A: Work began in late November to prepare for a Publix supermarket at the Gateway Shoppes at North Bay on the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Wiggins Pass Road in North Naples. The plaza, built in 2008 by Benderson Development, is seeing a major renovation as large inline spaces vacated by DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse and Norris Home Furnishings — as well as some smaller vacant retail units — are demolished to build a proposed 54,000-square-foot supermarket at 13585 Tamiami Trail N. Contrary to some incorrect media reports, Publix is not moving into the abandoned Lucky’s Market end space, but rather taking only the northernmost sliver of the defunct grocer’s space to punch an opening through the building and create a drive-thru lane for the new supermarket’s pharmacy.
Asphalt has been removed in many spots within a large cordoned-off area of Gateway Shoppes’ parking lot between the Guitar Center store and the abandoned Lucky’s Market. Detour signs direct traffic around this major construction zone in the middle of the retail center. Expect about an 18-month construction project there.
AIR APPARENT?
Southwest Florida airports look to adopt e-plane infrastructure
By John Guerra
They resemble giant dragonflies, lift straight off the ground, fly 200 mph — and may soon be a common sight over Naples, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda and other Southwest Florida cities.
The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, manufactured by competing companies, are powered by lithium batteries or hybrid fuels. As strange as they may look, the aircraft — with wing spans of 40 feet and longer — are designed to be the workhorses of Florida’s emerging Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure (AAM).
The AAM system now under active planning
in Florida consists of regional airports within the range of the aircraft, which Florida Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said will ferry passengers and goods throughout the state. Not looking forward to that 90-minute drive to Miami International Airport? An eVTOL air taxi can fly you and three other passengers from Naples Municipal Airport to Miami or other destinations not easily served by surface transportation or existing aviation modes. The aircraft could also deliver medical supplies or other light freight to storm-damaged areas. The Florida Department of Transportation in recent years performed several tabletop exercises with Florida airports on designing “vertiports” —
eVTOL landing areas and facilities — which would require recharging stations, hangars or tie-down areas and other features. Southwest Florida airports are
The FDOT, in fact, included Naples Airport in a vertiport compatibility study. To view it online, go to fdot.gov/aviation/fdot-advanced-air-mobility-airport-compatibility-considerations and click
TDC RECOMMENDS COLLIER COUNTY STUDY TOURISM BENEFIT OF PARKS
By Aisling Swift
The Tourist Development Council is recommending that Collier County study whether Paradise Coast Sports Complex and Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park benefit tourism — a study whose results could allow tourist taxes to be used for their expansions. The TDC voted 5-2 on Nov. 19 to recommend that the Board of
County Commissioners pay Chicago-based Hunden Partners up to $103,800 for a study to determine their economic impact on tourism and the benefits of expanding them. TDC Vice Chair Clark Hill, Hilton Naples’ general manager, and TDC member Michael McComas, an Everglades City councilman, were opposed.
TDC Chair Rick LoCastro, a county commissioner, said commissioners discussed whether they could avoid the hefty study ex-
pense because they already know the complex brings in tourists during events, but it’s required by law.
“It’s part of the bureaucracy and red tape of the state statute, not that it won’t net us some positive information, but I don’t think any commissioner thought it was worth $100,000,” LoCastro said.
“… It’s possible that it could be used for other things. If we see an opportunity to chase a grant, then all of a sudden the study becomes a
main part of that grant-ask.” State law requires a tourism-impact study before tourist-development tax (TDT) dollars can be used for capital construction and maintenance of tourist-related facilities. The taxes come from the county’s 5% bed tax, revenues from hotels, Airbnbs and other rentals of six months or less. The TDC’s recommendation will go to the Board of County CommissionSee STUDY, Page 7A
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SWFL INSIDER
Festival raises $30,000 to rebuild Empowerment Farm
More than $30,000 was raised — through sponsorships, ticket sales and sales of market goodies — at the inaugural Fall Festival at Empowerment Farm, held Nov. 2. These funds will be used to support programs and help build a barn to house animals, replacing several out-building structures that suffered extensive damage during Tropical Storm Debby. Nearly 300 people enjoyed the pumpkin patch, themed pumpkin character display, farm animal encounters, photo stations, hayrides and other activities. Families also shopped the farm market featuring seasonal goodies and fall crafts.
Azul spa opens second Naples location
Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa has announced the opening of its second Naples location. The new Park Shore office, at 4850 Tamiami Trail North #230, provides a range of advanced cosmetic treatments to meet the growing needs of the Naples community. The 5,000-square-foot facility features nine treatment rooms, a surgical procedure room, a conference room and an outdoor patio for special events. The strategic Park Shore location, approximately 10 miles from Azul’s North Naples office, was chosen to serve the central Naples area, including both downtown and Waterside, to provide easier access for patients.
Baby Basics fashion show a success
Baby Basics of Collier County held its 17th annual Fashion Show on Nov. 7 with more than 280 women in attendance. The fundraising luncheon has grown into one of the season’s favorites for many of the organization’s supporters. The goal was to raise enough funds to secure an entire tractor trailer load of diapers; that goal was met with more than $100,000 raised. To inquire about volunteer or donation opportunities, email babybasicsjenn@gmail.com or visit babybasicscollier.org
Baker Senior Center expands services
Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services to support local seniors, announced the appointment of Megan Edwards, CCM, as its Director of Geriatric Case Management. In this newly created role, Edwards
will expand essential services to low- and moderate-income seniors. This expansion will improve seniors’ quality of life, reduce risk of homelessness, enhance mental well-being, enhance functional stability and independence, increase access to healthcare and result in overall better management of chronic diseases.
“Megan brings a tremendous amount of geriatric social services knowledge and experience to our team,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “This position was generously funded by a grant from the Collier Community Foundation and we are grateful for their continued support of seniors in our community.”
Browns Backers meet at Pelican Larry’s
Formed in 1999, the Naples Browns Backers get together every week to watch their Cleveland Browns on TV at Pelican Larry’s in North Naples. Even though the outcome each week might not be what they want, they continue to show up — because they know what they’re really doing is changing their community. The Naples Browns Backers’ main charity is Avow Kids. As the holiday season opens, Naples Browns Backers are getting ready to continue a five-year group tradition: buying Christmas presents for the families in the Avow Kids program.
Copperleaf hosts tourney honoring veterans
Home Base Florida, a local non-profit dedicated to supporting veterans and military families affected by the invisible wounds of war, benefited from Copperleaf Charitable Foundation’s 6th annual Veteran Appreciation golf tournament at Copperleaf Golf Club. More than 120 golfers, including more than 30 veterans, participated in the tournament to honor veterans for their valued service. The event included lunch, drinks and prizes for the top winning teams. Since 2016, CCF has contributed $172,000 to expand Home Base Florida’s clinical care, wellness, peer support and clinical training through a variety of annual fundraising activities; and gives back to veterans in the non-profit’s programs through this tournament, as well as free golf lessons.
GNL completes Conservancy cleanup
Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) members kicked off their annual “Done in a Day” community volunteer series for the 2024-25 season at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The group accom-
plished much-needed hurricane cleanup and prep for the current visitor season, which included clearing debris from the Conservancy’s educational trail and the area behind the von Arx Wildlife Hospital and spreading mulch around the campus parking area. Guided by a Conservancy volunteer, GNL members ventured into the Smith Preserve to assess the property and ensure that gopher tortoise burrows had not been blocked by storm debris. Conservancy Vice President Paul Seifert applauded GNL’s efforts. “We were so thrilled to host members of Greater Naples Leadership for their ‘Done in a Day’ event and are so appreciative of our partnership with GNL. Their group worked hard to clean up our campus and get it ready for a busy season of visitors.” GNL President Donna Messer added that ‘The Done in a Day’ series has become a favorite with our members, as we look forward to serving the community each year throughout Collier County.”
