Good morning, Naples.

Lottery players can buy tickets at local gas stations and Publix (or Walmart) to join in on the latest jackpots; Powerball tickets cost $2 amid a $1.6 billion jackpot while Mega Millions tickets at $5 will be drawn today for a $100M prize.

A Naples attorney celebrated a Delaware Supreme Court decision on Dec.22 that upheld Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package for Tesla after representing local shareholders in a vote on executive compensation.

The ruling affirms that shareholder votes determine CEO pay + supports performance-based rewards.

Barnes & Noble opened eight new stores in Florida in 2025, including one on Tamiami Trail in Naples, and will open more in the state in 2026.

The bookstore said its new design and strong sales have attracted more visitors.

USS Mohawk is being transformed into an underwater art gallery and veterans memorial that will serve as a new attraction for divers (led by local experts) and honor military service.

The sculpture garden at BIG ARTS was restored after damage from hurricanes and Gallery Director Wilson McCray is mapping self-guided tours so visitors can view the improvements this season.

The City of Naples will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Naples Pier Rebuild Project on January 5, 2026 at 10 a.m. on the beach at 12th Avenue South with Mayor Teresa Heitmann and City Manager Gary Young speaking; the pier parking lot will close from 7 to 11:30 a.m.

Marissa Colon, a music teacher at Sabal Palm Elementary, suffered a stroke on Dec.

1 and is now making progress with physical therapy (she can talk, eat, and move part of her body). Her family looks forward to her return to teaching and spending Christmas with loved ones.

Holiday celebrations for those on the autism spectrum can be overwhelming due to intense lights and scents.

Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers in Fort Myers offers a free holiday guide (with therapist-approved tips) that advises substituting decorations and avoiding peak shopping times.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Comedian Vicki Barbolak Live

2-3:30 p.m. — Off The Hook Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy laughs with Comedian Vicki Barbolak in a lively setting.