Hello Friends!

I’ve added a new Neighborhood News section at the top of the newsletter! It’s where I’ll highlight quick local updates, new openings, and stories worth knowing in our community. Each week, I also try to shine a light on a local business (this time, it’s the brand-new BodyBar Pilates in Estero) before diving into our ever-growing event list.

And one quick tip for Gmail readers, when the newsletter is jam-packed, Gmail sometimes cuts it off and removes the formatting. To see the full version with all the links and details, just click the “Read Online” button in the top right corner.

As always, grab your calendar and maybe a coffee or glass of wine, there’s a lot to squeeze in!

Poachers Hunting the Ghost Orchid in Southwest Florida
Hidden deep in the swamps of Southwest Florida, in places like Fakahatchee Strand and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, grows one of the world’s rarest plants: the ghost orchid. With fewer than 1,000 left in the U.S., this delicate white orchid clings high in cypress trees and has become a target for collectors and poachers who brave alligator-filled waters and dense, mosquito-heavy swamps to steal it. Because the orchid grows slowly and depends on very specific host trees and fungi, it’s extremely vulnerable. With poaching, storms, and habitat loss all threatening its survival, officials are now pushing to give the ghost orchid full federal Endangered Species protection.(WLRN)

Flooded Cars: A Hidden Risk in Florida’s Used-Car Market
Florida now has the most flood-damaged vehicles in circulation in the U.S.—over 82,000. Many were salvaged after hurricanes and then resurfaced on used-car lots. If you’re shopping for a car in SWFL, make sure you check the title, request a vehicle history report, and consider a mechanic’s inspection to avoid hidden risks.(GulfCoastNews)

Free Kids’ Meals at Three Local Spots While SNAP Is Paused
In response to a pause in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, three local restaurants in the Fort Myers area are stepping up to help: Chicken Salad Chick (Fort Myers, Estero & Port Charlotte locations) and Florida Boy Burger Co. (Fort Myers & Cape Coral) and Zaxbys (Lee County locations)They’re offering free kids’ meals at those locations until SNAP benefits resume.
(GulfCoastNews)(NewsPress)

Beach And Estuary Walk
Date: Friday, November 7 | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931
Cost: Free with paid park entry
Meet at tram stop, parking lot 1 for or a leisurely walk over the estuary and along the beach to discover the natural treasures of the Lovers Key shoreline

Fair at Fenway South
Date: Friday, November 7 | 5:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Jet Blue Park, 11500 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL
No rides for children under 32”, minimal options for children between 32"-36"

Kids Market at Art Walk Downtown
Date: Friday, November 7 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers River District, 2505 First St. Fort Myers, FL 33901

Cypress Lake UMC Fall Festival
Date: Friday, November 7 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Cypress Lake United Methodist Church, 8570 Cypress Lake Dr, Fort Myers
The entire community is invited to enjoy food trucks, carnival games, inflatables,

Streetlife Serenader - Billy Joel Tribute Concert
Date: Friday, November 7 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center | Courtyard, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers

SWFL Community Bike Ride
Date: Friday, November 7 | 7:00 PM
Location: Edison Restaurant Ft. Myers, 3583 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers 33901
8-10 mph for a total of 11 miles. Front and back lights required

250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration
Date: Saturday, November 8
Location: Millennial Brewing, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Corn Hole Competition 12pm-3pm, Food truck, Birthday Cake Ceremony and screening of the Commandants Birthday Message at 8pm

Breakthrough T1D Walk, Southwest Florida
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 7:30 AM
Location: Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL

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

Bonita Beach Yoga Class
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 8:30 AM-9:30 AM
Location: Bonita Beach Park, 27954 Hickory Blvd. Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Farmer Mike's of Fort Myers Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Farmer Mikes U Pick of Fort Myers, 8751 Gladiolus Dr , Fort Myers, FL

Free Tai Chi and Meditation Class
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 9:00 AM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928

Veterans Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero FL
Local entertainers performing, classic car show + military vehicle displays,F ace painting, visits from Too Tall Tori & Captain America & Free hot dogs

Free JCPenny Kids Zone Craft: Turkey Door Hanger
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: JC Penny in Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave #903, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Jr. Pizza Chef Experience
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 11:00 AM
Location: Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza, 8001 Plaza del Lago Dr, Estero, FL 33928
Kids can become pizza chefs for a day, making their own dough, adding toppings, and baking a personal pizza in the coal oven.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Knit & Stitch Club
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Library
A casual, self-guided group for knitting, crochet and other needle arts.

Fall Floral Workshop
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Rad Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd., Estero, FL
Floral workshop and create a stunning fall arrangement nestled in a ceramic pumpkin

Fair at Fenway South
Date: Saturday, November 8 | 3:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Jet Blue Park, 11500 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL
Parking $10, admission $12. Children under 32inches cannot not ride. Minimal options for children between 32"-36"

Audubon of SWFL Shorebird Steward Walk
Date: Sunday, November 9 | 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.

Mini Buddhas Kids Yoga
Date: Sunday, November 9 | 9:00 AM
Location: Children's Museum of Naples, 5080 Livingston Rd Naples, FL 34109
30-minute session designed for all ages. Parents can participate.

