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🌱 Patch AM: What led Fort Myers police to this disturbing Christmas Day arrest?

You won't want to miss Southern Fresh Farms Fall Festival on the Fort Myers Patch calendar

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Good morning Fort Myers! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What led Fort Myers police to this disturbing Christmas Day arrest?
  • Which store really serves Fort Myers’ favorite rotisserie chicken?
  • Which 2025 headlines most changed life in Fort Myers?

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Fort Myers, FL and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I quit my job as a banker. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 73 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Saturday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, temps: high: 77, low: 65.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Florida woman arrested for child abuse and threats to set ex-husband on fire (shorenewsnetwork.com) — A Fort Myers mother has been jailed on a child-abuse charge after police say video showed her striking her young daughter and covering the child’s face with a blanket on Christmas Day. Officers found the girl in poor condition at a local Salvation Army, and the mother allegedly admitted both the abuse and threats to harm the child’s father; a court hearing is set for January 26.
   

2. Grocery shopping in SWFL: Who has the best rotisserie chicken? (news-press.com) — If you’ve ever grabbed a last-minute rotisserie chicken from the Publix in Gateway, you’re not alone—staff say they fly off the shelves during the dinner rush in Fort Myers. A new Southwest Florida poll is asking shoppers to weigh in on which store has the best birds, and locals can vote online or email in their favorites.
   

3. 25 top stories that made big headlines in Southwest Florida in 2025 (naplesnews.com) — Southwest Florida saw several major stories in 2025 that directly touched Fort Myers, from two local women badly hurt in a New Orleans truck attack to a missing boater case off the Gulf coast and a packed Luke Bryan concert at JetBlue Park. The roundup also highlights regional shifts in real estate, politics, airports, and hurricane recovery that shape daily life across Lee and Collier counties.
   

4. WELCOME! First baby of the New Year arrives in Fort Myers (fox4now.com) — A Fort Myers family welcomed baby girl Rowan White at 12:49 a.m. on New Year’s Day, making her the first baby of 2026 born at HealthPark Medical Center. Parents Cheyenne Smith and Michael White say her surprise early arrival and permanent New Year’s birthday feel extra special, especially as she joins two big brothers eager to meet their new sister.
   

📸 Around Fort Myers

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Autistic man accused of attempted bomb detonation at Nice Guys Pizza in Cape Coral. —Paul M Read on Patch
  • Siena Lakes Offers Impressive Amenities, Predictable Finances, and Lasting Value —Elizabeth Fabiano Read on Patch
  • HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVERYBODY LET’S HOPE OUR NEW YEAR WILL BE BETTER THAN THIS LAST YEAR.
    WE JUST HAVE TO HAVE FAITH AND HELP ONE ANOTHER THE BEST WEEKEND AND SMILE AT PEOPLE THAT AREN’T EXPECTING YOU TO SMILE THAT MAKES THEM FEEL BETTER… (Nextdoor Poinsettia Park NW)
  • Greetings neighbor's, as we approach New Years Eve this evening there will be a lot of fireworks going off all night long and most likely for the next few evening.
    Every fireworks holiday there are numerous post about someone losing their animal because of the noise trauma. And, make sure you have their leashes… (Nextdoor Buckingham)
  • G2 Secure Staff posted a job opening for Baggage Handler in Fort Myers. Apply here.
  • IICRC posted a job opening for Duct Cleaning Technician Fort Myers, FL 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 just lost interest.
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