Unusual Art Experiences & Classes for SWFL Kids
When you think of art classes, traditional options like painting or pottery might come to mind. But creativity comes in many forms—some so unexpected, they...
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About Andrea Stetson
Articles by Andrea Stetson
Immokalee Student Leads with Heart and Action
Saidee Rinco just wants to give back to her Immokalee community. That’s why the Immokalee High School senior devotes much of her time to the...
Read ArticleKids Lead Cereal Drive to Feed Local Students
Fifth grader Bentley Essig helped lead a student-led cereal donation drive that raised $950 through lemonade stands—funds that went toward buying hundreds of cereal boxes...
Read ArticleHow Kindergarten Has Evolved in Collier County
Kindergarten in Collier County has seen a significant transformation over the years. What was once a half-day focused on social skills, play, and creativity has...
Read Article72 Fun-Filled Summer Activities for Kids in Southwest Florida
The school year ends for students in Collier and Lee Counties on Friday, May 30, and they don’t go back until Monday, August 11. That’s...
Read Article7 Best Day Trips for Families in Collier and Lee Counties
These day trips are all close enough to get away for a day of fun and adventure with the kids but be home in time to sleep in your own bed.
Read Article40 Years of Project Graduation in Collier County: Safe, Fun, and Unforgettable Senior Night Celebration
What Is Project Graduation Collier County? Project Graduation Collier County has just about everything graduating high school seniors want in a gigantic party: laser tag,...
Read ArticleNaples Student Organizes Teddy Bear Toss to Support Children with Special Needs
Devyn Seidner was fascinated by the teddy bear toss she saw at a Florida Everblades ice hockey game at Hertz Arena in Estero. The heartwarming...
Read ArticleTips for Affordable Family Fun and Entertainment in SWFL
A typical family with parents and their two kids are ready for a typical family outing. The movies, bowling, and mini golf have been long...
Read ArticleThird Grader Spreads Joy to Special Needs Kids at Sea Gate Elementary
At just 8 years old, Carol Myles Villani possesses a level of compassion rarely seen in children her age. Instead of spending her recess on...
Read ArticleHow to Protect SWFL Children from Cyberbullying and Keep Them Safe
A decade ago, a bully might torment a child in the classroom, lunchroom, on the school bus or playground. But when that child was safely...
Read ArticleNew, Innovative Educational Microschool Model in Naples
Students sit on comfortable couches learning about electricity. Later they might go out and gather eggs or plant some vegetables while integrating math or reading...
Read ArticleThe Collier County Teen Changing Lives Through Volunteerism and Charity Events
Darren Nieves is taking volunteering to a whole new level. The junior at Aubrey Rogers High School in Collier County spends most of his free...
Read ArticleThe Naples Players Introduce a Unique Sensory Room, Redefining Inclusive Theater for SWFL
Many theaters across the country offer sensory friendly shows in an effort to increase access to the dramatic arts. Locally, however, The Naples Players has...
Read ArticleNaples Teen Scout Transforms Laces of Love with Functional Sorting Tables
Bo Warnken has been volunteering at Laces of Love in Naples for more than three years, but she didn’t think that sorting and tagging sneakers...
Read ArticleA First-of-Its-Kind Collier County School Designed to Help Students with Autism
Autism Collier Charter School opens August 2025 with a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio, after-school care, clubs, and programs designed for children with autism. Tuition free and life-changing for families in Collier County.
Read ArticleHow a Kindergarten Friendship Helped Ease First-Day-of-School Anxiety
Discover how 5-year-old Edson’s simple acts of kindness helped his classmate overcome school fears and settle into kindergarten. It is a heartwarming story of friendship and support.
Read ArticleThe Benefits of Tutoring: It’s Not Just for Students Who Are Falling Behind
Parents often wait until their child falls so far behind that they risk failing state standardized tests or high school classes. Find out how a tutor can help.
Read ArticleMany SWFL Parents Now Need Second Jobs to Pay the Bills
Despite working full-time jobs, Southwest Florida moms struggle to make ends meet due to rising costs. From social workers to stay-at-home moms, many are turning to side hustles and starting small businesses to survive.
