Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: When and where can you hear the new Fort Myers Philharmonic?

Make time for JWB Wine Experience: A Tour of France on the Fort Myers Patch calendar

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Hello Fort Myers! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • When and where can you hear the new Fort Myers Philharmonic?
  • How will Riverside Church's big expansion change its Fort Myers campus?
  • How much more could you pay to park at RSW soon?

Also on today's calendar: JWB Wine Experience: A Tour of France and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has 2 arms and a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A heavy thunderstorm, with a high of 89 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 92, low: 77.
  • Saturday: An afternoon t-storm or two, with a high of 92 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New orchestra brings music back to Fort Myers with 9/11 concert, more (naplesnews.com) — Fort Myers is getting a new professional orchestra, the Fort Myers Philharmonic, debuting Sept. 11 at Barbara B. Mann Hall with a 9/11 tribute concert. Formed after the Southwest Florida Symphony closed, the group will perform an entire 2026–27 season in venues across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Bonita, and Punta Gorda, aiming for more accessible, community‑focused classical and pops programs.
   

2. Stevens Construction begins Riverside Church of Fort Myers (floridaweekly.com) — Riverside Church of Fort Myers on Daniels Parkway is getting a major expansion, including a larger lobby, new restrooms, upgraded interiors, a covered patio for 272 people, and a full soccer field. Stevens Construction, headquartered in Fort Myers, spent two years planning the project and expects to finish in spring 2027 while keeping the church open throughout construction.
   

3. RSW parking could soon cost more under proposed rate increases (winknews.com) — If you park at RSW from Fort Myers or nearby, you could soon pay more: proposed rates would raise short-term parking's daily maximum from $24 to $28 and long-term from $11 to $14 starting Oct. 1, 2026. The Lee County Port Authority Board will give tentative budget approval first, with public hearings and a final vote later this month before any increases take effect.
   

4. McDonald's Manager Disciplines Older Employee in Front of Customers (themarysue.com) — A TikTok video from a Fort Myers McDonald's shows an older employee apparently being disciplined by a manager in the dining area, sparking debate about professionalism and dignity at work. Locals and former workers weighed in online, with many criticizing the choice to handle any write-up or firing within earshot of customers and coworkers.
   

5. See Florida's Tropical Birds on Sanibel and Captiva Islands (birdsandblooms.com) — If you're in the Fort Myers area and love wildlife, this guide lays out a full birding weekend on nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands, plus a stop at Six Mile Cypress Slough near the Fort Myers airport. It highlights boat tours, the Ding Darling refuge, easy boardwalk walks, and local lodging and dining options that have rebounded after recent hurricanes.
   

📸 Around Fort Myers

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Myers

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This is my 6 yr old biewer terrier Maggie Mae.
    She needs a friend to keep her company. I'm trying to find a female dog about her age to adopt. She generally reacts to females better than males… (Nextdoor Gateway District)
  • Once again,I am delighted to let everyone know about the wonderful individuals in our Nextdoor area of San Carlos Park.
    This morning Brian from McCarthy Air sent a text alerting me that he was on his way to our scheduled A/C maintenance check. He arrived shortly after,… (Nextdoor San Carlos Park II)
  • RealManage posted a job opening for Onsite Assistant Community Association Manager Part-Time (FMFL73126) in Fort Myers. Apply here.
  • Floor & Decor Holdings posted a job opening for Command Center 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: A shirt (Thank you Dianna H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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