Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of July.
Good morning, Naples.
A 12-year-old boy from Collier County survived a severe crash on September 5 when a tanker truck hit the SUV he was in on Immokalee Road—he was airlifted for treatment of a brain injury, spent three weeks in rehabilitation, and now recovers at home with plans to play basketball this summer.
A Naples man, Christopher Lee Kapish (39), a convicted felon and gang member, was arrested on Tuesday at a motel on U.S. Route 41 East in Collier County after detectives purchased meth from him and discovered he had dangerous opioids, and he now faces charges for trafficking meth, possession of fentanyl, and possession of narcotic equipment.
Shahpar and Darioush Khaledi, founders of Darioush Winery, will be honored as the Honored Vintners at the 26th Annual Naples Winter Wine Festival in Naples from January 30 to February 1, 2026—an event hosted by the Naples Children & Education Foundation.
They will be recognized for their long work in winemaking and community support—an honor that highlights their enduring impact.
Florida Power and Light is seeking approval for its largest rate increase ever, which may raise households' monthly bills by up to $18 as the company plans to invest in battery storage and solar plants for storm resilience (set from 2026 to 2029).
The utility will hold public hearings (Aug. 11 in Tallahassee) as critics and environmental groups challenge the proposal.
A local resident reported on July 4 from Golden Gate after finding 156 Brazilian free-tailed bat pups on a palm frond following storms, and the von Arx Wildlife Hospital examined them—11 were euthanized because of severe injuries and 145 were re-nested with help from Bat World Sanctuary and Homegrown Tree Care LLC—while following safety protocols for rabies vectors.
After years of work, the old Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club will reopen as Naples Beach Club, a new resort by Four Seasons in Old Naples.
The resort will open in October with 220 places to stay—57 suites and 153 luxury residences—and many dining, spa, and outdoor fun options for guests.
Rafi Bastos Stand-Up Comedy
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — VIP and General Admission options — Experience hilarious and thought-provoking comedy from renowned Brazilian comic Rafi Bastos.
Early Summer Tasting Experience
5-8:30 p.m. — Old Vines Supper Club — Menu & Reservations Available — Experience a signature tasting menu curated for the season at a highly-rated venue.
Artists in Bloom Exhibition
July 19 - October 26 — Naples Botanical Garden — Regular admission — Discover artistic interpretations inspired by the botanical beauty of Naples.
Artists in Bloom
10 a.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Explore diverse artistic interpretations inspired by the vibrant landscapes of the garden.
Artists in Bloom
July 19 - October 26 — Naples Botanical Garden — Free with admission — Explore diverse artistic interpretations inspired by the garden's vibrant landscapes.
Artists in Bloom Exhibition
July 19 – October 26 — Naples Botanical Garden — Entry fee required — Explore diverse artistic interpretations inspired by the lush landscapes of the garden.
Artists in Bloom Exhibition
All day — Naples Botanical Garden — Admission fee applies — Discover the artistic interpretations of nature's beauty in a vibrant display of creativity.
Artists in Bloom Exhibition
July 19 – October 26 — Naples Botanical Garden — Free with admission — Explore vibrant art inspired by the natural beauty of the botanical landscapes.
Creative Re-boot Workshop
5-8 p.m. — Artist's Studio — Reserve your spot — Explore new problem solving skills and artistic voice through collage and printmaking.
Open House at Lely Resort
5-8 p.m. — 6901 Bent Grass Dr, Naples, FL — $932,000 — Explore this spacious 3-bedroom home with a pool and resort-style amenities in a tropical setting.
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