Tide Locations In Southwest Florida Offering Free Laundry Services To First Responders

It's been nearly a week since Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, just north of us in Southwest Florida, in Siesta Key. First responders from all over the state have been working around the clock to keep the community safe and informed. In an awesome move by Tide locations in Southwest Florida, first responders can receive laundry services, free of charge, through the Tide Loads of Hope and local Tide Cleaners' efforts.

Now through Friday, October 25th, 2024, police officers, firefighters, electric utility workers and FEMA staff can bring their laundry to one of the 12 locations along the Gulf Coast of Florida, and receive FREE laundry and dry-cleaning services.

The program provides responders with one free bag of laundry (up to 13 gallons) per household as they continue the backbreaking work of helping communities recover from the storms’ aftermath. Locations will be open for drop-offs seven days a week, providing much-needed relief to those working in disaster zones. Drop off times are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

First responders can drop off their laundry at any of the 12 participating Tide Cleaners locations:

Sarasota: 

Fort Myers: 

Estero:

Bonita Springs:

Naples: 

Visit tidecleaners.com/locations to find the nearest Tide Cleaners.

“As members of this community, it’s our responsibility to support those who are risking their lives to keep us safe,” said Robert Lyons, President & CEO of Consolidated Cleaners, Inc. & Consolidated Laundromats, LLC and Tide Cleaners franchisee. “Tide Loads of Hope allows us to give back in a way that’s meaningful, offering our first responders clean clothes during this critical time so they can continue focusing on the recovery efforts.”

The stores are stocked with pumpkins and all kinds of decor dripping in shades of brown, orange and gold. The holidays are just around the corner, but we need get through fall first. To get you warmed up here are 10 fun Fall Festivals in Southwest Florida to put on your calendar. From Naples to Fort Myers there is something for everyone.

These events include everything from the annual Oktoberfest at the German American Social Club in Cape Coral to the infamous haunted corn maze at Farmer Mike's in Bonita Springs. If you like scarecrows, there is a fun family event at Lakes Park in Fort Myers and if animals are your jam, there is Boo at the Zoo too. It's in Naples.

Find all the details on these events and more by scrolling down.

Besides fall festivals, I've included a few Halloween themed events as well. Some of these events are free, others have a range of pricing so be sure to check dates and events online so you are not surprised.

Also, considering we are still in hurricane season, if the weather is questionable, take a look at websites or call ahead for any changes in schedules.

We will continue to update this list so please check back often and share with your friends. Finally, if you know of other seasonal events to add to the list, please send them here.

It's the 39th Annual Oktoberfest celebration at the German American Club in Cape Coral. It's one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in Florida with a sprawling biergarten, dancing, and bands from Germany. Enjoy carnival rides and of course food. Lots of food and lots of beer too. More info here.

Fort Myers Brewing Company’s 12th Annual Oktoberfest always draws big crowds. This four-day celebration features lots of live music including the Ben Allen Band and a diverse lineup of food trucks. We can't forget about the craft beer and the seasonal selections. Then there is the annual stein-hoisting competitions. October 3-6th. More info here. 

It's the 10th anniversary of Farmer Mike's Fall Festival at the farm's Bonita Springs location. There is a second location on Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a haunted corn maze, a friendly corn maze, and lots more.  The festival runs through October 27th. Ticket prices and times vary. More info here.

The calendar of events at this North Fort Myers Farm is pretty extensive. You can enjoy everything from a pumpkin patch and hayrides to a haunted maze and a petting zoo. There are lots of family friendly activities and even more parking to accommodate the crowds this year. Festival events run through October 27th. More info here.

Lakes Park Fall Festival has a roster of fun planned this year. There is a pumpkin patch, hayrides and a Halloween Express train ride too. The park comes alive with inflatables and creative scarecrows too. Scarecrow in the Park is an annual competition that you can even vote on. This year's theme is The Great Outdoors. October 11th-31st. Lakes Park is in Fort Myers on Gladiolus Drive. More info here.

This is the Nature Center's 61st annual Haunted Walk and it can get frightening walking through the elevated boardwalk in the woods. The Haunted Walk takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October starting at 7:30-11:30 pm. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. The Nature Center is on Ortiz Avenue in Fort Myers. More info here. 

Boo at the Zoo returns to Naples Zoo this year with a movie theme. There will be costumed characters for meet and greets and even some of the animals will join the fun. Enjoy trick or treating too so be sure to dress up. Event dates are Oct 11-13th and 18th-20th. 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Regular admission prices apply. More info here.

The Naples Wonder Gardens gets decked out for the event while providing special programing, games and activities for the entire family. Halloween candy is from brands that support sustainable palm oil production and distribution. Paper bags provided for children to collect it. Opening is October 11 from 5-8pm and one of the few times the gardens are open at night. Then Oct 12th and 13th from 11am to 2pm.  Costumes are encouraged. Free for Wonder Gardens members. Regular admission for non-members. More info here. 

This huge event in Port Charlotte has haunted hay rides and houses, a pumpkin patch, food, entertainment under a haunted big top tent and a mechanical bull for good measure. There is even a dance party each night. Charlotte County Fairgrounds. Dates are October 18th-20th, 25th-27th, and the 31st. Ticket prices vary. More info here.