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A craft rum distillery that calls Cape Coral home has earned top honors at an international competition. Wicked Dolphin Distillery announced this week it has been awarded the double gold medal at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 3-Year Barrel-Aged Rum. Widely considered the most prestigious spirits competition in the world, the SFWSC recognition “cements Wicked Dolphin’s place among the finest rum producers in the nation,” officials...

We are elated for the grand re-opening of 7-Eleven along the north-end of Fort Myers Beach Florida! This is one of the many places decimated by Hurricane Ian back in 2022, and seeing this venue – and all the other homes and business – coming back stronger than before makes our hearts sing with happiness. Congratulations, 7Eleven crew – thank you for your valiant efforts in returning to our island!

An array of events celebrating 250 years of freedom are taking place around Southwest Florida in the coming days. Here’s a great selection, all courtesy Breeze Newspapers Fort Myers Beach Fort Myers Beach to renew fireworks, parade for Fourth of July What’s Up FMB raised funds for festivities to celebrate 250th anniversary of nation’s founding The Fourth of July parade and fireworks show will return to Fort Myers Beach this...

What’s Up FMB raised funds for festivities to celebrate 250th anniversary of nation’s founding The Fourth of July parade and fireworks show will return to Fort Myers Beach this year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, after a fundraising effort by the local business group What’s Up FMB.The Fourth of July parade will start on Estero Boulevard from near the Fort Myers Beach Library at 10...

Cape Coral Councilmember Bill Steinke, with other council members and city staff, cuts the ribbon at Tropicana Park last Friday. The waterfront park at at 4101 Tropicana Parkway offers a number of amenities including two public docks a beach area, gazebo, pavilions, playground, fitness stations and rest rooms. From left to right those pictured include: Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Mike Massoglia, Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, Councilmember Laurie Lehmann, City Manager...

A ribbon-cutting celebrating the rebuild of Jaycee Park took place later last month, now celebrating 50 years open to the public. City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said the rebuild of Jaycee Park was done sooner than some of the other parks because of an unsolicited public-private partnership arrangement that identified a revenue stream to help pay for the rebuild that has cost $18.7 million to date. While that vendor arrangement ultimately...

Three weekends of original beers, live music, and Southwest Florida flavor Fort Myers Brewing Company, Southwest Florida’s first and largest craft brewery, is bringing back its annual Grouper Fest for three consecutive weekends from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 28. The festival transforms the brewery into a full-scale summer celebration with exclusive beer releases, live music, food trucks, games, contests, and limited-edition merchandise. The festival officially kicks off with...

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is seeking handmade knitted or crocheted nests for orphaned and injured baby birds and small mammals in their care. Needed sizes are 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch diameters for the nests. They should be made with tight stitches, a soft but sturdy construction, and machine-washable materials such as acrylic or cotton yarn.Please avoid fuzzy yarns, large holes, decorations, or anything that could snag tiny...

As Southwest Florida gears up for the summer season, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 91 is emphasizing how local boating education directly enhances the safety and quality of life for local waterfront communities. From the deep-water canals of Siesta Isles to the bustling docks of Bayside Estates, the presence of educated, responsible boaters ensures that shared waterways remain a safe environment for all residents. The upcoming Boat America course on...