Why does one-on-one time with your tween matter so much?

At this age, girls seem to live in two worlds at once. They are still playful and tender, but already reaching toward independence. Winnie is 11, perched right on the edge of the tween years, and I can feel how much she still needs time with me, even if she doesn’t always say it directly.

Since her baby brother arrived, I have become more aware of how easily everyday demands can crowd out that connection. We do our best to plan little mother-daughter dates: a Target run, a beach fishing trip, takeout in the car. Those small windows of attention matter more than we think.

This day felt like a gift because it gave us hours, not minutes. No dividing my attention. No multitasking. No rushing through errands. Just the two of us, together, for the better part of an afternoon.

What made the drive to Captiva feel like part of the day?

Even getting there felt special. We overpacked, of course, with extra clothes, books, crochet projects, and enough skincare to suggest we were staying a week instead of five hours. That, too, felt true to us.

The drive to Captiva from Naples is lovely in the way Southwest Florida can be lovely when you let it slow you down. We admired houses and water views and became noticers of beauty along the way. Captiva always feels slightly removed from ordinary life in the best possible sense—natural, island-y, and set apart.

At one point, in a very predictable “millennial on a weekend trip” moment, I started imagining a new life for us in one of the beach cottages we passed. Winnie shut that dream down immediately and emphatically. “MOM! NO! We could never.” Her passion made me laugh, and honestly, it was exactly the kind of conversation I had hoped the day might hold: silly, easy, and ours.

What is Captiva Landing at South Seas Resort like for families?

We arrived at South Seas Resort, checked in, got our wristbands, took selfies, and collected fluffy white towels before settling into our cabana. The setup made the whole day feel easy from the start. We tucked away our things, appreciated the resort-style prints and comfortable outdoor furniture, and discovered a generous stash of snacks plus a fridge full of water and soda. We were delighted before we had even stepped into the water.

The water park itself was beautifully designed and felt calm, clean, and well monitored. Lifeguards were visible, which always helps me exhale a little as a parent. The space struck a balance I deeply appreciate: fun for kids, relaxing for adults, and simple enough that the day never felt chaotic.

We loved the three water slides, the giant tipping bucket, and especially the lazy river. Winnie rode the slides what felt like one hundred times. I rode them fewer times, which felt appropriate and honest. Mostly, I watched her from a lounge chair with an ice-cold Diet Coke and a book, looking up often just to see her joy.

The top landing of the slides offers beautiful Gulf views on both sides of the island, which added to that distinct Captiva feeling of being somewhere special. It was the kind of place where you can play hard for a while, then rest in the sun, then do it all over again without ever feeling rushed.

Can a simple resort day become real family connection?

Yes, and that may have been the most surprising part of the day. The fun was real, but the connection was the deeper gift.

At lunch, the slides closed for the daily safety check from noon to 1 p.m., and that natural pause gave us time to settle into our cabana, eat together, and talk. We shared Greek salad, chicken fingers and fries, and vegetable egg rolls—an oddly perfect combination. There was live music and outdoor seating nearby, and even a cool-looking arcade adjacent to the walk-up restaurant, but the calm of the cabana suited us better.

After lunch, we spent more time in the large pool and then circled the lazy river again and again. At some point, we invented games—racing, chasing each other, and looping around the little island of Adirondack chairs sunk into the sand. There is something about a lazy river that lends itself to conversation. You drift, you laugh, you circle back, and nobody is in a hurry.

Connection often happens when there is enough space for it. Not necessarily through deep, dramatic conversations, but through shared silliness, repeated moments, and hours that are not being squeezed between other obligations.

Do you need a big outing to reconnect with your child?

What I came home remembering most is that we never even made it across to the beach. I had warned Winnie ahead of time that I wanted us to take a short walk over at some point, but we lost track of time in the best way. We were too busy playing together and talking.

That felt meaningful to me. The point of the day was not to maximize every amenity or check every box. The point was simply to be with her. We headed back to Naples in the late afternoon, and even the drive home was easier than I expected.

I would absolutely encourage families looking for a getaway that feels a world away from the hustle of Naples to consider Captiva and South Seas. It works well for a day, but I can also imagine it being a lovely place for a few nights. Still, what stayed with me most was not the destination itself. It was the reminder.

You do not need a resort day to build connection with your child. You need intention. You need attentiveness. You need enough margin to say yes when the moment presents itself.

What does connection with a tween actually look like at home?

As summer approaches, I keep thinking about how urgent this feels. Winnie is nearing the years when sports, academics, activities, and friendships will compete more aggressively for her time and attention. Making our home her favorite place to be is part of our work as parents, and so is protecting our relationship while she still wants to spend this kind of easy, playful time with me.

I do not believe connection with my tween girl requires a weekend away at Captiva Island, thankfully. More often, it looks wonderfully ordinary.

• Sitting together on the couch, crocheting and listening to an audiobook
• Running to Publix for butter so we can come home and make homemade biscuits
• Following one of her creative whims when I have the flexibility to do it
• Rolling through the neighborhood after dinner on rollerblades while Dad puts the baby to bed
• Choosing presence over efficiency when a moment to connect appears

Those are the moments that build trust and closeness over time. Those are the moments I want to keep saying yes to this summer, even when no would be easier.

