Good morning, Naples.

Marco Island Christmas House Decorating Contest finalists were selected from 1,803 entries, and final judging takes place today from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM with a judges’ bus departing First Horizon Bank; the top home will win a yard sign, plaque plus a traveling trophy.

Ace Hardware is offering last-minute holiday shopping with its Ready in 15 service & flexible payment options through Affirm available at local stores until Christmas Eve.

Ace Rewards members get extra perks, including a free $10 e-gift card with qualifying purchases.

Tony Sands and Whitney Grace are set to honor Sinatra and Liza Minnelli at the Norris Center - 755 8th Avenue South in Naples on Thursday, Jan.

8 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35.

Les Misérables, the renowned Broadway touring production, will return to Artis-Naples for a limited, sold-out run (Dec.

30 - Jan. 4, 2026) that invites local audiences to experience its powerful tale of revolution, sacrifice and hope. Broadway talent reinforces this timeless classic on stage.

The Naples Players kicks off the new year with Beau Jest, a warm and witty comedy running January 14 to February 15, 2026 at the Kizzie Theater (a 450-seat venue with accessible options).

Call the TNP Box Office for tickets and details.

In 2026, Florida and 21 other states plus Washington, D.C. will raise their minimum wage—Florida's increase is set for Sept.

30, with full-time workers seeing a rise between $582.40 and $4,160.

The state approved Wednesday 10,996 acres in Collier and Hendry counties — plus a 1,059-acre easement in Okeechobee County — to protect vital conservation areas and support local agriculture with a $27.4 million investment.

These actions help strengthen the Florida Wildlife Corridor for future generations.

Santa Claus has been granted clearance to fly his sleigh (with no curfew restrictions) on Christmas Eve from Naples Airport, as declared by the airport authority during a board meeting on Dec.

18.

Caiman Cantina in Naples offers bold Mexican flavors + a coastal twist with sizzling fajitas, tacos, ceviche and its signature Smokey Pineapple margarita.

The restaurant, open for about six weeks, also offers a gift card deal where spending $50 gets you $10 free, with the offer ending Dec. 24.

Collier County approved the Big Cypress project along Oil Well Road to add commercial and retail spaces in Rivergrass, Longwater, and Bellmar and create 6,000 jobs (it also preserves 12,000 acres).

Construction will begin in 2026 and has sparked mixed reactions.

Former teammates from Southwest Florida were chosen in the MLS SuperDraft on Dec.

18. FC Dallas picked Fort Myers native Ricky Louis at No. 2 and Orlando City selected Naples local Harvey Sarajian at No. 5 (MLS picks mark a milestone for the region).

Tennis legend Andre Agassi made his pro pickleball debut in April at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples.

He teamed with Anna Leigh Waters in two mixed doubles matches, winning the first before losing the second contest.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anthony Rodia Comedy Show

6-7:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hilarious antics of Anthony Rodia, a rising star in the comedy scene.