Collier Senior Center celebrates 10th anniversary
Collier Senior Center-Golden Gate, Collier County’s first nonprofit senior resource center dedicated to addressing the needs of older adults and caregivers, celebrated the organization’s 10th anniversary during the charity’s annual Transform Seniors’ Lives event earlier this month. Held at Naples Sailing & Yacht Club on Nov. 12, Transform Seniors’ Lives, with Board Chair Jim Barton as emcee, featured dinner, a silent auction, a “cash call” and presentations by key stakeholders, including Florida Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Collier County Commissioner Burt Saunders, Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk and Senior Center Director Esther Lully.
Better Together raises $16,275 at golf tournament Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, raised $16,275 from The World Famous Cigar Bar Charity Golf Tournament, which took place recently at Stoneybrook Golf Club in Estero. The funds raised from the tournament will directly benefit Better Together’s mission to build strong families and communities, ultimately keeping children out of foster care. After completing 18 holes of golf and lunch, golfers enjoyed an after-party at The World Famous Cigar Bar featuring a silent auction, premium imported cigars, spirits and a catered dinner. Among the tournament’s participants were long-time supporters of Better Together, Better Together host families and new allies to the nonprofit’s mission.
dents and shoppers. Nearly all homes will be like corner units and will range from two to four bedrooms and sell for just under $3 million up to $8 million. The project has a long history, including a
NAPLES SQUARE’S ENCORE LUXURY CONDO BUILDING GETS FINAL DESIGN APPROVAL
By Aisling Swift
By Aisling Swift
GOLDEN EAGLES AT GLORY’S DOORSTEP AGAIN
By
The Naples Golden Eagles football program has won its 12th regional championship and is headed to the FHSAA Class 4A state semifinals tonight, Dec. 6. Naples (11-2) went on the road to defeat Port Charlotte 17-10 in the Region 3 title game last weekend to clinch its first region crown since 2018. The Golden Eagles reached the regional finals in three of the previous four seasons, falling short each time. The victory against the Pirates avenged a 21-18 loss to Port Charlotte earlier in the season. The Golden Eagles will be on the road
See GOLDEN EAGLES, Page 9A
From page 3A THE AVENUE
lawsuit filed by 5th Avenue South Holdings, an affiliate of the original developer, Aspen-based M Development. A settlement, formalized by the City Council in October, dropped plans for underground parking and big-box retailers, reduced size and intensity, improved traffic circulation and allows alleyways and rights-ofway to be used for utilities and a tree-shaded pedestrian shopping walkway.
Days later, New York-based JSB Capital Group, the investor since the $43.5 million land purchase in 2021, bought M Development’s interest in the 4.3-acre project spanning two city blocks and it was renamed The Avenue. The project team remained, with Penev as developer, MHK Architecture of Naples, New York City-based Morris Adjmi Architects, Architectural Land Design of Naples and Miami-based L&ND landscape design.
This month’s approval involved 2.57 acres on 1010, 1050 and 1074 Fifth Avenue South, 590 11th Street South and 1041 Sixth Avenue South. The two three-story buildings feature 44,600 square feet of retail and hospitality spaces along Fifth Avenue South and 10th Street South.
Ian Mills, executive director of Morris Adjmi Architects, said it was important to minimize the visual impact of the parking lots and fully enclose that area from the exterior. “They’re not visible at all,” Mills said, adding that retail will conceal parking and wrap around eight corners of the two buildings.
DRB member Sabrina McCabe cited safety concerns due to combined pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the alleyways, but Mills said the lively nature of the space and paving will encourage drivers to slow down, although he will seek more ways to slow traffic.
“We want to allow pedestrians to walk freely and prioritize them and make sure cars are respecting pedestrians,” he added.
DRB member Doug Haughey praised the arches, architecture and “timelessness of the brick,” calling it elegant and fresh, but he rec-
ommended more splashes of color in the landscaping.
Hruby also praised the design improvements, especially the arches, a big change since the project first came before the DRB.
“We called it arch city,” Hruby said of arches on the first, second and third floors that were reduced to just the first floor. “It went wild, and I think we had a lot of comments about it. This is much more sophisticated, much more refined, much more in keeping with Naples and keeping with the tropical environment.”
The marques remind him of old marketplaces, such as Fulton Fish Market in Manhattan.
“It’s refreshing,” he added. “It’s something you really don’t find here in Southwest Florida or anywhere in South Florida, and you’ve done it in such a way that it doesn’t look like it’s northeastern and it does have a very Florida look about it.”
He also noted The Avenue provides linkages that extend Fifth Avenue South eastward beyond Four Corners, tying it to Tin City and other developments, and that the two buildings on the 1000 block designed by Morris Adjmi Architects complement the other two buildings designed by MHK Architecture on the 900 block, “not like twins,” but “successful cousins.”
However, DRB member Chae duPont said it lacks a place where people can meet with friends, as at Mercato or Waterside Shops; a place to sit, “chat and interact and socialize without being required to buy a coffee.”
Mills noted the retail tenants, which haven’t been lined up yet, will offer spaces to sit, but he can look into a public seating area that isn’t tied to retail.
DRB members also discussed lighting in the various passages and entryways to resident parking to ensure they’re not like dark tunnels and not overly windy, as well as lighting and landscaping to tie the four buildings together. The DRB approved it with 14 conditions, in addition to eight recommended by city staff. The two buildings still require site-plan approval from city staff and final design review approval by the DRB.
Directed by Risa Brainin
Naples coach Rick Martin celebrates with Golden Eagles players after they defeated Port Charlotte 17-10 in the Class 4A, Region 3 championship game on Nov. 29. Photo courtesy Naples High School
David Wasson
OUT & ABOUT
Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs, a nonprofit based in Naples, hosted a Santa PAWS event to kick off the holiday season Nov. 20 at the Ken and Susan Meyer Center for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. The organization provides service dogs that have been specially trained to assist law enforcement, veterans and children with disabilities.
Photography by Liz Gorman
Southwest Florida golfers participated in The Immokalee Foundation’s 2024 Charity Classic Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The event included a pairings party Nov. 17 and a pro-am tournament Nov. 18. Both were held at Bay Colony Golf Club in Naples.
Attendees at the pairings party had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with event headliner Jay Haas and golf legend Peter Jacobsen.
Introduced to golf by his uncle, 1968 Masters Tournament winner Bob Goalby, Haas has played professional golf for 45 years, winning nine times on the PGA Tour and 18 times on the Champions Tour.
Haas, Jacobsen and 25 other PGA and LPGA golf professionals participated in the Charity Classic Golf Tournament. Split into 26 teams,
local golfers helped The Immokalee Foundation raise more than $700,000 to support the immediate educational and professional development needs of more than 1,300 students in Immokalee — from kindergarten through postsecondary education.
Local philanthropist Don Fites chaired the event in honor of former Immokalee Foundation board member Peter Negri. Committee members include Joe Abruzzese, Greg DeWitt, Sandra Edwards, Sheila McGonigal, Colleen Nicholson and Louise Penta.
“As a longtime supporter of The Immokalee Foundation, Peter Negri’s impact is still being felt,” said Noemi Y. Perez, the foundation’s president and CEO. “He played such a powerful role in the Foundation’s growth and development, and we are honored to have hosted this popular annual event in his memory. It was one of his favorites.”
Readington has been trained as part of the Golden PAWS program.
