Bonita Springs

The High School Musical Theatre Awards take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 8 at the Barbara B Mann Performing Art Hall at FSW. Patterned after the Tony Awards, the evening features performances by each participating school, along with awards in a number of categories, including Best Overall Production, Best Ensemble and Best Actor and Supporting Actor in both Male-Identifying and Female-Identifying roles.

Andrea Stetson characterizes herself as an amateur filmmaker. Her film in this year's Bonita Springs Short Film Festival, "Sounds of Bonita," features her twin English Lop rabbits.

The future of the Bonita-Estero rail trail, known as BERT, will depend on a vote of Bonita Springs residents in August. The Bonita Springs City Council approved a referendum to be held at the time of the primary elections on Tuesday, August 18.

The stars and stripes will unfurl on a 250-foot flagpole in Cape Coral to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday, while no flag will wave over Bonita Springs.

Bonita Springs has become the final government to approve its share of the $60 million purchase of Seminole Gulf Railway right-of-way for an 11.4-mile bike trail that would extend from Estero into Collier County.

Now in its 11th year, the Bonita Springs Short Film Festival prompts aspiring filmmakers of all ages and skill levelsto create short pieces about what there is to love about Bonita. It is accepting submissions through March 28th and will screen the Best Overall Film, Best Depiction of Bonita Springs, Most Original Film, Best Under-18 Filmmaker and People’s Choice. The festival takes place Thursday, April 16, at Prado Stadium 12 in Spring Creek Plaza.

The 4th Annual Downtown Sarasota Fine Art and Craft Fair takes place on Main Street at Orange Ave, the season’s final Bonita Springs National Art Festival is at Riverside Park, and the Naples Fine Art Show is at Coastland Center.

As the federal government continues its efforts against illegal immigration, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that nearly 1.9 million people have agreed to self-deport this past year.

A seven-month-old Bonita Springs organization is helping families navigate life after a loved one is deported.

A refuge for rescued animals and non-releasable birds, The Wonder Gardens is celebrating its 90th anniversary.