For many Marco Island families, after-school hours are a hectic whirlwind of structured activities.

A new local program, The Gentle Sound Garden, is offering a quiet sanctuary from the constant busyness.

This creative class provides a calming alternative to traditional high-energy options.

Inside a peaceful studio, children explore gentle instruments like singing bowls, chimes, and shakers.

Each session focuses on teaching practical skills for modern life.

Kids learn simple breathing techniques and mindful movements to help release pent-up energy and regulate their emotions.

Parents report that children leave feeling more grounded, relaxed, and emotionally balanced.

It’s a powerful toolkit for self-soothing that helps build confidence. This unique sensory experience is a welcome addition for families throughout Collier County looking to find a bit of calm in their week.

Marco Island offers a distinctly tranquil escape on Florida's Paradise Coast, standing apart from the energy of nearby Naples.

Its identity is defined by stunning white-sand beaches and the calm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The island masterfully blends world-class luxury, found at resorts like the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, with cherished local character.

A prime example is the legendary Snook Inn, a beloved institution that resiliently rebuilt and reopened after facing Hurricane Ian.

This comeback spirit is woven into the community's fabric.

Adventure is also close at hand, as the island serves as the gateway to the magnificent Ten Thousand Islands, offering unparalleled eco-tours through mangrove estuaries.

From high-end relaxation to rugged exploration, it’s a destination that satisfies every desire for an unforgettable coastal retreat.

The Naples–Immokalee–Marco Island metro area has once again been recognized as one of America's premier retirement destinations, landing at number three in a recent national study.

What truly sets our community apart is its remarkable longevity.

Residents here enjoy the highest average life expectancy in the nation among top-ranked metros, reaching an incredible 84 years.

This impressive quality of life is complemented by financial stability, with local retirees earning one of the highest average incomes at nearly $60,000.

The ranking reflects our area's superior healthcare and pristine recreational opportunities.

With our neighbors in Cape Coral–Fort Myers claiming the number one spot, it cements Southwest Florida as the undisputed retirement capital of the United States, powerfully showcasing the region's appeal to a new generation of retirees.

Our Daily Bread Food Pantry has received a critical $30,000 grant to combat rising food insecurity across Marco Island and Collier County.

The grant comes from the Collier Community Foundation, providing a vital lifeline for local families and essential workers struggling to keep food on the table.

This support is urgently needed as the region's staggering cost of living forces many to make agonizing choices between paying for housing and buying groceries.

Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, the pantry's Executive Director, noted that escalating food prices further strain the budgets of the very workforce our community depends on.

With this funding, the all-volunteer organization will continue its impressive mission.

The pantry aims to provide an estimated 1.67 million meals this year, a testament to its efficiency where 97 cents of every dollar directly feeds the hungry.

Great Wolf Lodge has unveiled Snowland, a vibrant winter celebration bringing festive magic to families this season.

The resort transforms with shimmering decor and lively seasonal displays, welcoming visitors into a cozy holiday escape.

Guests can meet Santa Claus, join holiday craft sessions, and enjoy music that fills the lodge with cheer.

A highlight is the resort’s daily indoor snowfall, letting families experience frosty fun without braving the cold outdoors.

Activities cater to all ages, from culinary workshops creating festive treats to special Snowland-inspired yoga sessions.

Dining also gets a festive twist, with curated holiday menus designed to enhance the celebration.

Snowland embodies Great Wolf Lodge’s commitment to unforgettable, locally focused family experiences.

This season, families can create treasured memories in a holiday setting that captures the true spirit of winter.

A contentious proposal by the Naples Grande Beach Resort to build a large water attraction is facing a wave of opposition from its neighbors.

Located at 475 Seagate Drive, the resort plans to replace its tennis courts with a lazy river and water slides.

Nearby communities, including Seagate, Naples Cay, and Pelican Bay, are fighting the project.

