Babcock Ranch, Southwest Florida’s unique eco-centric, solar-powered town just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, is celebrating the grand opening of Jack Peeples Park with the second annual Jingle Bell 5K Saturday, Dec. 8 at 8 a.m.

            Peeples will serve as the official race starter for Jingle Bell 5K, which starts at the 4.5-acre park named in honor of his contributions to Babcock Ranch’s development. The race route continues through Founder’s Square and the Lake Timber neighborhood and finishes at the park with refreshments. A 9:30 a.m. awards ceremony will recognize the overall winner, masters, senior masters, senior grandmasters, and three deep in each five-year increment age group.

For more information and to register online before race day, visit www.BabcockRanch.com/events. Race registration forms are also available at Babcock Ranch and The Run Shoppe at 6900 Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers. Packet pick up will take place at The Run Shoppe in Fort Myers Friday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Packets will also be available on race day at Babcock Ranch starting at 7 a.m.