Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
Good morning, Naples.
A Naples family found a nearly eight-foot alligator in their backyard pool at about 1 a.m., after a noise was heard.
Wildlife officials arrived within 10 minutes and subdued the reptile using tape — it was then transported in a trailer with two other gators.
Naples will host a free New Year’s fireworks show on Saturday, Jan.
3 from 6:30-7 p.m. Residents can enjoy the display from any shoreline view and are encouraged to bring beach chairs or towels.
Disco Bean is now open in Bonita Springs, offering specialty coffee and a full vinyl collection in a retro setting.
The cafe — designed by DJ Pat Pat with vintage speakers and disco balls — serves a family-friendly morning vibe that turns lively in the evening.
TheatreZone will launch its 2026 season with 'Grumpy Old Men: The Musical' from Jan.
8 to Jan. 18 at the G&L Theatre on the Community School campus. The musical will explore themes of friendship and forgiveness with witty one-liners & a nostalgic score.
Residents can enjoy the PG film How to Train Your Dragon for free at Estero Park (6:30 p.m. Friday) and experience chamber music at Koreshan Art Hall starting Sunday, while Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offers extended boardwalk hours and the Shell Museum unveils new exhibitions through summer.
Rookery Bay Research Reserve will host its 22nd Annual Festival of Birds from Jan.
15 to Jan. 19 at the Environmental Learning Center (300 Tower Rd.) with field trips and a keynote presentation; it will also offer a Forest Bathing Wellness Walk and Moon Walk on Jan. 3.
The Friends of the Library of Collier County will host a Nonfiction Author Series at Hilton Naples early next year (Jan.
19, Feb. 2, Feb. 16, and March 17) featuring breakfast buffets, author talks, and book signings to raise funds for the public library. Tickets start at $375 for members.
Estate planning attorney Richard Ricciardi warned snowbirds to keep proof (credit card receipts, voter registrations, insurance documents) showing they live in Florida for at least 183 days to avoid steep taxes like the $60,000 bill faced by a couple splitting time with New York.
A poll is running today as shoppers in Southwest Florida vote on which grocery store offers the best rotisserie chicken, with favorites including Publix and other big retailers.
Voters can participate online or email their opinions with rotisserie chicken in the subject line.
Voting is open until Tuesday, Jan.
6 at 9 a.m. for SW Florida’s 2025 Boys and Girls Swimmer of the Year + The News-Press and Naples Daily News chose Lucas Casey from Community School of Naples and Abi Burke of Barron Collier as top swimmers, so cast your vote.
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.
Artful Arrangements: Floral Interpretations of Original Art
1-5 p.m. — Naples Art District — $20.00 – $50.00 — Explore a captivating blend of fine art and floral designs at this unique event.
Third Street South Farmers Market
7:30-11:30 a.m. — Third Street South — Free entry — Enjoy fresh produce, baked goods, and local delights in a lively family-friendly atmosphere.
Sourdough 101
5-8 p.m. — Twist Gallery — Ticket plus $2.50 service fee — Learn the art of sourdough baking with hands-on tutorials and take home a loaf.
Hammock Sound Bath Experience
6-7 p.m. — Omaya Studio — Refunds available up to 7 days prior — Immerse in a tranquil floating sound bath combined with yoga and breathwork for rejuvenation.
Naples Boat Show
10 AM – 5 PM — Naples Boat Show — Entry details not specified — Experience the largest premier recreational show in the Naples-Marco Island area featuring marinas, boat dealers, and marine-related businesses.
Sterling Silver Jewelry Making Workshop
10:30 PM - 1 AM — 3570 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL — $250 total — Create beautiful sterling silver jewelry using Precious Metal Clay in a hands-on workshop.
The Financial Wake-Up Call Seminar
6-8 p.m. — 5003 Tamiami Trl E — Free entry — Gain practical financial insights while enjoying music and networking opportunities.
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