The Collier Children’s Advocacy Center (Collier CAC) holds its annual “Pinwheels at the Pier” event on Friday, April 3, at 8 a.m., at Lowdermilk Park, 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. The event marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month and is free and open to the public.

Pinwheel gardens sprout up all over the U.S. each April to symbolize every child’s right to a safe and happy childhood. Pinwheels at the Pier is thought to be the largest pinwheel garden in the country, and the only one planted on a tropical beach.

Now in its 10th year, the pinwheel garden takes a unique art form, each created by a different team of volunteers under the direction of Collier CAC, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County. In prior years it has bloomed as a giant pot of flowers, a heart embraced by loving hands, and an undulating silver and blue ribbon along the shore. In 2023, it was a giant palm tree. In a gentle breeze with sunbeams dancing on the shiny metallic pinwheels it gave the illusion of swaying feathery fronds. The sparkle is visible more than a mile along the beach in each direction.

The design is traditionally secret until the morning of the event. Early morning walkers can watch it evolve and guess what it will be. The child-friendly display makes a memorable family selfie spot, and a supply of pinwheels is kept aside for children drawn to the sparkle who would like to plant one in the garden.

Planting begins around 8 a.m. and continues until noon. Beachgoers, members of the media, law enforcement, and several local children’s support agencies stop by to plant a pinwheel. Afterwards, the pinwheels are gathered up to be re-imagined as next year’s creation. The pinwheel team ensures that nothing remains except footprints and seashells. 

To learn more about “Pinwheels at the Pier” or to purchase a pinwheel, visit caccollier.org/patp.

“Their plight is often invisible.”

“Unlike many nonprofit organizations, we aren’t able to put faces to the need,” says Jackie Stephens, CEO of Collier CAC. “Our work is privacy-driven for the children’s safety.  So, this colorful, artistic approach is our way to spotlight the often-invisible plight of abused children and the services we provide. Pinwheels at the Pier generates surprise and delight, resulting in new awareness and more children being helped.”

“As a community we can all become more alert.”

  “It’s always a beautiful experience.” says popular NBC-2 anchor Peter Busch, who has been a supporter of Collier CAC’s work for nearly a decade and often comes to give a dedication. “As the parents of three daughters, my wife, Rachel, and I are acutely aware of the dangers children can face, even within a family or from trusted adults in their lives. We take our responsibility very seriously to provide a safe and happy place to grow up. As a community we need to know that child advocacy organizations like CAC are available, at no cost, day or night, 24/7, and my hope is that we all become more alert to the plights of children in crisis. That’s why I’m honored to be part of this awareness event every April.”  

About the CAC

Collier CAC is a 501(c)3 immediate response facility serving victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. Its medically directed Child Protection Team (CPT), therapists, counselors, and advocates assist over 2,500 children and their family members each year. While they come from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, they share a common experience of lasting emotional scars. CAC often works with a child for several years. To learn more about Collier CAC or to become involved, visit CACcollier.org. To report abuse, call 1.800.962.2873 

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What makes the Wonder Gardens’ 90th anniversary special for families?

Turning 90 is rare for any attraction, especially for a small, privately started roadside stop. From the beginning, the Wonder Gardens has been rooted in family — both the Piper family who created it and the generations of local families who have visited.

For parents, this anniversary is a chance to share a beloved piece of Southwest Florida history with your children while seeing how it’s evolving into a modern, humane, and educational animal experience.

• One of the few remaining historic roadside attractions in Florida.
• A 90-year story of rescuing, caring for, and showcasing animals.
• A walkable, shady garden that works for toddlers, big kids, and grandparents.

How did Wonder Gardens begin 90 years ago?

On February 22, 1936, brothers Lester and Bill Piper opened the Everglades Reptile Gardens in their backyard. They collected alligators, crocodiles, and snakes from the surrounding area and created simple enclosures so visitors could see animals they might never encounter otherwise.

Local children would bring snakes to the Pipers and earn a dollar. Teenagers caught sharks to sell as alligator food. The Pipers planted trees and tropical plants to create a wilderness feel, and soon they added panthers, bears, and otters. Admission was just 25 cents.

For decades, what is now the Wonder Gardens looked like a traditional mid-century zoo. Panthers and bears paced on concrete floors behind black bars in small cages. Alligators and turtles crowded into concrete pits. Yet even in that setting, there was a deep care for animals. Lester Piper, who left school after the fifth grade, taught himself how to care for and even heal local creatures. He began breeding panthers and released some back into the wild.

There was no I-75 or even a completed US 41 when the Wonder Gardens began. Old 41 was the main road through town, and both locals and tourists would stop to see the creatures the Pipers collected. Families came to meet Tom, the black bear who starred in the film The Yearling, and to gawk at Big Joe, a 1,200-pound North American crocodile believed to be the largest in captivity.

Over time, Lester’s children and grandchildren all worked at the attraction. When Lester died in 1992, his grandson David Piper Jr. took the helm. The Wonder Gardens remained a familiar stop for road-tripping families and a point of pride for Bonita Springs.

How did the Wonder Gardens survive when other attractions closed?

From the 1930s through the 1980s, roadside attractions dotted Florida highways. Southwest Florida had its share, including Waltzing Waters in Cape Coral and the Shell Factory, which started in Bonita Springs and later moved to North Fort Myers. There was even a Sugar Cane Museum in Fort Myers. Around the state, families stopped to see animals, pearls, driftwood, and lime rock formations.

Most of those attractions are gone.

In 2013, it looked like the Wonder Gardens might follow. When David Piper Jr. moved to Georgia for health reasons, the attraction went up for sale. A commercial buyer could easily have replaced the gardens with new development.

Instead, a nonprofit group stepped in to save the Wonder Gardens. It secured a loan from the city, took over the property, and began the long work of honoring its history while bringing it up to modern standards.

• Mammals such as panthers and bears were placed in new homes.
• The focus shifted to birds and reptiles that could thrive in the gardens.
• Local photographer and conservationist John Brady cleared overgrown greenery and created winding pathways.
• Directors added educational programs and new species over time, including free-roaming peacocks and colorful parrots.

Current leader Neil Anderson calls this balance the key to the Wonder Gardens’ survival. “The biggest key is to have a vision and a plan,” he said. That vision pairs new experiences that today’s families will love with a commitment to preserving the historic character of the place.

What new experiences mark the 90th year of Wonder Gardens?

As the Wonder Gardens marks its 90th anniversary, families will notice that the fences, bars, and blank concrete walls of the past are disappearing. In their place are more natural habitats and viewing areas designed with children in mind.

Anderson recently opened a new otter attraction, one of the biggest hits with young visitors. He also raised money to build a night house for the flamingos so they can be safely sheltered when needed.

“Especially now with the new otter exhibit, kids can really connect with some of our favorite animal residents,” Anderson said. “There is no place else where you can put your hands up and the otters are putting their paws up. The wonder is having those types of experiences. Ultimately, we want to get the children connected with nature. The moments of wonder are what we are trying to recreate.”

Future improvements are planned to carry Wonder Gardens into its next decades:

• A new animal care center to support the growing collection.
• An event center overlooking the Imperial River.
• A new home for the alligators with underwater viewing.
• A discovery zone and play area with a dino dig.
• A natural history museum with hands-on activities.
• A treetop canopy walk and treehouse where guests can walk above the foliage alongside tamarins.

For families, these changes mean more ways to experience animals up close, more play spaces, and more reasons to come back year after year.

How are kids connecting with Wonder Gardens today?

With the redesign, the Wonder Gardens is once again a busy hub for local and visiting families. Attendance is growing, and the attraction recently broke its daily record with almost 1,000 guests.

“We are designing new habitats with visitor experiences that go along with that,” Anderson said. “Before, everything was designed to lift your kid up over the walls to see things, so we are taking away the cement walls and replacing them with viewing panels, so the youngest visitors can have an opportunity to connect.”

Kids are already forming their own favorite memories.

“Zulu is my favorite,” said 7-year-old Rose Seiger, as she interacted with a violet turaco. “I want to be a zookeeper when I grow up so I can work at the Wonder Gardens.”