Jackie Borchers, Corporal John Borchers of the Collier County Sheriff's Office and Kendall Chaffee, with Readington
Melissa Flom, Gabriella Flom and Matthew Flom with service dog Bobbi-O
Master Officer Jeffrey Perry, of the Naples Police Department, with Max Tom, a Golden PAWS volunteer, with Golden PAWS cadet Trooper
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Craig Layton with his service dog Palmer
Laurie Wireman, Jeanne Kopp and Claire Licciardi, volunteers and supporters of Golden PAWS
Decked out for the holidays, Readington gets some special attention. Julie Peterson and Chris Brossard, volunteers
From left, Eric Gorelick, Adam Beatty, Grant Quasius, Peter Jacobsen and David Lavine. Contributed photo
Special to the Naples Press
DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS
icated easements. Council also barred outdoor dining and restaurants requiring grease traps, but a small café without a grease trap would be allowed.
A year later, the developer revised plans again, asking for a mixed-use building with homes and a 7,500-square-foot restaurant with 2,900 square feet of outdoor seating. Ruth’s Chris Steak House was suggested, but neighbors opposed the restaurant due to traffic and noise concerns. After the DRB objected to the size, the commercial portion was reduced.
On Sept. 18, Council barely approved the site plan, voting 4-3, with Mayor Theresa Heitmann, Vice Mayor Terry Hutchison and Beth Petrunoff contending it didn’t meet city codes, especially involving open space. Conditions for approval required stormwater upgrades, road improvement cost-sharing with the city and prohibiting permanent structures on ded-
Encore’s second- and third-floor homes are arranged in a courtyard configuration around a second-floor pool and amenity area. Each will have access to ground-level garages, while a separate parking lot accommodates commercial uses. There are entries and exits on the east side of 12th Street South.
During the hearing, much of the focus was on the trash and recycling areas and ensuring they’re obscured.
A couple whose $1.6 million Naples Square condo faces the 12th Street South façade wrote that their living room window is just 30 feet away from where recycling bins are placed once a week. It was the one response out of 1,394 letters the city sent to property owners
within 1,000 feet of Encore about the hearing.
“It’s not that frequently that we get any sort of response from the residents, so I think it’s really important that we as a board make sure that we flesh out whatever issues that resident brought up. That’s what I’m trying to do here,” said DRB member Chae duPont.
McLean said most of the issues were discussed by the DRB, Planning Advisory Board and City Council and they’ve remedied residents’ concerns, but are willing to do what’s necessary.
“I think the board is seeing what’s gone into the four years of ‘baking’ this project to get us here today,” McLean said. “Every single-family home, every condominium building, every commercial building generates trash and there’s the reality that there’s a trash pickup somewhere.”
After much discussion among the resident,
board members, McLean and Christian Andrea of Architectural Land Design, they came to an agreement.
“Unfortunately, when you buy a property like this in Naples Square and you have a commercial zone across from you that’s going to be developed, you’re going to have to deal with some things in that space that you might not be excited about,” DRB member Douglas Haughey said, noting that recycling bins only go out for a few hours. “It’s part of living in an urban environment.”
There’s just one Naples Square approval left for the DRB, nearly an acre of commercial development at 325 12th Street South, which includes a restaurant that was reduced from 5,000 square feet to 3,500 square feet with 500 square feet of outdoor dining. The maximum potential was 5,291 square feet. It’s expected to be heard on Dec. 20.
ers for final approval Dec. 10.
The complex, located off Collier Boulevard near Interstate 75 in East Naples, opened in 2020 and the second phase was completed in October 2023. Those phases feature eight synthetic turf fields and a 3,500-seat stadium, and future plans include an expansion to 21 full-size rectangle and diamond fields, an indoor fieldhouse hardened for hurricanes and other facilities.
The complex includes a 13-acre man-made lake, beach-volleyball areas, The Cove Beer & Wine Bar and The Factory open-air fitness pavilion, which includes an obstacle course, weight room and running trails with workout stations.
Last month, commissioners approved Phase 3: a ninth field, pre-engineered metal building, a parking lot and bathrooms at a cost of $9 million to $10 million. It has to go out to bid for a contractor, and construction will take 12 to 18 months. The complex’s capital fund and other sources can be used for funding, but commissioners hope to also use TDT funds.
Since Clearwater-based Sports Facilities Cos. took over management in 2021, the complex began making a profit in 2022 through events, tournaments, food and beverage sales and commissions from hotel referrals. But during peak season, events have been forced to use other county park fields due to increasing demand.
“Hunden will profile the historical performance of the facility and evaluate past and current expansion and future phases, making projections of performance and spending, jobs and tax impacts for the complex’s various phases, including future expansion,” county Corporate Financial Management Services Director Chris Johnson told commissioners.
The study will provide financial and economic-impact scenarios for five possibilities and consider demand, lost business at the sports complex due to eight fields and whether to first build the next phase of Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park. County Tourism Director Jay Tusa said the purpose is to guide the council and board on next steps.
TDC member Bill Kramer, a football coach and Naples City Council member, said that last year there were about 500 football players and eight teams at a three-day summer event, but the complex has no shelter for bad weather, which is a health and safety concern.
“We had to rent buses and have buses for 500 people standing by to scurry them away to some place,” Kramer said of a rainy day, adding there’s only a locker room, so this year, organizers lined up accommodations at nearby Great Wolf Lodge. “Either finish it or sell it — because it’s going to be a huge moneymaker eventually.”
Johnson noted Phase 3 will include a pavilion for shelter. Adrian Moses, the complex’s general manager, said Collier suffers from a “severe lack of facilities,” fields, diamonds and indoor sports facilities, so he has to use other park fields, including Big Island Corkscrew Regional Park.
Last month, Collier County commissioners approved Phase 3 for the Paradise Coast Sports Complex: a ninth field, preengineered metal building a parking lot and bathrooms at a cost of $9 million to $10 million. It has to go out to bid for a contractor, and construction will take 12 to 18 months.
“Local sports organizations need the facility,” Moses said of the complex, noting that for Kramer’s tournament to drive economic impact here, Sports Facilities must use other parks. “We have the draw. We need the fields to put the teams on to be able to have that.”
Hill didn’t want to use TDT funding to study Corkscrew, but Johnson said if it isn’t a tourism draw, other funds can be used for that portion of the study.
TDC member Laura Radler, Edgewater Beach Hotel's general manager, questioned if Hunden Partners would be partial; Hunden conducted the 2015 study on whether to build a sports complex. She noted some commissioners want to use TDT funds for Parks & Recreation Department infrastructure.
“How are we going to be certain that they’re really looking at tourism impact and not lumping these funds to be able to use to build?” Radler asked.
LoCastro said commissioners may not agree with the study results, but said Big Corkscrew and Sun-N-Fun Lagoon water park have a huge tourism benefit, although others may disagree, so a study is needed. He noted the sports complex “isn’t a cash cow,” but has many positive effects.
“We still want that sports complex to not be something that we’re dumping excessive amounts of money into,” LoCastro said of construction and maintenance. “Selling the sports complex isn’t something we’ve ruled out. We actually had somebody that came to us last year, an outside agency, that said, ‘Would you be interested?’ And we said, you know, we’re not putting a for-sale sign in front of it, but we would have that conversation.”
In the end, he said, the potential buyer said it wasn’t a good time due to the economy.
NAPLES POLICE HOLDING TOY DRIVE
Naples Police Department is holding a holiday toy drive to benefit two nonprofits, Project Help and Beverly’s Angels.
There are three ways to donate to the Operation Fill-A-Patrol-Car Toy Drive, which runs through Dec. 16:
• Drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the police department’s lobby at 355 Riverside Circle, Naples.
• Donate a toy through Pop Toy Co. at bit.ly/fill-a-patrolcarpoptoy
• Send a toy through your Amazon account to Naples Police Department, Attn: Sean Phillips, 355 Riverside Circle, Naples, 34102.
