Festival Of Trees Underway In Fort Myers' River District

The 19th Annual Festival of Trees is currently underway at the Sidney Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers' River District, Lee County, Florida. According to Fox 4 Now, this beloved holiday tradition, which began on Thursday, will run through Sunday, December 7 (www. fox4now. com → news → local-news → got-plans-holiday-events-bring-festive-fun-to-southwest-florida-this-weekend). The festival features beautifully decorated 7-foot and 9-foot Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses.

The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center, located in the heart of Fort Myers' River District, is a prominent cultural institution in Southwest Florida. The center, named after the late Sidney and Berne Davis, has been a hub for artistic expression and community engagement since its establishment. The Festival of Trees has become a staple of the holiday season in Southwest Florida, attracting thousands of families each year.

As noted by the event organizers, this annual fundraiser benefits local nonprofits and offers a unique and festive experience for visitors of all ages. The event's offerings include unlimited free hot chocolate, real snow activities, a sleigh ride through the property, and a visit with Santa.

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Southwest Florida is lighting up with holiday magic this weekend, offering families plenty of ways to celebrate the season with ...

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Festive Events Abound In Brevard County This Holiday Season

Information column from The Enquirer:

As the holiday season approaches, Brevard County is abuzz with festive events that promise to bring joy to residents and visitors alike. In Eau Gallie, the annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 5th, commencing at 5:30 p. m. with Santa's arrival at Eau Gallie Square Park. The tree lighting follows at 6 p.

m., accompanied by a hot chocolate bar, sweet treats, and ___ music from Tru Phonic at 8 p. m. The City of Palm Bay also hosts its Christmas tree lighting event on December 5th at 6 p. m., featuring performances by local schools and a toy drive for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Attendees can receive a free light-up Christmas tree wand upon bringing an unwrapped toy.

Downtown Melbourne offers a unique holiday experience with its weekly candlelight shopping event, taking place every Saturday until December 20th from 4 to 8 p. m. along New Haven Ave. Visitors can explore local boutiques, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and find perfect gifts. On December 6th, downtown Melbourne hosts Mistletoe Magic and Reindeer Games, an event that encourages guests to participate in a record-breaking attempt for the most kisses under the mist ← →

Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.

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South Florida Holiday Events: Music, Comedy

As the holiday season descends upon South Florida, the community comes together to celebrate with a variety of events that showcase the region's vibrant spirit. This weekend, from December 4 to 7, offers a range of activities that cater to different interests. In Fort Lauderdale, music enthusiasts can look forward to the DHMC show at Tarpon River Brewing, an all-day music festival featuring dozens of top local musicians performing from noon onwards.

The event not only supports the Hosker scholarships but also dedicates some proceeds to aid Falestra's recovery. For those seeking laughter, comedian, author, and musician Charlie Berens takes the stage at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday at 7 p. m. As the creator of the news-show spoof "The Manitowoc Minute," Berens is sure to entertain the audience with his unique blend of humor and music.

Tickets for the event start at $41. 30 and can be purchased at ParkerPlayhouse. com. Meanwhile, Chops + Hops Axe Throwing Lodge, located inside Sistrunk Marketplace in Fort Lauderdale, transforms into a winter wonderland from Thursday through December 31. The venue hosts a pop-up cocktail party featuring seasonal drinks, including the Apple Sauced martini, made with apple and cinnamon.

This is that heartwarming time of year when we would do well to look for opportunities to warm the hearts of others, because you just never know.

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Florida House Advances Multiple Property Tax Proposals Amidst Controversy

In the Florida House, a series of proposed constitutional amendments aimed at reducing property taxes for homeowners continued to gain traction, despite concerns about the potential impact on local services. Four measures, out of a total of seven proposed amendments and a separate property-tax bill, were moved forward by the State Affairs Committee. These proposals, initially released by House Speaker Daniel Perez in October, have been a point of contention, with Governor Ron DeSantis advocating for a single proposal to be put on the 2026 ballot.

