Good Morning SWFL!

It is mid-September and somehow the holiday season is already knocking! USPS Operation Santa is now accepting letters, so have the kids get their wish lists ready and mail them to Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. As for the potential cold front next week that is making the rounds on social media, I hate to break it to you, but the forecast shows 80s all week. Our kiddos may be writing letters to Santa, but we are going to have to wait a little longer for the fall weather!

RSW's New Concourse E: What We Know So Far
Southwest Florida International Airport's new Concourse E is taking shape and turning heads, with the massive structure now clearly visible from the runway and surrounding roads. The 14-gate concourse is part of RSW's $1.7 billion two-phase expansion, the largest public works project in Lee County history, and will allow the airport to handle an additional 10,000 to 15,000 passengers daily when complete. The new concourse will feature 37,000 square feet of retail space, a Delta Sky Club business lounge (a first for RSW), and a new consolidated 16-lane security checkpoint connecting all concourses. The project remains on time and on budget with a completion date of December 2027.(Naples Daily News)

Rare Rust Tide Spotted Near Sanibel Beaches
A rare algae bloom known as rust tide, caused by the organism Margalefidinium polykrikoides, has been spotted in waters near Sanibel and several other Southwest Florida beaches, only the second time it has been recorded in the area since 2023. Researchers say the bloom poses a serious threat to marine life, as rust tide can kill fin fish within hours, and while it is not the same as red tide it can discolor the water and impact water quality. Even though the bloom is not toxic to humans, people are still advised to stay out of the water where rust tide is present(WINK News)

Fake Cats Mysteriously Appear Near Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Nests
Six two-dimensional cat cutouts were discovered on two vacant lots in Cape Coral near known burrowing owl burrows, with wildlife advocates from Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife suspecting the figures were intentionally placed to exploit the owls' natural fear of feline predators and deter them from nesting on properties that had recently changed ownership. Burrowing owls are a protected species under both Florida state law and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and disturbing or relocating their burrows without proper permits is illegal.(Marco Eagle)

Read online for the full list of events

Opening Night for The Super Pickle: A Pickleball Musical Parody
Date: Thursday, September 17 | 7:30 PM
Location: Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A musical comedy parodying the pickleball craze, with pop hit parody songs and dinner theatre dining.

Mommy & Me Barre Social
Date: Friday, September 18 | 10:00 AM
Location: Masterpiece Dance Complex, Naples, FL
A ballet and Pilates inspired barre class for moms, with a coffee cart and local vendors.

Music Walk
Date: Friday, September 18 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets.

Paint Your Pet Craft Workshop
Date: Friday, September 18 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: The Event Pavilion, Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33912
A guided glass painting workshop where you paint your pet or a farm animal, plus food, drinks, and animals to visit.

Dave Gibson & Madison Morris
Date: Friday, September 18 | 6:30 PM
Location: RC Otter's, Captiva Island, FL
A free outdoor songwriter show featuring Dave Gibson and Madison Morris.

Boots N Beats: A Night of Country and EDM
Date: Friday, September 18 | 8:00 PM-11:55 PM
Location: The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
A country and EDM party with live country music followed by an EDM set of country mashups.

Nauti Nation Beach Bash & Pub Crawl
Date: Saturday, September 19
Location: Snug Harbor, 645 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
A beachfront bash and pub crawl with tropical vibes, live music, and great stops around Fort Myers Beach.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Free Admission Day
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples, FL
A free admission day at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary with bingo, giant loom weaving, a nature lecture, and alligator artifacts.

Alliance Morning Market
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A monthly artisan market with local vendors, live entertainment, in additon to the free Family ArtLab, and a free family movie screening.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 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 Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 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.

Jr. Ranger Program
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Kids complete a hands-on Junior Ranger activity and can earn a passport stamp for the day's theme.

Friendly Forest Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
A two day fall festival with a pumpkin patch, hay bales, animal encounters, crafts, scavenger hunts, and planetarium shows.

Arts & Crafts Fair
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL
An arts and crafts fair with handcrafted items and local food, supporting local artisans.

Caturday Playtime
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 10:30 AM
Location: Cattyshack Cafe, 9902 Gulf Coast Main St D-140, Fort Myers, FL 33913
An all ages playtime session with the adoptable cats at Cattyshack Cafe.

Kids Chess Club
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Kids of all skill levels learn and play chess with an experienced coach, with all supplies provided.

