Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a $31 million expansion could reshape Fort Myers’ Center of Hope.

You won't want to miss Earth, Wind and Tire Jeep Night at Hooters of Fort Myers on the Fort Myers Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 9th Patch AM
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Cheers Fort Myers! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $31 million expansion could reshape Fort Myers' Center of Hope.
  • What Midtown's $29.5 million makeover means for your Fort Myers block
  • Family questions why Fort Myers police used deadly force on caller

Also on today's calendar: Earth, Wind and Tire Jeep Night at Hooters of Fort Myers and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the burglar wear blue gloves? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 94, low: 77.
  • Friday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 89 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The Salvation Army approved for $31 million expansion in Fort Myers (news-press.com) — Fort Myers residents can expect a major upgrade to local homeless and disaster services after the city council approved a $31 million expansion of The Salvation Army's Center of Hope on Edison Avenue. The enlarged complex aims to better shelter people during hurricanes, serve families and seniors year-round, and strengthen a regional support network that now includes a new Lehigh Acres location opening before Thanksgiving.
   

2. The City of Fort Myers is building Midtown's future from the ground up (floridaweekly.com) — Fort Myers is launching a $29.5 million first phase of its Midtown Redevelopment Plan, replacing aging water, sewer, stormwater, streets, and sidewalks while adding trees, lighting, and trails through 2027. Residents are invited to a Sept. 17 public information meeting at Collaboratory on Jackson Street to learn about construction impacts and help shape this new mixed-use neighborhood.
   

3. Family and friends demand answers in officer-involved shooting death (winknews.com) — In Fort Myers, family and friends of 30-year-old Stanley Richard are demanding answers after he was fatally shot by city police officers following his own call for help. Loved ones question why deadly force was used, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates and the involved officers remain on paid administrative leave.
   

4. Family calls for traffic lights on US 41 after 59-year-old killed crossing road (winknews.com) — A Fort Myers family is mourning 59-year-old Jeffrey Hanesack, who was killed while crossing U.S. 41 after a nighttime trip to Walmart, and they're now urging safety improvements on the busy road. His wife and son describe the crash as life-changing and want traffic lights or other measures installed, while the Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances.
   

5. Private school demand surges across Southwest Florida (winknews.com) — Families in Fort Myers and the rest of Southwest Florida are increasingly using state scholarships to move children into Catholic and other private schools, driving enrollment up more than 40% in six years. Lee County alone now receives over $56 million in school-choice funding, allowing diocesan schools to raise teacher pay, expand classrooms, and create waitlists as demand surges.
   

📸 Around Fort Myers

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Myers

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📣 Fort Myers Shout Outs!

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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

  • The past month or so, while walking my dogs along Sommerset, I've unfortunately noticed an increasing amount of dog waste ( XL!
    ) left along the grassy areas, with some extending onto the sidewalk. As responsible pet owners, we all share in keeping our neighborhood clean,… (Nextdoor McGregor Reserve)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
    Found on September 7, 2026 in Fort Myers, FL 33916 near Near Luray Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder,… (Nextdoor Alabama Grove Terrace)
  • Bass Pro Shops posted a job opening for Overnight Task Team Supervisor in Fort Myers. Apply here.
  • Arthrex, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Coordinator I 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: So he wouldn't get caught red handed. (Thank you Vicki B. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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