Good morning, Naples.

Construction on the Little Pine Island Bridge is nearing completion while local residents and business owners remain frustrated by heavy traffic from lane closures for construction deliveries.

The bridge was knocked out three years ago by Hurricane Ian—hurricanes Milton and Helene further delayed repairs, and the Florida Department of Transportation expects the project to finish by winter.

Collier County resident Kendell Regas—who coaches tennis—was named Florida Special Olympics Coach of the Year after leading athletes and volunteers at Emilio Sanchez Academy on Oct.1.

Collier County commissioners approved a measure that lets Costco build a new store in East Naples despite strong local pushback—neighbors have threatened to sue if the company expands its gas station beyond 12 pumps.

If permitting moves forward, Costco will break ground later this year or in early 2026.

This weekend in Naples locals can visit the eerie Dark Harvest Chapter One haunted house in Golden Gate Estates, listen to Hollywood classics by pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski at Artis—Naples on Oct 22, laugh at Jeff Dye’s standup at Off The Hook from Oct 17 to Oct 19, enjoy a free jazz concert at Norris Community Center on Oct 18, and watch Edward Albee’s play at Gulfshore Playhouse starting Oct 21.

The Naples area now ranks as the 10th fastest growing workforce in Florida while Lee County will need 200,000 new workers in the next few years — figures that shine a spotlight on the region's rising job needs.

A new $42 million technical education hub will be built on Gladiolus Drive to train locals for hands-on jobs in construction and healthcare — a key step to boost local opportunities.

Mario Ramos captured 34 invasive Burmese pythons in September—earning a $1,000 bonus in the South Florida Water Management District's Python Elimination Program, which has removed 279 snakes so far in 2025.

Gulf Coast International Properties announced that Realtors Jen Kempka and Karen Bournazos joined their locally owned firm in Naples.

Kempka brings a construction background from Wisconsin and has lived in Naples for six years, while Bournazos—who is from New York with finance and general contracting experience—will help local residents with their real estate needs.

Kendell Regas was named Florida Coach of the Year by Special Olympics Florida for growing the Naples-area tennis program from seven to nearly 60 athletes since 2014—she said her work is driven by the dedication of her players and the inspiration she draws from her own family.

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.

Lil Mo Mozzarella Comedy Show

8:30-10 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket required — Experience the hilarious world of Lil Mo Mozzarella, your local comedy legend.

Jazz Night

7-8 p.m. — Opera Naples — Ticketed event — Enjoy an enchanting evening of live jazz music in Naples.

The Princess Bride in Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Artis—Naples — Details not specified — Experience a live orchestral performance of Mark Knopfler’s score as the beloved film screens above.

Wellness 1 Day Workshop

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Dimension Event Center — Includes refreshments — Focus on workplace wellness and self-care for a healthier life.

Trunk or Treat at Keiser University Naples

5-8 p.m. — Keiser University Naples — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly evening of Halloween fun with trunk-or-treating activities.