Hello Fort Myers! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Indoor pickleball club, meet Supergirl, and Stranger Things trivia + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Office move underway: Lee County Tax Collector will close North Fort Myers service center at July’s end, planning an office near Page Field. Reusing equipment trims costs without job or service cuts -- see the office move plans.
South Fort Myers expansion: Whataburger will open its first South Fort Myers location in fall 2026 at 12916 S. Cleveland Ave., with plans to hire 65 to 75 employees as the project continues -- see the hiring plans.
New court destination: PickleRage opened an indoor pickleball club in Fort Myers with 13 climate-controlled courts at McGregor Pointe Shopping Center, plus a pro shop and reservation tech for check-ins and play -- check out the new courts.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Upgrade your windowsill: Air Plant Emporium by Twisted Acres is a greenhouse-meets-art shop where you can pick up Tillandsias, beachy shells and try a DIY terrarium build, then get real advice that actually works in SWFL humidity. No potting soil, plenty of personality. Your coffee table is begging for one.
Arcade therapy, unlocked: Retro Zone Arcade serves up classic cabinets, pinball, and retro consoles with a laid-back vibe, cold drinks, and regular tournaments and themed events. Easy local win when you need an after-work reset or a low-key hang with friends who appreciate a little button-mashing trash talk and neon-lit nostalgia.
Low-key local recharge: When the week feels a little too extra, Three Oaks Park is an easy reset with leafy space to wander, open grass for casual play, and enough calm for you to actually hear yourself think. Bring a snack and call it grown-up recess.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
⚾ Buckingham 14u Allstar Spirit Night @ Dairy Queen Grill & Chill | Wednesday (6/24) at 6:00 PM – Treat yourself, support the Buckingham 14u Allstars, and call it community service. The team is heading to states, and a portion of all sales goes back to them, so order the sprinkles, the extra scoop, heck, the whipped cream too.
🦸 Meet Supergirl @ Bell Tower 20 Regal Cinemas | Friday (6/26) at 6:00 PM – Whether you grew up on Saturday morning heroes or you just want a selfie your group chat will tolerate, come meet Supergirl, then roll into the new movie. Smile politely, let her handle the cape, and resist asking if she can laser the popcorn.
⚔ The Battle of Fort Myers @ Wa Ke Hatchee Recreation Center | Friday (6/26) – Southwest Florida's biggest travel tourney hits Fort Myers, with eight courts humming and an all-day parade of talent. Expect squeaky sneakers, proud parents, and sideline commentary usually reserved for spring training, plus enough bracket drama to make your bleacher seat earn its keep.
🎸 House Band Mixer @ Nauti Parrot Oasis | Saturday (6/27) at 7:00 PM – Skip the tourist karaoke and let the house band handle the good decisions at Nauti Parrot Oasis. It’s an easy night of tight covers, a few deep cuts, and island-breeze vibes, the kind where neighbors nod, drinks sweat, and nobody checks email.
🎮 PokeKon Fest @ Bell Tower Shops | Sunday (6/28) at 10:00 AM – Skip the Fort Myers heat for air conditioning at an all Pokemon show at the DoubleTree. It is twenty bucks to relive your Pokeball glory, free parking, and kids under 11 get in free, one per paid adult, so bring a trainer, not a teenager.
🎨 SBDAC Creative Academy Visual Arts Summer Camp Ages 13-17 @ Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center | Monday (6/29) at 9:00 AM – Got a teen who turns every napkin into a sketchbook? Park them at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for an arts camp, ages 13 to 17, with Melissa Phelps, refined techniques, mixed media, conductive materials, collaborative installations, and portfolio-worthy pieces in downtown Fort Myers.
❓ Stranger Things Trivia @ HeadPinz Ft Myers | Tuesday (6/30) at 7:00 PM – Whether you binge-watched with the kids or just know your Demogorgons from your dusty mixtapes, HeadPinz is hosting Stranger Things trivia, free to play, with over $100 in prizes. Three rounds, thirty questions, winners every round, bragging rights for days.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Fort Myers report Weather forecastToday — High: 92°F — Low: 78°F — Precip: 12%
Sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 102. Northwest wind 1 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Heat index values as high as 100. West southwest wind 1 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 78°F — Precip: 38%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. South southwest wind 1 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. South wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. This house is wildThis expansive single-level estate in Vittoria at Renaissance overlooks the 5th green with western exposure and unforgettable sunset views. A circular paver drive and timeless architecture set the stage for soaring ceilings, custom millwork, engineered hardwoods, and a chef’s kitchen. Zero-corner sliders reveal a vast lanai, outdoor kitchen, gas-heated pool, raised spa, and fire features.
Take a peek inside → |
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