Project Help Rape Recovery & Victim Services Center provides hope, empowerment, healing and free counseling services to victims of all crimes in Collier County. Beverly’s Angels supports county residents trying to build their lives, careers and full-time jobs, who are often enduring 30- to 75-minute daily commutes due to Southwest Florida’s high cost of living.
Your support empowers us to transform lives and strengthen the mental well-being of those who need it most.
In 2023, your support helped us:
• Provide 349,000 lifesaving and life-changing services
• Reach 13,000 individuals through our education and prevention model
• Transform the lives of nearly 9,000 children, adults, seniors and veterans through emergency, residential and outpatient programs
A heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors for making this possible. Your dedication to our mission ensures that every individual, regardless of their ability to pay, can receive the care they deserve. Together, we are saving and changing lives in our community.
THURSDAY
MARCH 20, 2025
Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
on Naples Airport.
Among the considerations for siting a vertiport at APF:
In addition to traditional considerations such as tall buildings, a vertiport at Naples Airport will require additional coordination with instrument approach procedures, the FDOT found. The airport will also have to design final approach and takeoff areas that include traditional runways and a landing area for the electric aircraft. Not only that, but airport firefighters must be trained and equipped to handle the dangers associated with electric propulsion: Battery or electrical fires, toxic gas emissions and high voltage electrical arcing all present unique issues for firefighters when it comes to electric aircraft.
Not all potential vertiport sites have the nec-
essary infrastructure in place to meet the voltage and charging rate demands of eVTOL aircraft; that’s why the Naples Airport Authority hired a company to look into what it would take to host the battery-powered aircraft, which need recharging every 200 miles or so.
“The NAA has engaged a consulting firm to develop a somewhat ‘mini’ airport electrification master plan, which includes a section on potential charging needs for electric aircraft/ AAM,” said Robin King, NAA director of communications for the aviation authority.
According to the FDOT, typical airport electrical infrastructure requirements for charging three aircraft include a concrete pad 500 feet by 170 feet for the electrical components and a minimum of three 600 kilowatt chargers. There are drawbacks with chargers at Naples Airport: High humidity and salinity of some cities can reduce the lifespan of charging stations and their accessories, the FDOT said.
Baker Senior Center Naples is proud to be a lifeline and advocate for older adults living in Collier and Southern Lee counties. We are continuously looking forward, building a foundation of support and strength for families and individuals in our community.
JOIN US FOR THE
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Lee County Port Authority
“The Lee County Port Authority has been in informal talks with several eVTOL entities since 2019 about the potential of operating at either Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) or Page Field (FMY),” said Victoria Moreland, director of communications for the port authority.
Those entities include Lilium GmbH, which produces the Phoenix, a five-seater jet prototype with 36 electrically powered jacketed propellers mounted in movable flaps that can point down for vertical takeoff and gradually moved to a horizontal position to provide forward thrust. The company, which was founded in 2015, has more than 1,000 employees and partners with Honeywell, NetJets, GlobeAir and other AAM providers. The aircraft is not just a pipe dream; it is being engineered and is on track for certification, the company said.
Lee County has also been in informal talks with Skyports, a company that builds and operates vertiports around the world. On Nov. 12, Skyports launched construction on the world’s first permanent, commercial vertiport near Dubai International Airport; the first of four vertiports planned across that city. Dubai is partnering with Joby Aviation, whose electric aircraft has flown 30,000 miles and which has completed three of five aircraft certification stages with the FAA. Toyota has invested $500 million toward commercial production of the Joby air taxi.
rector of marketing and communications for Punta Gorda Airport.
“We are supportive of Florida DOT’s plans to adopt plans for advanced air mobility facilities at Florida’s regional airports,” she said. “While we don’t have concrete plans yet, we are definitely keeping our eye on this emerging sector.”
That includes planning for its inclusion in the airport’s land and infrastructure, she said.
“We are prepared to support its integration and are planning to update our Master Plan soon, and that will be the best time to look at potential sites for AAM infrastructure.”
According to Miller, the Master Plan Update, which will likely take place in 2026, will ask the following questions:
• What existing facilities and land areas already support this technology?
• What infrastructure development for charging and/or vertiports would need to be developed?
• What coordination with FPL would be required to satisfy electrification and grid capacity?
• How would operations be safely and efficiently integrated into the National Airspace System?
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Entertainment by Shadows of the 60’s
Tickets are $750. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Dr. Jaclynn Faffer at 239.325.4444 BakerSeniorCenterNaples.org
Presenting Sponsor
Media Sponsor
UPCOMING
Naples Art Institute Art Fairs
NAPLES NEW YEAR’S ART FAIR
January 4 - 5, 2025
Cambier Park
NAPLES NATIONAL ART FAIR
February 2 - 2 , 2025
Cambier Park
NAPLES DOWNTOWN ART FAIR
March 22 - 2 , 2025
Cambier Park
The county thinks it may have a site for landing the electric planes near Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.
“To plan for the future, the LCPA board has identified an eVTOL site within the Skyplex, a land development area at RSW, for potential future use,” Moreland said.
The Lee County Port Authority is seriously weighing all aspects of operating a vertiport or hiring a company to do so.
“Pending issues are Federal Aviation Administration certifications, site needs vs. constraints (particularly at FMY) and returns on investments for both the eVTOL company and us,” Moreland said. “As the eVTOL aircraft and regulations surrounding eVTOL operations move forward, the port authority will be working with regulatory agencies and interested firms.”
Don’t count out Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
Charlotte County will include a vertiport in its master plan revision, said Kaley Miller, di-
Advanced Air Mobility may still be in its infancy stages, but there’s real investment. United Airlines in June ordered $1 billion worth of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft, which it said it will use for air taxi service. United could run such air taxis between Sebring and Tampa, Miami and other larger airports. If a Sebring resident books a flight on United Airlines from Orlando Airport to Chicago, the cost of the air taxi from Sebring to Orlando could be added to the ticket price.
Duke Energy and Florida Power and Light are also performing R&D for the new aviation sector. Duke Energy is collaborating with AeroX, a nonprofit that works to commercialize AAM in North Carolina and focuses on using drones for power line inspections. In September 2023, Duke Field in Florida broke ground on the first Level 3 electric aircraft charging station on a military installation.
Moreland said any further conversation about a vertiport is premature until the FAA certifies the various iterations of eVTOL aircraft and charging infrastructure is adopted at other airports. In other words, there must be widespread adoption of the technology at other airports for it to work.
King agreed: “We haven’t advanced any further plans because currently there is not a private sector demand.”
The overall project for the supermarket, which includes an adjacent Publix Liquors store, is not targeted for completion until May 2026, according to Collier County Growth Management.
Publix Super Markets is not expected to begin vertical construction of its store until next August, said John Lyon, project manager of Benderson’s initial site work ahead of the construction of Publix, which still needs county permitting approval.
“There’s a lot of preparatory work before they can get in there and their contractor can get started,” Lyon said.
The redevelopment project includes demolition to about 57,548 square feet of existing retail and office space and changes to the center’s parking lot and traffic lanes, as well as modifications to the stormwater infrastructure and utilities within the project area. Minor modifications to surrounding businesses also are proposed. Lucky’s former space at 13583 Tamiami Trail N. will be downsized to 22,403 square feet and then split into two retail units, site plans show.
Will Publix be the catalyst necessary to revitalize Gateway Shoppes and attract prospective tenants to fill its numerous vacant retail units?
Time will tell, of course, but large vacancies will remain in the former Bed Bath & Beyond store, the endcap space left behind by Lucky’s, the space vacated by Panera Bread and the new outparcel units next to Kelly’s Roast Beef, which is targeted to open before the end of the year.
Publix has two other major construction projects in the works in Collier County. In addition to building a new supermarket on the footprint of its longtime store in Neapolitan Way Plaza in Naples, Publix has a new store taking shape in the future Shoppes at Orange Blossom, just east of Palmetto Ridge High School on Oil Well Road in Golden Gate Estates.
From page 4A
New Home Depot planned
Q: What is planned for where the WAVV radio station was recently torn down on Tamiami Trail East?
— Howard Ripps, East Naples
A: The 1.38-acre property on U.S.
41 East that formerly was the longtime home to WAVV radio station is part of a strip of land proposed by national retailer Home Depot for its third store in Collier County.
The small parcel is part of the bigger plan to locate the big-box home
again tonight in the state semifinals, traveling to Orlando to play the Jones Fightin’ Tigers. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Jones High School, and the game will be broadcast throughout Collier County on 105.9 Fox Sports Radio and streaming free online at foxsportsfm.com
Jones takes a perfect record (13-0) into its game with Naples, having won Class 4A, District 7 and claiming the Region 2 title with a 27-13 victory over Ocala Vanguard. The winner of tonight’s Naples-Jones game will play the winner of the American Heritage-St. Augustine semifinal in the Class 4A state championship game Dec. 13 at FIU’s Pitbull Stadium. Naples is led by a tandem of senior running backs in senior
improvement store on a narrow band of mostly undeveloped land totaling 13.79 acres on the south side of the East Trail, just south of Barefoot Williams Road and to the north of Habitat Road.
The multinational chain, which already operates stores in East Naples and North Naples, considers this proposed location its Southeast Naples store. Atlanta-based Home Depot USA purchased the radio studio property at 11800 Tamiami Trail E. in October 2022
for $2.1 million. That included the recently razed 3,124-square-foot residential-style structure built in 1987 that served as the radio station’s home for about 30 years.
Home Depot has been fairly quiet so far about its plans for another store, said Collier County Commissioner Rick LoCastro, who represents that district.
“Home Depot is not putting a shovel in the ground tomorrow. They don’t have permits for anything,” he said.
NAPLES GOLDEN EAGLES vs. JONES FIGHTIN' TIGERS FHSAA CLASS 4A STATE SEMIFINALS
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Jones High School in Orlando Game broadcast on 105.9 Fox Sports Radio and streaming free online at foxsportsfm.com
Shawn Simeon and Trayvon Jean. Simeon is just 52 yards away from becoming the first player in Southwest Florida history to record back-to-back seasons of 2,000 rushing yards; he has rushed 222 times for 1,948 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024.
benefit The Shelter for Abused Women & Children For more information, contact Lauren McDermott at 239.775.3862 naplesshelter.org/mensevent Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence®
~ Dinner 5:00 pm • January 15, 2025
Oaks Country Club
In fact, LoCastro is surprised that Home Depot already bought the land, which includes six contiguous parcels.
“That one’s a little bit funky because it’s multiple parcels. I am sure that all the parcels are not zoned for commercial,” LoCastro said. “That would be one that probably would have to come to commissioners, because one of the parcels is zoned residential, I believe, so that would have to be rezoned. So, a rezone is automatically coming to us.”
Home Depot has petitions under county staff review for a planned unit development zoning request, as well as a growth management plan amendment request. The latest plans filed with the county’s Growth Management department show a proposal to build a 107,709-square-foot stand-alone Home Depot store with an associated 28,018-square-foot garden center on its southeast end and a lumber pickup area and tool rental center on its northwest end. Plans show 445 on-site parking spaces, but some of those are earmarked for a seasonal sales area; shopping cart corrals; shed and trailer displays; and equipment and truck rental. More than a third of the acreage will be open space such as dry retention areas and a preserve of protected native vegetation. By the way, WAVV 101.1 FM still exists as an easy listening station; its physical studios are just not located in East Naples anymore. Fort Myers Broadcasting purchased the radio station’s license and a long-term lease on the radio tower in September 2022, but the local broadcaster did not buy the real estate where the studios were for decades. Naples-based Alpine Broadcasting Corp. and the family of late founder Norman Alpert owned the property, which they sold that fall to Home Depot, county property records show.
The “Tim Aten Knows” weekly column answers local questions from readers. Email Tim at tim. aten@naplespress.com.
He rushed for 2,040 yards and 27 touchdowns on 188 carries last season.
Jean, who missed six games earlier this season with a broken collarbone, returned for the playoffs and has 758 rushing yards this season on just 77 carries, with nine touchdowns. The Golden Eagles have piled up 4,249 rushing yards as a team this season — an incredible 326.8 yards per outing.
Naples’ defense is just as dominant, as the Golden Eagles shut out both River Ridge and St. Petersburg earlier in the playoffs and allow just 9.6 points per game. Naples collectively has recorded 118 tackles for loss, 46 sacks and 14 interceptions — with Andre Ferdinand and Brady Clark both recording two interceptions in the regional final against Port Charlotte, and Clark returning both of his INTs for touchdowns.
Naples has played in three state championship games, with the Golden Eagles capturing the 2001 and 2007 state crowns.
Experience vacation vibes…every single day of your life. Seriously, why would anyone take a vacation when they can live one? Sophisticated residences surrounded by indulgences normally found only in a five-star resort. That’s Kalea Bay. Where the vacation never ends. F Final Tower now under construction P Prices from $3 5M
COLLIER SENDS HANDS-FREE MESSAGE TO STATE LEGISLATURE
By Aisling Swift
Collier County commissioners are asking the Florida Legislature to require drivers to use hands-free devices, in order to make roads safer and join 31 other states with similar laws. Commissioners voted unanimously to pass a resolution authored by Commission Chair Chris Hall, who said it’s local government’s responsibility to “advocate for the safety and well-being of our community.” The resolution
Night at the Museum
Resolution meant to strengthen local statute
will be sent to the Legislature.
Citing national research, the study says distracted driving causes thousands of injuries and fatalities yearly nationwide; that phone use increases the risk of crashing by a factor of 23; and it’s six times more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol.
Hall told commissioners bicyclists and a man whose child was killed by a distracted driver urged him to act. “I just wanted to send
PSSST..
a message to the state … to do the right thing and make some good regulations to keep our streets and highways safer,” Hall added. Since July 1, 2019, Florida has had a handsfree driving law that covers all wireless devices, including tablets, laptops and electronic games, and also prohibits their use in school crossings and construction zones. But it allows drivers to make or receive phone calls on handheld and hands-free phones and use
Have you heard about CMON’s Night at the Museum: The Color Factory
Saturday, February 8, 2025
hands-free texting and voice playback. Emergency vehicle operators on official duties are exempt.
The resolution says Collier has seen an increase in distracted driving, and a study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics reported a 17.8% increase in screen interaction time while driving from 2020 to 2023.
Commissioner Dan Kowal, who retired from the county Sheriff’s Office, said the resolution will “strengthen a statute that’s already on the books to make it more enforceable to the point where we’ll make it safer for our public.”
Naples Comprehensive Health is the only healthcare system in Collier County to be recognized by US News & World Report as a Top 20 Health System in Florida, a distinction that puts us in the top 10% of all health systems in the state.
• 4 emergency centers with 24-hour care
• 3 immediate care clinics
• 220+ providers, 40+ locations, and 15+ specialties
• Cardiac Centers of Excellence
• Partnership with the world’s #1 in orthopedics: Hospital for Special Surgery
• Only Joint Commission certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida
• Only Birthing Center in Collier County
• Research and clinical trials
We’re proud to be one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals and Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care by Healthgrades. This achievement puts NCH in the top 2% nationwide for overall clinical performance, reflecting our commitment to exceptional patient care.
Visit NCHmd.org to learn more about our experts, right here in Naples.
As an icon rises along the Vanderbilt Beach skyline, there will be a new address in Naples to surpass all others. With coastal residences of unrivaled space and finishes, 50,000 square feet of inspired amenities, and impeccable service by the first name in luxury, every moment of every day will be yours to enjoy at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples. A rare opportunity reserved for the few, the time to select your residence is now.
The best time to select one of these incomparable homes for yourself is now. 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 106, Naples, Florida 34109 Phone 239-249-6260 The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples Pricing from $4.8 million. RCRNaples.com
rts & LEISURE
Ongoing events
North Pole on Third
4-7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays
— The North Pole on Third: Fleischmann Plaza. Live Christmas music Thursdays and Fridays, snowfall at 7 p.m. all three days.
‘A Nice Family Christmas’
7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec 8 at in Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Golden Gate. The Studio Players production.
In A Nice Family Christmas, a writer is ordered to write a personal article about Christmas at home, but his dysfunctional family says no way. $35, $37.75 at thestudioplayers.org or 239.398.9192
‘Christmas Story’ musical
7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22 at the Kizzie inside Sugden Community Theater, 701 Fifth Ave.
S. Musical version, from Naples Players, of the famous film following young Ralphie’s Christmas quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. $50-$55. naplesplayers.org or 239.263.7990
Marco holiday comedy
7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 3 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays through Dec. 22 at Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center, 1089 Collier Blvd., Marco Island. The Greatest Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some): Several actors, fed up with another year of A Christmas Carol, mosh together every Christmas story they know. $30. marcoislandart.org or 239.784.1186
‘The Magic of Lights’
6-9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 4 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. Drive-through show of more than two million lights includes 32-foot, animated Mattel Waving Christmas Barbie, prehistoric Yule scene with life-sized celebrating dinosaurs, more. Advance: $19 car; at the gate: $32 car weekdays, $37 weekends. playparadisecoast.com
‘Every Brilliant Thing’
7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 15 at Baker Theatre Education Center’s Struthers Studio, 100 GoodletteFrank Road S., Naples. Boy’s list of wonderful things, begun at age 7, influences his life. Gulfshore Playhouse production. $40, up. gulfshoreplayhouse.org or 239.261.PLAY
Arsenault retrospective
9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays now through Feb. 15 at Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island. Paul Arsenault’s “Reflections of South Florida: A 50-Year Art Adventure.” Free. themihs.info/ museum or 239.389.6447
Shroud of Turin sculpture On exhibition indefinitely at Canizaro Exhibit Library, Ave Maria Library, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., and The Ark Chapel, Ave Maria. A commissioned 14-foot sculpture. Free. 239.280.2500
At Baker Museum
10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdaysSaturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays at The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. To Feb. 2, “Alex Katz, Theater and Dance,” artist’s collaboration with staging; “As We Rise: Photographs from the Black Atlantic”; to Jan. 5, “Becky Suss: The Dutch House,” inspired by the 2019
CALENDAR
novel. $10; student or military (with I.D.), $5; SNAP benefits (with EBT card), $1; ages 17 or younger, free. artisnaples.org or 239.597.1900
Art mascots at Revs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at the Revs Institute, 2500 Horseshoe Drive S., Naples. “Roaring Twenties, Rolling Art: French Automotive Mascots,” exclusive French car mascots (often called hood ornaments in the U.S.) from the Jon Zoler collection that are artist-designed small sculptures created for customers such as Hermès. $20, $15 for military, students, educators ($10 more for docent-guided tours).
Advance tickets required for entry. revsinstitute.org or 239.687.7387
The North Pole on Third 4-7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays at Fleischmann Plaza, Naples. Live Christmas music Thursdays and Fridays, snowfall at 7 p.m. all three days.
This weekend (Dec. 6, 7, 8)
Christmas on Fifth 5-10 p.m. Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 7 all along Fifth Avenue South. Christmas comes to Sugden Theatre plaza with the huge tree lighting at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dining on Naples along Fifth Avenue South; al fresco dinners Dec. 7 (reservations with participating restaurants necessary; see fifthavenuesouth.com). There’s plenty of shopping, entertainment and holiday spirits.
Bayshore Arts Walk
Beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at GJ Gardner Homes Gallery & A. Jaron Fine Jewelry, 3784 Bayshore Drive. Bayshore Arts District will host a special First Friday Art Walk featuring artwork from the Aubrey Rogers High School Art Club.
Outdoor exhibition showcasing 30 student art pieces among businesses on Bayshore Drive in a pop-up open-air gallery. Free.
Celebrate VII
7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Marco Lutheran Church, 525 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. A collaborative grouping of seasonal solo and ensemble works. Free tickets at the church office. 239.394.0332
Zarna Garg 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S. First St., Immokalee. Zarna Garg is an Indian immigrant whose snappy sense of humor about her life and her new home won her a slot as one of the Variety 2023 Comics to Watch. $85. ticketmaster.com
Breakfast with Santa 9-11 a.m. Dec. 7 at Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. First St., Immokalee. Kids enjoy decorating cookies, sweet treats, crafts and pictures with Santa. $5. Preregistration required at collierparks. com
Holiday Art-in-the-Glades
10 a.m.-1 p.m. at McLeod Park, Copeland Avenue at Hibiscus Street West, Everglades City. Arts & crafts sale featuring local creations and holiday items. Free admission.
Naples Jazzmasters
2-4 p.m. Dec. 7 at River Park Community Center, 301 11th St. N. Dixieland jazz by local musicians. Freewill offering. thenaplesjazzsociety.com
HALLELUJAH! IT’S ‘MESSIAH’ SEASON
Dec. 7 at Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples; Dec. 8 at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. The Naples Philharmonic and the Naples Philharmonic Chorus in the classic, larger-than-life Handel oratorio. These will be the only performances in Collier County this year; there’s a sabbatical for the popular sing-along Messiah while Voices of Naples and its new director acclimate to one another and the organization gets a head start on funding the concert after Hurricanes Milton and Debby slowed efforts. $29-$77 Dec. 7, $35 ($15 student with ID) Dec. 8. artisnaples.org or 239.597.1900
Student art, such as “Breaking Through” by freshman Natalie A. of Aubrey Rogers High School, will be featured along the Bayshore Art District’s walk Dec. 6. Contributed photo
Gulfshore ‘Nutcracker’
Noon and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Pulte Family Life Center, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. Gulfshore Ballet presents the Tchaikovsky ballet. $50, VIP tickets at eventbrite.com
Snowfest
3-9 p.m. Dec. 7 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. Snow for kids to play on, games, food for purchase, snow slides, radio-controlled cars, a holiday bounce land, Santa Claus. Holiday film at 7:30 p.m. — bring blankets for seating. $8, free ages 3 and younger. playparadisecoast.com
Marco Tree Lighting
6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Veterans Community Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Tree lighting, community celebration. Free.
Martina Long sings Broadway
7 p.m. Dec. 7 at The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. Martina Long is a guest entertainer for Carnival Cruise Line with her solo shows “Women of the ’60s,” “Broadway … with a twist” and “All About Love,” and audiences will enjoy even more of her Broadway repertoire at “Life Is a Cabaret,” a benefit for United Arts Collier. $35. Tickets at the center or call 239.213. 3058
Country Yuletide Jam
8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S. First St.,
Canine Holiday Pet Parade
5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at The Esplanade, 760 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Dogs in seasonal costumes compete for pawsitively wonderful prizes. christmasislandstyle.com
‘Deep in My Heart’ 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples. Opera Naples winter opera-lecture series 1954 film of the life of operetta and music composer Sigmund Romberg (Student Prince, Song of India) starring José Ferrer, Merle Oberon, Helen Traubel and with cameos of MGM music stars. Donation $20 for opera’s education programs. operanaples.org or 239.963.9050
Composer’s talk
Noon Dec. 12 at the Rowe Center, Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Composer Meilina Tsui delves into the inspiration and creative process behind her new work, Floridian Symphony, before its world premiere by the Naples Philharmonic Dec. 13-14. Free.