“The otters are my favorite,” said 6-year-old William Rusk.

For the Piper family, seeing these new connections during the 90th anniversary year is especially meaningful.

“The place is lovely and we are very proud of it,” said Buck Piper, Lester Piper’s grandson.

“I am thankful to everyone and to the community that they preserved … the legacy of the Wonder Gardens,” said Ashley Piper, Buck’s daughter.

Share the story with your kids as you walk: how a backyard reptile garden survived almost a century, changed with the times, and still feels like a place out of a storybook.

How does Wonder Gardens balance history and the future?

Preserving history is at the heart of the 90th anniversary. As donors help fund new habitats and family spaces, the Wonder Gardens team is careful to keep the original character intact.

Donations paid for the flamingo night house and the new event center. Money is now being raised to build the treetop walkway. At the same time, an original cottage on the property will serve as the new museum, giving families a place to learn about the early days of the attraction.

“We want to keep that historical perspective,” Anderson stressed. “We want to take you back to the beginnings of the Wonder Gardens. It is really keeping trust in the true Wonder Gardens; what it used to be and bringing it up to modern standards with the historic feel. There is something special here. Part of that is the history.”

As you visit during the 90th anniversary year, point out the old and the new: the vintage feel of the paths and buildings, and the modern, animal-friendly habitats and educational exhibits.

If you go: Wonder Gardens 90th anniversary details

The Wonder Gardens 90th anniversary Bonita Springs is the perfect excuse to plan a family outing, revisit an old favorite, or bring visiting relatives to one of the area’s most enduring attractions. Families in Collier and Lee Counties can easily pair a visit with other Bonita Springs stops or make it the main event.

• Name: Wonder Gardens
• Address: 7180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs
• Phone: 239-992-2591
• Website: www.wondergardens.org
• Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily (last admission at 3 p.m.)
• Admission: $17 for adults and $12 for children
• Bonita Springs Days: First Sunday of the month, admission is $12 for Bonita residents.
• Events and programs: Check our family events calendar for Collier & Lee Counties for Wonder Gardens happenings and other Bonita Springs family events.

Make a plan to visit during this milestone year. Whether your child falls in love with the otters, the flamingos, or the shady garden paths, you’ll be part of the Wonder Gardens story as it steps into its next 90 years.

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The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation is once again awarding up to 15 new $20,000 college scholarships ($5,000 per year) to deserving 12^th grade students from eligible high schools in Collier County.

The application and eligibility list can be found online at www.SchulzeFamilyFoundation.org. The deadline for all submissions is April 1, 2026. 

Successful candidates will show they have distinguished themselves through school, community and/or church activities while showing strong academic achievement in high school and meet the following criteria:

• A 2026 graduate of an eligible Collier County high school
• Have a minimum of a 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA (4.0 scale)
• Show unmet financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Not be receiving need-based federal grant assistance (Pell Grant)
• Enroll in a four-year accredited college or university as a full-time degree-seeking student

Established in 2014, the Schulze Family Foundation College Scholarship Program is designed to help students graduate from college with minimal student debt. To date, almost 150 local students have received one of these competitive awards. 

Six years of Schulze scholars have already graduated from college and are now gainfully employed or enrolled in a post-graduate program working to pursue their dreams of becoming engineers, doctors, teachers, nurses and so much more.

The Schulze family understands the value of a good college education and is committed to helping students from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal grant assistance but still need financial support to pay for college.

“We believe life in the U.S. has become harder for middle-income families,” said Mary Beth Geier, Florida Director of the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. “This scholarship allows us to ease the burden for local families who are working to make college a reality for their son or daughter.”

If you have questions about the Schulze Family Foundation College Scholarship Program in Florida, please contact Ana DiMercurio at amdimercurio@schulzefamilyfoundation.org or 239.451.3033

About the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation was created in 2004 by Best Buy founder, Dick Schulze, to give back to the communities where Dick and his family grew up – in Minnesota, where he built Best Buy to become the world’s largest consumer electronics retailer, and in Florida, where he now maintains a permanent residence. The Schulze Family Foundation creates grant partnerships with organizations that generate meaningful results in human and social services, education, and health and medicine. In all its activities, the Foundation embraces its founder’s vision to strengthen and support initiatives that lead to change within our communities. For more information, please visit our website.

