Calling all horror fans, movie buffs and pop culture collectors! Florida Horror-Fest, the premier single-day touring horror convention, is officially making its way to Southwest Florida. On Saturday, Sept. 19, the DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops will transform into the ultimate regional hub for all things spooky, offering an immersive day of buying, selling, and community fandom.

Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Florida Horror-Fest is a dedicated mecca designed for every tier of fan, from vintage horror memorabilia seekers to modern thriller buffs. The convention features a sprawling marketplace packed with vendors, local artists, and exhibitors showcasing a massive variety of comicbooks, magazines, toys, movies, movie posters, artwork sketches, apparel, and more.

Event highlights include:

•  The Horror Marketplace: Dozens of specialized vendors buying, selling and trading rare horror collectibles, hard-to-find movie posters, and retro monster toys.

•  Celebrity Meet-and-Greets: Fan-favorite industry professionals and celebrities will be in attendance for exclusive signings and photo opportunities throughout the day, featuring actor Warrington Gillette (Jason from “Friday the 13th Part 2”) and actor James C. Leary (Clem from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”).

•  Family-Accessible Pricing: General admission is $20. Kids 11 and under are free to enter (limit one child per paid adult admission), and additional children 11 and under are $10.

“Florida Horror-Fest is built by long-time collectors, for collectors,” according to the promotional team. “Our goal is to give the Fort Myers community a focused, high-energy environment where they can hunt for their favorite memorabilia, meet industry professionals, and share their passions with thousands of local peers.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops is at 13051 Bell Tower Drive in south Fort Myers.

For ticket purchases, vendor applications or additional schedule information, visit the official event page at floridahorrorfest.com or follow updates on Facebook and Instagram.

An annual late-summer dining event across Southwest Florida is returning for its biggest year yet while celebrating a major milestone.

Sizzle Dining, which is marking its 10th year, will run the entire month of September, encouraging the community to “save, support, and celebrate.” The event gives participants a chance to indulge in Southwest Florida flavors and delectable cuisines, as foodies have the opportunity to dine at a record-high number of restaurants throughout the month, for less.

Now in its most expansive format to date, the month-long event will feature 140 restaurants across Lee and Collier counties, from Cape Coral to Marco Island, offering exclusive lunches and dinners at discounted prices, all while giving back to the local community.

“It’s crazy that it’s been 10 years, because it feels like a blink of the eye,” said Sizzle Dining founder Guy Clarke. “But it feels amazing to know that the event has grown, and it’s amazing to see the participation and the community really embrace Sizzle Dining. This is something I’m passionate about. It helps the community. It helps the children.”

For every Sizzle Dining meal purchased, $1 is donated for Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that feeds local elementary school children who face food insecurity on weekends.

“Being able to help Blessings in a Backpack is really the essence of the event,” Clarke said. “When I talk about Blessings at events, I can barely make it through without choking up. It’s such a great feeling to know the impact we’re having on children, because I was one of those hungry kids. My mom worked three jobs, did a great job raising me and I had a great childhood, but I was one of those kids. It brings me joy to know that year after year, this event keeps growing, and helps us provide more to local children.”

In 2024, Sizzle Dining raised $62,529. The momentum surged in 2025, when 127 restaurants across Collier and Lee counties served a record 87,483 meals during the  event’s first four-week run.

Clarke estimates the event’s overall economic impact at roughly $20 million since the event started, supporting not only restaurants but also local farmers, linen and uniform services, and even local boutiques, which benefit when you buy a new dress to go out in.

During the 2025-2026 school year, Blessings in a Backpack’s local chapter served 31 programs, fed approximately 8,000 children every Friday, and distributed 256,000 weekend food bags. Sizzle’s consistent support has become a vital part of that greater effort.

This year, Clarke has set an ambitious goal: selling more than 100,000 Sizzle meals and surpassing last year’s record. The guiding mission remains, “Save local restaurants, Support hospitality, and Celebrate Southwest Florida’s vibrant culinary scene,” and is now paired with the rallying cry #DineWithPurpose.

“This event is a call to action,” Clarke said. “Go out one more time. Go to one extra restaurant this year. Find a place you’ve never been to. That one extra dollar really makes an impact if everyone does it.”

There are no passes or tickets required to participate. Diners simply browse the list of participating restaurants online, make their reservations, and go enjoy their meals, knowing that every bite supports a great cause.

Clarke said dining in the month of September also provides a boost during the slow time of the year, and has a ripple effect beyond just the restaurants.

