Oct. 16, 2026, 5:00 a.m. ET

A pair of bottlenose dolphins breach near New Pass between Lovers Key and Bonita Beach on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.

A pair of bottlenose dolphins breach near New Pass between Lovers Key and Bonita Beach on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA rainbow forms over Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. The moon is rising just right of the rainbow.

A rainbow forms over Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. The moon is rising just right of the rainbow.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA prairie warbler flits through the foliage at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. The striking warbler migrates through Southwest Florida.

A prairie warbler flits through the foliage at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. The striking warbler migrates through Southwest Florida.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaAn alligator rests in a pond at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

An alligator rests in a pond at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaAn American redstart feeds at Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. The warbler migrates through Southwest Florida.

An American redstart feeds at Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. The warbler migrates through Southwest Florida.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaYellow wild flowers bloom at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Yellow wild flowers bloom at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA pine lily or Catesby’s lily blooms in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. The stunning flower blooms in late summer to early fall and can be seen wet flat woods, wet prairies and savannas. Depending on time of year and conditions, numerous blooms can be viewed on CREW lands.

A pine lily or Catesby’s lily blooms in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. The stunning flower blooms in late summer to early fall and can be seen wet flat woods, wet prairies and savannas. Depending on time of year and conditions, numerous blooms can be viewed on CREW lands.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA cloudless sulphur butterfly rests on a saw palmetto from at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

A cloudless sulphur butterfly rests on a saw palmetto from at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA common yellowthroat warbler makes a brief appearance before disappearing in the foliage at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.

A common yellowthroat warbler makes a brief appearance before disappearing in the foliage at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA viceroy butterfly gets nectar from a wildflower at Lakes Park in Fort Myers

A viceroy butterfly gets nectar from a wildflower at Lakes Park in Fort Myers

Andrew West/The News-Press & Naples Daily News-USA Today Nertwork-FloridaDroplets of water from a recent rain pool on alligator flag at Six Mile Cypress Slough on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Droplets of water from a recent rain pool on alligator flag at Six Mile Cypress Slough on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaResurrection fern is seen at Six Mile Cypress Slough in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. The fern springs to life when it is exposed to rain and then shrivels up when it is dry.

Resurrection fern is seen at Six Mile Cypress Slough in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. The fern springs to life when it is exposed to rain and then shrivels up when it is dry.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaMultiple alligators rest on the banks of a pond at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Multiple alligators rest on the banks of a pond at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA bald eagle perches near a nest off of Alico Road in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.

A bald eagle perches near a nest off of Alico Road in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA viceroy butterfly gets nectar from a wildflower at Lakes Park in Fort Myers

A viceroy butterfly gets nectar from a wildflower at Lakes Park in Fort Myers

Andrew West/The News-Press & Naples Daily News-USA Today Nertwork-FloridaA field of Southeastern Sunflowers bloom along County Road 846 just east of Immokalee in Collier County on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. There is brief window when the flowers can be seen throughout parts of Southwest Florida including Pepper Ranch and Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. To see them at Pepper Ranch, a timed entry reservation has to be made through eventbrite. Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has a boardwalk and an admission fee that can be found at their website. This was photographed from the shoulder of a two lane road, caution is advised on this stretch of roadway due to traffic. These flowers may not blooming now.

A field of Southeastern Sunflowers bloom along County Road 846 just east of Immokalee in Collier County on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. There is brief window when the flowers can be seen throughout parts of Southwest Florida including Pepper Ranch and Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. To see them at Pepper Ranch, a timed entry reservation has to be made through eventbrite. Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has a boardwalk and an admission fee that can be found at their website. This was photographed from the shoulder of a two lane road, caution is advised on this stretch of roadway due to traffic. These flowers may not blooming now.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA wild hog moves Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. Photographed using a remote sensor camera or camera trap.

A wild hog moves Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. Photographed using a remote sensor camera or camera trap.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA prairie warbler flits through the foliage at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. The striking warbler migrates through Southwest Florida.

A prairie warbler flits through the foliage at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. The striking warbler migrates through Southwest Florida.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaThe moon is seen over Fort Myers on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.

The moon is seen over Fort Myers on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaAn alligator rests in a pond at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

An alligator rests in a pond at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaCows move over a pasture as rainfall continues near Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Cows move over a pasture as rainfall continues near Felda on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA bird feather hosts a couple of water insects at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

A bird feather hosts a couple of water insects at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA dragon fly perches on foliage at Six Mile Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

A dragon fly perches on foliage at Six Mile Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaAn iguana is seen at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. The invasive reptiles are a concern for the environment in Southwest Florida.

An iguana is seen at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. The invasive reptiles are a concern for the environment in Southwest Florida.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA pine lily or Catesby’s lily blooms in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. The stunning flower blooms in late summer to early fall and can be seen wet flat woods, wet prairies and savannas. Depending on time of year and conditions, numerous blooms can be viewed on CREW lands.

A pine lily or Catesby’s lily blooms in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. The stunning flower blooms in late summer to early fall and can be seen wet flat woods, wet prairies and savannas. Depending on time of year and conditions, numerous blooms can be viewed on CREW lands.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA reseat spoonbill feeds in Estero Bay near Near Pass between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.

A reseat spoonbill feeds in Estero Bay near Near Pass between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaClouds hover over Lakes Park after a rain storm in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.

Clouds hover over Lakes Park after a rain storm in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA squirrel peaks out of an opening in a tree during a brief rain at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

A squirrel peaks out of an opening in a tree during a brief rain at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA peacock butterfly perches on a foliage at Lakes Parkin Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.

A peacock butterfly perches on a foliage at Lakes Parkin Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA pileated woodpecker feeds at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

A pileated woodpecker feeds at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA viceroy butterfly perches on a lily pad at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

A viceroy butterfly perches on a lily pad at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaShorebirds feed at Bunche Beach Preserve in south Fort Myers on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

Shorebirds feed at Bunche Beach Preserve in south Fort Myers on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA field of Southeastern Sunflowers bloom along County Road 846 just east of Immokalee in Collier County on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. There is brief window when the flowers can be seen throughout parts of Southwest Florida including Pepper Ranch and Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. To see them at Pepper Ranch, a timed entry reservation has to be made through eventbrite. Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has a boardwalk and an admission fee that can be found at their website. This was photographed from a two lane road, caution is advised on this stretch of roadway due to traffic. These flowers may not blooming now.

A field of Southeastern Sunflowers bloom along County Road 846 just east of Immokalee in Collier County on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. There is brief window when the flowers can be seen throughout parts of Southwest Florida including Pepper Ranch and Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. To see them at Pepper Ranch, a timed entry reservation has to be made through eventbrite. Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has a boardwalk and an admission fee that can be found at their website. This was photographed from a two lane road, caution is advised on this stretch of roadway due to traffic. These flowers may not blooming now.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA viceroy butterfly gets nectar from a wildflower at Lakes Park in Fort Myers

A viceroy butterfly gets nectar from a wildflower at Lakes Park in Fort Myers

Andrew West/The News-Press & Naples Daily News-USA Today Nertwork-FloridaA common yellowthroat warbler makes a brief appearance before disappearing in the foliage at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.

A common yellowthroat warbler makes a brief appearance before disappearing in the foliage at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaA viceroy butterfly perches on a lily pad at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

A viceroy butterfly perches on a lily pad at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-FloridaRoseat spoonbills feed at Bunche Beach Preserve in south Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Roseat spoonbills feed at Bunche Beach Preserve in south Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.

Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News /USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida