Naples
Today
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District became Florida’s first fire department to use plant-fiber play helmets for children during a fire safety outreach yesterday in Collier County. The eco-friendly helmets, made by Better Choice Costumes, replaced plastic ones that often break, and kids praised them for being more durable. WGCU
- ➤ Today at 9 a.m., the renovated Estero library reopens with upgraded features including a children’s play area and study rooms. Also today, Daniella Ortiz hosts a shopping event benefiting Naples Cancer Advisors — Grumpy Goat Coffee holds holiday tasting, with the Venezia Renaissance Faire starting weekend in Bonita Springs. Naples Daily News
- ➤ Last Saturday, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and American Legion Post 404 honored veterans by placing wreaths on graves at a local cemetery — a tribute that included prayers, commander remarks, and musical offerings. The event continued a cherished tradition that began decades ago. Coastal Breeze News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 15th Annual Coconut Point New Year's Art Festival will be held in Estero on Dec. 27 and 28 in the parking lot along Via Villagio Drive, offering free admission and parking. Art enthusiasts can enjoy works from 200 participating artists between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. WGCU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Naples-based Gargiulo Education Center received an anonymous $886,220 donation—the largest in its history—to expand its tutoring, family resource, and high school mentorship programs. The gift from a former educator will boost education equity and support more local families. Florida Weekly
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Naples honors environmental visionary Ed Carlson (who dedicated his life to protecting local ecology) with a tribute that celebrates his lasting legacy and guides ongoing efforts to preserve the city’s natural treasures. Naples Daily News
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Eligible AT&T customers have until today to file claims for a $177 million class action settlement over data breaches that occurred on March 30 and July 12, 2024—submissions must be made online or mailed to receive payouts up to $7,500. Naples Daily News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Lee County Mosquito Control reported a rise in dengue fever and chikungunya cases brought in by international travelers, with 16 and 11 cases respectively. Officials advise checking CDC guidelines and using mosquito repellent before visiting tropical regions. Fox 4
- ➤ A Florida Gulf Coast University graduate has launched an app that lets college students (especially men) track their mental health, following a Gallup poll that found over 47 million Americans struggle with depression. The tool is expected to help students get the support they need on campus. WGCU
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Data from Zumper shows Naples apartment rents are $3,250 in November—a 14% drop from last year's $3,800 median—with one-bedrooms rising 6% since October and two-bedrooms edging higher while staying above state and national rates. Naples Daily News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Naples billionaire David Hoffmann agreed in principle to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins from Fenway Sports Group on Dec. 17. The deal is pending NHL approval (board review scheduled for June) and could value the team between $1.7 and $1.8 billion. Naples Daily News
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Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden
11:59 p.m. — Naples Botanical Garden — Tickets required — Celebrate winter in the tropics with dazzling lights, live music, and festive treats.
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Third Street South Farmers Market
7:30-11:30 a.m. — 1220 3rd St S, Naples, FL — Free entry — Discover a lively market brimming with fresh produce, local goods, and family fun.
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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 children aged Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade.
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Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden
11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Naples Botanical Garden — Cost for treats and drinks — Stroll through a tropical wonderland of lights and enjoy live music and festive treats.
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Comedy Night with Paul Farahvar
6-7:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club, Naples — 2 item minimum purchase — Enjoy an evening of dry humor from Chicago's own Paul Farahvar.
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Family Storytime at Estates Library
10:30 a.m. — Estates Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, activities, and an art project for children of all ages.
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Lego Fun @ Golden Gate Branch
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Golden Gate Branch — Free entry — Unleash creativity and play with Lego bricks for ages 4 and up.
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Anthony Rodia Live Comedy Show
6-7:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — VIP & General Admission — Experience the energetic, comedic stylings of Anthony Rodia in Naples.
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W.O.N.D.E.R Family Program
10 AM — Naples Botanical Garden — Included with Garden admission — Engage in fun educational activities that encourage families to explore nature together.
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Anthony Rodia Live Show
6:00–7:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with energetic comedian Anthony Rodia and his relatable humor.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
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