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FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Open in Port Charlotte

charlotte county

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 30: In this aerial view, vehicles drive through standing water left in the wake of Hurricane Ian on September 30, 2022 in Port Charlotte, Florida. The hurricane brought high winds, storm surges, and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Nov. 28, 2022) – FEMA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a disaster recovery center at the former Cultural Center of Charlotte County site, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. The center is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at Tringali Park recreation center, 3460 N. Access Road, Englewood remains open 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Disaster recovery centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

Individuals affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida can also apply for assistance.

For Hurricane Ian information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 or 941-743-1320.

Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/emwww.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.twitter.com/ccoem.

FEMA Port Charlotte

Photo Ops With Santa In Southwest Florida

Photo Ops With Santa In Southwest Florida

Was there anything better as a child than preparing for your visit with Santa Claus?

We made our Christmas lists, checked them twice and prepared to sit on the jolly man's lap as we listed off all of the things we wanted him to bring on Christmas.

Heck, we even dealt with the itchy and scratchy Christmas outfits we were forced to wear for the special day.

And how could we forget about the moms and dads and grandparents standing at the beginning of the sometimes hour long lines we waited in?  There they were in all of their glory trying to get us to smile so they could snap our picture with the big guy and have another Christmas memory.  Truly a wonderful tradition.

While visiting with Santa was exciting for most kids, there were some kiddos who left terrified and maybe a little traumatized.  They did make for pretty good pictures though.  Haha

So, where can you make these memories with Santa in Southwest Florida this holiday season?  Of course he will be at the local malls, but we've found some other fun events where he'll make an appearance too!

Here's A List Of Photo Ops With Santa In Southwest Florida.  There are a couple of places you can take your pets as well

Coastland Center Mall in Naples

Santa's helpers have been working hard decking the halls for you and your family, so don’t miss out on taking tree-mendous pics with St. Nick!

Pets are welcome too!  Let your fur kids and grand pups join in on the holiday fun! Get the family together to strike a pose with Santa to capture paw-fect holiday moments!

Children within all spectrums of special needs and their families are welcome to join us for our sensory-friendly visit and photos with Santa!

Edison Mall in Ft. Myers

When:  November 17 - December 24

Where: Visit Santa at his Holiday Wonderland located at Dillard's Court.

Bass Pro Shops at Gulf Coast Town Center in Ft. Myers

Santa's Wonderland is open now thru December 24, 2022 at Bass Pro Shops In Gulf Coast Town Center
For more details, click here

Holiday Nights at Edison Ford Winter Estates in Ft. Myers

Join us for the 47th celebration of Holiday Nights and see the homes and gardens decorated with thousands of lights!
Holiday Nights runs through January 1 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Night). Be sure to check the website to see the nightly schedule.
There will be Santa visits, carolers, science shows and Inside-the-Homes tours on select nights. Lee County residents will receive $5 off admission on Sunday nights.
$20 for adults, $10 for teens (13-19), $2 for children (6-12), and children 5 and under get in free.
For more details, click here

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Bell Tower in Ft. Myers

Mark your calendars for the Annual Bell Tower Tree Lighting, Friday December 2nd 6pm-8pm!

Santa Claus will arrive to Bell Tower at 6:30 p.m. in a South Trail Fire Department fire truck at the main entrance near Grimaldi’s and Blue Pointe.

Following his arrival, the festivities will commence in Center Court with a special tree lighting ceremony and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, ideal for holiday photo opportunities. Filled with holiday cheer and decor, center court will also feature a bounce house, face painting and holiday games & activities plus so much more!

For more details, click here

Free Underwater Pictures With Santa in Cape Coral

Join us for FREE pictures underwater with Santa!
This year we have upgrade our camera setup, the pool, the backdrop and installed a heater!
Ages 8 and up can be on SCUBA (No certification needed)
Ages 7 and younger can snorkel with Santa!
For more details, click here

Pet Photos with Santa at Rotary Park in Cape Coral

Join us Saturday, December 3 from 10 am -12 pm to get a picture of your pet with Santa.
*Bring your own camera to capture the perfect picture.
For more details, click here

Breakfast With Santa at N. Ft. Myers Parks & Rec Center

Join us for some holiday fun!
The morning will include a continental breakfast, a holiday craft, letters to Santa
and a picture with Saint Nick himself!
PRE-REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED. $3 per person, please call (239) 533-7200 to register.
For more details, click here

Breakfast With Santa at Coral Oaks Golf Course in Cape Coral

Coral Oaks Golf Course

Come and Bring the family for a delicious breakfast and the kids get to meet SANTA!
$15. per Adult
$10. per child and 2 and under FREE

For more details, click here

Christmas Street Parade in Marco Island

Saturday, December 10th, 2022
6:30pm-8:30pm
Free to attend!
*Parade begins at Balfour and San Marco Road and will end at San Marco and Barfield.
San Marco Road is lit up every year for the annual Marco Island Street Parade! The parade will feature floats, marching bands, music, costumes, candy and Santa Claus!
For more details, click here

Winter Wonderland in Lehigh Acres

Celebrate the season with Santa at Veterans Park Recreation Center.

Come join us for a magical Winter Wonderland event! Children can write letters to Santa, make holiday crafts, play games and use the photo booths for family holiday photos. Mr. and Mrs. Clause will arrive and children can put in their wish list in person and receive a gift. Hot cocoa & Cookies, dancers and a tree lighting will spread the holiday cheer!

For more details, click here

Holiday In The Park in Bonita Springs

Tuesday, December 6th, 2022
4:30pm-8:30pm
Everything is free!!!
*Tree lighting will be at dusk.
***NO PETS ALLOWED!*
The City of Bonita Springs will be hosting their annual Holiday in the Park event at Riverside Park! Come enjoy the sounds of the season featuring a visit from Santa, a snow slide, snow flurries in the park, kid-friendly activities, musical and dance performances! Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.
For more details, click here

Santa Paws in Naples

Saturday, December 10th, 2022
12pm-2pm
Free!
Third Street South will have Santa Claus available for photos with your well behaved pets!
Bring your pet on its leash and pose with jolly Old St. Nick for a treasured memory. Professional photographer not on site, please bring your own camera.
For more details, click here

Fort Myers - Santa's Block Party

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2022 AT 10 AM – 2 PM

Come out to Santa's Block Party 2022 in front of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center downtown Ft. Myers. Santa will arrive by Fire Truck. Children's workshop bags include crafts, crayons and a coloring book, a Publix decorate a cookie kit, a toy, candy and a ticket to ride the Holiday Express train. Bags are only $6 each. Tables will be set out on First Street for families to work together on crafts. Kits can also be brought home. There will be music and tons of outdoor entertainment. Additional train rides are available for $2 each. After the fun, come in for a photo with Santa, view the trees and get your raffle tickets. You may be a lucky winner of a beautifully decorated tree with tons of prizes! 

Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.