Collier County Public Schools is hosting the event in partnership with local law enforcement and community organizations. The focus is practical: social media misuse, online gaming risks, child exploitation, and human trafficking.

For families in Collier and Lee Counties, this forum offers a local opportunity to hear real-world information from people working directly on child protection concerns.

Where is the Online Safety Forum for Parents being held?

The forum will be held at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Administrative Center Board Room.

• What: Community Forum on Online Safety and Child Protection
• When: Monday, May 11, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
• Where: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Administrative Center Board Room (5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, FL)

The event is designed for families who want to better understand the digital spaces where children spend time. That includes social media platforms, online games, and other internet-based communication.

Why is this child online safety forum important for families?

Recent data shared by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office shows why this topic is urgent for local families.

• Reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material have increased by more than 31,000% nationwide in the past three years.
• Cases of sextortion and online enticement have risen by more than 3,400% since 2021.
• From 2023-2025, the Southwest Florida Intercept Task Force initiated more than 2,600 investigations and identified 177 child victims.
• Local law enforcement seized approximately 500,000 files of child sexual abuse material during that same period.

These numbers can feel overwhelming. The purpose of the Online Safety Forum for Parents is to turn concern into useful knowledge and action.

The forum will focus on the growing threats children may face online. It will also address how families can better recognize risks in the digital landscape.

What online risks will parents learn about at the forum?

The forum will address several areas that affect children and teens online. These topics are connected because children often move between apps, games, messages, and social spaces throughout the day.

• Social media misuse
• Online gaming risks
• Child exploitation
• Human trafficking
• Sextortion and online enticement
• AI-generated child sexual abuse material

Collier County Public Schools says the forum is designed to equip families with practical knowledge, real-world insights, and actionable tools. The goal is to help families better safeguard children in today’s digital landscape.

This can be especially helpful if your child uses online games, social media, chats, or shared devices. Even families with strong household rules may benefit from hearing current information from local experts.

Next step: Make a list of the apps, games, and online spaces your child uses most often.

Who is hosting the Online Safety Forum for Parents?

Collier County Public Schools is hosting the forum in partnership with local law enforcement and community organizations. The event is part of a broader effort to help families understand and respond to online child safety concerns.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office shared the data behind the forum’s urgency. Local law enforcement and community partners will help provide information rooted in real investigations and local experience.

For parents in Collier and Lee Counties, this event can offer a clearer picture of what child exploitation and online enticement may look like today. It also gives families a chance to hear about these issues in a local setting.

How can parents prepare before attending?

You do not need to be a technology expert to benefit from this forum. The event is intended to help families gain practical knowledge and tools.

Before you attend, consider writing down the online safety questions that matter most in your home. You may want to think about social media, gaming, messaging, privacy, or how to recognize concerning online behavior.

• Review what devices your child uses.
• Write down the apps, games, and platforms your child mentions often.
• Think about any recent online safety concerns in your home.
• Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes.

The forum will not replace ongoing family conversations, but it can give you better language and local context for those talks.

Share the event with another parent, caregiver, or school family who may benefit.

What should families do if they want to attend?

Families who want to attend the Online Safety Forum for Parents should plan to arrive at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Administrative Center Board Room by 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026.

The address is 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, FL. The press release did not list a registration requirement, cost, or contact phone number.

This forum is a timely opportunity for parents and caregivers who want to better protect children from online exploitation and human trafficking risks. It also gives families in Collier and Lee Counties a local place to learn more about online safety concerns affecting children.

The post Online Safety Forum for Parents in Naples Helps Families Protect Children appeared first on SWFL Family.

The Museum is located at 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Naples, FL 34110. Families can visit to see rare World War II photographs from the Museum’s Ken Regele Collection.

The exhibit documents the war from the Allied D-Day invasion through the liberation of concentration camps by United States Army divisions. For families in Collier and Lee Counties, it offers a local opportunity to connect history with powerful primary-source images.

What will families see at this WWII exhibit in Naples?

The exhibition features photographs taken by U.S. Army Signal Corps photographers during World War II. These images offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Western Front.

The photographs show what Ken Regele and his colleagues experienced, documented, and preserved. The Museum describes the collection as one of its most comprehensive photographic collections about World War II’s Western Front.

