Daily editionThursday, October 8th, 2026
Good morning, Cape Coral.
The 5AM Cape Coral Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of October.
Business
Sunset Chicken celebrates its one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. and festivities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 339 SW 10th Place as it launches first food truck and offers chicken for a year (for the first 20) and boat ride tickets from Tarpon Point Marina.
Cape Coral BreezeRead more
Yesterday, the Powerball jackpot reached $485 million — its cash option rising to nearly $200 million after multiple rollovers.
A local ticket purchase brought a $1 million win for a Cape Coral resident, and the next drawing will take place Saturday, Oct. 10.
News-PressRead more
Environment
Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened yesterday and is forecast to become a hurricane today before making landfall along the Gulf Coast later this week – state officials declared an emergency in 25 North Florida counties to boost preparedness.
News-PressRead more
Tropical Storm Isaias, projected to be a Category 2 storm, formed on Oct. 7 in the Gulf and is tracked by the National Hurricane Center.
Cape Coral residents are urged to prepare their hurricane kits + repurpose household items for emergency storage.
News-PressRead more
Health
Tropical Storm Isaias, tracked by the National Hurricane Center on Oct.7, may strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane later this week.
Local residents are encouraged to prepare by stocking up on water, nonperishable food, batteries, and extra supplies for pets, seniors (and babies) while monitoring weather updates.
News-PressRead more
Sports
Former pro golfer Chase Marinell founded the Suncoast Junior Golf Tour in 2023 to offer youth golf tournaments on Southwest Florida courses.
The program includes divisions for different ages and a creative pin system (awarding both performance and character) that builds lasting community ties.
The News-PressRead more
FGCU men's soccer played FAU on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Pickering Field in Fort Myers, tying 1-1 after Hugo Munter scored in the 86th minute and Enzo Rabot equalized in the final minute.
The team will face Lipscomb on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
The News-PressRead more