The post $20,000 Scholarship Applications Now Open for Collier County Seniors appeared first on SWFL Family.

Nordin is a lifelong Collier County resident, public school graduate, and mother of four who brings extensive, hands-on experience in education, community leadership, and school governance to the race. She is the founder of Autism Collier, a nonprofit organization created to support families navigating education and related services, and the co-founder of Autism Collier Charter School, developed in collaboration with educators, district leadership, and state partners.

Through this work, Nordin has spent years working directly with families, teachers, administrators, and policymakers. She has served on advisory councils and committees that inform school district decision-making, giving her firsthand experience with school governance, budgeting, accountability, and policy development.

“I’m running because I believe our school board needs leaders who are prepared, collaborative, and grounded in real experience,” Nordin said. “Strong schools require more than good intentions; they require thoughtful leadership, responsible decision-making, and a deep understanding of how policies impact students, families, and educators.”

Nordin’s campaign focuses on student success, strong family partnerships, support for educators and staff, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, collaboration, and expanding opportunity and innovation across Collier County schools.

The kickoff event drew broad support from elected officials and community leaders across Collier County, underscoring early momentum behind Nordin’s candidacy. Those in attendance included Collier County School Board Member Tim Moshier; former Collier County School Board Chair Jen Mitchell; Collier County Property Appraiser Vickie Downs; Everglades City Councilman Mike McComas; Collier County Commissioners Burt Saunders and Rick LoCastro; and Marco Island City Council Members Tamara Goehler and Deb Henry, along with numerous educators, parents, advocates, and community leaders from across the county. Nordin has also earned early support from Florida State Representative Meg Weinberger, and additional endorsements from elected officials and community leaders are expected in the coming weeks.

Additional Candidates

• Michelle Albergo
• Tim Moshier

The post Stephanie Nordin Launches Campaign for Collier County School Board, District 1 appeared first on SWFL Family.

How the Tradition Began

It’s a holiday tradition that keeps getting bigger and more elaborate every year. Victoria Park has been known for decades as the place to go to see lights and decorations. 

Lindsey Manring grew up in Victoria Park and has seen the explosion of holiday spirit. She lived there as a child in 1988 and moved back with her husband and five kids in 2014.

“There have always been a lot of Christmas lights, but it wasn’t until 1992 that they really started synchronizing everything,” she said.

Martha and Rob Anderson agree.

“We moved here in 1994, and I would say even back then it was a Christmas light destination,” Martha Anderson said. “But not to the extent that it is now.”

Street by Street: Themes & Rivalries

In 2007, a college student from Victoria Park was home for the holidays and, with some buddies, created a few lighted archways over Windsor Way. That soon grew to more than a dozen arches set up over the street each holiday season. Other streets added their own themes. Candy canes sprouted on Sussex Street, followed by Christmas trees on Whitehall Street, organized by the Andersons.

“The candy canes popped up first and we were jealous. We thought, ‘We are a great street; we can do that,’” said Martha Anderson. “One of my kids said ‘How about a tree? That’s just a triangle.’ Rob built one and put it up on our mailbox. He went door-to-door and asked people to look at it, and everybody unanimously said, ‘Yes, do it.’”

The Andersons bought the supplies, and the neighbors worked assembly-line style to make lighted trees to glow from the top of every mailbox on the block. Other streets now decorate mailboxes with snowmen, snowflakes, shooting stars, angels, candles, and more. 

When Dayanna and Blaise Ciabaton and their four children moved to Victoria Park in 2019 they already knew about the decorating tradition from their years of visiting during the holidays. As soon as they moved in, Dayanna started buying holiday decorations. Her favorites are the Santa and sleigh on her roof and all her inflatables. The Elf on the Shelf inflatable is her favorite, because so many children comment on how much they enjoy it. She and her family enjoy sitting by their fire pit in their driveway watching all the people enjoy the lights.

