Thursday, September 18th, 2025
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
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Jazz Night
7-10 p.m. — Opera Naples — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live jazz in a cozy venue.
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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.
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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.
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Eddie Ifft Live Comedy Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with the acclaimed comedian who’s entertained crowds across the globe.
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Billy Gardell Stand-Up Comedy
6:00 – 7:30 PM — Off The Hook Comedy Club — $200 minimum for VIP suites — Enjoy a comedic evening with the beloved stand-up star and actor Billy Gardell.
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Billy Gardell Stand-Up Comedy
6:00-7:30 PM — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket pricing varies — Enjoy an evening of laughter with the star of CBS's Bob Hearts Abishola at this well-regarded comedy venue.
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Joe Fenti Standup Comedy
7-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a night of laughs with Boston comedian Joe Fenti on his nationwide tour.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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