Good morning, Naples.

Naples Zoo unveiled Xander (a 13-year-old giant anteater from Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas) on Jan.

20, marking a new addition to the exhibit and highlighting the zoo’s conservation efforts in response to habitat challenges.

Bestselling author Barbara Brown Taylor speaks at the Festival of Light event at First Presbyterian Church of Naples today.

The event starts with dinner & crafts at 5 p.m., music at 5:30 and a talk with Q&A and book signing at 6 p.m.

Music educator Scott Burrows of Estero High School was honored with the Manilow Music Teacher Award on Jan.

20, and Barry Manilow will recognize him onstage during his spring performance at Hertz Arena in Estero (he also received $10,000 for classroom instrument purchases).

Conservation groups notified federal agencies and Tarpon Blue Silver King I, LLC on Jan.

20 of their intent to file suit if authorities do not reinitiate consultation and prepare a new biological opinion for the 10,264-acre Rural Lands West project in primary panther habitat in Collier County.

At Corkscrew Swamp, an adult male alligator bellowed to show its size, protect his territory, and attract a mate (a natural way alligators communicate in the wild).

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission reported an eight-month-old Florida panther was struck by a vehicle north of Naples Heritage Golf and Country Club Saturday on Collier Boulevard; this marks the second fatal collision in 2026.

Collier County’s long-term master plan invites Golden Gate City residents to share input on improving roads, drainage and lighting at a public session at the Golden Gate Community Center—feedback is accepted until Feb.

3 with the plan set for review by county commissioners this spring.

Lee County commissioners met on Tuesday, Jan.

20 and are expected to impose a local state of emergency and burn ban to curb wildfire risks amid ongoing drought. Residents will not be allowed to burn any materials outdoors, and the restriction will last at least 30 days.

Suzanna’s Kitchen is recalling 13,720 lb of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillets due to possible listeria contamination.

The products, made on Oct. 14 and sent to foodservice centers in Florida (and other states), have not caused any reported illnesses.

NCH North announced a project to build the Van Domelen Pavilion for Women and Children in Collier County (costing $300M) as part of a partnership with Nicklaus Children's.

Construction will begin once 80% of funding is secured, and the new four-story facility will deliver labor, delivery and an expanded NICU.

Dr. Michael Kim, a board-certified plastic surgeon, explained on Good Morning Gulf Coast how Pro Nox (a self-administered laughing gas) lets patients finish treatments and drive themselves home within 10 minutes.

Five new restaurants are enlivening Naples, with Connors Steak and Seafood open in North Naples, All Too Well debuting a sandwich shop on Fifth Avenue, Beyond Juicery and Eatery now at The Pavilion, Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza serving downtown, and Acqua Bistecca set to open in February on Estero Bay.

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.

BIG BAND CLASSICS – The Stardust Memories Big Band

7-11:59 p.m. — Cambier Park — $10 Suggested Contribution — Enjoy timeless big band classics from the Swing Era under the stars.

Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference

12 AM — LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort — Lodging included — Engage with industry leaders and expand your network at this key construction materials event.

Family Storytime at Estates Library

10:30-11:15 a.m. — Estates Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, art activities, and crafts for children of all ages in a creative environment.

CHCN January 2026 Meeting

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Christian Healing Center of Naples — Free entry — Engage with community members during the first meeting of the year at the healing center.

Meditation Class

9-10 a.m. — Omaya Studio — Cost info not provided — Reconnect with your inner peace through mindfulness and breath awareness in a nurturing environment.

World Ukulele Day Celebration

Noon-6 p.m. — Downtown Bonita Springs — Free entry — Celebrate the joyful sounds of ukuleles with live performances, group jams, and a headliner concert.