Home for the Holidays
Immokalee. The Tampa-based Outlaws’ Green Grass & Yuletide Jam mixes their hits with their seasonal favorites. $53 and $63. ticketmaster. com
Sypert Salon Series
3 p.m. Dec. 8 and 10 in the Daniels Pavilion at Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Beethoven’s Serenade in D Major and the Kreutzer Clarinet Trio. $59. artisnaples.org or 230.597.1900
7 p.m. Dec. 8 at Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Under the Streetlamp, a doo-wop group, brings ’50s retro harmonies to all kinds of holiday songs. $55-$69. artisnaples. org or 230.597.1900
Next week (Dec. 9-12)
Ritz Gingerbread House
5-8 p.m. weekdays; 11a.m.-8 p.m. weekends Dec. 9-24 at Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Ritz-Carlton chefs present their 2024 Gingerbread House Experience. Free for local residents and resort guests. Valet parking fee of $10 applies.
Voices of Naples Christmas Concert
7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 13 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Drive, Naples, then Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Boulevard, Naples. Christmas classics, carols, holiday favorites from Voices of Naples. Freewill offering. voicesofnaples.org
A Seraphic Fire Christmas
7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive, Naples. Songs from “Rise Up, Shepherds, and Follow” to “Mary Had a Baby” and “O Magnum Magisterium,” under the direction of Anthony Trecek-King. $65-$85 at seraphicfire.org
7 p.m. Dec. 12 in the Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Concert pianist Jodie DeSalvo, vocalists Mark Sanders and Carol Sanitas perform holiday songs. Part of the Piano Talks Series. $64. artisnaples.org or 239.597.1900
Critic’s Choice: ‘James’ 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at Daniels Pavilion, and noon Dec. 14 at Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples. Resident reviewer Elaine Newton discusses the Percival Everett book, James. $50 and $46.
Next weekend (Dec. 13, 14, 15)
Artist’s talk: Becky Suss
10 a.m. Dec. 13 in the Ubben Event Space at The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Exhibiting artist Becky Suss discusses her solo exhibition at The Baker Museum, “Becky Suss: The Dutch House,” as a painter of scenes that represent psychological space and literature as a touchstone for her works. $30. artisnaples.org or 230.597.1900
Build a candy house
5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Vineyards Community Park center, 6231 Arbor Blvd. W., Naples. Kids ages 4-12 use candy, cookies and frosting to build their own Christmas candy house. All materials included. $12. Preregister by Dec. 6 at collierparks.com 239.252.4105
Mendelssohn, world premiere 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13-14 at Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. The Naples Philharmonic, Artistic/music director Alexander Shelley conducting and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Chorus, Jeremy Warner, director. Performances of the world premiere of Meilina Tsui’s Floridian Symphony; Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, with James Ehnes guest artist; and excerpts from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. $15-$82. artisnaples.org or 239.597.1900
‘Holiday Eats’ kids’ cooking 6-7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Ave. NE, Naples. Kids learn to maneuver in the kitchen and learn recipes for simple holiday treats. $10. Reservations required at collierparks.com
The Naples Philharmonic Chorus and the Naples Philharmonic star in Handel’s Messiah, being performed Dec. 7 and 8. Photo courtesy Artis Naples
COVER STORY
Holiday theater offers ...
EVERY KIND OF CHRISTMAS TALE
By Harriet Howard Heithaus harriet.heithaus@naplespress.com
Christmas stories hold endless fascination for us. And they’re even better when their characters step out of the celluloid or spring from the page to live theater. That’s a truth not lost on Naples theater companies, of which an unprecedented four out of five have holiday-themed shows this year.
One ends after this weekend, so you need to move fast on tickets. One hasn’t opened yet. But there’s time for the holiday-hungry to see them all.
‘A Nice Family Christmas’
This is a family with little grudges and great mysteries. Is Uncle Bob actually Jeff’s dad? Is grandma daft or is she daft? (Those are the only two imaginable choices for a woman who regales her grandchildren with stories of her lifeboat escape from the Titanic and treks through Macedonia with Alexander the Great.)
Can Michael and Jill pick the stickers out of their prickly marriage, and will Stacy’s lover finally come out of the closet to her parents?
This could make for an evening on eggshells, but these people care about each other and the right nudge — even when it comes from a granny who twerks — rebalances the ballast of the family ship. Playwright Phil Olson has written laugh-out-loud repartee and relationships this cast has slipped into skin-tight, its actors said.
Patti Caroli, who plays the even-keeled second-generation matriarch to her wacky mom (Ellen Cooper), said she actually called Cooper after a recent rehearsal and asked, “Do you feel like we were really a family tonight? It just really felt like we were a family onstage.”
Ironically, her castmate, Allan Reeves — in the first play of his life — said the same thing for his interview: “I feel like I’ve got a second family now.”
What Caroli appreciates about A Nice Family Christmas is that it goes deeper than its one-liners.
“What grew on me about this play is there’s all the fun and the bickering, but some real meat is coming out about the family. It’s not all just fun and games and one-liners. There’s heart in there,” she said.
“It’s a story about a dysfunctional family at Christmas, not one of these Donna Reed-Jimmy Stewart things,” said her husband, Vic Caroli. “Scott [Lilly, CEO and Producing Artistic Director] has a real eye, or ear, for finding these unusual plays that are so interesting, and nobody’s ever heard of them before.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m.
Sunday
Where: Joan Jenks auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples
Admission and ticket purchase: $35 with a $2.75 ticket fee online at thestudioplayers. org or call 239.398.9192
‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)’
“The title doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue,” acknowledged Marlene Strollo of the play that is her directorial debut at the Arts Center Theatre on Marco.
But Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) is a title worth knowing, because it envelops at least a dozen top Christmastime tales, not quite all at once, but in a comic pyramid. The premise of the play is that a trio of actors, fed up with doing A Christmas Carol year after year, decide to work every other Christmas story they love into their seasonal production (including the spiritual story with shepherds and angels).
“It’s not a mix-up. It’s a mashup. The stories dovetail into each other,” explained Strollo, who has the credentials to handle hardworking farce like this. She ran her own theater compa-
ny, Move Over Broadway, near Youngstown, Ohio until the pandemic not only shut it down, but closed all the area theaters where she might have found other work.
There were only a few locations with opportunities — read: Southwest Florida — so Strollo moved to Bonita Springs. Since then, she has worked in stage manager and assistant and director slots everywhere else.
Strollo is happy with the zany challenges plays such as Every Christmas Story offer a director. She’s also seasoned enough to know community theater actors would be dead from exhaustion by the day of dress rehearsal as they dashed from the sweet-and-sentimental It’s A Wonderful Life into Frosty the Nutcracker oops, Snowman
So Strollo expanded its cast from three to six, but the pace is still peppy for all involved.
“And, bless their hearts, they have stepped right up to it,” she declared. “This is nothing but pure silliness and we’re taking every advantage of that silliness.”
Where: Arts Center Theatre, 1089 N. Collier Blvd. Suite #432, Marco Island
Admission and ticket purchase: $30 — children 12 and younger pay half price with the code CHILD — at marcoislandart.org, or call 239.784.1186
‘Home for the Holidays’ Theatrezone’s Home for the Holidays is its
annual piece de resistance.
