Good morning, Naples.

Last Thursday, a 42-year-old driver crashed his Honda into St. Matthew's House Thrift store on Airport Road in Naples—injuring six people, including 66-year-old Leigh Mountcastle who said the driver told her she should be dead and that he was looking for his wife—while she now faces a long recovery.

A Collier County woman faces felony charges for aggravated animal cruelty after deputies rescued a severely neglected dog from her care on Monday — the 12-year-old white Samoyed, Sammy, suffered severe dental distress and infections after repeated citations and a court fine.

Students and staff at Golden Gate High School surprised principal Joe Mikulski with a heartfelt celebration during lunch after he was named Florida's Principal of the Year—making him the first principal in Collier County to earn the award since 1988.

His leadership has been credited with making the school an A school, and the event marked a historic moment for the community.

Naples beaches are preparing for the upcoming sea turtle nesting season as crews repair damaged seawalls and install temporary chain-link fencing—blocking five beach access points starting Monday—to protect nests, hatchlings and nesting mamas from disturbances ahead of nesting season in May.

Big Cypress National Preserve put a temporary trail closure in effect after a fire of almost 350 acres was found Saturday east of State Road 29 north of Deep Lake—this closure stops off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities on Deep Lake Trail including its trailhead and on Fire Prairie Trail. Fire crews fully contained the fire and will monitor the area for the next couple of days while visitors are urged to stay off the closed trails.

Legislators are reviewing House Bill 1175 and Senate Bill 492, a measure that would let developers sell up to 60% of wetland banking credits before benefits are verified and use credits from outside local watersheds to offset local wetland loss.

Critics say the bill will further degrade coastal systems by reducing vital ecosystem services that filter water and protect property.

Lee Health's Golisano Children's Health Center in Naples received an eviction notice to leave by April 4—but Nicklaus did not enforce it, leaving parents unsure of the center's future.

Local families and staff started petitions and remain worried that the lack of a clear plan could reduce access to needed pediatric care.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cars and Coffee 239

5-7 a.m. — Mercato — Free entry — A vibrant gathering of automotive enthusiasts showcasing an array of stunning vehicles.

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.

Art After Dark

5-8 p.m. — Naples Art District — Free entry — Discover vibrant creativity as you meet artists and witness artwork being created.

Sweet Charity

7:30 p.m. — Gulfshore Playhouse — Tickets available — Experience the lively performance of Sweet Charity live in Naples.

AIR Let's Draw & Paint (Drop-In) Session

5:30-7 p.m. — Golden Gate Community Park — Registration required — Spark your creativity with drawing and painting in a friendly setting for all ages.

Sweet Charity Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Gulfshore Playhouse — Tickets available — Experience the charm of 'Sweet Charity' live in Naples.