What can parents in Collier and Lee Counties take from a day like this?

For parents in Collier and Lee Counties, especially those raising tweens, this was my takeaway: summer does not have to be packed to be meaningful. It does not have to be expensive, elaborate, or perfectly planned. Sometimes the best family memories come from simply setting aside time and letting the day unfold.

If you are looking for ideas close to home, browse Southwest Florida Family’s family events calendar, explore these day trips for families in Collier and Lee Counties, or cool off with this guide to splash pads for kids in Collier and Lee Counties. If your family loves the water, you may also enjoy our favorite family-friendly beach parks in Southwest Florida.

And if your older child is inching toward the teen years, it is worth thinking ahead about how to protect time together before schedules fill up. Resources like summer camps for teens and tweens in SWFL and educational summer camps in Collier and Lee Counties can help you shape a summer that includes both growth and breathing room.

For me, our Captiva family day trip from Naples was a beautiful reminder that connection is rarely accidental. It asks something of us. Energy. Intention. Enthusiasm. A willingness to pause what feels urgent for what is actually important.

So here is to a summer of saying yes a little more often. Yes to the drive. Yes to the lazy river. Yes to the grocery run, the audiobook, the rollerblades, the small conversations in the car. Yes to all the ordinary and extraordinary moments that tell our children, clearly and repeatedly, I want to be with you.

The post A Captiva Family Day Trip from Naples That Gave Us Real Connection appeared first on SWFL Family.

Connection during the tween and teen years doesn’t disappear. It changes. And often, it gets quieter.

Does connection still count if we’re not talking much?

Yes. Connection does not always sound like talking. Parents often worry when conversations slow down, but connection at this age can show up in subtle, everyday ways that are easy to miss.

• Sitting together while you’re both on separate screens
• Sharing a family meal with more listening than talking
• Doing chores side-by-side without much conversation
• Showing up consistently, even when enthusiasm is low

Key action: Keep showing up. A steady, calm presence builds safety over time—even when your teen doesn’t say much in the moment.

For more support on everyday communication, read Talking to Your Teen.

What should I ask instead of “How was school?”

“How was school?” is reasonable—and also one of the least effective questions for many teens. It can feel like a test, even when you’re simply trying to connect. Teens are more likely to open up when curiosity feels genuine rather than evaluative.

Try questions that invite reflection without pressure:

• What did you enjoy more than you expected today?
• What took the most patience?
• What was unexpectedly funny?
• What was the most interesting part of your day?
• What would you do again tomorrow?

If the answer is brief or unclear, that is still information. Silence can be part of communication. The pause may feel long, but listening without rushing to fill the space builds trust.

Key action: Ask one good question, then stop. Let your teen choose how much to share.

How can I show I’m human without oversharing?

Tweens and teens are experts at spotting inconsistency, and they can be skeptical that adults were ever young. A small, appropriate story about feeling nervous, making a mistake, or not having all the answers can lower pressure.

It shows your teen that uncertainty is not failure. It’s part of being human. Often, that matters more than advice.

What does respect look like with a teen?

As kids grow, connection shifts from control to respect. Respect builds trust faster than control.

• Knock before entering their room and wait when possible.
• Listen fully before responding—aim to understand first.
• Allow different opinions without turning every disagreement into a debate.
• Stay consistent with boundaries that truly matter.

When teens feel respected, they’re more likely to share what’s really going on—sometimes casually, sometimes at inconvenient times.

If screens are a frequent friction point, you may also find this helpful: Children’s privacy on social media.

What if I handled it badly—how do I repair?

Every parent gets it wrong sometimes. Every family has tense moments. What matters most is what happens next.

A sincere apology, or a willingness to revisit a conversation, can restore trust more effectively than trying to be perfect the first time.

• “I did not handle that well.”
• “I want to understand you better.”
• “Can we try that conversation again?”

Key action: Repair quickly and clearly. It teaches resilience and models healthy relationships.

When do teens actually open up?

Many meaningful conversations happen unexpectedly—late evenings, car rides, shared chores, or moments when everyone is tired and guards are down. Connection often happens on their timeline.

When your teen starts talking:

• Pause what you’re doing and give your full attention.
• Don’t interrupt.
• Resist fixing or lecturing right away.
• Reflect back what you hear: “That sounds really frustrating.”

Sometimes being heard is enough. Sometimes it’s the start of more.

How do I know if it’s more than typical growing pains?

There will be moments when your teen feels close and moments when they feel distant. Neither lasts forever. Connection is built slowly through consistency, patience, and showing up again and again—even when the response is a shrug.

If you’re ever concerned that what your child is experiencing feels like more than typical growing pains, it’s okay to ask for guidance. The Healthcare Network team offers pediatric care with integrated behavioral health support for children, teens, and families—a place to ask questions, talk, and get guidance when you need it. For information, call 239-658-3000 or visit HealthcareSWFL.org.

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Anxiety is now the most common mental health disorder in children and teens nationwide. Since COVID-19, local counselors report a sharp spike in SWFL students who feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, social media, and nonstop pressure. The good news: there are clear signs to watch for, and real help available here in Collier and Lee Counties.

Why are so many SWFL students feeling anxious about school?