“When we call people who were in it last year, they always say ‘Yay, that’s my favorite thing to do!’” said Mark Danni, co-artistic director. “Everyone has a great time.”
That may be due to the exuberance of its musical revue, with dance, a touch of storytelling and innovative seasonal music. The tunes range from traditional and sacred to a Wayback Machine duet from the 1974 Claymation holiday special, “The Year Without Christmas.”
“The first time we did that we had to pull the song from the record,” Danni recalled, as there was no music available. There are many familiar and favorite tunes, however, including several for an audience sing-along.
The high spirits extend to the costuming.
Karen Molnar Danni, associate artistic director and choreographer, and Kathleen Kolcasz, Theatrezone’s queen of creative dressing, pulled some 30 boxes of costumes from upstairs storage to stage level to look for ideas.
The holiday special brings out Christmas tree headgear and characters who twinkle from head to toe in colored lights.
This production is also a rite of passage: It’s the 21st Theatrezone production for Adolpho Blaire (Amadeus, Little Me). Danni said Blaire, an actor, singer and dancer, has developed a song incorporating every seasonal bell medley known and Danni is looking forward to it as much as the audience: “He’s a real fan favorite here. This show just gets people in the mood. Even if they don’t feel it coming in, people al-
ways leave ready for the holidays.” When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21, 2 p.m. Dec. 2122 Where: G&L Theatre at The Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples
Admission and ticket purchase: $50-$65 at theatre.zone or call 888.966.3352, ext. 1
‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ One of the most identifiable titles in American holiday culture, A Christmas Story was born in a 1966 Jean Shepherd novel on life in a 1940s American family. But its fame came from the 1983 sleeper film of the same name, which itself picked up cues from radio readings of the story.
Most of us know the endpoint of that fame: Both TBS and TNT networks run a 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story so nearly everyone in America who turns on their TVs on Dec. 25 will likely watch a portion of Ralphie’s angst-ridden quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. It widely polls as the successor to A Christmas Carol for family holiday viewing.
In 2012, A Christmas Story added another dimension by becoming the musical local audiences can see now through Dec. 22. The Naples Players production has its own family investment in the musical. At least four are in this production:
• The Mance family — Brett, Jennifer and Madison Mance. Both mother and daughter are in the ensemble, and dad volunteers at the bar and cafe for this show.
• Matias Piscoya, who stars as Ralphie, has a sister, Alessa Vazquez, who’s also in the cast.
• Longtime Naples Players volunteer Brad Brenner has the role of Santa; his wife Christine manages front-of-house operations.
• Naples Players resident director-choreographer Dawn Lebrecht Fornara and her husband, music director Charles Fornara, are both working on this production.
The Naples Players also offers a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, for sound- and light-sensitive theatergoers. The accommodations include:
• Lowered sound and light levels
• Reduced audience capacity for added comfort
• Freedom to move about the theater during the show
• Sensory guides to help attendees anticipate moments of heightened effects
Tickets for that performance are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22
Where: Kizzie Theater inside Sugden Community Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples Admission and ticket purchase: $50 and $55 at naplesplayers.org or call 239.263.7990
Grandma (Ellen Cooper) reminisces about swimming away from the Titanic, while Michael (Kevin Velando) debates whether to humor a daft matriarch or out her strategy to throw everyone off base at the Christmas dinner in The Studio Players’ production of A Nice Family Christmas Photo by Harriet Howard Heithaus
They’ve graduated from ugly Christmas sweaters to outré Yule jammies for one of the many song and dance numbers in Theatrezone’s eighth annual Home for the Holidays musical revue. Photo courtesy Theatrezone
COMICS & PUZZLES
1. ANATOMY: Where is the glabella located in the human body?
2. LITERATURE: In children's books, what is the name of the Big Red Dog?
3. GEOGRAPHY: In which country would you find the 98-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer figure?
4. GAMES: What number is represented by the phrase "two little ducks" in bingo?
5. SCIENCE: What percentage of air is nitrogen gas?
6. MUSIC: When did Rock the Vote, an organization that encourages young people to vote, come into being?
7. TELEVISION: Which 1970s comedy show features the theme song "Come On Get Happy"?
8. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which month of the year has the least number of letters?
9. U.S. STATES: Which state is first alphabetically?
It’s actually a set of cool jobs; this one for The Naples Press, calling football on the radio via the Southwest Florida Game of the Week and my daily sports talk show on Southwest Florida’s Fox Sports Radio (free plug alert!) The trio of gigs affords me the unique ability to do what so many kids dream of but don’t get to accomplish: I get to go to ballparks and stadiums for a living.
This thought struck me again a couple of weeks ago, when I was standing at midfield chatting with an area high school football coach as his team warmed up in front of us. Teenagers filled with hopes and dreams, along with varying degrees of talent — those kids were preparing to play their hearts out on a Friday night.
So, too, was the opposing team behind us, another group of helmets and shoulder pads eagerly awaiting their chance to show up and show out under the Friday night lights. Movies have been
made depicting the feel and aura of the moment, and there I was just casually idling away some time before I had to strap on my headset and go to work.
The young men (and women, in a few instances here in Southwest Florida this season) might not know it yet, but they are living the very best moments of their lives.
I can’t remember what I had for lunch by the time the sun sets most days, but I can with vivid recollection picture the final moments of high school football when I was a teenager.
And now, many years later (insert old joke here), I get to keep observing those dreams and passing them on to you. It’s a gift, I guess, this ability to convert those fleeting moments into the printed or spoken word and share them with
others. The talent, such as it is, is about the only thing keeping the rent paid and golf balls in my pocket … but it is a talent not everyone has.
Same goes for the weekday sports talk gig. That dream was always in the back of my mind during my days as a full-time newspaper man back in the day, as I would often appear as a guest of one show or another and was captivated by how live sports talk radio works. Now almost a year into my own show, that magic is at my fingertips every day — and let me tell you, nothing sharpens the senses quite like a producer saying, “You are live” and realizing the red-lit microphone in front of you requires instant, logical, entertaining, provocative thought.
I’ve covered thousands of sport-
ing events featuring what seems like hundreds of different sports over the years — everything from Pee Wee football on a chilly morning to the Final Four, going from riding in a bus while watching marathoners over 26.2 miles to catching powerboat racing off our Southwest Florida coastline.
The one constant throughout all those adventures is that, without fail, each and every one of the participants, in all those events and sports, was a person trying their best. This is an increasingly cynical world, yes, but knowing that the Olympic Sailing Trials participant and the softball player that drove in the winning run to capture a state championship you just covered are equal in desire is heartwarming.
It keeps me coming back, searching for their stories and wanting to
share them with you. Not everyone is Tiger Woods, bedecked in his Masters green jacket at a press conference sharing his thoughts after another win at Augusta National. But each one of those athletes put as much effort into their craft and wanted their win just as badly.
It isn’t just the winners, either.
The losers in sports draw my attention just as much, knowing deep inside the pain of publicly trying so hard and failing delivers the most authentic bits from a person. Those stories can be poignant and captivating, and it keeps me coming back for more.
In so many ways, I decided way back when to join the circus instead of the rat race of adult life — chasing around teams and athletes and coaches, trying to crack into their brain and describe their moments in the sunor under those Friday night lights.
I get to go to ballparks and stadiums for a living. Is that awesome or what?
Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson airs weekdays from 3-5
Wednesday, Dec. 11th, 1PM-3PM
Moran Wealth Management® Center for Financial Education 5801 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Suite 110 Naples, FL 34108
Friday, Dec. 13th, 10AM-12PM
Moran Wealth Management® Center for Financial Education 5801 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Suite 110 Naples, FL 34108
Friday, Jan. 3rd, 12PM-2PM
Shula's Steak House 5111 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34103
