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Happy Tuesday, Naples. In today’s edition: Naples Pier rebuild grant, HOPE4KIDS candlelight Christmas carols, Christmas Spectacular, and more.
Let’s get to it — Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
New tourism governance push: Collier County’s TDC voted Dec. 12 to support converting the tourism bureau into a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, advancing a plan commissioners will consider in early 2026 to boost flexibility and speed — see what’s proposed and why.
Debate over infrastructure obligations: Collier commissioners unanimously approved Greenway Fritchey in South Naples, a 1,299-home project with 260 Habitat for Humanity affordable homes and 60 percent of its 227 acres preserved as open space — get all the details.
Big win for SWFL: Naples secured an $11.4 million FEMA grant to rebuild the iconic Naples Pier, announced by Congressman Byron Donalds, marking a major step in recovery after Hurricane Ian for Southwest Florida — read the full story.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since January. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
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🫶 We got your back
Family friendly auto gathering: The seventh annual Knights of Columbus Car Show cruises into San Marco Catholic Church on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Spectators are $10 (under 12 free). Show cars are $25 with lunch. Expect a DJ, food, and trophies, including People’s Choice. All profits benefit charity. Get all the event details.
Naples nights get festive: Felipe’s Taqueria is throwing a Latin Christmas Fiesta at Logan Landings on Friday, Dec. 19, with the Black & White Band 6 to 10 pm, speed-round Lotería, and an ugly sweater contest. A limited menu brings tamales, sancocho, and buñuelos. Keep it going Saturday, Dec. 20, with $5 sangria at both locations. Get all the event details.
Level up movie night: Skip the couch and let Prado Stadium 12 deliver the upgrade: reserved seating, electric recliners, Sony 4K screens, Dolby surround, and a full bar pouring 50+ beers with flatbreads and cheese boards. Outside, a fire-and-water fountain offers a surprisingly soothing post-credits unwind.
Hear me out: My mom’s been asking people to repeat themselves 5,281 times too many for years. She always avoided hearing aids like the plague — they’re clunky, obvious, expensive, not really worth it. I always thought “she’s not wrong” until I saw these new invisible hearing aids going viral. In the same boat? Now’s a great time to check them out before unused health benefits expire on the 31st.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now + you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🐢 Turtle Tails: Children’s Story Time @ Books on Third | Tuesday (12/16) at 10:30am – Little bookworms, big imaginations. Snuggle in for a charming hour of stories curated just for kiddos, with extra love for the 3–7 crowd (but all ages are welcome to listen in). Elevator access makes it stroller- and grandma-friendly, and RSVP is required—save your spot before this cozy story time fills up.
📝 Nature Journaling @ Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center | Wednesday (12/17) at 1:30pm – Grab a notebook and wander Rookery Bay for a slow, mindful spin on nature journaling. You will sketch mangroves, study hermit crabs, and let curiosity do the steering, which is a nice change from Alligator Alley, plus you will leave zen and a little salty.
🍷 Sip Generously · Support Boldly · Cure T1D @ Unidos | Wednesday (12/17) at 5:30pm – Unidos is hosting a first annual cocktail night where your tipple does more than look pretty, 20% of food and bar sales go to Breakthrough T1D South Gulf Coast. Expect local mixology ringers, easy mingling, and zero raffles, just feel-good sipping.
💎 Tamara Comolli Fine Jewelry Trunk Show | Marissa Collections @ Marissa Collections | Friday (12/19) at 10:00am – If your “special occasion” jewelry spends more time in witness protection than on your wrist, swing by Marissa Collections for Tamara Comolli’s trunk show. Candy-colored gems, refined yet playful settings, and pieces meant for everyday Naples life, beach, errands, and dinner.
🕯️ HOPE4KIDS Candlelight Christmas Carols @ Cambier Park | Friday (12/19) at 5:30pm – Ready to remember the second verse of Silent Night, or at least hum convincingly? This annual candlelit carol sing is joyfully low-stress, perfect for couples, families, and anyone who likes classic tunes, warm glows, and holiday spirit without the mall parking lot.
This weekend
🐦 Corkscrew Christmas Bird Count @ Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary | Saturday (12/20) at 7:00am – Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count is sweeping the Corkscrew circle, from the Sanctuary to Bird Rookery Swamp, and they want your sharp eyes. Join a team or count from your feeder, get matched to your skill level, and earn smug, civic bragging rights. Free.
📷 Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop @ Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center | Saturday (12/20) at 9:30am – This hands-on photography workshop finally explains shutter, aperture, ISO, and those buttons you pretend to understand. With Sonny Saunders, a patient pro with 35 years behind the lens, beginners and lapsed hobbyists ditch Auto, gain control, and leave with sharper, more intentional shots.
🔭 Stargazing Under The Dark Sky @ Collier Seminole State Park | Saturday (12/20) at 5:30pm – Trade the Naples glow for Tamiami’s dark side and remember what stars actually look like. No DJ, no line, just constellations, crickets, and maybe a judgmental owl. Bring a chair, bug spray, a thermos, and your indoor voice.
🎄 Christmas Spectacular @ Aubrey Rogers High School Auditorium | Saturday (12/20) at 5:30pm – Naples Dance Ensemble and the Conservatory are bringing a Christmas Spectacular to Aubrey Rogers High School Auditorium, trading tinny mall carols for choreography, sparkle, and hometown talent. Bring your cheer, patience for sequins, and a friend. Tickets at the studio soon, or at the door.
🎄 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Movie Party @ Alamo Drafthouse Cinema | Sunday (12/21) at 12:00pm – Let the Griswolds handle the holiday chaos while you kick back with a mid-day movie party in comfy Alamo seats. This special screening comes tricked out with a pine tree air freshener, a Christmas lights necklace, and a hilariously frazzled “shocked cat” keychain to play along with the movie’s best moments.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
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🏠️ This house is wild
Listed by: Kelli Moore (Realty One Group MVP)
The Seabreeze model in Valencia Trails, a 55+ community, shows off a 14-foot foyer and open-concept flow. A chef’s kitchen with quartz counters and backsplash, natural gas range, premium stainless appliances, soft-close cabinetry, and pull-out trash. Hurricane impact windows and doors. Glass sliders to a covered lanai, custom pool, and fenced yard.
Perks include a 43,000-square-foot clubhouse with restaurant and bar, fitness center, salon and spa, card rooms, art studio, and learning kitchen. Outside, a resort pool, lap and resistance pools, six tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, scenic trails, and two dog parks in sunny Naples.
Take a peek inside →
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