Pug Picnic (Yappy Hour)
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A pug themed meetup with treats, local pet vendors, and plenty of photo ops for pug parents.

Salty Sam's Pirate Fest
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Salty Sam's Marina, 2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach, FL
A free pirate themed festival at Salty Sams Marina with a boardable pirate ship, treasure hunts, live music, and a boat decorating contest.

STEAM Team: Foamy Fun
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Kids ages 6-11 explore hands-on science with foam reactions like lemon volcanoes and elephant toothpaste.

Third Saturdays | Free Event
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Naples Art District, Shirley St. and J & C Blvd., Naples, FL 34109
A Free monthly art walk where visitors can explore working artist studios and discover one-of-a-kind artwork.

5th Annual Oktoberfest at Hopsized Brewing
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing Company, 9201 Cockleshell Court, Unit 13, Bonita Springs, FL
A weekend long Oktoberfest party with Oktoberfest music, steinholding, trivia, food trucks, and special edition brews.

Babies & Brews @ Millennial Brewing
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Millennial Brewing Co.
A family friendly meetup for parents and little ones at Millennial Brewing, with an on site donation drive for Eva's Closet.

Reel Families: September Screening
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts (Foulds Theatre), 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A free family film screening following a cheese loving inventor and his dog as they investigate garden sabotage in their village.

Fried Food Throwdown
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Millennial Brewing Company
A fried food cook off at Millennial Brewing with the Sanibel Shell Museum on site for kids, benefiting Eva's Closet Foundation.

Pups 'n' Books
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Meet Golden Paws Assistance Dogs at the library; all ages welcome, no registration needed.

Adult Bored Games
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library (South Building), 1651 Lee St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Adults socialize over board games and refreshments; bring your own favorites too.

Blankets for the Animal Shelter
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Teens and tweens make no-sew blankets for shelter animals at Domestic Animal Services; all supplies provided.

Woodwind & Keys Jazz Concert
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free live jazz concert featuring a husband-and-wife duo performing your favorite jazz tunes on piano and clarinet — all ages welcome.

Summer Nights Sock Hop: The Ultimate Retro Dance & Karaoke Party
Date: Saturday, September 19 | 8:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A retro sock hop dance party with a live DJ, karaoke, and a Grease sing-along.

Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, September 20 | 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

5th Annual Oktoberfest at Hopsized Brewing
Date: Sunday, September 20 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing Company, 9201 Cockleshell Court, Unit 13, Bonita Springs, FL
A weekend long Oktoberfest party with Oktoberfest music, steinholding, trivia, food trucks, and special edition brews.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, September 20 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Family Storytime
Date: Monday, September 21 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Stories, songs, and activities for children birth to age 5 and their caregivers.

Mommy & Me Pilates for Moms
Date: Monday, September 21 | 10:00 AM
Location: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A Pilates class for moms of all levels, with all children welcome.

Haunted Southwest Florida
Date: Monday, September 21 | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Author and podcaster Christopher Balzano shares eerie ghost legends and hauntings of the Gulf Coast.

Facts and Fun Book Club
Date: Monday, September 21 | 5:30 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Kids enjoy a reading packed with amazing facts, followed by a fun activity.

Michael's Monthly Mystery Movie: September
Date: Monday, September 21 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
A free one night mystery movie screening bringing back an 80s classic film, kept a secret until showtime.

Family Storytime
Date: Tuesday, September 22 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Stories, songs, and activities for children birth to age 5 and their caregivers.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, September 22 | 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.

Toddler Storytime
Date: Tuesday, September 22 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, and puppets for toddlers and their caregivers.

Board Game Day for Adults
Date: Tuesday, September 22 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free drop-in adult board game afternoon — play Scrabble, Rummikub, Yahtzee, Backgammon, Chinese Checkers, and more with fellow community members.

Art Lab: Animal Fun
Date: Tuesday, September 22 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Kids ages 6-11 create hands-on animal-themed art in this monthly program; dress for mess.

Intro to Mosaics
Date: Tuesday, September 22 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Riptide Brewing Company, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A beginner mosaic class where you design, tile, and grout your own piece, with a free drink included.

Pour Your Own Epoxy
Date: Tuesday, September 22 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Riptide Brewing Company, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A hands on workshop where you craft your own epoxy resin board or accessory to keep.