Local therapists say there isn’t one cause. It’s a mix of pandemic disruption, academic expectations, lifestyle changes, and constant digital noise.

“The basic one is Covid, and even after five years, we are still seeing a lot of issues with social anxiety,” said Meagan Weems, lead child therapist at the David Lawrence Centers in Naples.

Many young children spent crucial developmental years without playgrounds, playdates, or in-person kindergarten. Instead, they learned to relate through screens. That gap shows up now as trouble joining groups, making friends, or speaking up in class.

Social media also fills a bigger space in kids’ lives than ever before. During the pandemic it was a lifeline, but it came with a cost.

“We do see the benefits,” Weems said. “Kids love social media, but it opens up a different avenue for bullying. We have been seeing social media becoming more and more of a problem.”

Naples counselor Jennifer O’Toole sees the same pattern.

“There are studies that show that being outside in nature reduces anxiety,” O’Toole said. “When you are constantly on screens and social media, you are getting messages that you are not enough, and there is always someone who is richer and thinner and prettier. That creates a lot of anxiety.”

How has school changed since we were kids?

Another major trigger for anxiety in SWFL students is school itself. The expectations look very different from what many parents remember.

Kindergarteners now have academic days with one short recess and no play kitchens or toy corners. Second graders may be reading complex texts and multiplying numbers. High school students cram in AP classes, dual enrollment, sports, and clubs so they look “good enough” for college.

“There is always academic pressure on kids and now the teenagers are in a very competitive stage that brings a lot of anxiety because they want to be the best,” Weems explained.

She recalled a teen who had eight hours of homework for her AP and honors classes. “There was no wind-down time,” Weems said. “She said, ‘I work until I sleep.’”

Patty DeVost, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Patty’s Place Concierge youth mental health care in Cape Coral, notices the same pressure in boys and teens she sees.

“A lot of kids suffer from anxiety from having too much on their plates,” she said. “I used to play outside until dinner time. You could just be a kid. Those days are gone. These kids are freaking out.”

One student she worked with described what many local children feel every day.

“Just yesterday, I noticed a student taking deep breaths while he was talking — almost like a nervous tic,” DeVost said. “When I asked if he felt nervous, he told me, ‘I feel rushed. I feel rushed in the morning, and I feel rushed to finish my work at school.’ A child shouldn’t feel that way.”

Which kids are carrying invisible stress?

Some children in our community are carrying more than homework and tests.

DeVost sees particularly high anxiety in children of immigrants. Some take on adult responsibilities, like grocery shopping, because their parents are afraid to be seen in public.

“They have talked about contingency plans; about where to go and who will take care of them if their parents are no longer there,” she said. “The families are on lockdown; they are not going out. They are hyper scared. There are a bunch of children in Collier County in that situation.”

Dr. Jason Saba, a licensed psychologist with Kids’ Minds Matter, hears similar stories from children in Lehigh Acres and across Lee County.

“My providers in the Lehigh office have seen that,” Saba said. “We want to get the word out that we don’t have to take any identifying information. We are going to help anyone who walks in the door.”

What does anxiety look like at different ages?

Anxiety has always been part of childhood, but the intensity and number of children affected have changed.

In toddler and preschool years, separation anxiety between 18 months and 3 years is a normal stage. Young kids might fear monsters or bad guys and need extra reassurance at bedtime.

As children grow, worries shift. Elementary and middle schoolers may lie awake worrying about grades, a hurricane, or whether their parents might divorce. Teens may worry about school shooters, social status, or college admissions. Lockdown drills can reinforce those fears, even when schools are trying to keep kids safe.

Signs of school anxiety can include:

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches before school
• Trouble sleeping or early morning waking on school days
• Crying, meltdowns, or refusal to get dressed or out of the car
• Clinginess, panic, or “what if” questions about safety
• Perfectionism, erasing work repeatedly, or fear of making mistakes
• Sudden drop in grades, missing assignments, or school avoidance

The New York Times reports that nearly one-third of adolescents have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point, pointing to screen time, reduced play, and increased academic demands as key drivers. Those national trends show up clearly in Collier and Lee County classrooms.

How do screens, social media, and gaming add to anxiety?

Parents often suspect that phones and games are part of the problem, and local experts agree.

O’Toole notes that when kids scroll constantly, they absorb a steady stream of “not enough” messages about their bodies, clothes, and lives. That can make even confident kids feel on edge.

Weems also sees more fear-based anxiety linked to unsupervised internet use.

“I am seeing a lot of unsupervised internet access,” she said. “For example, Poppy Playtime and Five Nights at Freddy’s – the titles and style are catered toward children, but they are actually horror games. There is fear-based anxiety from that.”

Social media and gaming can also crowd out sleep, exercise, and face-to-face time with friends. Those are the very things that protect kids’ mental health.

When should we consider counseling for school anxiety?

If school anxiety in Collier and Lee Counties is stopping your child from learning, sleeping, or enjoying activities they once loved, it may be time to call in extra support.

Weems uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with many of her young clients at David Lawrence Centers.

“A lot of my clients missed out on crucial developmental times socially because they were not surrounded by their peers,” she explained. “So, we play Jenga or a card game to help with their socialization skills.”

She tailors each plan to the child.

“Everyone is different. There are so many different avenues,” she said. “Some of these kids are exposed to traumatic events.”

Kids’ Minds Matter, an initiative of Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital, helps families find care, even when cost is a barrier. Founded in 2016, the program funds services and sends mental health experts into local schools to provide free counseling. They currently have five offices in Lee County and are opening one in Collier County.

“We look for the gaps in services in the community,” Saba said. “We don’t turn anybody away for lack of money. If they don’t have insurance, we find a way to take care of it, and we have the means to do it.”

There is one big challenge: access.

“We have a waitlist of over 300. We are helping kids as quickly as we can, but access is a big problem,” Saba said, noting that waits can range from a few months to a year.

What can parents in Collier and Lee Counties do right now?

While you wait for an appointment, or even before anxiety spirals, parents can make a powerful difference at home.

Saba stresses prevention and early action.

“Being present with kids is essential,” he said. “When parents are present, they hear what their children are thinking and feeling. Those conversations help give kids the tools they need to cope.”

Practical steps you can take include:

• Slow the schedule. Look at your child’s week and remove at least one activity if they seem constantly rushed or exhausted.
• Build in calm time. Protect a short daily block for free play, reading, or quiet time with no screens.
• Limit social media and scary content. Keep devices out of bedrooms at night and review games or videos with your child.
• Get outside together. Walk, bike, or play at a park. Time in nature can lower anxiety for both kids and adults.
• Partner with school. Reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor if mornings are a battle or grades suddenly change.
• Talk about feelings early and often. Name anxiety when you see it and let your child know it’s okay to ask for help.

For low-pressure family time that can help everyone reset, explore local parks, beaches, and community events. Neapolitan Family’s Collier and Lee County calendar lists kid-friendly activities that can give your child a break from school stress while keeping them connected in healthy ways.

If school feels like too much for your child, you are not failing, and neither are they. School anxiety in Collier and Lee Counties is a community-wide issue with real causes. With your steady presence, support from local providers, and small daily changes, your child can learn to cope, grow, and feel safe at school again.

The post School Anxiety in Collier and Lee Counties: When School Feels Like Too Much appeared first on SWFL Family.

There are four Bright Futures award levels, each with its own eligibility criteria and benefits:

• Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): Covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees. 
• Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): Covers 75% of tuition and applicable fees. 
• Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV): Supports students pursuing career certificates, technical degrees, or applied technology diplomas.
• Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC): Supports students who complete a CAPE associate degree and continue toward a bachelor’s degree in science or applied science. 

While Bright Futures covers a set percentage of tuition at Florida’s public colleges and universities, students attending private institutions receive a fixed dollar amount per credit hour instead.
Each award level has specific GPA, coursework, and test score requirements. The full breakdown is available in the Bright Futures Student Handbook at floridabrightfutures.gov.

Students apply for Bright Futures their senior year of high school by submitting the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA), typically available Oct. 1. The deadline to complete the application is Aug. 31 of a student’s graduating year. For the Class of 2026, that means submitting a completed FFAA no later than Aug. 31, 2026.

All Bright Futures award levels require either volunteer service hours, paid work hours, or a combination. In Collier County Public Schools, students may choose where they would like to volunteer but must have the organization approved by the school district in advance.

After selecting and getting approval for an organization, students submit a proposal signed by a parent or guardian and the school counselor and track their hours (or upload pay stubs, if they are working) through the Service Hours app. Students may begin accumulating volunteer/work hours as early as freshman year of high school.

While most requirements must be met by graduation, students have until Aug. 31 of their graduation year to meet the ACT, CLT, SAT, or PERT score minimums.

Once awarded, Bright Futures funds are sent directly to the college or institution the student is attending. As long as the student maintains the renewal requirements (like GPA and credit hours), the scholarship automatically renews each year, up to the program limit.

While the requirements may seem overwhelming at first, the Bright Futures program rewards consistency and effort.

Start the conversation early, track progress often, and don’t be afraid to reach out to school counselors for guidance.

With some planning and persistence, this scholarship can make college or career education in Florida significantly more affordable.

Additional Resources

Local Scholarships Often Go Unclaimed in Collier and Lee Counties

$20,000 Scholarship Applications Now Open for Collier County Seniors

The post Bright Futures: Florida’s Top Student Scholarship appeared first on SWFL Family.

“I think it will be good because the ESE kids will be able to learn, and I will be able to see it in action because I am only a junior,” Corrin explained.

Piecing it together

Her first challenge was to secure donations.

“It was rough terrain,” Corrin explained. “We needed rock and stone to go under the AstroTurf. We had to get it all leveled and prepped.” She enlisted Superior Stone Distributors in Naples to donate the rock and then found AstroTurf left over from the resurfacing of the BCHS football field. “We repurposed what they were going to throw away and pieced it together to make it work.”

Corrin decided to design the area with AstroTurf as the surface because some of the students in the ESE program have limited mobility. The garden will be in large raised beds for easy access.

Once the supplies were secured, Corrin recruited volunteers to help her create the garden. On a sunny Saturday morning members of her Girl Scout troop, National Honor Society, student council, the Best Buddies club, and other friends and family laid the astroturf and built the raised gardening bins.

