Good morning, Naples.

Today, a cold front brought lower temperatures and local organizations opened warming stations to help residents and those experiencing homelessness stay safe – stations in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Lee, and Manatee counties offer temporary shelter, refreshments, and blankets with some requiring pre-registration. These coordinated efforts by local agencies provide essential relief as temperatures drop.

Today, Harry Chapin Food Bank is delivering almost 2,000 state-supplied meals to pantries in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties.

The bank expects a rise in need after SNAP benefits were suspended during the government shutdown and plans to distribute 13 pallets—totaling nearly 12,000 meals—within the next two weeks.

Community Cooperative is expanding its food assistance by adding extra appointments and mobile food pantries to help local families amid SNAP benefit uncertainty from the federal shutdown.

The nonprofit served about 5,000 clients last year and expects to nearly double that number by year's end as rising costs make food harder to access.

Members of the VFW Post 7721 Auxiliary prepare Christmas cards to send to over 16,000 veterans at VA hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics in 10 states.

The project was started by Air Force veteran Renee Whisner in 2020 and continues to honor her mission after her death in 2023—supporting veterans during the holiday season.

Today, Publix in Florida remains open and offers a 10% discount on groceries for veterans and active military—its stores are closed only on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Gray Catbirds, part of the Mimidae family, live in dense vegetation in Florida and mimic sounds including a cat-like meow to blend in and possibly warn off nearby cats—experts say this mimicry may help signal that the area is crowded when they search for food.

Their dark-gray feathers and spotted markings help them hide as they feed and nest.

Travelers at RSW face long delays and canceled flights after the FAA cut flights over the weekend.

A Facebook post from the airport said to arrive 2.5 hours early—some flights to places like New York-JFK and Minneapolis have been canceled and delays sometimes last over an hour.

A retired Air Force veteran underwent life-saving open-heart surgery at NCH hospital in Naples using innovative fiber tape—his 80% artery blockage was fixed and he recovered in less than five weeks.

The chief of operations at the Collier County Sheriff's Office celebrated Veterans Day with gratitude for his swift recovery.

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

10 a.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Engage families in interactive activities that inspire walking, observing, navigating, drawing, exploring, and reading.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Gulfshore Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience the uplifting story and beloved songs of a classic holiday film treasured by families.

W.O.N.D.E.R Family Program

10 a.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with admission — Engage families in fun educational activities that encourage exploration and creativity.

Lisa Curry Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Two item minimum purchase — Enjoy a night of laughter with internationally touring comedian Lisa Curry.

Storytime at the Children's Museum of Naples

10 a.m. — Golisano Children's Museum of Naples — Free with admission — Enjoy engaging storytimes with hands-on activities promoting early literacy skills for preschoolers.

Little Women: The Musical

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre — $42-$57 — Celebrate the holiday season with the heartwarming musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic tale.

Little Women: The Musical

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre — $55-$57 individual tickets — Celebrate the holidays with the heartwarming magic of this timeless tale of love, family, and resilience.

Jazz Night at Opera Naples

7-10 p.m. — Opera Naples — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of delightful jazz in a vibrant setting perfect for all ages.

Storytime at the Children's Museum of Naples

10 a.m. — Golisano Children's Museum of Naples — Free with admission — Engage your preschooler in fun stories and activities to promote literacy and early learning skills.

W.O.N.D.E.R. Program

10 a.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with Garden admission — Engage families in fun activities to Walk, Observe, Navigate, Draw, Explore, and Read.