When the United States Army began operations in Europe, leaders needed to document events from the air, the sea, and the front lines. Signal Corps photographers worked alongside GIs throughout Europe.

As a cameraman, Regele recorded hundreds upon hundreds of feet of film. Military officers used that footage to analyze battles and make operational decisions.

The exhibit also explains how Signal Corps photographic teams worked in dangerous conditions. Many operated in the middle of major conflicts with only a camera.

Why is the Ken Regele Collection important for young learners?

The Ken Regele Collection helps visitors understand World War II through real images captured during the conflict. For older children and teens, the exhibit may support classroom learning about the war and the Holocaust.

Regele traveled across Europe with his Jeep, “Toots,” documenting wartime events. His work, along with that of other Signal Corps members, created a visual record that is still consulted today.

As the war in Europe ended, Corps members accompanying U.S. GIs documented the discoveries of Nazi concentration camps in Western Germany. Those photographs and film footage became evidence of the genocide now called the Holocaust.

The Museum notes that these images informed the world about the camps, their victims, and emaciated survivors. Parents should be prepared for emotionally difficult historical content.

The exhibit may be especially meaningful for families who want to discuss truth, memory, and the importance of preserving firsthand evidence. It gives your child a way to see how documentation shaped public understanding of history.

Where and when can you visit the exhibition?

Caught on Film: The Wartime Photography of Ken Regele and the U.S. Army Signal Corps opens Tuesday, May 5, 2026. It will remain on display through Summer 2026.

The exhibition is hosted by the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples. The address is 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Naples, FL 34110.

Key details include:

• Exhibition: Caught on Film: The Wartime Photography of Ken Regele and the U.S. Army Signal Corps
• Opening date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
• On display: Through Summer 2026
• Location: Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Naples, FL 34110
• Contact: Joan Hogan at 239-263-9200 or joan@hmcec.org
• More information: hmcec.org

Families in Collier and Lee Counties can also watch for local events and educational programs connected to museums, history, and family learning.

What photos are connected to the exhibition?

All photos are credited to the Ken Regele Collection of US Signal Corps photos at the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center.

Photo subjects include:

• Ike Meeting with the Troops
• Troops Landing on D-Day
• GIs Watching Contrails in the Sky
• GI Takes Aim at a German Sniper
• GIs Operating a Howitzer Shelling Enemy Forces
• Paratroopers Landing in Holland
• Ken Regele with his Jeep, “Toots”
• GIs with Buchenwald Concentration Survivors

These images may help families understand the range of wartime experiences represented in the collection. Some images may be difficult, especially those connected to concentration camp liberation.

How can parents prepare children for a Holocaust Museum visit?

This WWII photography exhibit in Naples includes historical photographs connected to war and the Holocaust. Parents should decide how much context their child needs before attending.

You may want to explain that museum exhibits preserve real history. Some photographs can be upsetting because they show the consequences of hatred, violence, and war.

The Museum’s mission is to teach the lessons of the Holocaust, inspire action against hatred, and promote mutual respect. Its exhibits and programs preserve survivor stories and support accurate Holocaust history.

Before visiting, families can:

• Call ahead at 239-263-9200 with questions about the exhibit.
• Review the Museum website at hmcec.org.
• Talk about respectful museum behavior before arriving.
• Allow time after the visit for questions and quiet reflection.

For families in Collier and Lee Counties, this exhibit offers a serious but important local learning opportunity. It can help older children understand how photographs preserve evidence and memory.

The post WWII Photography Exhibit in Naples Opens at Holocaust Museum appeared first on SWFL Family.

For third grader Elsie MacLaughlin, the lesson is simple.

“Even if you are small, you can make a big difference,” Elsie said. “I like that we can help with donations for the animal shelter and for people. It is really nice because we can help people that need help.”

What Is RotaKids in Fort Myers?

RotaKids is a service club sponsored by Rotary. The program works with schools to motivate children to help others in their community.

The Three Oaks Elementary School club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Estero. Rotarian Carmelita Singh-Mayer said the goal is to build a habit of service early.

“It is training them from a young age to give back to the community,” Singh-Mayer said.