Read ArticleA Behind-the-Scenes Look at School Bus Safety in Southwest Florida
Collier and Lee County school buses ensure the safety of thousands of students daily with rigorous inspections, advanced safety features, and well-trained drivers, making them one of the safest transportation options for children.
Read ArticleMeet The 12-Year-Old Powerhouse from Naples Behind Kidz 4 a Cause
Sutton Shanahan, a 12-year-old from Naples, founded Kidz 4 a Cause to raise money for St. Jude and support cancer research. Her nonprofit has grown, organizing charity events, donating to military personnel, and receiving corporate sponsorships to m
Read ArticleNaples Girl Scout Troop Builds a Little Free Library at Big Corkscrew Park
Girl Scout Troop 447 in Naples has installed a Little Free Library at Big Corkscrew Park, providing a free and accessible way for residents to borrow and share books
Read ArticleHow Collier and Lee County Arts Programs Are Surviving State Budget Cuts
Nonprofit arts organizations in Southwest Florida face challenges after Florida’s recent $32 million arts funding cut. They are finding ways to replace lost grants and ensure the continuation of essential arts programs for children.
Read ArticleLocal 11-Year-Old’s Baseball-Themed Project Helps Provide Shoes for Children in Collier and Lee Counties
Fifth grader Michael Roberts turned his capstone project into an ongoing charity to provide cleats for local kids in need. By selling handmade necklaces, he raises funds for Laces of Love, a Naples nonprofit helping children.
Read ArticleBest Places to Get Wet and Cool Off in Naples
There is no better way to beat the hot summer heat than to plunge into a pool or cool off with a spray of water. Find the perfect places in Naples to splash around.
Read ArticleBest Spots to Find Sharks’ Teeth in Southwest Florida
Discover the best spots to find fossilized shark teeth in Southwest Florida. Visit Venice, the shark tooth capital of the world, or explore Englewood Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Don Pedro Island State Park. Enjoy amenities and great fossil hunting.
Read ArticleTop Spots for Interactive Animal Encounters in Southwest Florida
Discover the best places in Southwest Florida for interactive animal encounters. At these fun locations, you can pet, feed, and hug a variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds. They’re perfect for family adventures and kids’ activities!
Read ArticleEngaging Picture Books by Local SWFL Authors for Summer
Cuddle up with your child and a good book this summer! We picked out some of the best Southwest Florida kid book authors for you to choose from.
Read ArticleTop Playgrounds With Shade in Collier and Lee Counties
Discover the coolest playgrounds in the Naples and Fort Myers area From castle-like structures to pirate ships and dino digs, explore inclusive designs with shade canopies & equipment for kids with special needs.
Read ArticleFree Indoor Summer Fun in Southwest Florida
When you need an alternative to the beach and pool, head to the great indoors. Here are some places in Collier and Lee Counties to cool off without the cost (or cheap).
Read ArticleInside Everglades City Schools Unique Graduation Experience
At Everglades City School just eight students will be walking across the stage to get their diplomas this year.
Read ArticleBeach Volleyball is a Girls Varsity Sport in Collier County Public Schools
For the first time, beach volleyball is a girls varsity sport in Collier County Public Schools.
Read ArticleA Local Teen’s Dedication to Children With Special Needs Through Her Love of Horses
Lucie Norman loves horses and loves children with special needs. She combines her passions with her volunteer work at a local riding center.
Read ArticleLocal Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp Inspires Kids With Diabetes
A local mom started a hockey camp for her son who has Type 1 diabetes. IShe wanted to show her son and others with diabetes all the wonderful things they could do.
Read ArticleVacation Bible School: Summer Adventures in SWFL With a Spiritual Twist
Get ready for a summer adventure as we explore the world of Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) in Southwest Florida.
Read ArticleNaples students bring Vineyards Elementary School garden back to life
Students at Vineyards Elementary School noticed the school’s neglected garden and decided to do something about it.
Read ArticleWhat teens in Naples really think about the time spent on cellphones and social media
We asked teens in Naples about the time they spend on social media and what they thought about it. Local experts also weighed in on the effects of teens’ cellphone habits.
Read ArticleHomeschooling Redefined at the Freedom Institute in Naples
This new, unique high school brings together homeschooled students with teachers, advisors, and classmates.
Read ArticleSophie Sherer’s Quest to Make Sure No Student Eats Alone
The senior at Naples High School helps students who need encouragement to make friends.