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, September 23 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966
Guided walks along the boardwalk

Baby Play
Date: Wednesday, September 23 | 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Sensory play and social time for babies up to 18 months in a relaxed group setting.

Family Storytime & Preschool Storytime
Date: Wednesday, September 23 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM & 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Books, rhymes, songs, and movement help kids ages birth-5 build friendships and early literacy skills with their caregivers.

Toddler Storytime
Date: Wednesday, September 23 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
Sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, and puppets for toddlers and their caregivers.

Bonsai Bar at Sugarshack Downtown
Date: Thursday, September 24
Location: Sugarshack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A guided bonsai workshop with two hours of instruction, supplies, and an aftercare program included, held at a bar.

Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Thursday, September 24 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
A lap-sit program of books, rhymes, and songs that builds early literacy, language, and motor skills for babies and caregivers.

Preschool Storytime
Date: Thursday, September 24 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Stories, songs, and activities for children birth to age 5 and their caregivers.

Family Storytime
Date: Thursday, September 24 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free family storytime — registration opens one week before and guarantees your spot until the program begins, with waitlist tickets available morning of.

Family Fun Night: Carnival Edition
Date: Thursday, September 24 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
A blow up carnival themed family fun night with inflatable obstacle courses, carnival games, and classic treats.

Pumpkin Painting Night
Date: Friday, September 25 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Immokalee Community Park
A family pumpkin painting night with painting supplies, games, and a light refreshment included.

12th Annual Fall Festival at Farmer Mike's
Date: Saturday, September 26
Location: Farmer Mike's U-Pick of Bonita
A fall festival with a hay ride, corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower field, bouncy houses, and a haunted corn maze on select nights.

Get Outside x Relax: Sip + Paddle
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lowdermilk Beach, Naples, FL
A free beach meetup with paddleboarding, coffee, and matcha on the sand from a featured local vendor.

Beach Cleanup
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Volunteers help clean up Mid-Beach; gloves, buckets, and pickers provided.

Nature Walks with the Conservancy - North Collier Regional Park
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 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, explore how nature is connected in ways you can't always see. Registration required, opens two weeks prior.

Pupilates at Chocolattes Roast House
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Chocolattes Roast House, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
A ticketed monthly Pilates class for you and your dog at Chocolattes Roast House in Fort Myers taught by a Club Pilates instructor, all proceeds benefit Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Kids Day at WINK Playland – Crafts, Face Painting & Free Treat
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 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

Mommy & Me Pilates Brunch Club
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 10:00 AM
Location: Hampton Social Naples, Naples, FL
A Pilates class and brunch for moms with facial gift cards and a complimentary photo.

National Coffee Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 10:00 AM
Location: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Ave NE, Naples, FL 34120
A free self serve coffee celebration for National Coffee Day, while supplies last.

Family Build It
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
A free drop-in family building activity for all ages with a variety of building stations — no registration required, all materials provided.

Mommy & Me Art Pizza Party
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza
A morning of art and pizza making for moms and kids, with chef hats, a guided keepsake, and goody bags.

Puppies and Pilates
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 11:00 AM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A Pilates class at Backyard Social with adoptable puppies on site.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Farm Fresh Flower Arranging Workshop
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: M&M Farms, 5450 Higginbotham Rd, Ft Myers, FL 33905
A hands-on mason jar flower arranging workshop using freshly harvested farm blooms, led by local flower farmer Amanda of Kenny Bee Company.

Teen: Ready, Set, Play!
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Teens ages 12-18 compete in games, puzzles, and Legos in a friendly, casual competition.

Orange Party: Health and Wellness Experience
Date: Sunday, September 27 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Sugarshack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL
A health and wellness pop up with mat Pilates, recovery services, shopping, a vendor village, and a live DJ.

Pilates and Puppies
Date: Sunday, September 27 | 9:00 AM
Location: Seaside Pups, Naples, FL
A special morning of Pilates, puppy playtime, and cold brew with Seaside Pups and instructor Ale Muro.

Naples Kids Rave
Date: Sunday, September 27 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Dimensions Nightclub, 2634 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112
A neon daytime dance party for kids and families with glow sticks, bubbles, and a DJ, benefiting Eva's Closet.

Yoga w/ Cats
Date: Sunday, September 27 | 5:10 PM
Location: Cattyshack Cafe, 9902 Gulf Coast Main St D-140, Fort Myers, FL 33913
A yoga class alongside the adoptable cats at Cattyshack Cafe.