Naples
Today
Friday, May 9th, 2025
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 32-acre brush fire that burned in North Naples on Wednesday evening is fully contained with no injuries, evacuations, or threatened structures — cleanup crews began work Thursday morning as wildfire season continues. News-Press
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Authorities are investigating an attempted kidnapping when a juvenile fled on his bicycle after two men in a black SUV lunged at him at a bus stop on Northeast 41st Street and Andalusia Boulevard on May 7 — police urge anyone with tips to come forward. News-Press
- ➤ A Naples man, Donald Peyton-Lee Russell Jr., 42, intentionally drove his car into the St. Matthews House Naples Flagship Thrift Store and injured six people before pleading not guilty to aggravated battery and mischief charges — he was arrested on April 10 — and he will appear in court on June 12. News-Press
- ➤ Lee Circuit Judge Branning sentenced Baldomero Alanis Jr. — involved in a cocaine smuggling scheme — to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and sentenced Kevin Joseph Jaimes — convicted on charges including trafficking cocaine and fentanyl — to 50 years in prison and a $1.9 million fine after NETFORCE investigations. News-Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Naples Players Academy of Dramatic Arts will open as a new full-day school for grades 6–12 that offers high school diplomas aligned with Florida Virtual School academics and arts training, set to start at the expanded Sugden Theatre on Sept. 2—blending professional performance practice with classroom learning. An open house is scheduled for May 20 at 7 p.m. at the Sugden Theatre, with a small first-year class and tuition set at $18,000 annually, as the academy seeks to partner with local public and independent schools. The Naples Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The latest drought monitor shows Southwest Florida is experiencing its worst extreme drought in 24 years—nearly every county has a 4 to 6 inch rainfall deficit this year, and many areas are 7 to 10 inches below average since Oct. 15. Tropical moisture is expected to bring 2 to 3 inches of rain Monday and Tuesday while burn bans remain in effect statewide. ABC7
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Jim Norton: Now You Know Live
6 PM — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sharp wit of Jim Norton in an intimate comedy setting.
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Mother's Day Dinner Celebration
2-9 p.m. — Giuseppe and the Lion — Happy Hour food and drinks — Make Mother’s Day memorable with dinner specials and a festive atmosphere.
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GGCC ASA W/S Week 18
3-6 p.m. — Golden Gate Community Center — Registration required — A fun and safe environment for kids with sports, arts, and homework assistance.
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Naples Historical Society’s Talk of the Town!
2-3 p.m. — Collier Museum at Government Center — Free entry — Discover the captivating history of Naples and the events that shaped the community.
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ELCP Kobudo Training
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM — Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park — Cost varies (uniform/testing fees) — Enhance your Karate skills with Kobudo to improve dexterity and coordination.
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Naples Ballet - The Sleeping Beauty
7-8:30 p.m. — Artis—Naples — Tickets available — Experience Tchaikovsky's enchanting ballet masterpiece that has captivated audiences for over 130 years.
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Aerosmith and Loverboy Tribute Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — South Street - Founders Square — Legendary food and drinks — Experience high-energy tributes to America's greatest rock bands.
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Survival Skills Family Day
11 AM – 2 PM — Collier Museum at Government Center — Free entry — Learn essential survival skills while having fun in the great outdoors.
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Grand Opening of Local Financial Branch
7-8 p.m. — 5003 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, FL — Free entry — Celebrate with music, games, and financial education at this community-focused event.
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GGCC After School Program Week 19
3-6 p.m. — Golden Gate Community Center — N/A — A safe and fun environment for kids ages 5-12 featuring sports, arts, crafts, and homework time.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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