Naples
Today
Monday, December 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Naples. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 22nd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa partners with Local Roots to launch a weekly artisan market series starting tomorrow in Bonita Springs, where local vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and handmade items. The free Tuesday events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 31. Florida Weekly
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Coast Guard crews & partner agencies continue searching overnight for attorney Randall Spivey & his nephew, missing since Dec. 19 after their 42-foot boat was found floating 70 miles off the Naples coast. Naples Daily News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Photographer Ricardo Rolon selected one of his best images of 2025 after capturing a girl's reaction to artificial snow at the 48th Christmas tree lighting at Third Street South - Broad Avenue South in Naples on Monday, Nov. 24, overcoming dark lighting and a crowded area to record the moment. Naples Daily News
- ➤ Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez returns to perform musical theater favorites at Hayes Hall (at Artis) with Naples Philharmonic Pops and Conductor Jack Everly from Tuesday, Jan. 13 to Saturday, Jan. 17. Tickets cost $72 to $118. Florida Weekly
- ➤ A look back at Southwest Florida’s heritage reveals how the region’s counties evolved from Monroe in 1823 to Lee, Collier, and Hendry in the late 1800s and early 1900s — shaping the area where Naples now thrives. Archives also suggest that the region may have hosted the nation’s first U.S. Christmas celebration. Naples Daily News
- ➤ Lee County created its first Veterans Memorial Reef when the 165-foot USS Mohawk was scuttled off Sanibel Island in 2012 — the ship later served as an underwater art gallery in 2013. Naples Daily News
- ➤ Florida's State Archives trace county formations from Monroe (1823) to Lee (May 13, 1887), Collier (May 8, 1923) and Hendry (May 11, 1923), with key seats like Fort Myers, East Naples and LaBelle. The archives also note Spanish conquistadors likely held the first U.S. Christmas celebration near Tallahassee. News-Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iguana hunter John Johnson has reduced invasive iguanas on Marco Island using his .25 caliber pneumatic gun; he killed 730 iguanas last year and estimates a total of 1,500 removed from Southwest Florida+efforts continue to curb the pest problem. News-Press
- ➤ Professor Win Everham of FGCU’s Water School led FGCU & Island Coast High School students to plant 300 mangrove propagules at Bowditch Point to boost coastal defenses against storm surge; Naples’ Miller Foundation provided $100K after a federal grant was cut. Florida Weekly
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Lee Health CEO Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA informed the board he will not renew his contract — it expires on Sept. 30 — and he will lead the transition while continuing to serve the community. Naples Daily News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 21, the Jaguars beat the Broncos 34-20 to stay ahead in the AFC South, while the Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 23-20 after Baker Mayfield threw a late interception, and Joe Burrow led the Bengals to a 45-21 win over the Dolphins with 309 passing yards. News-Press
- ➤ Abdou Toure won the City of Palms dunk contest on Sunday night, scoring 99 (of 100 possible points) against Jaron Saulsberry in a thrilling matchup. Naples Daily News
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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.
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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.
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New Year's Eve Comedy with Bobby Collins
8-9:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate New Year's Eve with laughter and delicious dinner options featuring gourmet dishes.
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Family Storytime and Craft
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Golden Gate Branch — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of stories, songs, and crafts for all ages.
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AAA Travel Expo
11 AM – 5 PM — AAA Naples — Free entry — Discover amazing vacation deals and travel tips with travel experts at the Naples Travel Show!
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A word after a word after a word is power.
~ Margaret Atwood
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