Residents fear what they are calling an amusement park will bring excessive noise, traffic, and light pollution to their quiet neighborhoods, especially amid concerns the attraction would be open to the general public.

While Collier County will weigh in, the final decision may rest with the powerful Pelican Bay Foundation, the area's master governing board.

The Foundation must balance the resort's rights as a member with the concerns of resident homeowners.

With no final plans submitted, the community is bracing for a fight to protect its neighborhood's character.

A talented Gulf Coast High School student is making waves after winning a prestigious tech competition for an innovative weather application.

Dallas Szittai was named the winner of the 10th annual Congressional App Challenge for Florida's 26th District, an event hosted by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart to encourage STEM participation.

His winning app, Warn.live, provides real-time severe weather alerts by pairing live radar with official National Weather Service warnings.

Its ability to send instant push notifications is a key feature that officials believe could dramatically improve community safety during storms in Southwest Florida.

Driven by his passion for weather and web development, Szittai created a tool with life-saving potential.

This remarkable achievement is just the start, as he plans to expand the app’s features nationwide, showcasing the incredible innovation emerging from Collier County schools.

Marco Island homeowners facing sky-high water bills from hidden leaks can soon expect relief.

The City is rolling out a major technological upgrade, installing 11,500 new ultrasonic smart meters in response to resident complaints over shocking charges, including one family’s recent $7,000 bill.

This new system will empower homeowners by providing real-time water usage data through a dedicated online portal.

Most importantly, the smart meters will send immediate alerts when a potential leak is detected, helping prevent a small drip from becoming a financial disaster.

The comprehensive, year-long project also involves inspecting nearly 4,900 service lines for EPA compliance.

Officials anticipate completing the island-wide installation by the fall of 2025, bringing peace of mind and greater control to local utility customers.

A major leadership change is underway in Marco Island after City Manager Mike McNee officially resigned.

His departure was accepted by the City Council during a recent meeting, following a previous resignation attempt in July.

The move caps months of reported friction within city leadership.

The council acted swiftly to prevent a leadership vacuum, appointing Assistant City Manager Dr. Casey Lucious to the role on an interim basis.

The appointment is a historic one for the community.

Dr. Lucious is now the first female city manager in Marco Island's history.

Despite the milestone, she expressed a desire for a competitive hiring process for the permanent position, stating she wants to earn the role.

The city will now begin the formal search for a permanent replacement while Dr. Lucious guides the administration.

The long-awaited Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort, has officially opened its doors in the heart of historic Old Naples.

This monumental 125-acre oceanfront property marks a transformative moment for luxury living in Southwest Florida.

The resort features 220 guest rooms, 57 suites, and five distinct dining venues, including the celebrated return of local favorite HB's right on the beach.

A state-of-the-art spa and wellness center aims to become a premier destination for both residents and visitors.

This ambitious project signals a bold new chapter for the community.

Looking ahead, the development will also include 153 luxury residences and an 18-hole golf course designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, which is scheduled to open in 2026 and further cement Naples' reputation as a world-class destination.

Following the victory of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral race, the city’s real estate market is grappling with significant uncertainty.

His platform of aggressive affordable housing has sparked fears of a potential mass exodus of wealthy residents.

Suburbs in areas like Westchester and Connecticut are already seeing a surge in homebuying—dubbed the “Mamdani effect”—as some New Yorkers reportedly seek to relocate before potential policy changes take hold.

However, not everyone is convinced the city will empty out.

Recent data shows the Manhattan market remains surprisingly resilient, with contract signings even increasing last month.

Some veteran brokers believe the market has already absorbed the shock, arguing that his victory is now priced in.

Whether New York’s powerful allure will outweigh the new political landscape remains the key question for homeowners and investors alike.

A wave of community pride is sweeping Marco Island as three local educators were named 2025-2026 Collier County Teachers of Distinction.

Congratulations to Dawn Lombardi of Marco Island Academy, Martie Miller from Marco Island Charter Middle School, and Georgina Dolan of Tommie Barfield Elementary for this incredible honor.

