Naples
Today
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, hundreds gathered at the Spirit of Naples gala at The Club at Olde Cypress to honor Scott Lutgert as Naples Daily News Outstanding Citizen of the Year & celebrate his community leadership. Naples Daily News
- ➤ A Collier County woman cleared dry brush from around her chicken shed before the Picayune Strand fire threatened her home. As she moves back in, she urges neighbors to stay prepared. WINK News
- ➤ Norman Coffman, a long-time aviator with over 50 years of safe flight experience, was honored with the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award at Naples Airport on April 10 — his achievement now inspires local youth programs. WGCU
- ➤ Naples Police Department announced temporary road and facility closures in and around Cambier Park for Naples Pride Fest scheduled for tomorrow starting at 2 a.m. until about 6 p.m. 8th Street South & nearby roads and park facilities including sports courts and restrooms will be closed during that period. ABC7
- ➤ A newly discovered comet, C/2025 R3 — PanSTARRS, is brightening in the pre-dawn sky and can be seen today with binoculars or a telescope in the east. It will reach its closest approach to the sun on April 19 and to Earth on April 27. News-Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Baker Senior Center Naples hosted its inaugural Luncheon for Better Tomorrows (Remembering) at the Naples Yacht Club and featured country singer Ashley Campbell, who performed her debut single written for her father living with Alzheimer’s disease. Florida Weekly
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On April 16, 69 wildfires burned over 7,800 acres across Florida + a brush fire near Interstate 75 at mile marker 98 near Naples produced local smoke without closing roads, while air quality was rated good to moderate. News-Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UF/IFAS researchers began a study yesterday in Citra—testing velvet beans for high L-DOPA production to ease Parkinson’s tremors, and the team will work on breeding bean types that are easier to eat while also examining options in other common vegetables. News-Press
- ➤ Two upcoming events assist caregivers at Baker Senior Center Naples (6200 Autumn Oaks Lane): a $10 seminar on Thursday, Apr. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. for those caring for neurological conditions and a free dementia care resource fair on Monday, Apr. 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Florida Weekly
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Naples native David Grutman discussed his new book Take It Personal, published Apr. 14, and recalled his journey from local upbringing to international spotlight during the Bad Bunny halftime show. He outlined plans to expand his hospitality ventures overseas — an enduring nod to his local roots. Naples Daily News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Harvey Sarajian, a Naples High alum and 2023 Southwest Florida Boys Soccer Player of the Year, joined Orlando City for the U.S. Open Cup round at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, participating in drills after a 1-0 win over FC Naples. He reconnected with local figures around the game. Naples Daily News
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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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MindTravel Silent Piano Concert
7-9 p.m. — Baker Park — Limited tickets — Experience a mindful musical journey with pianist Murray Hidary in a serene outdoor setting.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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.
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