Naples
Today
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Estero Boulevard repairs have begun from Estrellita Drive to Crescent Street as crews fix asphalt, curbs and sidewalks (with ADA ramps) while an Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy and events at Calusa Nature Center are set for Saturday, April 18. Dementia care fair and a May luncheon are planned. Naples Daily News
- ➤ On Saturday, March 28, more than 1,000 butterflies were released at North Collier Regional Park during Avow Hospice’s annual event honoring loved ones and founder Glenna Hayhoe (who passed in 2025). Local musicians from the ukulele group HUGS provided live music at the ceremony. Florida Weekly
- ➤ Empowerment Farm, an agri-tourism nonprofit in Golden Gate Estates, will host its Earth Day celebration on Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2600 Garland Rd. Families can join gardening, tree planting and water-saving activities, with tickets at $15 advance (or $20 at the gate). Florida Weekly
- ➤ Rockin’ Bash 2 will be held at The Maddox (2955 Bayshore Drive) at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, with live music and awards honoring advocates for Legal Aid Service, a group that provides free legal help to vulnerable residents. Florida Weekly
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Marco Island Charter Middle School Theater Club is staging three free shows (Apr. 24 at 7:00 p.m., Apr. 25 and 26 at 1:00 p.m.) at the middle school auditorium on 1401 Trinidad Ave; donations will help the Patty Baker Humane Society and support youth theater from the YMCA Afterschool program. Coastal Breeze News
- ➤ On Apr. 9, Clyde Butcher signed oversized books and welcomed long lines of fans at the Marco Island Historical Museum for the opening of his America the Beautiful exhibit, featuring 36 large-format black-and-white photographs from 15 states — the exhibit will run through July 12. Coastal Breeze News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The University of Florida is asking local residents to help track invasive Asian swamp eels seen in canals and wetlands to protect native species and support Everglades restoration (report by calling 888-483-4681 or via the IVEGOT1 app). Naples Daily News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On March 20, the 2026 Southwest Florida Heart Ball raised over $750K at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to support the American Heart Association's research and advocacy against heart disease. Community leaders + survivors united to advance lifesaving health programs in our community. Life In Naples
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The 30th Terra Cotta Invitational starts today at Naples National Golf Club with top amateur players including defending champion Luke Colton and No. 1-ranked junior Miles Russell — five local golfers also compete as the tournament, which supports a Naples children’s charity, is free to attend through Saturday, April 18. Naples Daily News
- ➤ Olympic medalists Madison Chock and Evan Bates join fellow skaters on the six-week Stars on Ice tour. The tour starts today at Hertz Arena in Estero + moves to Sunrise on April 17 and Orlando on April 18, offering live group performances that celebrate their Olympic spirit. News-Press
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Botanical Printmaking Workshop
5-7 p.m. — TWiST Gallery and Art Studios — $35 Admission — Explore the beauty of nature through the art of printmaking.
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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.
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Friday After 5
5-8 p.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Cost varies — Experience a vibrant after-hours party with live music and garden exploration.
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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.
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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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W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden
10 AM – 12 PM — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Explore and create together as families enjoy interactive lessons and activities in a beautiful garden setting.
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Florida's Funniest Comedian
7-10 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Check for ticket prices — Witness local talent compete for the title of Florida’s Funniest Comedian.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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