Good morning, Naples.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday to start the rebuild of Naples Pier after Hurricane Ian left much of it unsafe.

Demolition will take six months and construction 18 months — supported by over $11.4 million in FEMA funding.

Local 13-year-old Paul Campbell donated 8,000 socks and clothes to St. Matthew's House in Naples after learning about homelessness at age 6.

He hopes his efforts inspire other youth to find their purpose by helping others.

City officials broke ground on the new Naples Pier yesterday, starting demolition of the damaged structure after more than three years of planning and permitting.

The project, fully funded by an $11 million FEMA grant, is projected to reopen as early as July next year.

On New Year's Day, Millie Bobby Brown surprised fans at Regal Naples after the final Stranger Things screening and thanked them (she now uses Millie Bonnie Bongiovi), marking a memorable moment after the series ended its five-season run.

The Studio Players present the farce The Cottage at the Joan Jenks Auditorium, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, with 10 performances scheduled from Friday, Jan.

9 to Jan. 25. Written by Sandy Rustin + directed by Paula Keenan, the production offers evening shows and Sunday matinees with tickets at $35.

Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown surprised fans at Regal Naples on New Year’s Day by attending a screening of the series finale, while her co-star Gaten Matarazzo was spotted celebrating New Year’s Eve at Vito’s Italian Restaurant in Jacksonville (both appearances delighted local viewers).

The Immokalee Foundation received a $3.478 million gift from the Donna Demeo Trust to boost its Career Pathways program that offers job training, education, and technical skills for students in Immokalee.

The legacy donation will expand future opportunities for local students & their families.

Naples officials began groundbreaking Monday — the city started an 18-month, $23.5 million project to rebuild the pier closed for more than three years after Hurricane Ian damaged it.

Demolition and debris removal will start next before constructing stronger pilings for improved safety.

The City of Naples held a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan.

5 to begin rebuilding the pier (closed since Hurricane Ian) as local officials and community partners marked the start of repairs.

City officials held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Jan.

5 for the Naples Pier rebuild, which has been closed since Hurricane Ian. Civic and business leaders helped shovel sand — signaling that restoration work is underway.

CDC officials reported that a new flu variant, subclade K, is driving high activity in many Florida counties while some areas see fewer cases.

Local pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) offer flu shots that take two weeks to work and are slightly less effective against this strain.

Naples residents face high flu activity as the new Subclade K strain spreads in Florida following the holiday travel season; local health officials urge timely flu shots to ward off severe symptoms (fever, cough, and headache).

News-Press and Naples Daily News selected nominees for Southwest Florida Boys Athlete of the Week sponsored by MY Shower Door from Dec.

15 to Jan. 3, recognizing top local male athletes during the period.

Ten high school girls are competing for SWFL Girls Athlete of the Week sponsored by MY Shower Door, with voting ending at 10:00 a.m. Thursday on news-press.com and Naples Daily News + the winner earns a T-shirt and tote bag.

Nine high school male athletes competed for the SW FL Boys Athlete of the Week award for the Dec.15-Jan.3 period.

Online voting ended Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. and the winner will be announced on social media to earn a BSN Sports T-shirt and tote bag (submissions came by email).

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Naples Boat Show - One Day Ticket

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Sugden Regional Park — Ticket pricing varies — Explore the excitement of the Naples Boat Show with family-friendly activities and scenic displays.