“Obviously the benefit for Blessings is massive and is at the heart of this, but this also helps those restaurants trying to work through these end-of-summer months where it’s usually the most quiet. I think in the 10 years we’ve been doing Sizzle, this is probably the worst summer when it comes to feedback I’ve had from the restaurants.”

For the first time ever this year, Sizzle Dining is allowing the restaurants to pick their own prices — with a strict caveat.

Sizzle Dining menus must be 25 to 30% off of the regular-priced menu.

“We have a team of people who scours their regular menu and compares it to their Sizzle Manu, and then we approve it or not,” Clarke said. “It’s easier for them to put together these really great menus, and I think this year is the best we’ve seen. I really do.”

Restaurants participating in Sizzle Dining are in Babcock Ranch, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Marco Island, and St. James City.

In Cape Coral, participating restaurants this year include: Bimini Basin Seafood & Cocktails, Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon, El Jardin, Fathoms, Gather, Next Door, Oak & Stone, Pinchers, Point 57, and Sage on 47th.

“Cape Coral turnout is very impressive this year,” Clarke said.

Clarke added that overall, there are 46 new restaurants participating this year, with a record-breaking 26 new participants coming from Lee County.

“That was really great to see,” he said. “We’ve worked really hard to bring these discounts to customers to help save money. This is the last hurrah before season starts. You don’t have to worry about lines or waiting, you can go to any one of these amazing restaurants and get right in. This is the best deal diners will get all year.”

Sizzle Dining was founded in Naples in 2016 by Clarke, who also is the creator of BaconFest Naples along with his wife Erin Clarke, a culinary school-trained chef and restaurant management consultant. The promotional event originally launched with 26 restaurants as dinner-only. Today, Sizzle Dining has grown into a month-long event that draws thousands of diners.

To view menus, make reservations, or sign up for updates, visit SizzleDining.org.

For more information on Blessings in a Backpack, visit swfl.blessingsinabackpack.org.

Feature courtesy CAPE CORAL BREEZE/BREEZE NEWSPAPERS

This year, the city of Cape Coral’s 250-flagpole was the backdrop at the Red, White & BOOM!. Earlier in the day, a special “Raise the Flag” ceremony was held to raise the American flag at Bernice Braden Park. Photo provided by the city of Cape Coral

People of all ages flocked to Cape Coral Parkway to celebrate America’s 250th birthday Saturday sporting a slew of red, white, and blue attire and accessories.

The celebration kicked off at 5 p.m. with many attendees arriving early to grab the perfect spot with chairs, blankets, and wagons in tow. Vendors lined one side of the parkway handing out literature, many for political races, with some organizations, church groups, food, and beverages sprinkled throughout.

Slipaway Food Truck & Marina was also a destination Saturday, as attendees enjoyed music, one of the many food trucks, and 4th of July festivities.

The annual Red, White & BOOM! celebration featured national headliner country musician Chris Lane who performed, followed by remarks from city staff, and Cape CoralCity Council members. Before the fireworks lit up the sky around 9:30 p.m. the National Anthem was sung by the North High School Seniors Singers.

Al Valdes has watched the fireworks for 22 years. This year, he grabbed the perfect spots at 3 p.m. He said the atmosphere and everyone getting along is what keeps him coming back year after year.

This year, the 250-flagpole was a backdrop at the Red, White & BOOM!. Earlier in the day, a special “Raise the Flag” ceremony was held to raise the American flag at Bernice Braden Park.

“The flag is beautiful,” Valdes said.

Many attendees used the tallest free-standing American flagpole in Florida as a backdrop for selfies along the parkway.

For the first time in a while, Danielle Armstrong, a North Fort Myers resident, attended Red, White & BOOM!, this year with her friends who were visiting from out of town. She said she attended because of the 250th anniversary.

Although she did not make the “Raise the Flag” ceremony, she said she watched the flag rise from the Monkey Bar.

The celebration was meaningful for Armstrong because she became a U.S. citizen in 2019 from Canada.

“It’s just the American feeling – feeling proud,” she said about being part of the celebration.

Mark Lazenby traveled from Port Charlotte this year to attend the celebration though he typically watches fireworks at Fishermen’s Village. He said since he spends time in Cape Coral as the city is not a far drive from where he lives, Red, White & BOOM! was where he headed this year with his high school sweetheart.

“It sounds like fun,” he said at the beginning of the night. “The flag was the marker.”

Lazenby said as a Marine, who served 12 years, the large flag was great to see as it means safety and security.

Feature courtesy CAPE CORAL BREEZE/BREEZE NEWSPAPERS