“They are teaching life skills to students in the ESE program, and that is fantastic,” said Corrin’s mother, Shenna Zurbrigg.

Corrin used the knowledge she gained from gardening while a student at Pelican Marsh Elementary School to make 10 lesson plans for the ESE students. “I made lesson plans that go over the basics of gardening; things like how they need water and sunlight,” she said. “In another lesson they will learn about ladybugs and how they help. They will learn about decomposers and about worms.”

The BCHS junior also suggested which vegetables would work well in the garden, such as tomatoes, bush beans, and lettuce, but the ESE students chose a variety of seeds to plant. “We were aiming for them to plant seeds for things that they could eat so when they harvest they can see what they grew.” Corrin said

Making it happen

Shay Rudnicki, an ESE specialist at Barron Collier, says the garden will be a wonderful activity for the 75 students in the ESE program.

“It will help with all kinds of skills,” Rudnicki said. “They work on job skills, vocational skills, working as a team. They can always utilize the materials to help cook and make things. There are endless things they can be doing.”

Rudnicki said she had been trying for more than three years to get a garden put together for the ESE students at the school, but it wasn’t until Corrin volunteered to help that it became a reality.

“Her dedication and motivation and her ability to take an idea and implement it and make it happen has been amazing,” Rudnicki concluded.

The post Barron Collier High School Student Builds Garden for ESE Program appeared first on SWFL Family.

“That is a message that we try to convey,” said Kimberly Dickerson, Collier County Public School district’s school counseling coordinator. “Those national scholarships are flashy, and students know about them. But we have some great scholarships here.”

The Collier Community Foundation administers more than 300 scholarships. Lee County Schools lists almost 150 local awards on both the district website and the XELLO website.

CCF created the Scholarship Connector which lists all local, state, and national scholarships. They have been checked for legitimacy and have links to the applications. Students can take an information quiz that will spit out the scholarships that they are eligible for, so they don’t have to wade through hundreds of sites. A common link allows students to apply for multiple scholarships with just one application.

“The scholarships run the gamut of criteria,” said Laura Bidireanu, director of education scholarships for CCF. “Some are merit based, some are need based, some are based on interests or background.”

Bidireanu said it is important for seniors to check the deadlines. She also offers this advice for students: “Take your time, show who you are, what sets you apart from your peers, what you are passionate about, and what you want to pursue after high school.” She also noted that “letters of recommendation are more important than facts and figures like your GPA.”

CCF visits all the local high schools to advise students on applying, and encourages them to seek out as many scholarships as possible.

“Don’t take for granted the smaller local scholarships that are available. Every little bit counts,” Bidireanu stressed.

High school counselors are also a good source of information and guidance on scholarships, Dickerson said.

“Seniors have a lot to do, so it is important to be organized and to set aside time just to look for scholarships,” Dickerson advised. “Using the Scholarship Connector is a great tool. Look for those local scholarship dollars and spend some time applying. People will be surprised at how many organizations want to support them. Every little bit helps. They add up to something significant.”

The Class of 2025 in Collier County Public Schools earned $38.5 million in scholarships. Dickerson hopes the 3,500 members of the Class of 2026 this year will secure even more.

Lee County 2025 seniors secured more than $70 million in scholarships. This year there are 7,370 public school seniors in Lee County public schools.

Start early

Lee County uses a Florida service called Xello and then adds local scholarships into the program. Xello includes scholarships for students in grades 6-12 so not just seniors should be looking at it, advises Meredith Berry, coordinator for Lee County School counseling services. Xello also lets students filter the scholarships that they are eligible for, and it has some that offer one application for multiple opportunities.

Lee County high schools not only have guidance counselors, they also have a college and career specialist at every location. These specialists go into the classrooms and have individual and group meetings with students, but Berry admits that more needs to be done.

“We do have scholarships locally that students don’t apply for, whether it is that they don’t know about it or the time frame for when it is due,” Berry explained.

She wants students to learn about scholarships when they are still in middle school.
“My goal is to see that students leave middle school and have a scholarship awarded to them, so they already have that scholarship readiness,” she said.

Local nonprofits are helping students start the scholarship process early. Champions for Learning encourages students beginning in eighth grade to apply for scholarship money. Those that secure a spot in Take Stock in Children in eighth grade can secure a two-year pre-paid scholarship if they complete the program and graduate. But the application closes in October, so they need to apply soon.

“It is an opportunity for every student in Collier to apply,” said Kristin Carolan, senior director of student programs at Champions for Learning. “No essay is required. It is first-come, first-served. If you are eligible, you get it.”

Free money

Those that offer scholarships hope more students will take advantage of this free money for their education. Sharon Newman, who does publicity for Voices of Naples, says her organization gives out two or three music scholarships each year to students who plan to major in vocal (or related) studies in college.

“The number of applications has varied from one to six, averaging three,” Newman stated. “Recipients may request additional funding after their freshman year in college.”

Sarah Savary, chair of the Longshore Lakes scholarship committee, also hopes to see more students apply this year.

“One of the things that I find is not too many people apply, and I keep telling the counselors to promote it,” Savary said. “There are so many scholarships on the website. What is nice about our scholarship is it goes directly to the student once we have confirmation that they are going to a school. It does make a difference. People should be more aware.”

