The Hidden Benefit of Academic Medicine — It’s Right Here in South Florida
EXPERT COLUMN At some point, most of us have benefited from a medical breakthrough we knew nothing about — a drug that didn’t exist when our parents were diagnosed, a procedure that replaced one far more dangerous, a test that caught something early enough to matter. What most people don’t know is where those breakthroughs […]
Best Parks and Nature Trails in Fort Myers (2026 Guide)
Fort Myers is famous for its beaches, but some of the best days here happen under the trees. Lee County has a big family of parks and preserves where you can walk a shady boardwalk, spot a manatee, ride a little train, or bike for miles without crossing a busy road. Most of them are […]
Pets, Parents & Plenty of Fun: Gulf Coast Humane Society Hosts Community Back-to-School Fair on August 8
FORT MYERS, Fla. – July 28, 2026 – Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) is inviting the entire community to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year at its Back-to-School Community Fair, presented by Boehringer Ingelheim, on Saturday, August 8, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the new Gulf Coast Humane […]
Lee County Students Head Back to School August 11
Summer break is almost over. Students across Lee County head back to class on Tuesday, August 11, according to the school district’s instructional calendar. Teachers return the week of August 3 to get their classrooms ready. Then it is the kids’ turn the following Tuesday. The School District of Lee County has a Back to […]
Free and Cheap Family Fun in Fort Myers This Summer (2026 Guide)
Summer with kids in Southwest Florida can get expensive fast. The good news? Some of the best family fun in Fort Myers costs little or nothing. This guide rounds up free and low-cost things to do around Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the beaches, all close to home. Start with the farmers markets The Fort […]
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Dear Lee County Families, Students, Educators, and Community Members, As another school year begins, I want to extend my best wishes to every student, teacher, administrator, and parent across Lee County. The first day of school is an exciting time filled with new opportunities, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring that […]
The City of Palms
The impact of Thomas Edison’s arrival in Fort Myers in 1885 cannot be overstated. At the time, Edison was becoming one of the most famous men in the world, perhaps the first true American celebrity. His presence drew attention, visitors, and prestige to what was then still a small and remote Florida town. But beyond […]
Neighbors Served with Dignity
The need is so great that some of the pantry’s neighbors begin lining up and signing in as early as 6:30 a.m. The sound of the ringing cowbell quickly quiets the crowd, as it indicates that in just a few minutes one of the twice-weekly McGregor Baptist Church pantry distributions will begin. As many as […]
Summer Safety Tips for Southwest Florida Pets
Summer in Southwest Florida brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, but it also presents unique challenges for pet owners. Between soaring temperatures, afternoon storms, and increased outdoor activity, this time of year can pose serious risks for pets if a few simple precautions aren’t taken. The summer months often bring an increase in […]
Sheriff Carmine Marceno’s August Fraud Alert: “Your Account Has Been Compromised” Scam
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an increase in phone calls, text messages, and emails claiming that your bank account, Social Security number, or online account has been compromised. Scammers often create a sense of urgency by saying: Their goal is to trick you into providing personal information, banking details, passwords, or […]