Good morning, Naples.

Saucy! by KFC is a new fast-casual restaurant serving chicken tenders & 12 unique sauces.

It opens March 24 at 5088 Airport-Pulling Road in a revamped former PDQ space, promising made-to-order, fresh chicken served within 15 minutes.

Trader Joe's is re-releasing its mini pastel tote bags in pink + baby blue + mint green + lavender at its North Naples and Fort Myers stores.

The $2.99 bags will be available for a limited time and celebrate spring on Friday, March 20.

Gas prices increased on Wednesday with the average reaching $3.84 a gallon and diesel pushing past $5—its rise driven by tensions in Iran led Brent crude oil to hit $108.41, the highest since 2022.

Naples residents may face higher fuel costs today.

AAA reported that five Florida counties now average over $4 a gallon while the state average stood at $3.93 on March 18, reflecting a rise of more than $1 since early March.

In Naples, Sam’s Club reported gas at $3.73, prompting local drivers to check apps for better prices.

Gas prices in five Florida counties have climbed above $4 per gallon, with Collier, Citrus, Monroe, Palm Beach, & Union counties showing increased averages while Naples residents paid $3.73 at Sam’s Club early this morning.

AAA noted that prices jumped over $1 since March 2.

Sierra Club Florida and a local Calusa group will host Conserve and Connect: Meet the Rice’s Whale on Wed., Mar.

25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center (free event) to educate the public about the endangered Rice’s whale, the Gulf’s only year-round resident.

Researchers tracked several great white sharks along the Gulf Coast as part of a spring migration; a 13-foot shark named Goodall was recorded less than 10 miles offshore (no shark bites have been reported) and the findings confirm the Gulf is a vital winter habitat.

Due to a government shutdown, TSA officials reported that wait times at Naples Municipal Airport range from 9 to 23 minutes, following increased delays at other Florida airports.

Officials warned that if the situation persists, smaller facilities may face reduced services.

On Feb. 21, over 30 Civil Air Patrol volunteers from three squadrons conducted a large-scale search and rescue exercise at Marco Island Executive Airport.

The teams ran 15 sorties to locate simulated crash victims, assess storm damage, and search for lost boaters — sharpening readiness with advanced imaging techniques.

A project to convert the I-75 and Pine Ridge Road interchange into a diverging diamond design has been underway for a year; motorists face nighttime lane and ramp closures as crews conduct paving, drainage, and utility work — completion is expected in mid-2027.

Naples Comprehensive Health announced a $5 million gift from Glenn and Kay Hasse to expand cardiovascular care at the Rooney Heart Institute today.

The donation will boost innovative technology, recruit top clinical talent, and improve patient services.

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.

Monday Trivia Night

7-8:30 p.m. — Midnight Tavern — Free to play — Compete in a fun-filled trivia night with friends and great prizes.

Hammock Sound Bath Experience

7-8 p.m. — Omaya Studio — Free parking — Immerse yourself in a tranquil journey of yoga and sound for an energy restoration.

Comedian Troy Bond Live

6:00-9:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Admission fees apply — Experience sharp crowdwork and hilarious sketches from rising comedian Troy Bond.

Jamie Lissow Stand-Up Comedy Show

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Jamie Lissow, known for his witty performances and television appearances.

Friday After 5

5-8 p.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Full menu available — Experience a vibrant evening with live music and explore the Garden after-hours.

Great Inflatable 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Naples Classical Academy — Entry Fee Required — Bounce, climb, and sprint through the most hilarious inflatable obstacle course experience.

QHHT Group Regression

6:00PM — Omaya Studio — Free — Explore your subconscious in a guided group experience using quantum healing hypnosis.