Naples
Today
Thursday, March 20th, 2025
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Two off-duty Naples Fire Rescue Department firefighters—Sam Scholtz and Thomas Jusim—rescued a man at Fort Myers Beach by starting CPR and using an AED, and EMS arrived soon after to stabilize him. WINK News
- ➤ The 49th annual Collier County Fair begins today at the Collier Fairgrounds in Naples—running until March 30 with varied admission prices, ride packages including 30 major rides and kiddie rides, and a strict clear bag policy that allows only service animals. Tickets can be purchased online until today or on site as fairgoers enjoy different operating hours each day. Naples Daily News
- ➤ On Tuesday, cyclists in Naples got free helmets, bike lights, and reflective vests at Cambier Park as the Naples Pathways Coalition, 5th Ave South Improvement District, Naples Police Department, and AAA worked together to boost road safety. The event came just days after a 14-year-old boy died in an e-bike crash—organizers gave out more than 40 sets of gear and plan additional giveaways in April to help reduce future accidents. NBC2
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A new private search is underway in the Gulf for missing free diver Drake Sweet after he failed to resurface from a March 13 dive; his family joined the effort and a boat with sonar, drones, and five divers left at 7:25 a.m. Wednesday to search the Pentrel wreck, his last known location. Naples Daily News
- ➤ Fourteen-year-old Clayton Miller was killed Saturday when an SUV hit his e-bike on Madison Drive in North Naples — his death has led safety advocates and a county commissioner to push for more bike safety lessons in schools and new e-bike rules with a public hearing set for March 25. Fox 4
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sand brought in to form smaller dunes is being used to renourish Barefoot Beach along the border of Collier and Lee counties after damage from Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton. Local teams are using both offshore pumping and trucks—supported by tourist tax, FEMA and DEP funds—to widen beaches and protect homes while experts note the sand will naturally lighten over the coming months. Florida Weekly
- ➤ Conservation Florida recently bought 60.27 acres at 137 Coastline Drive in Copeland for the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park—this purchase protects habitat for the critically endangered Florida Panther. The land cost less than $60,000 and is expected to boost local conservation efforts as Florida’s population grows. WINK News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new grant program is offering financial help to Collier County homeowners to pay for hurricane protection work—covering at least 75% of costs for home elevation, wind mitigation and demolition. The program held its first information session on Wednesday at 10 a.m. on Marco Island as part of three sessions planned across the county. WINK News
- ➤ Naples City Council approved a $125,070.16 project to install blue sand mats, additional handicapped parking spots, ADA-friendly water fountains, a shower and wider sidewalks at Vedado Way beach entrance to improve access for people with disabilities and those using strollers, wheelchairs or wagons. The project—originally planned before Hurricane Ian—will start in April and is expected to take about a month to 45 days. ABC7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today marks the start of spring and allergy season in Florida, as warm weather brings high tree pollen levels that cause sneezing and itchy eyes. AccuWeather reports that while tree pollen is already severe in many areas, cities like Naples will soon see rising counts and a shift to grass pollen—advising residents to close windows and change clothes after outdoor activities. News-Press
-
Healing Prayer Event with Dr. Tommy Combs
This event features Dr. Tommy Combs at the Christian Healing Center of Naples, offering healing prayer in a supportive environment.
-
Vinny G Live Comedy Performance in Naples
Comedian Vinny Guadagnino will perform live at Off the Hook Comedy Club in Naples, Florida.
-
Live Comedy Show Featuring Jack Assadourian Jr. and Rafi Gonzalez in Naples, Florida
Experience a night of laughter with comedians Jack Assadourian Jr., known for his multicultural humor, and Rafi Gonzalez, recognized for his recent accolades in the comedy scene.
-
MJ The Musical: A Tribute to the King of Pop
MJ The Musical explores the life and legacy of Michael Jackson through an array of his classic hits, winning multiple awards for its compelling storytelling and choreography.
-
Rumba for Beginners Group Class
7-8 p.m. | Modern Steps School Of Dance | $15/person | Learn the basics of Rumba in a supportive group setting to prepare for social dances.
-
MJ - The Musical
This Tony-winning musical celebrates the life and legacy of Michael Jackson, featuring his iconic hits and exploring his journey as an artist.
-
Textured Painting Art Experience
6-7:30 p.m. — Bayshore Warehouse — Cost included — Create beautiful textured artwork while sipping your favorite drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
-
Alzheimer's Awareness Health Fair
9-11 a.m. — The Salvation Army Fran Cohen Youth Center — Free entry — Explore healthy brain habits and learn about Alzheimer's through interactive games and information sessions.
-
Longboat Key Art Splash
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Naples Picasso | Free entry | Enjoy a vibrant community festival at the beautiful Longboat Key Town Center Green featuring local art and festivities.
-
Phil Collins and Genesis Tribute Concert
7-9 p.m. | Cafe on the Bay at Naples Bay Resort | $74.95 per person | Experience the ultimate tribute to Phil Collins and Genesis with a high-energy performance that revives iconic hits.
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
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
~ Les Brown
About Naples Today
Welcome to the Naples Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Naples, Florida community. If you like the Naples Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Naples.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Naples and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Naples Today
A free Naples community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://naplestodaynews.com/sitemap