Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Are Fort Myers Beach short-term rentals about to face new fines?

Coming up on the Fort Myers Patch calendar: Cheer on the Miami Hurricanes at Hooters on NYE

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Wednesday December 31st Patch AM
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What's up Fort Myers! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Are Fort Myers Beach short-term rentals about to face new fines?
  • How a Fort Myers teen turned sports into an award-winning advocacy project
  • What’s next for the Fort Myers women in the Bourbon Street lawsuit?

Also on today's calendar: Cheer on the Miami Hurricanes at Hooters on NYE and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Fort Myersfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Fort Myersfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine, but cool, with a high of 62 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 68, low: 49.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 72 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Town of Fort Myers Beach to issue short-term rental violation notices (wgcu.org) — Short-term rental owners on Fort Myers Beach should prepare for stepped-up enforcement as the town begins issuing violation notices in January to properties that aren’t properly registered. About 500 rentals have been flagged, and owners who don’t comply could face fines, deadlines, or suspended rental privileges, so officials urge registration now to ensure safety inspections and avoid penalties.
   

2. Lee County high school junior awarded first place in US District Court Middle District of Florida essay contest (wgcu.org) — A Fort Myers Canterbury School junior just won first place in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida’s 2025 high school essay contest, reading his work at the Fort Myers federal courthouse where his grandparents became citizens. His nonprofit, AACE, mentors local kids through sports and is expanding partnerships with groups like Valerie’s House and Tice Elementary.
   

3. One year later, Fort Myers victims see movement in Bourbon Street case (news-press.com) — Two Fort Myers women injured in last year’s Bourbon Street truck attack are now seeing their civil case move into the evidence-gathering phase in New Orleans court. The lawsuit, involving 35 survivors and families, targets city officials, contractors, and an insurer over alleged safety failures during New Year’s Eve and Sugar Bowl festivities.
   

4. Florida bear hunt ends; Fort Myers groups debate conservation impact (winknews.com) — Fort Myers-based conservation voices are weighing in after Florida’s 2025 bear hunt ended with 52 bears killed under tighter permit rules. Local advocates and hunting supporters sharply disagree on whether the hunt helps or harms black bear conservation, and a Fort Myers-linked lawsuit against state wildlife officials is set to continue into next year.
   

📸 Around Fort Myers

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Myers

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📣 Fort Myers Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday December 31
  • Burger + Beer = $12 Cash / Wednesdays @ FMBrew!
    Fort Myers Brewing Company , 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr #28 , Fort Myers
    4:00 pm
    • Thursday January 1
  • Drop In with Terry Lynn (All Levels)
    Alliance for the Arts , 10091 McGregor Blvd. , Fort Myers
    9:30 am
    • Saturday January 3
  • Boys Varsity Wrestling @ Mariner HS
    Mariner HS
    7:00 am
  • Boys JV Wrestling @ Bonita Spring HS
    Bonita Springs HS
    7:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • 9 guys sentenced to prison for "trying to say goodbye" to cross country moving bartender. —Zangief K Read on Patch
  • New Year's Eve is right around the corner so please be mindful of those
    who have pets when blowing off your illegal fireworks. Also, please clean up your mess! Thank you. :) (Nextdoor Valencia Park - Edison)
  • People are going around ringing doorbells, saying they’re from AT&T and then asking for water and then asking to use your bathroom.
    My daughter was nice enough to get them a water and shut the door. Well they didn’t know they were being listened to through the ring doorbell, and… (Nextdoor Fort Myers Shores)
  • PSG Global Solutions posted a job opening for Ramp Agent (AM) in Fort Myers. Apply here.
  • AutoNation, Inc. posted a job opening for Inventory Porter - Toyota Fort Myers in Fort Myers. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fort Myers here.

Ok Fort Myers! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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