Karin O’Leary, president of the Bonita Shores Club, said there were seniors in the community last year, so it was surprising that no one applied.

“It requires effort, and there are service hours they have to do,” O’Leary said. “I think they don’t know about it. With Bright Futures, they don’t think they need anything else, but they can use it for books or whatever. There are some kids who are motivated, but there are other kids who are not. There are tons of scholarships out there, but the kids need to apply for them. It is free money.”

Top 5 Tips for Scholarship Applications

1. Start Early
   Don’t wait until senior year—many scholarships are open to middle schoolers.
2. Be Organized
   Set aside time each week just to research and apply. Keep a deadline calendar.
3. Show Who You Are
   Essays should highlight your passions, goals, and what makes you unique—you are more than just a GPA and test scores.
4. Secure Strong Recommendations
   Letters from teachers, mentors, or community leaders often carry more weight than numbers.
5. Apply for Local Scholarships
   Don’t overlook smaller, community-based awards. They add up and are often less competitive than national scholarships.

The post Local Scholarships Often Go Unclaimed in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

“We are in fifth grade, and this is our last year at our school, so we wanted to do something big for all the teachers,” Adele explained.

The girls wrote a proposal that included why they wanted to do the cookie project, the recipes, and their plan. They presented it to Principal Kelly Zwack.

“I loved it,” Zwack said about the proposal. “They very thoroughly answered questions for me and their assistant principal, so we could understand their full vision of what they wanted to do. I was really impressed.”

Once they had the administration’s support, the girls set out to create their “cookie crew” project. They made aprons and decorations with the school’s blue and yellow colors and purchased supplies. Then one weekend, they spent about six hours making 280 chocolate chip and sugar sprinkle cookies. Next, they packaged two cookies in each bag with a ribbon. On a Monday morning, teachers and support staff were called to the courtyard to pick up a sweet treat.

“It is so thoughtful to take time out of their day to think of the teachers,” said Marissa Brinson, a fifth grade teacher.

“It is a nice surprise,” added Rebecca McCosh, a fifth grade teacher. “And it is great teamwork. What a great way to spread kindness to teachers.”

Andrew Esposito, a third-grade teacher, was excited to see the cookie crew.“I love it,” he exclaimed.

“It just brightened my day, and the girls had the power to get every teacher out of their classroom for cookies. I can’t think of anything kinder than cookies.”

The girls are proud of their hard work and were excited to see how happy they made the people who work at their school.

“Everyone loves cookies,” Maxine said. “They do a lot for us, and they are amazing. They help everyone. They are the best teachers.”

The cookie duo says this might not be the last time they bake for their teachers.

“We might do something else,” Adele said. “We might do something totally different, like cupcakes.”

The post Naples Students Lead Kindness Cookie Project appeared first on SWFL Family.

Early on the first Saturday of each month, instead of sleeping in or enjoying a day off from school with her friends, Saidee hands out uniforms, socks, and clothes to families in need through Noah’s Attic.

“You get to see many of the families coming back every month,” Saidee said. “It makes you feel good that you are serving your community.”

Saidee gets donations from club members, church members, and community members. She also helps organize goodie bags for the fire department.

“The bags have candy and sweet notes,” she said. “We just wanted to thank them.”

Last March, Saidee was in charge of Beta Week and decided to create care packages for the women’s shelter. She encouraged club members to bring in everything from baby food and clothes to snacks and treats. She also organized treats and notes for deployed military and a senior living facility.

April Goodnight, Immokalee High School teacher and Beta sponsor, said Saidee has always been a leader and a giving person.

“Even in pre-k, she didn’t want kids to be alone,” Goodnight described.

“She takes them under her wing. She doesn’t pass judgment. She is just such a leader. Saidee comes up with amazing ideas. She has always been super nice and so kind, but she is also a leader. She always puts other people first. She just has that natural ability to be kind to everybody. Everybody just falls in love with her.”

Change for the better

Saidee’s efforts goes beyond Beta. She and her friends created Students Advocating for Change. “We are so passionate about what is going on in the world. We wanted to see what we can do to change things and not just sit still and let things happen. The care packages were the start of everything.”

For example, the students saw the difficulties farm workers are facing, and decided to make care packages for them. The group partnered with FGCU, collected items from the community, and delivered the care packages to farm workers at bus stops in the Immokalee area.

This new advocacy group isn’t stopping at care packages.

Saidee also wants Students Advocating for Change to concentrate on being a voice for preventing school shootings.

“We wanted to fight for more protection for our schools. It is important to advocate for what our community needs, rather than what the county thinks we need. Everyone outside Immokalee views Immokalee like we are on a whole different planet. They don’t know Immokalee. It’s about advocating for Immokalee and what we need and having pride in our town.”

Saidee is also part of Best Buddies, which pairs traditional students with students with special needs.

“Every Friday during lunch, we do an activity with the ESE kids,” she said.

“For pep rallies, we help them make posters. We do arts and crafts. I love it because you get to integrate with them. A lot of the time, they are separated from everybody, so you get a peek into their world. These kids are just like everyone else.”

