Naples
Today
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Florida Weekly pays tribute to local figures who helped shape Naples' community spirit in 2025. The story honors Harold Weeks for his longtime volunteer service, Ed Carlson for his conservation work at Corkscrew, and Jerry Sanford for his lasting influence on neighborly support (their legacies continue to inspire locals). Florida Weekly
- ➤ Drivers heading to Marco Island face delays as roadwork on North Collier Boulevard replaces old water and sewage mains; construction is set to continue until Sept. 2026 — officials advise following detour signs and merging safely. WINK News
- ➤ Our Daily Bread Food Pantry accepted a $30,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation to help feed hungry children and families in Collier County; the pantry will provide over 1.6 million meals this year (using 97 cents of every dollar raised on feeding programs). Coastal Breeze News
- ➤ The Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise invites locals to a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Marco Lutheran Church (525 North Collier Blvd) with tickets available for a $15 donation and kids 10 and under eating free; proceeds benefit local charity. Coastal Breeze News
- ➤ Habitat for Humanity of Collier County launched a new partnership with Naples Automotive Experience on Tuesday morning and began raising walls for the final home at its Majestic Place community in Naples. The project nears completion with full occupancy expected by summer. Coastal Breeze News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Thriller author Taylor Adams will speak on Monday, Jan. 12 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort (2600 Tiburon Drive, North Naples) to launch the 23rd annual Nick Linn Lecture Series benefiting the Collier County Public Library system; he will discuss his new novel Her Last Breath and sign books. Naples Daily News
- ➤ United Church of Marco Island will host music by Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass at 4:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at its Marco Island location (320 North Barfield Dr.), featuring a concert of updated hymns open to all with a freewill offering. Coastal Breeze News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Agustin Garcia Guerrero (58) bought a scratch-off ticket at the Sunshine gas station on Tamiami Trail E on Dec. 8 and won a $5 million jackpot, opting for a lump-sum cash payment of $3,053,000. The win highlights that scratch-off tickets reward winners and help fund the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. Naples Daily News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Immokalee Foundation announced a $3.478 million legacy gift from the Donna Demeo Trust to support its Career Pathways program that helps students succeed in their careers. The generous contribution (transformational donation) will expand opportunities for education, technical skill development, paid internships, and mentoring for future local leaders. Coastal Breeze News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Despite near‐freezing overnight lows and highs in the 50s on New Year's Eve, visitors bundled up at Naples beach and Fifth Avenue South as families enjoyed ocean views and shoppers explored busy local stores—showing that the cold did not dampen community spirit. ABC7
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Family Storytime and Craft
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Golden Gate Branch — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of stories, songs, and crafts for all ages.
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AAA Travel Expo
11 AM – 5 PM — AAA Naples — Free entry — Discover amazing vacation deals and travel tips with travel experts at the Naples Travel Show!
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Comedian Vicki Barbolak Live
2-3:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy laughs with Comedian Vicki Barbolak in a lively setting.
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Artful Arrangements: Floral Interpretations of Original Art
1-5 p.m. — Naples Art District — $20.00 – $50.00 — Explore a captivating blend of fine art and floral designs at this unique event.
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Third Street South Farmers Market
7:30-11:30 a.m. — Third Street South — Free entry — Enjoy fresh produce, baked goods, and local delights in a lively family-friendly atmosphere.
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Sourdough 101
5-8 p.m. — Twist Gallery — Ticket plus $2.50 service fee — Learn the art of sourdough baking with hands-on tutorials and take home a loaf.
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Hammock Sound Bath Experience
6-7 p.m. — Omaya Studio — Refunds available up to 7 days prior — Immerse in a tranquil floating sound bath combined with yoga and breathwork for rejuvenation.
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Naples Boat Show
10 AM – 5 PM — Naples Boat Show — Entry details not specified — Experience the largest premier recreational show in the Naples-Marco Island area featuring marinas, boat dealers, and marine-related businesses.
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Sterling Silver Jewelry Making Workshop
10:30 PM - 1 AM — 3570 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL — $250 total — Create beautiful sterling silver jewelry using Precious Metal Clay in a hands-on workshop.
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The Financial Wake-Up Call Seminar
6-8 p.m. — 5003 Tamiami Trl E — Free entry — Gain practical financial insights while enjoying music and networking opportunities.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
~ Rumi
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