Good morning, Naples.

The Naples Police Department will host the 2nd Annual Paws Fest at Baker Park on Saturday, Oct 11 from 9 a.m. to noon—offering free pet services like nail trims and microchipping along with over twenty vendors and opportunities to meet K9s Max and Tessa.

After a court ruling declared restrictions on open carry unconstitutional, store managers at Publix said customers may now openly carry guns in nearly 900 Florida stores—while employees are not allowed to carry on duty or in parking lots.

The change follows Florida law updates that others, like Winn-Dixie and Walmart, have not adopted.

Civil Air Patrol’s Marco Island Senior Squadron hosted a hands-on rocketry workshop at Camp Mackle where 31 children aged five to 10 built paper rockets and learned the basics of propulsion using demonstrations and video instructions—local staff and high school volunteers guided the participants in rocket assembly and radio communication techniques.

Marco Island Charter Middle School is preparing for its Gatsby Gala fundraiser on October 18 at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa — where guests will enjoy 1920s jazz by Bob Leary and The Prohibitionists along with casino games and a plated dinner to support the school.

Organizers say the event helps fund vital programs and celebrates the school’s long traditions.

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School’s future remains uncertain after the Lee County Board of Education sent a consultant’s report to the state Department of Education that includes the possibility of razing its three historic buildings—community leaders worry about the loss of a local landmark as the state reviews the report. The report, which gives the board flexibility to change plans, comes after previous efforts to reopen the school by fall 2026.

Today, the Naples Woman’s Club awarded a record $362K in scholarships to Collier county students who will pursue degrees in fields such as architecture, neuroscience, pre-law, occupational therapy, and banking.

Naples Mayor Theresa Heitmann joined a special reception hosted by the club to honor both graduating high school seniors and mature women returning to school—many of whom are first-generation college attendees.

Today, the National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Jerry, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane later but move north away from Florida—keeping our shores clear.

A trough in the Gulf will drop heavy rain on southern Mexico while three tropical waves are being watched in the Atlantic.

City Council approved a $109,190 audit overage from CliftonLarsonAllen due to material weaknesses and will review an itemized bill on October 20 while also opposing a state bill that would let Tallahassee influence filling a council seat—councilors stressed that local issues must be decided locally. The Council also passed fire fee updates for emergency responder communications and awarded the Sand Hill Street Shared Path Project contract to Infinite Construction after concerns with the lowest bidder.

Shakti Flow: Free the Feminine

8-9 a.m. — nuYou Naples — Free entry — Experience guided movement and meditation to awaken your Shakti energy and release low vibrational energies.

Charlie Berens Live Comedy

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Tickets from $61 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Charlie Berens as NFL season kicks off.

Vince August Live Stand-Up Comedy

6-9 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with the talented Vince August at a renowned comedy venue.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping for Homeowners

1-3 p.m. — Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center — Free entry — Learn the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping for a thriving garden in southwest Florida.

Andy Huggins Live Standup

7-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a night of laughter with veteran standup comic Andy Huggins.

Stand-Up Comedy with Andy Huggins

7-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — 2 item minimum — Experience hilarious stand-up from a seasoned performer at Naples' favorite comedy venue.

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

10 a.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Engage in fun educational activities for families that promote walking, exploring, and reading.

Nash to Naples Songwriter Showcase

5-8 p.m. — Naples Princess — Tickets required — Experience an intimate evening of music and stories from top songwriters while supporting family-focused charities.

11th Annual Fall Festival & Corn Mazes

All Day — Farmer Mike's U-Pick — Admission varies — Experience a fun-filled fall festival with family-friendly mazes and haunted themes.

Justin Stagner Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket purchase required with a 2-item minimum — Experience the humor of Southern comedy powerhouse Justin Stagner.