Hi Naples, we made it to Thursday! In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Beachside food truck park, candlelight: 90s unplugged, and the Laramie Project + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
Today's sponsor, SmartAsset, is helping people around Naples evaluate their retirement income strategy and plan for a retirement that could last decades. Their free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. -- take the quiz and find your match.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New seaside gathering spot: Access 26 broke ground on Fort Myers Beach, launching a food truck park with food trucks, a restaurant, retail, and beach access at a lot vacant since Hurricane Charley -- see the beachside plans.
Reviving a longtime venue: Bonita Springs’ former Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track could become Oakes Landing with restaurants, pools, and playgrounds, but the Planning and Zoning Board review was postponed 60 to 90 days -- see what’s planned next.
Major growth plan approved: Collier County commissioners approved expanding Ave Maria with 6,738 more homes, adding over 2,000 acres, commercial space, a proposed hospital, parks, and road work, while some question timing and infrastructure -- explore the Ave Maria plans.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill:If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Add some character: Been meaning to swap that generic mantel filler for something with a story? Maison Auclair Antiques is a sweet local trove for one-of-a-kind pieces that bring Old Naples charm into everyday life. Perfect for freshening a room without starting a full reno.
Sunset patio vibes: Craving a midweek mini-escape, Mediterrano pulls you to Old Naples with coastal Mediterranean plates inspired by Spain, Greece, Italy, and Morocco, a courtyard built for lingering, and standouts like paella and slow-braised lamb shank. Put your phone down, order another glass, let Naples be Naples.
Serious car candy: Skip the beach traffic and wander among 120+ historically significant cars, from Porsche icons to race-bred rarities, in an 80,000-square-foot working museum. Revs Institute, Inc. treats car history like fine art, complete with four themed galleries and a preservation-first vibe locals will appreciate.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
You guard your wallet and lock your door. Your data deserves the same: You wouldn't leave your address and daily routine posted on a bulletin board downtown, but that's effectively what data brokers do, for anyone willing to pay. DeleteMe takes it down for you. Real people, not bots, find every listing, submit the opt-outs, and keep watch so brokers can't quietly relist you. 100 million-plus removals and counting. Readers save 20%. *Lock down your information →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
Plastic and wood are no good: Every time you use a plastic cutting board, microplastics end up in your food. You can’t see it, but it's happening and it’s gross. Wood isn't any better since it absorbs bacteria so deep into the grain you can’t get it out. More than 50,000 people have already ditched both for something better. *See what they're using instead →
The card that pays you to pay down debt: Most balance-transfer cards skip the rewards. Most rewards cards skip the long 0% intro APR. This one has both — 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), plus 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and up to 6% in a category you pick. No annual fee, and there's a $200 bonus after $1,000 in spending in the first 90 days. *Worth a look →
Premiums are up roughly 46% since 2021: Home insurance has outpaced inflation for years, and renewals rarely move in your favor. Rather than take the new number on faith, FinanceBuzz lets you match your home with top-rated insurers and compare quotes side by side — free, in about two minutes. Even if you decide to stay put, you'll know you checked. *See your options → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Naples for grown upsThe best events and nightlife experiences for adults this week. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎭 The Laramie Project @ Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center (Bonita Springs) | Thursday (6/11) at 7:00 PM – At the theater this week, The Laramie Project turns small-town conversation into testimony, drawn verbatim from Laramie after Matthew Shepard's murder. Stark, humane, and quietly powerful, it trades punchlines for perspective, and reminds you why we still sit together in the dark.
🎩 Finer En Blanc Gala @ Collier County | Saturday (6/13) at 5:00 PM – Royalty is returning as DAEZ of Zeta Phi Beta hosts the Finer En Blanc Gala with Dr. Kellie M. Dixon, the leadership whisperer you quote later. Wear your finest African-inspired fashion, expect culture, elegance, and a nudge to open your gifts in the right room.
💃 Latin Dance Social @ DanceLife, Florida Dance Center (Bonita Springs) | Saturday (6/13) at 7:45 PM – Ready to trade the treadmill for a twirl at a Latin social? Guest instructor Kristy teams with Anthony for a Latin Hustle warmup, then DJ Robo reads the floor and keeps salsa, bachata, hustle, and cha cha rolling, plus pros, homemade food, and group tables.
🎶 Unlimited Devotion @ Bone Hook Restaurant and Brewery | Saturday (6/13) at 8:00 PM – Unlimited Devotion is rolling in with a full-on Grateful Dead tribute, big harmonies, longer jams, and zero parking-lot chaos. Expect twirl-friendly grooves, familiar choruses, and that warm, communal buzz we keep pretending we’re too old for, plus mercy for middle-aged knees.
🏳 Naples Pride Pool Party @ Inn of Naples | Sunday (6/14) at 12:00 PM – Pride takes over the pool for a splashy party, a separately ticketed bash not covered by your hotel reservation. Expect DJs, cocktails, and rainbow floats, plus Gulf-side people-watching, and remember, your room key gets you a towel, not entry.
🕯 Candlelight: 90s Unplugged @ Dimension Event Center | Sunday (6/14) at 4:00 PM – An evening in Naples lit by a thousand candles, and your 90s mixtape gets the classy treatment. Think strings, soft glow, and all the unplugged nostalgia without the sticky bar floor. Flannel optional, goosebumps likely, parking easier than your teen years.
👤 Sheena Reagan @ Off The Hook Comedy Club | Sunday (6/14) at 6:00 PM – Need a laugh that pairs well with a solid cabernet and an early bedtime? Sheena Reagan hits Off the Hook Comedy Club with sharp, relatable bits on Florida life, family, and the weirdness of being a functioning adult. Smart humor, zero fluff, all fun. Live music & entertainment:- 6/12 Cayman Vibes @ Tommy Bahama Coconut Point (Estero) - 11:00 AM
- 6/12 Bingo With the Lions @ Bonita Springs Lions Center - 12:30 PM
- 6/12 Gypsy Blue Duo @ Compass Hotel by Margaritaville - 6:00 PM
- 6/12 Open Mic Night @ Food & Thought - 6:00 PM
- 6/12 Open Arms @ The Stage Restaurant & Nightclub (Bonita Springs) - 7:30 PM
- 6/12 Taj Farrant @ Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center (Bonita Springs) - 7:30 PM
- 6/13 Joe Marino @ Compass Hotel by Margaritaville - 5:00 PM
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — Announcement In case you missed itWe opened The Insiders’ Club last week and hundreds of folks have already joined (seriously… can’t thank you enough!!). For a few bucks a month, The Club gives you every newsletter ad-free on your schedule, plus members-only updates to help you stay connected to your community. The Weekly Events Roundup is my favorite feature. You get one email a week with all the best events and nothing else cluttering it up. Want only that? Skip the daily emails and turn the rest off. Join the club → |
07 — The Naples report Weather forecastToday — High: 90°F — Low: 77°F — Precip: 23%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 100. Southeast wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. South wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tomorrow — High: 89°F — Low: 77°F — Precip: 48%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southeast wind 3 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. North wind 1 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. This house is wildThis nearly 6,500-square-foot contemporary estate in Pine Ridge pairs sleek modern design with warm organic finishes. Five bedrooms, a private office, gym, and bonus room add versatility, while the white oak kitchen shines with natural stone and Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Miele appliances. Outside, a covered lanai, fireplace, fire bowl, and tropical landscaping create a private retreat.
Take a peek inside → |
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