Saidee’s dedication to helping others shows in the wide variety of ways she gives back. She made snuggies for animals at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, providing warmth to rabbits and birds in their care. She organized Thanksgiving food boxes for families who needed extra support during the holiday season. At school, she helps run a student food pantry stocked by the Harry Chapin Food Bank. She also took part in a community street cleanup through the school’s JROTC program.

“I saw on Facebook that Major Stewart, who runs JROTC [at Immokalee High School], was doing it by himself, so I wanted to help him,” she said. “We cleaned the sides of Lake Trafford and Immokalee Drive.”
Role models

Saidee says there are several reasons why she does so much for her community.

“I know what it feels like to be alone,” she admitted. “We should never make anyone feel left out. We all have the same insecurities. We all have the same thoughts. We are all people.”

She credits her dad, who is director of the Benison Center, a nonprofit in Immokalee that helps link people to resources in times of devastation, for teaching her the importance of giving back to the community.

“After Hurricane Irma there was a need in the community. Dad was one of the Benison Center founders,” she said.

Saidee attributes her work ethic to her mother. “I get a lot of myself from my mom. She is such a hard worker. She is always putting her best out there to help. She has always been my biggest role model.”

A bright future

Saidee is looking forward to her senior year and doing more for the community and her future. She is now drum major in the Immokalee High marching band.

“I am hoping I can be a really good leader,” she said.

The senior also has big plans for after graduation, and hopes to attend Florida State University.

“I am torn between going to school for medicine or music,” she said. “Being a music teacher would be lovely. My main goal is to come back to the community to help with either health care or music.”

The post Immokalee Student Leads with Heart and Action appeared first on SWFL Family.

More kids in SWFL are riding e-bikes and e-scooters to get to school, sports, and friends’ houses. Parents like them for reducing car trips, and kids love the speed and independence they offer. But we’ve also seen a sharp increase in crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, near-misses, and a lot of risky riding behaviors.

Why E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Matters

E-bikes can weigh twice as much as a traditional bike and reach speeds over 20 mph. They accelerate quickly and require accurate depth perception of moving objects, braking skills, balance, and traffic awareness. That’s a tall order for young riders whose brains and judgment are still developing.

E-bikes and e-scooters are vehicles, not toys. Parents must make sure their kids have the maturity, skills, and understanding of the rules of the road needed to ride responsibly.

Important Safety Tips

Always Wear a Helmet – Helmets are legally required for children under 16 and smart for every rider. They are the only protection we have, and helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury by up to 85%. Make sure it fits snugly and is buckled before every ride.

Mastery Before Hitting the Streets – Practice starting, stopping, turning, avoiding debris or potholes, and braking in a safe, open space before riding in traffic.

Follow All Traffic Laws – E-bikes are legally considered vehicles, and riders must abide by the rules of the road. Ride in the same direction of traffic (on sidewalks too), stop at all lights and signs, use hand signals for turns and stops, make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of a motor vehicle, and don’t ride between vehicles or cross mid-block.

Be Seen, Be Safe – Wear bright colors, add reflective gear, and use both front and rear lights, day or night.

Stay Focused – No texting, no scrolling, and no earbuds. A split-second distraction can cause a lifetime of regret.

Sidewalks Risks – Riders on sidewalks may cross many driveway and parking lot entrances, and bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters move much faster than pedestrians. Most drivers don’t look far enough down the sidewalk, especially for riders going against traffic. And because pedestrians have the right-of-way, faster riders must slow significantly and call out a warning before passing safely.

Drivers Must Remember – All bike riders have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as you. Focus on the road and put away phones and other distractions. Give them space (at least three feet when passing), slow down, and expect the unexpected.

Naples Pathways Coalition is dedicated to creating a safer community for everyone who walks, runs, or bikes. They offer free safety presentations to schools, churches, and businesses. To schedule, please contact Michelle@NaplesPathways.org.

Electric Bike (E-Bike) Laws in Florida

In Florida, there are currently no minimum age requirements for riding an electric bike. Previously, riders had to be at least 16 years old, but this age restriction has been removed. However, riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when operating an Ebike.

It’s also important to note that while Florida state law doesn’t impose age restrictions, some local municipalities may have specific regulations, so it’s a good idea to check local ordinances before riding​. (Heybike.com)

Classification System:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor assists up to 20 mph; no throttle allowed.
Class 2: Throttle or pedal-assist; motor assists up to 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only; motor assists up to 28 mph.
Peak motor power across all classes must remain below 750 watts.

Rights & Requirements:
E-bikes have the same rights and duties as bicycles under Florida law (e.g., ability to ride in bike lanes, roadways) and are exempt from driver’s license, registration, title, and insurance requirements
Manufacturers must label each e-bike with the class prominently affixed, per state statute Florida Senate.

Helmet Rules:
Riders under 16 must wear helmets; adults (16+) are not legally required but strongly encouraged to wear one.