DeSantis has described the House's multiple proposals as an attempt to "create confusion." The Florida House's approach has been met with skepticism, particularly from House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, who suggested that the House is narrowing down its proposals as negotiations with the Senate continue. The Senate, however, has yet to release its own tax proposals.

According to CBS News, the proposed amendments aim to provide relief to homeowners, but critics argue that they could have unintended consequences on funding for local services. State Affairs Committee Chairman Will Robinson noted that the other proposed constitutional amendments and the separate bill could still be considered at a later point, but did not provide further explanation.

As reported on cbsnews.

Four proposed constitutional amendments aimed at reducing property taxes for homeowners continued moving forward Tuesday in the Florida House , ...

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Air Taxis Set To Revolutionize South Florida Transportation

In the not-too-distant future, the notion of traversing South Florida's congested roads might become a relic of the past, as aviation company Archer unveils its ambitious plan to revolutionize transportation in the region. By introducing air taxis, Archer aims to whisk passengers away to their destinations, liberating them from the drudgery of traffic congestion.

The proposed air taxi network, announced by Archer, would connect major South Florida cities, including Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale. According to Archer's representative, the goal is to provide short-distance flights that would appeal to individuals seeking to reclaim their time. With the introduction of the Midnight air taxi, commutes that currently take 60-90 minutes on the ground could be reduced to a mere 10-20 minutes in the air.

This innovative transportation system has the potential to serve communities in ways that traditional airports cannot. By partnering with various companies and real estate developers, Archer is working to repurpose existing helipads and construct specialized airports for its air taxis. Potential locations include Apogee Golf Club and Hard Rock, offering passengers the opportunity to travel quickly and efficiently to their desired destinations.

COCONUT GROVE, FLA. (WSVN) - The aviation company Archer revealed its plan to change transportation across some of the nation's fastest growing ...

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Southwest Florida's Top Female Athletes Shine In Various Sports

In the realm of high school athletics, a select group of young women in Southwest Florida have distinguished themselves through remarkable performances. The News-Press and the Naples Daily News, in collaboration with readers, have identified ten exceptional athletes who warrant recognition. These nominees for the Girls Athlete of the Week, spanning November 17-29, have showcased their prowess across various sports.

Gloriana Chalkias, a Canterbury girls soccer player, exemplifies this excellence, having scored two goals and provided an assist against Golden Gate, and netting the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Naples. Other notable athletes include a basketball player who amassed 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 steals in a hard-fought 50-48 win over Seacrest. Her team's triumph in the Heatherwood Homes Thanksgiving tournament at Barron Collier is a testament to her skill and dedication.

A Sharks wrestler has earned accolades for her impressive performance at the Turkey Meet Invitational, securing a second-place finish in Olympic and third in traditional in her weight class. The selection process, which combines coach reports and school nominations, ensures that these athletes are representative of the region's top talent.

Each week during the school year, The News-Press and the Naples Daily News select high school girls athletes who stood out the week before based on ...

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Bring The Family To Explore This Little-Known Train Park Gem In Florida

I'll never forget the moment my kids first spotted a miniature train weaving through the palms at Largo Central Park in Largo, Florida. The tiny locomotive whistled softly as it rounded a curve beneath the mossy oaks, and their faces lit up with that unmistakable Florida magic—sunny, warm, and full of wonder.

In a state overflowing with big attractions, discovering a quiet hidden spot like this felt like a small miracle. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast, this charming train park invites families to slow down and enjoy simple joys: vintage mini locomotives, shady picnic spots, and wide green lawns where kids can explore freely.

Whether your little ones love trains or simply adore being outdoors, Largo Central Park's miniature railroad offers a sunny, relaxed, and authentically Florida experience your family will remember. Most families zoom past this park on their way to the big-name attractions, but those who stop discover a wonderland designed with kids in mind.

There are no flashy rides or overpriced souvenirs—just authentic railroad history and plenty of room to let imaginations run free. More takeaways: See here