Saturday, April 12th, 2025
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Two Meatballs in the Kitchen will soon expand its Italian restaurant into Naples to replace The Warehouse Cuisine & Cocktails, which permanently closed March 19 after nearly eight years on the north side of Immokalee Road just east of Collier Boulevard. The Naples Press
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Donald Peyton-Lee Russell Jr. intentionally drove his 2024 black Honda sedan into the St. Matthews House Thrift Store on Thursday at about 10:40 a.m., injuring six people (three with traumatic injuries) and he was arrested at the scene as he now faces multiple counts of aggravated battery and criminal mischief. News-Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Naples Zoo's Primate Expedition Cruise was ranked eighth in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards after more than 285,000 guests enjoyed a 15- to 20-minute catamaran ride around islands with monkeys, gibbons, and lemurs in a tropical setting. The tour, guided by naturalists + offers a unique, immersive experience that combines animal privacy with close-up views of the primates. News-Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Golden Gate High School principal Joe Mikulski was named Florida’s Principal of the Year on Tuesday for his efforts in boosting academic achievement and creating a safe, inclusive school culture. ABC7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ John Johnson, a Marco Island hunter, uses an air gun to reduce invasive iguanas and his work has drawn widespread attention on social media. Some residents have praised his efforts while others worry about safety — fueling a lively local discussion. News-Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ FDOT released an update on road construction in Collier County, highlighting projects such as the Pine Ridge Road Diverging Diamond Interchange expected to finish mid-2027, Alligator Alley resurfacing scheduled for spring, I-75 wildlife crossing work, Collier Boulevard flyover improvements, and a Beck Boulevard detour running from April 21–May 2. Motorists should expect night and overnight lane closures and shifting travel lanes as crews work to improve drainage, signage, and guardrails across these projects. News-Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Florida resident Randy Badras rides her bike every morning and fears that her father—who attends a dementia respite program at Baker Senior Center in Naples—might not answer his door, showing the tough challenges caregivers face with Alzheimer’s. The Naples Press
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Street Wars Car Show in Naples
12-7 p.m. — Fernweh Ice Cream — $20 registration fee — Celebrate car culture with show awards, vendors, and a fun contest atmosphere.
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Comedian Dave Burleigh Live
6:45-8:15 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Minimum purchase required — Enjoy an evening of laughter with impressionist Dave Burleigh showcasing his talents and comedic style.
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Naples Into the Light Support Group
7-8 p.m. — Emanuel Lutheran Church — Free entry — A welcoming group for those seeking community support and connection every Tuesday evening.
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Skin & Hair Reimagined: A REnew-YU Experience
11 AM – 1 PM — The Maddox Naples — Cost of lunch and refreshments not included — Discover revolutionary skin and hair rejuvenation techniques without downtime.
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Rock the Block Festival
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Mercato — Free entry — Enjoy live music by TreeHause and fun activities for the whole family at this vibrant block party.
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ELCP No School Day
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM — Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park — Pre-registration required — A safe space for children of working parents on school closure days.
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Artifact Excavators Family Day
11 AM – 2 PM — Collier Museum at Government Center — Free entry — Dive into archaeology with interactive excavations and delicious edible dirt cups.
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Cars and Coffee 239
5-7 a.m. — Mercato — Free entry — A vibrant gathering of automotive enthusiasts showcasing an array of stunning vehicles.
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GGCC After-School Activities for Kids
3-6 p.m. — Golden Gate Community Center — Contact for registration — A fun and safe environment for children with sports, arts, and homework help.
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Art After Dark
5-8 p.m. — Naples Art District — Free entry — Discover vibrant creativity as you meet artists and witness artwork being created.
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
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