Good morning, Naples.

Collier County Public Schools started the 2025-26 school year on Monday, Aug.

11th with nearly 48,000 students returning and new rules like a cellphone ban and changes in lunch pricing—Bear Creek Elementary opened and more new construction is planned. Families should check bus routes and start times as the district maintains its A rating and the theme The Power of We—school officials will share more details soon.

Monday marked the first day back at school for Gulf Coast students — school officials urged parents to arrive early and check updated bus schedules, weather forecasts, and dress code policies — in hopes of easing the transition.

Bear Creek Elementary opened its doors today for nearly 600 students in a 103,000-square-foot building on a 32-acre lot off Immokalee Road—serving grades K-5 with a preschool wing.

Staff said they are dedicated to providing a supportive environment as the new school year begins.

Local hunter Aaron Mann removed 87 Burmese pythons in July as part of the South Florida Water Management District’s incentive program, pushing the 2025 total to 182 — a record so far this year.

The program offers $1,000 monthly to the top hunter and invites new applicants from Lee and surrounding counties to help remove invasive pythons.

Tropical Storm Erin formed in the Atlantic on Aug.

11 and is expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday and a major hurricane by Saturday—no impact on Naples has been confirmed yet. AccuWeather forecasts rough surf on the east coast next weekend if the storm curves north as it nears the Caribbean.

Tropical Storm Erin formed Aug.

11 and Invest96L is being monitored by the National Hurricane Center for potential development—residents are urged to secure homes, check insurance, and review evacuation plans as busy hurricane season approaches.

Local officials urge residents to prepare for hurricane season as Tropical Storm Erin and Invest96L are being monitored for potential development.

Homeowners should review evacuation plans, secure windows & clear yard debris while checking insurance policies before storms hit.

The Bad Dad Comedy Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a night of laughter as comedians tackle the ups and downs of fatherhood.

Joe Machi Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-7:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — VIP and general admission with a 2 item minimum — Enjoy a night of laughs with Joe Machi, known for his appearances on popular late-night shows.

Tie-Dye Party

6:00 – 8:30 PM — East Naples Community Park — $15 per child — A vibrant evening of music and creativity as kids tie-dye their own shirts.

Joe Machi Stand-Up Comedy Show

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of laughs with comedian Joe Machi, known for his sharp wit and engaging performances.

Grafted: Passport to Burgundy

5:30-7 p.m. — Old Vines Supper Club — $55 per person — Explore the elegance of Burgundy wines with a guided tasting experience and light bites.

Matt Bergman Stand-Up Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket required — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Matt Bergman.

EMBELLISHED Wearable Art Show

7-11 p.m. — Bayshore Arts District Naples FL — Free entry — Experience the fusion of nature and creativity in Naples' vibrant arts district featuring wearable art and local design studios.

ENCP Space Exploration for Kids

6-8 p.m. — East Naples Community Park — Pre-registration required — Kids will explore space through drawing, learning constellations, and using a telescope.

Felipe Esparza Stand-Up Comedy Show

6-7:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a night of laughs with the talented comedian and actor, Felipe Esparza, known for his Netflix specials and engaging podcast.

Shop for a Cause Pop-Up Shop

3-6 p.m. — AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue — Free entry — An afternoon of fashion, fun, and philanthropy with unique local vendors and tasty bites.