“It’s the coolest thing to give that much joy to so many people,” Ciabaton said.

Michael and Michele Standish moved to Victoria Park in 2000. They like to sit in their driveway by a fire pit and watch all the people drive by. Often traffic backs up all the way onto Airport-Pulling Road.

“During the middle of the week is better,” Michael Standish advised for avoiding crowds. “You can start on Huntington and work your way back up and down.”

Standish said the least crowded times are right after sunset and after 9:30 p.m. Most residents shut their lights off between 10 and 11 p.m. Of course there is no avoiding traffic on Christmas Eve, when almost every home has luminaries lining their lawns and driveways. There is so much traffic that it backs up all the way to Immokalee Road, and deputies have to help direct drivers.

Residents know their glowing community means lots of vehicles. It’s so popular that the Naples Trolley and many gated communities organize tours.

“We do not leave the house the month of December after 5:30 p.m.” Anderson said. “It is an understood thing. We love it. We sit outside most nights. People wave and shout ‘Merry Christmas’. It is just amazing. It is such a fun thing.”

“I feel like it is really special for our kids,” Manring added. “We have made it into a scavenger hunt. People have hot chocolate and Santa hats. My daughter has her birthday in December and she has her friends over to look at the lights. They can’t want to invite their friends over.”

“It’s something that really brings the community together,” Standish added.

Visiting Victoria Park: What to Know

Where It’s Located:
Victoria Park is in North Naples, situated just off Airport-Pulling Road between Vanderbilt Beach Road and Immokalee Road. Look for Nottingham Drive as the main entrance to the neighborhood

When to Visit:
The lights typically turn on at sunset, making early evening a great time to arrive. To avoid crowds, aim to visit on a weekday and either shortly after dusk or later in the evening, around 9:30 p.m. Christmas Eve is the busiest night of the season, with heavy traffic and long lines stretching out to major roads.

Best Route To See Victoria Park Christmas Displays

How to Experience the Lights:
Most people enjoy the displays from their cars as they slowly drive through the neighborhood. It’s a drive-through experience, with streets glowing in synchronized themes, mailbox decorations, inflatables, and holiday music playing from some homes. A few visitors walk, but driving is the primary way to experience the lights.

Tips for a Smooth Visit:

• Lower your headlights when driving through to see the displays better and avoid distracting others.

• Keep a slow, steady pace and avoid honking.

• Bring hot chocolate, snacks, and festive gear, and turn it into a holiday outing.

• Avoid blocking driveways or stopping in the middle of the road for too long.

• If you plan to take photos, look for safe areas to pull over without disrupting traffic.

• Some local trolleys and tour companies include Victoria Park as part of holiday lights tours—these can be a stress-free alternative to navigating traffic on your own.

What Makes It Special:
From lighted arches to themed streets and mailbox displays, Victoria Park goes above and beyond with its holiday cheer. The residents embrace the tradition, often sitting outside by fire pits to greet visitors with waves and holiday wishes. The sense of community and joy keep people coming back year after year.

The post Victoria Park: The Story Behind the Most Lit Neighborhood for the Holidays in Naples appeared first on SWFL Family.

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 127 participating Southwest Florida restaurants sold 87,483 meals and more than 8,000 Sizzle cocktails, with $1 from every meal sold going to help Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida, a non-profit organization that provides nutritional food to food-insecure elementary students every Friday throughout the school year. Fueled by his experience with food insecurity as a child, Guy Clarke and his team set a goal to raise more money than in any of the past years. Residents and visitors in Southwest Florida enjoyed creative menus and discovered their new favorite restaurants while participating in this much-anticipated event. Plans are already underway to extend the 10th anniversary Sizzle Dining season and incorporate more heart-healthy options.

Over the past four years, Sizzle Dining has donated more than $150,000, helping to ensure over 30,000 hunger-free weekends for elementary school students across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.

“This year’s event once again demonstrated the incredible heart of our restaurant community,” said Guy Clarke, executive director of Sizzle Dining. “Local restaurants needed the extra boost during the slow season, and our community came together in record numbers to dine with purpose and raise an extraordinary amount for Blessings in a Backpack. It’s proof that when we support local, everyone wins.”