Electric Scooter (E-Scooter) Laws in Florida

General Rules:
Riders under 16 years old must wear helmets.
Scooters must have a maximum top speed of 20 mph to remain within the “micromobility” category and not be treated as mopeds/motorcycles
No license, registration, or insurance is needed for scooters that meet these criteria
Must be equipped with functional front and rear lights and reliable brakes

Where You Can Ride:
Allowed on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, bike lanes, and in many areas, sidewalks—but this varies by municipality.
On sidewalks where permitted, riders should limit speed to 15 mph and yield to pedestrians
Local cities may have additional rules (e.g., Tampa bans scooter riding on certain downtown sidewalks)

Pending Legislation: Battery Safety (2025)
SB 410 (2025) proposes the “Florida E-Scooter and E-Bike Battery Safety Act”, which would:
Define “personal mobility device.”
Require certified ingress protection (IP) standards for batteries.
Involve the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in ensuring compliance. Florida Senate

The post E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Tips for Kids appeared first on SWFL Family.

What is your education and professional background?

I’m a lifelong entrepreneur at heart. Over the years, I’ve launched and grown dozens of businesses across different industries, each one adding a new chapter to my playbook on what works, what fails fast, and what truly makes an impact.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Communication, which sharpened my ability to tell compelling stories and connect with people. I also earned an MBA, which gave me a formal framework to back up my street smarts.

But my biggest education has come from the trenches: building businesses from scratch, navigating the ups and downs, and turning lessons learned into opportunities to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs through the Young Entrepreneurs and Rising Stars and The Biz Kidz Hub.

How and why did you create the Biz Kidz brand?

I created Biz Kidz because I was once that kid — the one who struggled in school, labeled by my dyslexia, told I probably wouldn’t even graduate from high school. What I didn’t have back then was a mentor who could show me that business was a place where thinking differently could actually be a superpower.

Fast forward a few decades, and I realized there needed to be a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn about entrepreneurship long before adulthood. That’s how Biz Kidz was born.

The “why” is simple: to give young people the tools, confidence, and real-world experiences to start a business and to build a community where kids cheer each other on and learn from local business owners.

Biz Kidz is about turning little dreamers into big doers. And it’s the most rewarding business I’ve ever started

What is the mission of BK?

The mission of Young Entrepreneurs and Rising Stars (YEARS) and Biz Kidz Hub is all about giving kids and teens the tools, experiences, and confidence to turn their ideas into reality.

At its heart, YEARS and Biz Kidz are about helping kids discover that entrepreneurship is not just for adults in suits. It’s for creative, curious young minds who want to solve problems and shape their own futures — starting right now.

Tell us about the Biz Kidz.

Our very first Biz Kidz Expo back in 2021 was small, scrappy, and filled with young entrepreneurs who were thrilled to step out from behind their lemonade stands and into a real business spotlight.

What started as a single Expo has blossomed into a dynamic program that now includes monthly markets where kids run their own booths right alongside professional vendors, field trips so kids can see business in action, and our online training center for kids.

Today, we typically hold three to four events each month, from markets to workshops to field trips. We’ve run well over a hundred events .

Why is mentoring youth entrepreneurs important to you?

Because I was that kid who needed it most.

Growing up with dyslexia, I was told I probably wouldn’t graduate from high school, let alone start dozens of businesses or earn an MBA. I didn’t have mentors to show me that thinking differently could actually be my biggest strength. I had to figure it out myself the hard way.

That’s why mentoring young entrepreneurs is so deeply personal for me. It’s about giving kids the kind of support, encouragement, and real-world know-how I wish I’d had. It’s about helping them skip some of the painful detours and instead build confidence, resilience, and practical business skills early on.

More than anything, it’s about sparking that moment when a kid realizes: “Hey, I can do this. I can take an idea, build it into something real, and shape my own future.”

How many kids have participated to date?

Over the past five years, we’ve had more than 1,200 kids run their own businesses at a market or expo, selling everything from homemade soaps and jewelry to teens offering tech services and creative products.

Beyond that, we’ve mentored or presented to another 1,500 kids through schools, non profit partners, and homeschool co-ops, planting seeds of entrepreneurship all across our community.

Are there any Biz Kidz alum who have become adult entrepreneurs?

One of my favorite examples is Kaci from Kaci Cakes and Bakes. She was one of the very first kids to come through our Biz Kidz program. What started as a humble table of homemade treats at our market has grown into a full-fledged catering business.

Today, she’s not only a student at the FGCU School of Entrepreneurship, but she also runs a thriving company baking custom cakes and desserts for corporate events, and she supplies fresh pastries to a local coffee shop every morning.

Kaci is now headed to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris to study fine dining and catering. Stories like Kaci’s are exactly why we do what we do. It proves that when you give young entrepreneurs a place to start, you’re helping them build a future with no limits.

What’s next for Biz Kidz?

We’re expanding our Biz Kidz Markets, Field Trips, and Pitch Contests to reach even more kids across Southwest Florida (and beyond). We’re also growing our Biz Kidz Hub online training center.

Long-term, we want to see thousands more kids start businesses before they even graduate from high school. We want to create partnerships with universities, local chambers, and global brands so these young entrepreneurs get a launchpad most adults only dream of.

Do you know our August 2025 cover kids, the Baker Boys?

The Baker Boys are true Biz Kidz rock stars. They have become staples at just about every market we host locally. They show up early, set up shop like pros, and greet customers with the kind of enthusiasm most adults would pay good money to bottle up.

Honestly, the Baker Boys are a perfect example of why we started this program — to help kids turn simple ideas into real businesses, and have a ton of fun along the way.

See the Baker Boys on the cover of our August 2025 issue here.

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