Naples
Today
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Collaboratory, which has awarded nearly $150 million in grants since 1976, celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 1 by launching a matching grant partnership with the Philos Foundation to boost the SWFL Resilience Fund + support local projects. Naples Daily News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ May is Naples History Month, and Guess-Fisher Gallery in the Design District is showcasing historic art including collectible paintings by Phil Fisher. The exhibit opens today and runs through May, and a new summertime show featuring oil paintings opens June 6 for appointments in July. Life In Naples
- ➤ Moorings Presbyterian Church launches its 44th season of the Hyacinth Concert Series, featuring a Piano Extravaganza on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 4:00 p.m. and later programs with artists like Nathan Laube & ensembles including Chanticleer and FGCU Chamber Choir, all free to attend. Life In Naples
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At a Florida Board of Education statewide meeting held on April 17 in Naples, students Erik Aspegren and Eire Layton were recognized for academic and extracurricular excellence at The Freedom Institute (2706 Horseshoe Drive S.). Their achievements highlight the innovative, personalized learning offered there. Naples Daily News
- ➤ The Collier County School Board held a special hearing on teacher pay at the Public Schools Admin Center (Naples) on Friday, May 1, where hundreds of teachers backed the superintendent's recommendation. Naples Daily News
- ➤ For the 2025-2026 school year, schools in Collier (local to Naples) will close on May 29 while the earliest finish is in Madison on May 21 and Miami-Dade ends classes on June 4; most students stop classes after Memorial Day on May 25. Naples Daily News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hurricane season will start one month from now on June 1; Naples residents are urged to prepare by checking emergency kits + signing up for weather alerts and reviewing evacuation zones. Experts note Florida has a long history of hurricanes since 1851, making readiness essential. News-Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ NCH Rooney Heart Institute is among the first in the nation to offer the FDA-approved Medtronic Mosaic Neo Mitral Valve, expanding surgical options for patients who do not need long-term blood thinners. Surgeons Joseph Lamelas and Tommy Caranasos (cardiac experts) led the new procedure, marking progress in local heart care. Life In Naples
- ➤ Naples Comprehensive Health asked the city on May 1 for extended work hours on its $295 million cardiac center project at NCH Baker Hospital (starting at 7 a.m. with Saturday shifts planned) to reduce daytime traffic and accelerate steel work before hurricane season. News-Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ FHSAA state softball playoffs brackets were released Friday, May 1, showing 13 Southwest Florida teams in the postseason aiming for a state title. Local squads like ECS and Bishop Verot are set to compete for a chance at a championship. Naples Daily News
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Ariel Elias Comedy Show
6-9 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — 2 item minimum purchase per person — Enjoy a night of laughter with New York City's rising star comedian, Ariel Elias.
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W.O.N.D.E.R at Naples Botanical Garden
10 a.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Engage in educational activities designed to inspire kids to walk, observe, navigate, draw, explore, and read.
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Mario Salazar Live Comedy Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of high-energy comedy from Mario 'Superstar' Salazar.
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Preschool Storytime at Estates Library
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Estates Library — Free entry — Storytime and art activities for children ages 3 to 5 involving paints, glitter, and creativity.
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NOC NOC: Birdwatching Introduction
6-8 p.m. — Naples Outfitters & Kayak Company — Free entry — Enjoy an engaging introduction to binoculars followed by a delightful monthly bird count in a nearby park.
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W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden
10 AM - 12 PM — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Explore, create, and enjoy family-friendly activities at the garden.
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Jourdain Fisher Live Comedy Show
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Cost info varies — Enjoy laughs and engaging performances from comedian Jourdain Fisher.
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W.O.N.D.E.R Program at Naples Botanical Garden
10 a.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Engage in fun, educational activities for families exploring nature indoors.
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W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden
10 AM – 12 PM — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — A family-friendly program to imagine, create, and explore together in a beautiful setting.
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Comedy Night with Erica Rhodes
6-9 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Erica Rhodes, a standout comic from America's Got Talent.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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