Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 14th of April.
Good morning, Naples.
San Giuseppe, a family-owned pizzeria in North Naples, was named Best Pizza in Collier County on April 13 after receiving 57% of votes in a contest with 16 local pizzerias (runner-up was Peppi's).
Country Jam Naples, an all-female music festival, is set for Saturday, April 18 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex’s stadium on City Gate Blvd. Tickets start at $59; private suites are sold out but several options, including meet-and-greets, remain available.
FSU College of Law led the February bar exam at Tampa Convention Center with an 85.7% pass rate for first-time test takers (compared to a 61.8% overall pass rate of 332 out of 537), while Ave Maria in Naples ranked third with 71.4%, according to an April 13 release.
In March, python hunter Anthony Flanagan captured 11 Burmese pythons under the SFWMD Python Elimination Program to protect the Everglades ecosystem.
He received $600 for most captures plus $400 for the longest 12-ft snake.
Residents are urged to prepare for hurricane season starting June 1 — experts recommend checking evacuation zones and building kits with water, nonperishable food and batteries as Florida braces for its peak activity around Sept.
10, given the state’s long hurricane history since 1851.
Crews continue to battle a 100-acre brush fire that broke out Monday in the Picayune Strand State Forest south of I-75, and no structures or injuries have been reported plus drivers are urged to exercise caution as winds drive smoke along Collier Boulevard.
Homeowners are advised to review their insurance policies (June 1-Nov.
30) before hurricane season so they know what is covered, and they should document their homes with photos and lists to support claims if storms cause damage.
The Wilson Pigott Bridge is closing for 10 days to install a new grid deck as crews begin work Monday morning; motorists from Naples heading north to Babcock Ranch must follow detour routes via I-75 & S.R.
78 while weather may extend delays.
Naples is hosting the 10th annual US Open Pickleball Championships featuring 3,750 athletes from 53 countries and more than 55,000 fans.
The tournament runs until Saturday, Apr. 18 (free admission is offered except at the Zing Zang Championship Court) and includes 10 food trucks.
The Stars on Ice tour debuts Thursday, Apr.
16 at Hertz Arena in Estero featuring Olympic skaters Alysa Liu, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, and Ilia Malinin; tickets remain available for the 7 p.m. show.
Local baseball district tournaments are underway as matchups began Monday, April 13.
Games are scheduled for today and later this week in classes 1A to 7A, with local analysis favoring teams like Canterbury, St. John Neumann and Venice by sports reporter Alex Martin.
Mahjong Night at Books on Third
5:30-8 p.m. — Books on Third — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of Mahjong with lessons available for newcomers.
Ms. Jen’s Toddler & Preschool Storytime
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Vanderbilt Beach Library — No registration required — Enjoy engaging stories, songs, and fun activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden
10 AM - 12 PM — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Family-friendly fun with imaginative garden exploration and activities.
W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden
10 AM – 12 PM — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Families explore creativity and nature through fun activities.
Ben Bankas Live Comedy Show
6-9 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Admission requires two item minimum — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Ben Bankas at a popular local venue.
Botanical Printmaking Workshop
5-7 p.m. — TWiST Gallery and Art Studios — $35 Admission — Explore the beauty of nature through the art of printmaking.
Bellatrix Candle Making Workshop
6-8 p.m. — TWiST Gallery and Art Studios — $65 — Create your own candles in a fun and artistic environment at this engaging workshop.
Friday After 5
5-8 p.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Cost varies — Experience a vibrant after-hours party with live music and garden exploration.
Entrepreneur’s Business Summit
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM — FGCU Kapnick Center — $55.00 — Get inspired and elevate your business journey with expert insights and networking opportunities.
W.O.N.D.E.R in the Garden
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — A family-friendly exploration with creative activities in the beautiful garden setting.
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