Victoria Park Christmas Lights: The Story Behind Naples’ Most Festive Neighborhood
Nearly all 300 homes in North Naples’ Victoria Park light up every December. Meet the families behind the themed streets and get tips for visiting.
Read ArticleCollier County
How Collier County School Closures Are Decided During Storms
As Southwest Florida moves through hurricane season, we want to share how Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) prepares for severe weather, makes decisions about Collier...
Read ArticleCatch a Ride: How Collier Area Transit Helps Collier County Families Get Around
The new school year is in full swing, and families are navigating busy schedules, after-school events, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Busy parents are trying...
Read ArticleFive Authentic Local Restaurants to Try During Hispanic Heritage Month in Naples
Naples, Florida is home to a vibrant mix of family-owned Hispanic restaurants serving authentic dishes from Mexico and beyond — perfect for celebrating Hispanic Heritage...
Read ArticleSouthwest Florida Family Back to School Expo 2026
SAVE THE DATE! The 2026 Southwest Florida Family Back to School Expo at the North Collier Regional Park is coming. Get a head start on your...
Read ArticlePinwheels at the Pier to Commemorate National Child Abuse Prevention Month is on April 3, 2026
Save this date: April 3, 2026! Why? Because one of the most sparkling moments each spring is the “planting” of a magnificent pinwheel garden in...
Read ArticleCollier County News
Holiday Lights and Parades in Collier County (2026)
Where to see holiday lights and Christmas parades in Naples and Marco Island this season, from Victoria Park and Night Lights in the Garden to the Naples Bay and Marco Island boat parades.
Read ArticleFlorida Panther Festival 2026 Returns to Naples Zoo Nov. 7, Free for Collier Residents
The Florida Panther Festival returns to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, giving families a morning of wildlife talks, hands-on activities,...
Read ArticleSogility Naples Grand Opening: Free Family Soccer Event With Jozy Altidore Oct. 30–31
Families can get a free, hands-on look at a new youth soccer training center during the Sogility Naples grand opening Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday,...
Read ArticleLee County
Lee County School Safety Starts With “See Something, Say Something”
Most families have heard the phrase "see something, say something." Having devoted my career to law enforcement, I know it is more than just a...
Read ArticleLee County School Arts Programs Are Thriving
Lee County school arts programs give students opportunities to explore visual arts, music, theater, and dance from middle school through graduation. Across the School District...
Read ArticleSizzle Dining raises $87,483 for Blessings in a Backpack for Children in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties
In a generous display of community spirit and culinary excellence, Sizzle Dining wrapped up its most successful “dine with purpose” event to date. Together, the...
Read ArticleLocal Scholarships Often Go Unclaimed in Collier and Lee Counties
Bonita Shores offers three $500 college scholarships for high school seniors in that community, but in 2025 nobody applied. Longshore Lakes in North Naples offers...
Read ArticleLocal Animal Shelter raises awareness of risk of heartworm disease during recent increased rain, heat, and humidity in Southwest Florida
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter in Cape Coral, FL, is issuing a warning and encouraging pet owners to ensure their pets are on a monthly...
Read ArticleSuiting Up with Lee Queen Bee: An Adventure Inside a Southwest Florida Honeybee Hive
So here I am on this perfect blue-sky spring morning, dressed like a freshly landed space alien, with 14 million bees (okay, maybe 30) bouncing...
Read ArticleLee County News
Holiday Lights and Parades in Lee County (2026)
Where to see holiday lights and Christmas parades in Lee County this season, from Edison & Ford Holiday Nights and Calusa’s lighted trail to boat parades on Fort Myers Beach, Matlacha, and Cape Coral.
Read ArticleFair at Fenway South 2026 Brings Three Weekends of Rides and Shows to Fort Myers
The Fair at Fenway South returns to JetBlue Park in Fort Myers for three weekends in November, bringing amusement rides, live shows (included with admission),...
Read ArticleCommunity Cooperative Seeks Thanksgiving Meal Donations
Community Cooperative's annual Full Plates Project is collecting donations, food and volunteer help to provide Thanksgiving meals in Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida for...
Read ArticleResources
Veterans Day Deals and Meals in Southwest Florida 2026
Veterans and active-duty military in Naples, Fort Myers and Cape Coral can enjoy free meals, a free Pure Florida cruise, free admission to Naples Botanical Garden and fee-free national parks this Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
Read ArticlePerforming Arts Programs for Kids in Southwest Florida: Serious Training Close to Home
Performing arts programs for kids in Southwest Florida can offer much more than a weekly hobby. Young actors, singers, dancers, and theater technicians in Collier...
Read ArticleBusy Parent’s Guide to the August Primary Election in Collier and Lee Counties
Voting is one of the most important ways parents can help shape their family’s future, and this August primary election guide can help Lee and...
Read ArticleWhere Kids Eat For Free (or at a Discount) in Collier and Lee Counties
Looking for where kids eat free (or at a discount) in Collier and Lee Counties? These Southwest Florida restaurant deals can help families save on...
Read ArticleHow to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Kids in SWFL
When parents think about keeping their children safe, they often focus on car seats, helmets, and healthy meals. But what about indoor air quality for...
Read ArticleHow to Find the Best Holiday Gifts at Thrift Stores & Consignment Shops in SWFL
Are you searching for unique, budget‑friendly thrift store gift ideas this holiday season? Whether you're scrambling for last‑minute Hanukkah gifts or prepping early for Christmas,...
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Southwest Florida
Where to Find Family Holiday Fun in SWFL
Your 2026 guide to family holiday events in Collier and Lee counties, with top picks for lights, parades, Hanukkah celebrations, and boat parades.
Read ArticleHispanic Heritage Month 2026: Activities and Events for SWFL Families
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the United States from September 15th to October 15th.This commemorative month recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to history, culture, art, and other achievements.
Read ArticleFlorida School Bus Laws: What Collier and Lee County Drivers Need to Know
Florida school bus laws require drivers to stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, with limited exceptions on...
Read ArticleValerie’s House College Scholarships Honor Local Grieving Students
Valerie’s House college scholarships are helping 34 grieving students continue their education after the death of a loved one. The Fort Myers-based nonprofit awarded $70,000...
Read ArticleFC Naples Father’s Day Stories: Family, Soccer, and SWFL Roots
FC Naples Father’s Day stories show how soccer in Southwest Florida is more than a game. For several FC Naples players and staff, the sport...
Read ArticleHidden Gems For Families to Explore Throughout SWFL
There are hidden gems scattered in towns and cities throughout Southwest Florida for families to explore. Beyond the beaches, zoo, and water parks are lesser-known...
Read ArticleSouthwest Florida News
2026 Hanukkah Events in Collier and Lee Counties
Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, Dec. 4, and runs through nightfall on Saturday, Dec. 12. Across Southwest Florida, synagogues, Chabad centers, and community...
Read ArticleWhere to See Santa in Collier and Lee Counties (2025)
Where to see Santa in Collier and Lee counties in 2026, including free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa, and a sensory-friendly visit.
Read ArticleSouthwest Florida Family Brings Home Eight National Awards
Southwest Florida Family won eight national awards, including four Golds, at the 2026 Parenting Media Association awards. See the winning stories on Florida’s EKG law, kindergarten, hidden gems and more.
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