Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lakes Regional Library hosted its first White Cane Day on October 20th to raise awareness for vision impairment as library staff and Lee County Sheriffs guided over 25 people through a crosswalk at the intersection of Gladiolus Drive and Bass Road —a collaborative effort with local partners like the Lighthouse of Southwest Florida and Southwest Florida Council of the Blind—. Melissa Baker said the library will host a similar event next year. WGCU
- ➤ A Bonita Springs farmer has succeeded in growing a bumper crop of pumpkins in a sunny yet humid region by planting them late and catching the right weather—an unusual win that invites locals to visit the patch for their ideal pumpkin pick. This season proved remarkably different from last year's struggles, marking a notable success in local agriculture. WINK News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Today, Phelan Family Brands announced the opening of its 11th restaurant concept, Caiman Cantina, located on US 41 at 10395 Tamiami Trail N in Naples and will serve dinner daily from 4:00pm to 10:00pm. The restaurant will begin offering lunch tomorrow from 11:00am to 10:00pm and features Tex Mex dishes that return to the company’s roots — including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and burritos with homemade drinks. Florida Weekly
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali has been cast by Gulfshore Opera to perform as Carmen in December. The production will have performances (Dec. 2 at Barbara B. Mann, Dec. 4 at Charlotte Performing Arts Center and Dec. 7 at Artis-Naples) and Rogali will also debut as Angelina in La Cenerentola at Virginia Opera. WGCU
- ➤ Southwest Florida theaters are busy this week with four shows opening, five closing, 11 continuing and three limited engagements. The schedule includes October Hoedown— a musical revue featuring the Firehouse Singers that runs from Oct 24 to Nov 2. WGCU
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The county started a $7.5 million beach renourishment project at Pelican Bay and Vanderbilt Beach to restore nearly 3 miles of shoreline with over 200,000 tons of sand. Contractors work six days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. — the Vanderbilt Beach Road turnaround is closed to vehicles until the project ends by mid-January. NBC2
- ➤ According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 565 manatee deaths were recorded statewide by Oct. 10 in 2025, including 89 linked to watercraft, with Lee County reporting 13 watercraft deaths — numbers that officials said are typical for Florida. ABC7
- ➤ The National Hurricane Center is monitoring Invest 98L in the eastern Caribbean as it is likely to become Tropical Storm Melissa in the coming days—authorities say it is too early to know if it will impact Naples. Naples Daily News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Bruce Nakfoor, founder of Inspire Exercise Medicine, spoke Monday in the studio about how regular exercise helps prevent cancer recurrence by boosting the immune system—he explained that targeted routines like squats and weightlifting reduce inflammation and improve survival. He added that supervised classes in Naples offer tailored support for cancer survivors to regain strength and control over their recovery. ABC7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Florida Girls Athlete of the Week nominees include 10 candidates for Oct. 13–18 and voters must cast their ballots by 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23. News-Press
- ➤ The Naples Airport Authority, partnering with Gulf Coast Runners, announced today that the Runway 5K will return and a new 10K race will debut on Nov. 1 at Naples Airport. Runners are limited to 600 (due to FAA regulations) and will receive race shirts, medals and finish-line videos. Florida Weekly
- ➤ The Seacrest volleyball team admitted to an FHSAA violation after a Maine senior received improper housing during the regular season, and the school took steps by suspending the coach + excluding the player from the district tournament until a compliant living arrangement is found. The team will start its quest for a fifth state title today as it faces Bayshore Christian in the regional quarterfinal. News-Press
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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.
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Jazz Night
7-8 p.m. — Opera Naples — Ticketed event — Enjoy an enchanting evening of live jazz music in Naples.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sean Madden Stand-Up Comedy Show
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — VIP and General Admission — Enjoy a night of laughter with viral sensation Sean Madden known for his 'Florida Man' character.
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Comedy Night with OMGITSWICKS & Friends
7:00 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hilarious chaos of Florida life with comedian OMGITSWICKS and his special guests.
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9 to 5 Auditions
12 p.m. — The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre — Free entry — Showcase your talent and audition for the comedic musical 9 to 5.
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David Sedaris Performance
7-10 p.m. — Hayes Hall at Artis—Naples — Tickets from $116 — Experience the wit and humor of David Sedaris in a delightful evening of storytelling.
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An Evening with Don McMillan
6:30-8 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Minimum purchase required — Enjoy a unique comedy experience featuring charts and humor from a former engineer turned entertainer.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first rule of any kind of progress: showing up.
~ Ryan Holiday
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