Announced by Champions For Learning, this recognition is a key part of the prestigious Golden Apple Program.

The teachers were chosen from a remarkable pool of nearly 1,500 nominated educators across the county, based on thousands of submissions from students, parents, and colleagues.

These 59 distinguished educators will now present their unique classroom strategies to a committee.

Only six will be chosen to receive the coveted Golden Apple award in March, with a celebration dinner to follow in April.

The intense struggle for affordable housing in East Naples has reached another critical point.

Collier County commissioners unanimously approved a proposal to rezone a 9.5-acre property for a new 92-unit apartment complex at 8928 Collier Boulevard.

Of those units, 28 are specifically reserved for workforce and income-restricted housing.

This move directly targets the housing crisis affecting essential workers like local teachers and nurses.

The project, from developer Bonita Flores 1 LLC, is in a rapidly growing area near a future Costco.

However, the approval sparked debate about development density.

Some officials voiced concern that developers might use a small number of affordable units to push through larger, market-rate projects.

The decision highlights the difficult balance between encouraging new construction and ensuring it serves the community’s most urgent needs, with thousands of local families still facing unaffordable housing costs.

A tangible sense of caution is settling over the economies of Naples and Marco Island, as national economic shifts begin to ripple through our local communities.

The once red-hot housing market in Collier County is clearly cooling, transitioning into what many experts are calling a buyer's market.

Homes are staying on the market longer, and fluctuating mortgage rates are causing hesitation among potential buyers.

This slowdown directly impacts the construction industry, a vital engine for Southwest Florida.

Builders are now grappling with elevated material costs and a tight labor market, creating a challenging business environment.

This broader uncertainty is also affecting local consumer confidence.

Economists note that even a small dip in spending can impact everything from restaurant bookings to major purchases, making the future feel less certain than in recent years.

A significant drop in mortgage rates is creating a flurry of activity across the Florida housing market.

Homeowners from South Florida to Tampa Bay are rushing to take advantage of this golden opportunity.

Refinancing applications have seen a stunning 111% surge compared to last year, offering many a moment of financial relief.

The incentive is powerful, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hovering near a one-year low of 6.19%.

It’s not just current homeowners, either.

Applications for new home purchases have also climbed by a robust 20%, signaling underlying confidence in local property values.

While this presents a prime window for savings, experts caution that the market could shift depending on the Federal Reserve's next move.

The Marco Island YMCA is launching a bold new chapter with plans for a major expansion.

An $8.5 million, 17,000-square-foot 'Active Life Center' is proposed to serve the island’s growing senior population.

According to CEO Cindy Love-Abounader, the current facility is “bursting at the seams,” creating an urgent need for a dedicated place for seniors to socialize and stay healthy.

The impressive two-story building will feature a modern fitness and wellness center, a café, and a large multi-purpose space for various programs.

After overcoming challenges like hurricanes and the pandemic, the YMCA has received planning board approval for the site.

The project’s focus has now shifted entirely to fundraising, with a capital campaign underway to secure community donations.

Officials hope to break ground in the spring, but the timeline depends on reaching their financial goal.

The new center aims to be an accessible and vital hub for all local seniors for years to come.

A dramatic transformation is coming to Fifth Avenue South in Naples.

A new three-story, mixed-use building named Avenue 31 has received unanimous approval from the city's Design Review Board after a challenging four-year process.

The project is the vision of prolific local restaurateur Stefano Frittella.

Located at 472 Fifth Ave. S., the building will replace the current home of La Pescheria and two other retail shops.

Designed by MHK Architecture, it will feature a "super high-end" restaurant on the ground floor inspired by Frittella's Monaco establishment.

Two luxury condominiums and a sprawling penthouse residence will occupy the upper floors.

Demolition is slated for next summer, with construction expected to take 18 to 20 months, signaling continued confidence in the luxury market of downtown Naples.