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: Sunday, November 9 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: University Villages, 19800 Village Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, November 9 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Free Michaels Craft Class: Snowman Ornament
Date: Sunday, November 9 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum

Fair at Fenway South
Date: Sunday, November 9 | 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Jet Blue Park, 11500 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL
Parking $10, admission $12. No rides for children under 32”, minimal options for children between 32"-36"

Peculiar Play Cafe Playdate w/ TMWC
Date: Monday, November 10 | 9:30 AM
Location: Peculiar Play Cafe, 8750 Gladiolus Dr #6, Fort Myers, FL 33908

Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Monday, November 10 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Library
Storytime designed for up to 24months

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

Free Zumba Class
Date: Monday, November 10 | 5:30 PM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, November 11 | 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

Free Yoga Class
Date: Tuesday, November 11 | 5:30 PM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, November 11 | 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 11 | 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 12 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, November 12 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966

Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Wednesday, November 12 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets and much more(birth to age 3 & 1/2)

Fire Station Tour w/ TMWC
Date: Wednesday, November 12 | 10:00 AM
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Station 53, 19591 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33913

Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Wednesday, November 12 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets ( birth to age 3 & 1/2)

Paws for the Night
Date: Wednesday, November 12 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point, 8038 Via Monte Carlo Way, Estero, FL 33928

ACMA Songwriters Show
Date: Wednesday, November 12 | 7:00 PM
Location: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road Estero, FL 33928
An evening of professional-quality acoustic Americana music, which blends blues, roots, folk, bluegrass, and country. Ticketed Event.

Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, November 13 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928

Mommy and Me at DNA Academics
Date: Thursday, November 13 | 9:00 AM
Location: 9131 College Parkway Suite 115, Fort Myers

Mommy & Me Class for 1-2 year olds
Date: Thursday, November 13 | 9:00 AM-10:15 AM
Location: DNA Academics, 9131 College Parkway Suite 115 Ft. Myers, FL 33919
Music and Movement, Circle Time Activity, Crafts & Baking Fun. Registration Required

Free Shredding Event
Date: Thursday, November 13 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: FineMark Bank, 10010 Coconut Road.
Paper clips and staples are permitted; no 3-ring binders. You may bring all your shred-able items to their parking lot

Mom Walk & Farmers Market w/ TMWC
Date: Thursday, November 13 | 9:00 AM
Location: Coconut Point, 8017 Via Sardinia St, Estero, FL 33928
Meet at Dillards(9am) Farmers market by Panera(10am)

Family Storytime
Date: Thursday, November 13 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Library
Enjoy books, rhymes, songs and activities for birth to preschool. Fills up fast, arrive 20 minutes early.

Free Strength, Balance and Stretch Class
Date: Thursday, November 13 | 10:30 AM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928

Miss Jen’s Move and Groove Storytime
Date: Thursday, November 13 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109, Naples
Provide children the opportunity to move and groove and introduce movement and sensory activities for all ages.

Free Zumba Class
Date: Thursday, November 13 | 5:30 PM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928

Guided Shell Walk
Date: Friday, November 14 | 9:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a shelling trip along the Lovers Key shoreline.

Fair at Fenway South
Date: Friday, November 14 | 5:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Jet Blue Park, 11500 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL
Parking $10, admission $12. No rides for children under 32”, minimal options for children between 32"-36"

Family Fued Game Night
Date: Friday, November 14 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Rad Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd., Estero, FL
Free to play, just bring a team!

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134

Free Admission to Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 9:30 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL
Family games & educational activities, campus-wide scavenger hunt, animal encounters, access to immersive exhibits & Electric boat tours. Plus discounted family memberships.

Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919 United States
Drop in for free, hands-on family fun. Explore something new every month like art making, gallery activities, games and more

SWFL Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Dr. Estero FL 33928

Junior Ranger Program at Lovers Key State Park
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park in the Welcome and Discovery Center Community Room, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931, Fort Myers Beach

Mom Walk w/ TMWC Naples
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 10:00 AM
Location: Baker Park, 50 Riverside Circle Naples, FL 34102

Thankful for Health (free)Turkey Distribution
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Florida Blue in Coconut Point, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
No RSVP required - first come, first served.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3920 City Gate Blvd S, Naples, FL, 34117
Enjoy the best local food and beverage samples, attend demonstrations and interact with exhibitors in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Pups 'N' Books
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Golden Paws Dogs for a fun meet and greet.

Childrens Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Join the Children’s Team at Headquarters Library for a family event packed with lots of fun-filled fall activities!

Naples Festival of Trees & Christmas Market(free)
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 2:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: The Salvation Army Campus, 3180 Estey Ave. in Naples, FL
Visits with Santa, food trucks, a European-style Christmas Market with artisan crafts, sweet treats, musicians and more.

Fair at Fenway South
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 3:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Jet Blue Park, 11500 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL
Parking $10, admission $12

Estero Rec Center Parents Night Out
Date: Saturday, November 15 | 4:30 PM-9:30 PM
Location: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL
Registration required before November 12, 2025. $5/child Ages 6-12

Audubon of SWFL Shorebird Steward Walk
Date: Sunday, November 16 | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Bowditch Park, 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
All welcome, learn from dedicated stewards and even contribute your observations to real-world conservation efforts.

Estero Ride for BERT
Date: Sunday, November 16 | 8:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Trek Bike Shop of Estero at Coconut Point, 8001 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
A community cycling event benefiting the proposed Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT).

Yoga by the Sea Flow + Forgive
Date: Sunday, November 16 | 9:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8720 Estero Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A gentle beachside practice blending meditation and mindful flow.

Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, November 16 | 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.

Weekend Walk w/ TMWC
Date: Sunday, November 16 | 9:30 AM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center Playground, 10035 Gulf Center Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33913

Babies & Brews at Abkorlab
Date: Sunday, November 16 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Ankorlab, 3555 Bayshore Dr. Naples, FL
Gameday meets playdate

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, November 16 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Free Michaels Craft Class: Stamped Tote Bag
Date: Sunday, November 16 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum

Fair at Fenway South
Date: Sunday, November 16 | 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Jet Blue Park, 11500 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL
Parking $10, admission $12.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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