Naples Today Logo Naples Today

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

SHARE

Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Florida's luxury pet market is booming as local businesses offer upscale services for dogs and cats with custom collars, spa treatments, and mobile gym sessions. Some companies now provide pet-friendly resort stays — each service designed to meet growing pet owner demand.  Florida Weekly

CULTURE NEWS

  • This weekend in Naples, comedian Desi Banks will do comedy at Off The Hook Comedy Club on Sept. 19 and 20 while the Naples Jazz Society gives a free show at Norris Community Center on Sept. 20. Free entry is offered at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary on Sept. 20, British blues singer Matt Schofield plays in Bonita at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, and Island Hopper Songwriter Fest runs from Sept. 19 to 28 with shows on Captiva, Cape Coral, downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach.  Naples Daily News

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Take Flight Interactive is a new flight simulator that uses AI to provide live instruction and instant feedback during virtual flights, which helps reduce training time and cut costs for pilot students and military trainees. Naples resident Glenn Kowak co-owns the system, and it is already used by Rex Air, Liberty University, and several high schools—improving student comfort in the cockpit.  Florida Weekly

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • The South Florida Water Management District’s Python Elimination Program removed 245 pythons in 2025, with Brian Hargrove capturing 63 snakes in August to win the $1,000 prize—officials expect more removals in the coming months.  News-Press
  • Tropical Storm Gabrielle formed in the Atlantic on Sept. 17 and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane over the weekend—making it only the second hurricane of the season. The National Hurricane Center said the storm will turn north and remain well east of Fort Myers and Lee County.  News-Press
  • Six Mile Cypress Preserve now houses baby alligators that have drawn attention from visitors as a mother (called Smiley) shelters 16 hatchlings near the duck pond. Wildlife photographer Mary Goetzinger spent the morning taking photos of the gators (visitors should keep a safe distance).  WINK News

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Collier County Commissioners approved Fiddler’s Creek’s plan to build 750 multi-family units on Section29—a 50-acre parcel near conservation lands—despite public opposition. Conservationists warned the development would risk Florida panther habitat and increase traffic on a narrow road prone to flooding.  Coastal Breeze News
  • Friends of the Naples Municipal Airport filed a pre-suit notice on Wednesday, claiming the City Council passed an illegal resolution in June that gives the city too much control over airport projects—FONA said the notice gives the city two weeks to revoke it and avoid a costly lawsuit.  Fox 4

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • Today, National Cheeseburger Day brings Naples locals to nine favorite spots offering unique burgers such as donut burgers and Colombian burgers from Brooks Burgers, Midnight Tavern and Only Doubles. Duffy's in Estero is also offering an $8.99 cheeseburger and fries deal with any beverage—adding a special twist to this tasty celebration.  Naples Daily News

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • Data from Zumper showed that apartment rental listings in Naples fell 14% from last year's median of $3,499 with typical apartments listed at $3,000 in August—one-bedroom rentals dropped 9% from July and two-bedroom units decreased 8% from last year. These figures show that Naples rental prices remain above state and national averages.  News-Press

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Jazz Night

    7-10 p.m. — Opera Naples — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live jazz in a cozy venue.

    Fri, 9/19/25

    View event
  • Paddle Battle for Kids’ Health

    7:30 AM – 1:00 PM — USOP National Pickleball Center — Join the fun for a good cause — Compete in pickleball to support pediatric health initiatives in the community.

    Sat, 9/20/25

    View event
  • Live Comedy Night with Comedians Davey Jackson, Justin Governale & Della Temple

    6:30-8 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with top comedians in Naples.

    Sun, 9/21/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Have strong opinions, weakly held.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About Naples Today

Welcome to the Naples Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Naples, Florida community. If you like the Naples Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Naples.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Naples and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Naples Today

A free Naples community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here