The Collier County Planning Commission has unanimously approved a massive new housing development near Marco Island, paving the way for nearly 1,300 homes.

The project is set to rise on a 229-acre site near the Fiddler’s Creek area.

This is a significant moment for local housing advocates, as the plan directly addresses the region's pressing need for more affordable options.

A crucial component of the development is a partnership between developer David Torres and Habitat for Humanity of Collier County.

While Torres will construct 1,039 market-rate homes, Habitat for Humanity will build and sell 260 affordable homes to local families earning at or below 80% of the area median income.

The proposal now heads to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval, where it will require a supermajority vote to officially proceed.

Collier County commissioners have unanimously approved plans for a new Costco in East Naples, despite overwhelming public opposition from the community.

The decision followed a contentious four-hour hearing where dozens of residents raised concerns about increased traffic, safety, and potential flooding.

The proposed 162,671-square-foot store and 24-pump gas station will be built at the corner of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard, adjacent to Physicians Regional Medical Center.

Out of sixty registered speakers, only one voiced support for the project.

Opponents, feeling their voices were ignored by the board, have now vowed to challenge the county's decision in court.

If final site plans are approved by county staff, construction on the controversial project is expected to begin in early 2026, significantly altering the Hacienda Lakes area.

Chick-fil-A is set to open a major new restaurant in a key spot near Collier Boulevard and City Gate Drive.

The 5,663-square-foot building is tailored for high-volume demand, offering dual drive-thru lanes that fit up to 43 vehicles and 70 parking spaces.

Guests will find seating for 132 diners, with 100 seats indoors and another 32 on the patio.

Direct access from White Lake Boulevard and City Gate Drive positions this location to serve heavy regional traffic, including travelers on I-75 and crowds visiting Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Great Wolf Lodge, and the nearby Uline distribution center.

The project aims to meet growing demand in a rapidly developing commercial corridor.

High-performance powerboat racing is making its spectacular return to Fort Myers Beach with the Roar Offshore National Championship from October 8th through 11th.

This is the final, decisive event of the APBA Offshore National Championship Series, where national titles will be won and lost on our local waters.

The championship is a massive economic driver for Lee County during what is often a slower tourism period.

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to flood the island, injecting millions of dollars into local businesses.

Festivities extend beyond the race with a vibrant street party and boat parade, creating a festival atmosphere.

Fans can get an up-close look at the machines and meet the teams at the race village hosted at Salty Sam's Marina.

Organizers have secured a long-term commitment, ensuring this electrifying event remains a cornerstone for the community for years to come.

The highly anticipated Marco Island Boat Show returns October 10–12, 2025, promising to transform the island’s waterfront into a boater’s paradise.

This renowned event, hosted by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County (MIACC), is the region’s biggest and most prestigious in-water boat show.

Attendees can stroll the docks at Marco Island Yacht Club and the neighboring Marina Association, enjoying a close-up look at an impressive range of vessels.

More than a showcase, the show connects guests with boat dealers, industry experts, and local marinas.

It’s a cornerstone event for Southwest Florida’s marine community, drawing seasoned boaters and newcomers alike.

Single-day admission is $17.85, while kids 12 and under enter free with an adult, making this a perfect family outing.

Mark your calendar for a weekend filled with fun, innovation, and local spirit!

Southwest Florida, get ready to look to the skies.

The Florida International Air Show is roaring back to Punta Gorda Airport on November 1st and 2nd, headlined by the legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels for the first time since 2012.

This marks a powerful return for the beloved community event, which was paused last year for hurricane recovery.

Joining the iconic blue and gold jets are the formidable F-16 Viper Demo Team and the historic Warbird Thunder, featuring WWII-era aircraft performing breathtaking aerobatics.

Beyond the high-flying action, new attractions like the Innovators STEM Pavilion offer hands-on fun for the whole family.

The entire event is powered by dedicated volunteers, with proceeds directly benefiting nonprofit organizations across our community, making it a true celebration of local pride and resilience.