Good morning, Naples.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch on July 9 produced a *space jellyfish* effect as sunlight lit its exhaust over Collier County; weather permitting, a second launch is set for Tuesday, July 14 from Cape Canaveral that may be visible in our skies.

Today and tomorrow at sunrise, the moon lines up with Mars, Saturn and Uranus in the eastern sky; stargazers are encouraged to go to dark areas like Groveland and Ochopee (Everglades) for their best view.

Florida law sets Aug.

10 as the earliest school start, with Collier County beginning classes on Tuesday, Aug. 11 as one of 38 counties using that date. Some other states, like Phoenix, plan to resume classes as early as July 30.

Jason Drew kicked off the weekend Gulfcoasting at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center today, exploring interactive exhibits that showcase the 110,000 acre reserve — program manager Sarah Mae Freeman guided visitors through touch tanks and the butterfly garden.

The 2026 Florida Python Challenge is underway until July 19 as participants compete to remove invasive pythons from the Everglades for a $10,000 prize in separate novice and professional categories.

Registration remains open and Naples local Taylor Stanberry, who won last year, used her win to create a nonprofit sanctuary.

Florida state VA and county leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for a new 120 bed nursing home for veterans in Naples.

The facility will offer care and support for local veterans & plans to open soon.

Heyday Cookshop is popular in Naples for fresh, chef-inspired comfort food served in a relaxed setting.

The fast-casual restaurant offers scratch-made meals and seasonal specials incorporating local ingredients for casual lunches and dinners.

Southwest Florida baseball players may hear their names called in the MLB Draft starting today at 1 p.m. with later rounds on July 12 at 11:30 a.m.—top talents like FGCU’s pitcher Evan Dempsey and Bishop Verot’s Joey Lawson aim to take their first steps toward a professional career.

Marcus Monroe Live Comedy Show

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Tickets required — Experience high-energy comedy from NYC's own Marcus Monroe.

Sourdough Waffle Workshop

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Collective Chiropractic — Free entry — Learn the art of making sourdough waffles and take home a starter for just $2.

Sound Bath & Meditation in Pool

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Omaya Studio — Cost information not provided — Experience a calming sound bath and meditation under the stars in a serene pool setting.

Toddler Storytime

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Estates Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and activities designed for toddlers aged 16 to 35 months.

W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Families explore and create in a fun, educational garden experience.

FC Naples vs Tormenta

7:30 PM — Paradise Coast Sports Complex — Live scores and player profiles — Watch FC Naples take on Tormenta in an exciting USL League One matchup.

Naples Youth Quarterback Training

9-11 a.m. — Community School of Naples — Price not specified — Enhance your QB skills through focused training in footwork, mechanics, and situational football.

W.O.N.D.E.R at Naples Botanical Garden

10 AM – 12 PM — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Engage in educational activities that encourage families to explore and learn together.

Chi-Town Transit Authority Tribute Concert

6-10 p.m. — Daniels Pavilion at Artis Naples Fl — Tickets available — Enjoy an authentic Chicago concert experience with the 8-piece tribute band.

Goumba Johnny Live Comedy Show

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Goumba Johnny in Naples, Florida.