Good morning, Naples.

The sixth annual Salute to Veterans Golf and Dinner raised over $185,000 at Quail Creek Country Club on Feb.

7, supporting Home Base Florida's free care programs for veterans and military families (total contributions at the club now exceed $840,000).

Migrating ruby-throated, black-chinned, and rufous hummingbirds have been seen in Naples since March 5, and local gardeners can attract more by planting bright tubular flowers or offering feeders.

More arrivals are expected early this season.

A Calusa Waterkeeper volunteer pilot spotted a toxic blue-green algae bloom covering 40 miles of the Caloosahatchee River basin that began in mid-February, raising local concerns over water quality from high agricultural runoff (state efforts have not yet curbed the nutrient levels).

Extreme drought now covers all of Southwest Florida, including Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and DeSoto.

Although recent rains gave limited relief, forecasters say the expected showers before May 15 will not ease the drought conditions.

Naples City Council reaffirmed that there will be no permanent concession stand at the rebuilt pier and approved portable carts (offering water and ice cream) to address congestion while reconstruction continues after Hurricane Ian.

On Mar. 5, Collier County added 10 measles cases, bringing the county total to 93 and Florida’s to 124.

Lawmakers plan bills to let parents exempt children from vaccine rules as rates fall to 88.8% & concerns grow over outbreaks.

Naples Comprehensive Health marked its 70th anniversary as it honored a history of service + expanded advanced care for local patients.

Leaders emphasize the milestone as a foundation for continued innovation in cardiovascular, stroke, orthopedic, and specialty care.

Partners for Breast Cancer Care provided no-cost breast health services to uninsured and low-income residents in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties on March 5 — the nonprofit coordinated screenings, diagnostics, and treatment with local doctors using community donations and volunteers.

There were 78 confirmed and 15 probable measles cases in Collier County through Feb.

28, with the outbreak starting at Ave Maria University on Jan. 29. Two cases in Lee County are in teens — health officials stress symptoms may take up to three weeks to appear.

The Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation awarded a $500,000 gift to Naples Comprehensive Health’s Rooney Heart Institute to expand local heart care; construction on the new facility is underway and will complete in late 2027.

Neighborhood Health Clinic received a $1 million gift from the Schoonmaker Foundation on March 5 to upgrade diagnostic equipment for women’s health, cardiology, and pathology at its 88 12th St. N location, enhancing free care for low-income Naples residents.

Medal Madness 5K, 10K & Half Marathon

8:00 a.m. — Naples, FL — Registration fee required — Experience a thrilling race atmosphere while tackling distances of 5K, 10K, or a half marathon in scenic Naples.

W.O.N.D.E.R. Family Program

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Families can explore the garden with imaginative lessons and activities.

W.O.N.D.E.R Program for Families

10 a.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Engage in educational activities for children to Walk, Observe, Navigate, Draw, Explore, and Read.

A Culinary Journey

5:30-9 p.m. — The Maddox Naples — Ticketed event — Delight in exquisite tastings while supporting a cause for survivors of human trafficking.

Kiss Me, I Do Pilates

7:45-9:45 a.m. — Bayshore Bodega — Food and coffee available — Enjoy a St. Patrick's Day themed outdoor Pilates session with raffles and music.

Sunritual at The Maddox

3:15-10:00 p.m. — 2955 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL — $20+ — Immerse yourself in a curated day of wellness, music, and brunch festivities under the sun.

Thursday Night Trivia

7-8:30 p.m. — K.C.‘s Parrot 41 — Free to play — Compete in team trivia for prizes every Thursday night.

Friday After 5

5-8 p.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Check website for entry costs — Celebrate spring with live music and explore the Garden after-hours.

Stand-Up Comedy with Kevin Nealon

6-9:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Two-item minimum purchase required — Experience the dry wit and humor of Emmy-nominated comedian Kevin Nealon on stage.

Diana Ross Concert

7-10 p.m. — Artis—Naples — Tickets starting at $1867 — Experience an unforgettable evening with the legendary Diana Ross performing live.