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🌱 Patch AM: Which Fort Myers favorites quietly served their last meals in 2025?

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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:

  • Which Fort Myers favorites quietly served their last meals in 2025?
  • How dry could Fort Myers get heading into 2026?
  • What Jim Atterholt’s retirement means for Fort Myers Beach leadership

Also on today's calendar: Candy Cane Course - Fort Myers and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: How many sheep does it take to make a sweater? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 76 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Sunday: Plenty of sun, temps: high: 78, low: 60.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and comfortable, with a high of 78 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Five stunning restaurant closings of 2025 in Cape Coral, Fort Myers (news-press.com) — Several beloved Fort Myers and Cape Coral restaurants and bars shut their doors in 2025, from a longtime downtown Joe’s Crab Shack to neighborhood favorites like La Macaron and Grandma Penny’s. The story recaps why these spots closed, how leases, redevelopment, storms and owner health played a role, and where some brands, like Scotty’s Bierwerks, will live on in local taps.
   

2. Southwest Florida on track for one of its driest years on record (winknews.com) — Fort Myers is on pace for its seventh driest year on record, with more than 19 inches of rainfall below normal and worsening drought expected into 2026. Meteorologists link the unusually dry pattern to La Niña, warning of higher wildfire risk and potential impacts on water resources and daily life across Southwest Florida.
   

3. Jim Atterholt to retire from Fort Myers Beach Town Council (wgcu.org) — Fort Myers Beach residents will see a change on their Town Council as longtime member and former vice mayor Jim Atterholt retires at year’s end after six years of service. He helped guide the island through COVID-19, Hurricane Ian recovery, and major infrastructure and governance changes, and town leaders are publicly thanking him as he steps back for family reasons.
   

4. Where winged wonders flourish (floridaweekly.com) — Butterfly lovers in Fort Myers can spot detailed identification diagrams in local public parks while nearby Rotary Park’s Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House in Cape Coral teems with Monarchs, Zebra Longwings, and more. Volunteers share tips on the right host and nectar plants, explain how hurricanes and weather affect local species, and even lead free guided tours several days a week.
   

📸 Around Fort Myers

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Obituary: Dorothy J. Schreiner —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • If anyone is alone and hungry please come over for a Christmas meal (noon) or I can deliver to you (Davis Rd/ Mcgregor)
    Menu: French Onion Soup Stuffed Fried Artichoke Hearts Prime Rib (Au Jus and Horseradish Sauce) Sautéed Mushrooms Deviled Eggs Twice Baked Potatoes … (Nextdoor Iona)
  • UPDATE: we found the little guy a home!
    A friendly neighbor took him in. I know he’s going to be a great dog for her & her family. Thank you! (Nextdoor Loma Linda)
  • Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Activities Assistant Oct/April in Fort Myers. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate 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 have no idea. I didn’t even know sheep could knit.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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