The 2025 Sizzle Dining event brought new energy to Southwest Florida’s dining scene with exciting culinary offerings, creative prix-fixe menus, and special experiences. Restaurants across the region, from neighborhood favorites to fine dining destinations, participated in the four-week celebration of food, community, and compassion. Notable mentions from this year’s Sizzle Dining include a dollar-for-dollar match from Bone Hook Brewery and Craft Kitchen, with 506 meals sold equating to a $1,102 donation to Blessings in a Backpack. For the third consecutive year, Phelan Family Brands was the top donor, with a total of nineteen of its brand restaurants participating. Additionally, six restaurants participating in Sizzle Dining for the first time made it to the top 20 list for restaurant sales, including Estia, Blackbird Modern Asian, Hogfish Harry’s, M Waterfront Grille, Tap 42 Craft Kitchen + Bar, Naples, and Alice Sweetwater’s Bar & Grille. 

“We are absolutely thrilled by the incredible generosity and enormous impact of Sizzle Dining this year. The funds they’ve raised will ensure that nearly 500 children have food every single weekend of the school year, which is a truly profound blessing. Beyond the financial support, Sizzle Dining’s campaign is an unprecedented awareness tool for us; I’ve personally spoken with new donors who felt compelled to support our mission after learning about us through the Sizzle experience,” said Jenn Robinson, managing director, Blessings in a Backpack Southwest Florida.

In addition to helping local children in need, Sizzle Dining continues to play a vital role in strengthening the regional economy. The event also:

• Contributes more than $5 million annually to the Southwest Florida economy by driving business to local restaurants during one of the slowest times of the year.
• Fosters community pride by encouraging residents and visitors to explore and support locally owned establishments.
• Stimulates job growth and boosts revenue across the hospitality supply chain.
• Attracts tourism, drawing visitors to Lee and Collier counties for unique dining experiences.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Sizzle Dining, with even more restaurants expressing interest in participating and expanding on this year’s success. Save the dates for September 1–30, 2026.

About Sizzle Dining 

Sizzle Dining began in 2016 as an 11–day dining event in Naples. Year after year, it has grown substantially thanks to the commitment of local restaurateurs and Sizzle’s founders, Guy and Erin Clarke. Each year, participating local restaurants create mouth-watering prix-fixe breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that highlight their Chefs’ impressive culinary skills. The menus are offered at affordable prices to encourage visitors to try a variety of local restaurants. This event helps drum up business for our local dining scene during one of the slowest months of the year in Southwest Florida. On top of the much-needed boost to our local culinary industry, Sizzle Dining, a 509(a)(2) nonprofit, gives back to the community in an even more impactful way. For every meal purchased, restaurant owners donate $1 of their proceeds to help Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida, an incredible organization that helps feed our local food-insecure elementary school children over the weekends. For more information, visit SizzleDining.org.   

The post Sizzle Dining raises $87,483 for Blessings in a Backpack for Children in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties 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.

At the elementary level, first graders participate in The Shelter’s Hands are for Helping, Not for Hurting prevention program. Through engaging story times and interactive activities, children learn non-aggressive ways to express anger and other emotions. They also discover positive ways to use their hands while focusing on kindness, cooperation, and helping others.

In middle school, the Healthy Friendships program helps seventh- and eighth-grade students recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy traits in friendships, establish boundaries, and understand how to respond if they experience bullying. Students leave with practical tools to build respectful peer relationships and take a stand against mistreatment.

At the high school level, students participating in HOPE (Health Orientation through Physical Education) courses also experience the Healthy Relationships program. These lessons equip teens to identify warning signs of unhealthy behavior, set clear boundaries, and seek help if needed. The goal is to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to build supportive, respectful relationships as they transition into adulthood.

By introducing these programs, Collier County Public Schools and The Shelter for Abused Women & Children are equipping students with age-appropriate tools to develop empathy, respect, and healthy boundaries. This ongoing partnership not only raises awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month but also nurtures safer schools and stronger communities year-round while helping our children grow into compassionate, empowered adults.