Read ArticleFamily Fitness Fun: How to Stay Healthy and Bond Together
Learn how parents and kids can strengthen bonds while staying healthy. From running together to active play, explore fun and effective ways to make exercise a shared and enjoyable experience.
Read ArticleMeet Fourth Grader Christopher Arellano Who Is Inspiring Inclusivity
Christopher Arellano is helping special needs children feel less isolated.
Read ArticleSpreading Joy: Collier County Organizations Making the Holidays Brighter for Children
Local organizations bring joy and festive cheer to children facing challenges during the season of giving.
Read ArticleNavigating Global Turmoil: Strategies for Guiding Children Through Disturbing News
Tips for navigating news & misinformation in times of war
Read ArticleLocal Author Susan Levine Educational Picture Books for All Ages
Discover Susan Levine’s captivating educational picture books that engage children and adults alike with nature and wildlife, including her latest book, “Gilbert’s Migration Vacation.”
Read ArticleA Survivor’s Journey from Domestic Abuse to Healing
A local woman’s story of surviving domestic abuse with the help of art.
Read ArticleLiving With Diabetes During the Holidays
Living with diabetes during the holidays: Leah Shwedel’s brave journey
Read ArticleTeen’s Inspiring Mission to Promote Bike Safety
Local teen, Cooper Tunkle created a charity to provide bike helmets to save lives
Read ArticleLynlee Richards: From Hurricane Survival to Entrepreneurship with ‘Smile’ Bracelets
Discover Lynlee Richards’ inspiring journey from surviving Hurricane Ian to crafting “Smile” bracelets. Support her family’s business and spread positivity with these colorful creations.
Read ArticleLocal Theater Resilience: Naples Groups Thrive Amid Challenges
Local Naples theater groups triumph over construction challenges, nurturing talent and delighting the community with creative performances.
Read ArticleUnforgettable Milestones: How to Make First Birthdays, B’nai Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, and Sweet 16s Truly Magical
Discover the secrets to creating unforgettable milestone birthdays.
Read ArticleSpreading a Culture of Kindness: Nino Zampogna’s Inspiring Story at Sea Gate Elementary School
Nino Zampogna, 9, wanted to spread a culture of kindness and friendship. So one day he put up a poster and tried to start a club at his school, Sea Gate Elementary in Naples.
Read ArticleKindness Kids: Fifth Grader Helps Classmates Learn to Overcome Difficulties
When Andrew McManus sees his classmates spinning out of control, Andrew often leads them to the calming corner and gives them words of advice.
Read ArticleNaples Mom Speaks Out About Postpartum Depression
Naples mom Jen Sanchez speaks frankly with Neapolitan Family about her experience with postpartum depression, and how it escalated during her second pregnancy.
Read ArticleSWFL Teen Lands Role on “Yellowstone”
Meet Orli Gottesman: the actress, tennis player, and SWFL high school student.
Read ArticlePutting Holocaust Education to the Test in Florida
How antisemitic acts against children and adults in our community are on the rise, despite state-mandated Holocaust history curriculum in our schools.
Read ArticleVictoria Park: The Story Behind the Most Lit Neighborhood for the Holidays in Naples
Victoria Park has been known for decades as the place to go to see Christmas lights and decorations in Naples.
Read ArticleWhat Does the CCPS School Board Do?
An election in a non-presidential election year doesn’t spark a lot of interest. In Collier County only 21%-32% of registered voters head to the polls....
Read ArticleCome Sail Away: Naples teen inspires sailors of all abilities to find freedom on the water
Collier County Parks and Recreation’s adaptive sailing program gives local teen freedom on the water.
Read ArticleAlina Donahue Puts a Face on Human Trafficking
Local mom and human trafficking survivor helps women like herself find their voice again.
Read ArticleWant to Keep Your Kids Safe Online? Read Our Top 3 Tips.
When it comes to the internet, keeping your kids safe should be your top priority. What are steps you can take today to monitor your children’s device usage? Read this advice from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Collier County Public Schools.
Read ArticleThe Family Car as the New Home Address? High Rent Drives Some SWFL Families to Live in their Cars
The current housing market bubble and inflation has caused rent to skyrocket and is forcing some parents with stable incomes to live in their cars.
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