Naples
Today
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Naples families will soon see a new playground at Cambier Park after the city council voted Wednesday to begin contract negotiations with PlayCore Wisconsin, Inc. to redesign the nearly 30-year-old facility with a Swiss Family Robinson-inspired design featuring treehouse elements and Florida-themed features. ABC7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Saucy by KFC opened at 5088 Airport Pulling Rd in Naples — the fast casual restaurant offers customizable chicken tenders paired with over 10 signature dipping sauces and a tech-driven ordering system, and will launch a new featured sauce monthly starting in August. WINK News
- ➤ Avelo Airlines extended its flight schedule at Southwest Florida International Airport until Jan. 5, 2027 — allowing travelers to start planning winter and holiday trips — with reservations now available online. WINK News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Naples Players will kick off their 73rd season with Les Misérables at the Kizzie Theater starting June 24, with a sensory performance on July 14 for patrons needing flexible options — the production is led by husband-and-wife team Dawn Lebrecht Fornara and Charles Fornara. Naples Daily News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Forty local high school students received four-year college scholarships worth $960,000 at Club Pelican Bay on April 30. Each student gets $6,000 per year if they keep a 3.0 GPA. Life In Naples
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The severe drought has lowered wading bird nests to a 30-year low in the Everglades, with one alligator struggling to find water today. Major restoration projects, including a reservoir set to finish by 2029, will bring relief when the rainy season starts on May 22. Naples Daily News
- ➤ With hurricane season set to begin June 1, Naples residents can choose from various shutter options including storm panels, accordion, and hurricane fabric to protect windows and doors. Homeowners should review costs and installation times (as detailed by the Florida Farm Bureau) to make the best choice for their home. Naples Daily News
- ➤ Drivers observed rows of large concrete dome-like structures near Salty Sam’s Marina on San Carlos Island. The formations were revealed to be reef balls from Reef Innovations and are scheduled for deployment in June for a reef and shoreline restoration project offshore Naples. ABC7
- ➤ The Picayune Strand fire in Collier County burned 650 acres and was 85% contained on Tuesday near Rifle Range Road. Another brush fire in Golden Gate Estates burned 135 acres, was fully contained, and local evacuations were lifted. ABC7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Caleb Beatty, 21, started his career as Marco Island’s newest firefighter a month ago at Station 50 (1280 San Marco Road) following in his father's footsteps. He is in probationary training and plans to further his education in fire science. Coastal Breeze News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Beach released his 2026 Top-10 Best Beaches list today, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples is ranked sixth among three Florida beaches on the list. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, and fishing along its pristine shore. Naples Daily News
- ➤ Major grocery stores such as Publix, Walmart and Target will be open on Memorial Day with regular hours, while Aldi offers limited schedules and Costco is closed. Consumers should check local listings for specific times during the holiday weekend. News-Press
- ➤ Sun-N-Fun Lagoon will open for summer on June 1, offering water slides, a lazy river and pool attractions for all ages at North Collier Regional Park at 15000 Livingston Road — the park will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Naples Daily News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The News-Press and Naples Daily News will host the 16th Southwest Florida Sports Awards on May 27 at Alico Arena on the FGCU campus. High school athletes, including male and female Athlete of the Year winners announced at the event, will be honored as the awards return with fresh surprises. Naples Daily News
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Comedian David Lucas Live Performance
May 22-23 — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a night of laughter with stand-up from a rising comedy star.
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Cocktail Making Class
5-8 p.m. — Celebration Park Naples — Equipment provided — Mix three delightful cocktails with tropical flavors as the sun sets.
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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 — Families can explore and engage in creative activities together in a vibrant garden setting.
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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 — Families create, explore, and enjoy interactive lessons in a beautiful garden setting.
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Family Storytime
10:30-11:15 a.m. — Estates Library — Free event — Engage your child’s imagination with stories, activities, and a creative art project.
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Shapel Lacey Live Stand-Up Comedy
7-10 PM — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique comedic voice of Shapel Lacey as he takes the stage with his punk rock mentality and diverse life experiences.
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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 — Families can explore and create with fun activities amidst beautiful landscapes.
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Plant Swap Event
9-11 a.m. — Bean To Cup Coffee Lounge — Free entry — Bring your plants to swap and grow your green family with fellow enthusiasts.
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La Chupitos Comedy Tour 2026
6:45-8:15 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Tickets required — Enjoy laughs with the beloved La Chupitos on her exciting new tour.
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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 — Families engage in imaginative exploring and creative activities among the gardens.
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