For a list of domestic violence resources in Southwest Florida, go HERE

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1. Taqueria Jalisco

📍 4075 Pine Ridge Rd, Ste 3

If you’re searching for the best al pastor street tacos in Naples, look no further. Marinated with pineapple and onions, the tender pork is bursting with flavor—and you’ll immediately wish you had ordered more. Want to take it up a notch? Try the choriqueso—a melty cheese dip mixed with Esther’s handmade chorizo. Just a warning: it’s highly addictive!

2. 7 Food Mart and Tortilleria

📍 2332 Santa Barbara Blvd

Hidden in the back of this Hispanic/Caribbean grocery store is a taco grill and deli beloved by locals. The barbacoa street tacos are a must—don’t skip the cilantro, onion, and house salsas. For something heartier, try the Cuban pork leg with black beans and rice (moro), a dish that keeps customers coming back again and again.

3. Garibaldi’s

📍 11510 Tamiami Trl E

Part bakery, part restaurant, Garibaldi’s is a delicious surprise in East Naples. While the pastries and desserts are eye-catching, the real showstopper is the molcajete—a sizzling stone bowl overflowing with meats, cheese, and even cactus, served alongside handmade tortillas and all the taco fixings. Bring a friend, because this dish is as big as it is bold.

4. El Tapatio

📍 11157 Tamiami Trl E

Don’t let the humble pink exterior fool you—this former roadside motel lobby has been transformed into one of Naples’ best-kept secrets for over 25 years. Owners Sergio and America serve up crispy-outside, soft-inside gorditas with fillings ranging from chicken to spicy pork to cactus. Pair them with a bowl of fresh guacamole and you’ll see why locals rave about this spot.

5. La Oaxaqueña Taqueria

📍 2795 Davis Blvd, Unit A

Step inside La Oaxaqueña and you’ll be transported to southern Mexico. The menu highlights include quesabirria tacos (a social media sensation) and tlayudas—giant, crispy “Mexican pizzas” topped with beans, cheese, meat, and veggies. Wash it all down with a passionfruit margarita or a refreshing agua fresca for a meal that feels like a celebration.

Whether you’re craving tacos, gorditas, or something adventurous like tlayudas, these five restaurants are perfect places to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with authentic flavor.

Liz Valdez is the founder of Paradise Food Tours and has spent years exploring the local food scene, discovering hidden gems and authentic eateries that showcase the rich flavors of our community.

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The Role of Communication in Emergencies

Effective emergency communication is about more than simply relaying facts—it’s about providing comfort and reassurance. For serious matters, such as air conditioning outages or arrests on school campuses, parents will often receive a phone message and/or email from the school principal.

In a critical situation, such as a school lockdown, speed and clarity are essential. Families will receive a text message within moments of an incident being confirmed. Updates will continue to be provided throughout the event. Even a brief message that says, “CCPS is aware of the current lockdown at your school. Please remain calm. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating at this time,” lets parents know we are engaged, responsive, and committed to their child’s safety.

Staying Ahead During Hurricane Season

Now that we are in peak hurricane season, weather events often disrupt school operations. CCPS relies on updates from the National Weather Service in Miami and remains in constant communication with Collier County Emergency Management.

In the event of a weather emergency, CCPS uses every communication channel at its disposal to reach people quickly and reliably: text, email, phone, social media, district and school websites, and local news outlets. These tools work together so that a parent who misses a phone call can find the same information in their email or on social media. Depending on the situation, messages may include what is happening, what actions are being taken, and when families can expect another update.

Be Prepared

Trust doesn’t start in the middle of an emergency—it begins well before. Effective emergency communication is a two-way street. While CCPS is committed to providing timely and accurate updates, we encourage families to ensure their contact information is current to receive information. At the start of each school year, we ask parents and guardians to complete an Emergency Information Form by logging into the CCPS Portal and visiting Focus. The form ensures we are able to reach our families should an emergency arise.

Our goal is simple. We want families to know they can trust CCPS to keep them informed every step of the way, so that they can focus on what matters most—the safety of their loved ones.

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