Falling Iguanas And Herding Manatees In Southwest Florida This Weekend

It is going to be cold this weekend in Southwest Florida. Shelters are opening in Naples and Fort Myers for anyone who needs a warm place to stay. Just like humans, some animals are seeking warmth too. Manatees have places like to gather locally and they will be prime viewing spots. We know where they are. If the poor iguanas could gather to stay warm maybe they would not fall out of trees. Beware. It is likely going to happen Sunday. Here is the scoop on both falling iguanas and herding manatees in Southwest Florida this weekend.

Despite the size of the giant sea cows, they do not have a lot of blubber to keep them warm. When the water temperatures dip, below 68 they get stressed and could even die. Manatee Park is known for its warmer waters. It is a place where manatees congregate year round and especially when it gets cold like this weekend. Check them out from observation decks. In addition, if you are feeling adventurous you can rent kayaks to get even closer. However, they are classified as a "threatened species" so don't touch or feed them.

The park is in Fort Myers, on Palm Beach Blvd. east of I-75. It has picnic tables and a cool butterfly garden too. It opens from 8a.m. to sunset. Manatee Park is free. However, parking is not. It costs $2 per hour or $5 for the day. Parking is also limited so carpool if you can.

Like manatees, iguanas are a fascinating part of our local wildlife and they don't like cold weather. When temperatures drop below 45 degrees, and they are predicted to on Sunday, the prehistoric reptiles' muscles can get cold-stunned. It's like a temporary paralysis. If they are hanging out in the trees, it is likely they will fall. It could be raining iguanas. If you come across one that appears to be dead or petrified from the cold leave them alone.

In addition, don't put them in your car and drive a friend's home. You DON'T want them to spring back to life while you're behind the wheel. Wildlife officials say when they warm back up and are in a foreign place they could get scared and even aggressive. No thank you. Take your social media pics and move along.

Another cool weekend to find some cool activities in Southwest Florida. Wow is there a great variety of things from Naples to Punta Gorda and everywhere in between. Pull out your smart phones and sync your weekend calendar with these 10 Southwest Florida events. Here are your Weekend Vibes for January 19th through the 21st.

First, sports lovers. If your sport is boating, there is a big boat show in Naples that you wont want to miss. However, if your sport involves the pickleball court you might want to head to Punta Gorda for a big tournament. Finally, jousting might be your idea of a fun sport to watch. If so, you'll want to go to the Venezia Renaissance Faire in Bonita Springs.

Parents and grandparents might want to take note of this one to entertain the kids. Heck, you might like it too. Mattel is bringing its Barbie "truck tour" to Southwest Florida. We have a preview below. Besides this being the season for art festivals in Southwest Florida, it is also wine fest time. There are two big ones, the first is this weekend in Fort Myers. The SWFL Food and Wine Fest is Saturday. Click here for more details or scroll down for the highlights.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here.  Here are your Weekend Vibes for January 19th through the 21st. Get out and have some local fun at these events.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone all or check of social media and event websites.

It's the biggest boat show in Naples and it is all weekend long. You'll find vessels in the water at Naples City Dock and on display at Sugden Regional Park. There is a complimentary shuttle service for parking. The show opens at 10am each day. Tickets start at $12 in advance. More info here.

This is a delight for food and wine lovers. The annual festival has donated more than $27 million to Golisano Children’s Hospital and for scholarships in the health field for local students. The tasting event and auction take place Saturday at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers. You don't have to attend to bid on some of the amazing auction items. Online bidding is open. Tickets $1000. More info here.

This happens the third Friday of every month, mostly along First Street in downtown Fort Myers. There is live music almost everywhere, from the galleries and shops, the restaurants and bars. Even on the streets. The party is 6-10

This Home and Garden Show is in Punta Gorda at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Meet industry experts, watch demos, win prizes and get inspired when it comes to upgrading or repairing anything in your home or outdoor space. Saturday and Sunday 10a.m. to 4p.m. Free. More info here.

It's not just any pickleball event. This big, five day tournament features professional players as well as amateurs' at the PicklePlex in Punta Gorda. It is also the first tournament stop to feature the Humana Cup. Ticket prices vary. More info here.

This is a renaissance and medieval faire with all kinds of strolling entertainment, music and medieval games like jousting and chariot races. The food is, medieval-style as well. The faire opens this weekend and also runs next weekend. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Bonita Beach Road next to Bonita Springs Poker Room. More info here. 

Barbie fans beware. The Barbie truck tour is coming to Southwest Florida. It's an eye-catching pink van filled to the top with all things Barbie. Besides Barbie swag, lots of kids activities are planned and there are photo ops with Barbie. It is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Gulf Coast Town Center in Estero. Free. More info  here. 

This new show by Gulf Coast Symphony opened Thursday and runs through February 3rd. Enjoy all the best music from Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Music & Arts Community Center in Fort Myers. Tickets start at $48.  More info here.

The Januaray event wraps up this weekend at Rookery Bay in Naples. It celbrates the diversity of wildlife in Southwest Florida highlighting our winged friends. Enjoy hands on activities, tours, beautiful wildlife films and more for the entire family. More info here.

If you are a car buff you wont to miss this one. It is Cape Coral Museum of History has another Classic Car Fest at Cultural Park. They are occuring every month through season with different themes. Besides cars there will be music, food trucks, merchants and more. Saturday 10a.m.- 2p.m. Free. More info here.