pm)

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, November 25 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Easy craft your little ones can assemble on the spot or take home to enjoy

Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Tuesday, November 25 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109, Naples
Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets and much more(birth to age 3 & 1/2)

Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Tuesday, November 25 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109, Naples
Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets ( birth to age 3 & 1/2)

Free Yoga Class
Date: Tuesday, November 25 | 5:30 PM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, November 25 | 6:15 PM-7:15 PM
Location: Kava Culture Estero, 10801 Corkscrew Rd , Suite 327, Estero, FL
An all-levels yoga class led by Nichole of Renegade Metaphysical

Running Club at FM Brewing
Date: Tuesday, November 25 | 6:30 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, Fort Myers, FL
All runners at all paces to attend a quick run and Stay for Trivia at 7pm

Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, November 26 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Cost: Free, with paid parking

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, November 26 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966

The First Thanksgiving Preschool Program
Date: Wednesday, November 26 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL, 34112

Thanksgiving Eve Bash
Date: Wednesday, November 26 | 12:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, 28, Fort Myers, FL
live music and food trucks

Free Admission to Art After Hours
Date: Wednesday, November 26 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108
Art and entertainment for audiences of all ages with live music performed by local musicians, concessions and free admission to all museum exhibitions.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Shorebird Stroll
Date: Friday, November 28 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931
Join a park ranger on a guided walk down the shoreline and discover some of the birds that call the beach here at Lovers Key home

Cookies with Santa
Date: Friday, November 28 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Ace Hardware(Bonita Springs), 9148 Bonita Beach Rd Suite 207, Bonita Springs, FL,

Cape Coral Holiday Lights on the Lawn
Date: Friday, November 28 | 4:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Cape Coral City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33990, Friday
Market, Ice Skating, pictures with Santa, live performances, tree lighting & movie

Marco Island's Santa Arrival
Date: Friday, November 28 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Marco Island Academy, 2255 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL, Friday
Arrival of Santa and photos with Mr. Claus

Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights Opening and Tree Lighting
Date: Friday, November 28 | 5:30 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Edison Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901, Friday
Live Music & tree lighting. Ticketed Event

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop: Teddy Bear Ornament
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 9:00 AM
Location: Home Depot, Your closest Home Depot, Free, registration required
Build a project, learn basic tool safety and skills, and take home their creation, an apron, and a special pin. (ages 5-12) Registration required

Kids Day at WINK Playland
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 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

Art in the park
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave South, Naples, FL
Naples Art Institute’s Art in the Park is a celebrated, juried outdoor art fair held seasonally in Cambier Park.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Cape Coral Holiday Lights on the Lawn
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 4:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Cape Coral City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33990
Market, Ice Skating, Pictures w/ Santa, Live Performances, Drone Show & Movie

Gulf Coast Town Center Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers, FL,
Printed Photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus($5) Face Painting($5),Meet & Greet with Anna and Elsa, Stilt Walker + Balloon Twisting

Cape Coral Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, FL
Cookie Decorating, Ornament Making, Live Entertainment & Tree Lighting

DIY Ornament Bar
Date: Sunday, November 30 | 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Rad Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd., Estero, FL
Pick out your favorite design, paint it however you want, glue it all together and hang it on your tree! $12 an ornament.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, November 30 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Thanks for reading and for being part of this community. If this newsletter is helpful, please consider sharing it with a friend or dropping it into a local Facebook group. And remember: next week I’ll be sending the Holiday Event Directory with 100+ local events, so be sure to open that one!

-Sarajane

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