At Three Oaks Elementary, that mission has become part of the school culture. Principal Candace Allevato said she is proud of the 63 students who chose to participate.

“I am so proud of all of the work and leadership this group has done this year,” Allevato said. “It makes me a very proud principal.”

How Are Three Oaks Elementary Students Helping?

Students in the RotaKids in Fort Myers club took on several hands-on service projects during the school year. Each project gave children a clear way to help someone else.

• They packed 2,000 pounds of rice and beans for Interfaith Charities.
• They collected pet food, toys, and bedding for Gulf Coast Humane Society.
• They performed cleanups around Three Oaks Elementary.
• They made cards and ornaments for military members.
• They wrote letters of appreciation to teachers.

For fifth grader Ryleigh-Anne Laine, the club offered something she had been looking for.

“Before RotaKids, I loved helping, but I didn’t really have a way to do that,” Ryleigh-Anne said. “RotaKids helped me have a way to do that and to help my community.”

Can Kids Really Make A Difference?

The students at Three Oaks Elementary say yes. Many of them talked about how small actions add up when children work together.

Fifth grader Maci Fitzsimmons said there is power in children helping as a group.

“Kids have the power to make a difference right now, not just when we grow up,” Maci stressed. “Picking up trash might seem small, but [it] can help.”

Fourth grader Ethan Schafe said helping others leaves him with a good feeling.

“It makes me feel like I did a good thing when I helped the community and other people,” Ethan said.

That is the message Lori Wallace, the school guidance counselor, wants students to understand.

“I want them to know that no act of kindness is too small to make a difference in someone’s life,” Wallace said.

Sarah Gonzalez, a kindergarten teacher who oversees the club, said she wants children to notice needs around them instead of walking past them.

“Don’t just walk by the garbage, don’t just walk by the child crying,” Gonzalez said. “One kid could not do the rice and beans project, but together they can make an impact. I hope that other schools read about this and want to start something like this.”

What Are Students Learning About Kindness?

The students were eager to explain how helping makes them feel. Their answers were direct, thoughtful, and full of pride.

“I like all the activities we do to help people,” said fourth grader Emma Gonzalez. “It makes me feel happy.”

Fifth grader Quinn Holy said, “I enjoy helping people that don’t have a lot of stuff.”

Fifth grader Myla Albert said helping the planet matters, too.

“It makes me feel happy because we are helping the earth,” Myla said.

Classmate Peter Hage said the food projects helped him think about people who need support.

“You get to help unfortunate people that can’t buy food,” Peter said.

Fifth grader Mateus Mussalem summed up the club’s purpose in one sentence: “We can make the world even better.”

Does A Child Need Special Skills To Serve?

Students say no. The RotaKids in Fort Myers club is built on kindness, teamwork, and a willingness to help.

Fifth grader Payton Kuhn said children do not have to be athletic or strong to take part.

“You can just help each other, and you can have fun,” Payton said. “Everyone can take a part in helping. It is just incredible how you can help so much in such a little bit of time.”

Fifth grader Ava Diaz agreed.

“It is a great club and a great experience knowing you are helping others without being recognized,” Ava said. “You don’t need any special ability; you just need a kind heart.”

How Can Collier and Lee County Families Encourage Service?

Families in Collier and Lee Counties can use the example from Three Oaks Elementary to start simple conversations about kindness. Children often understand service best when they can see, touch, and do the work themselves.

• Let your child help choose items for a food or pet supply donation.
• Write thank-you notes together for teachers, neighbors, first responders, or military members.
• Pick up litter during a family walk.
• Look for family events in Collier and Lee Counties that include volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage your child to invite friends or classmates to help, too.

RotaKids in Fort Myers shows that service does not have to be complicated. A kind heart, a willing group, and one small project can help children see that they already have the power to make their community better.

The post RotaKids in Fort Myers Helps Kids Lead With Kindness appeared first on SWFL Family.

America’s 250th anniversary is a time to reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate our communities and imagine the future through the eyes of young artists.

Southwest Florida Family and Collier Museums invite students across Southwest Florida to participate in Drawn Together: Southwest Florida Celebrates America at 250, a month-long art and essay contest for students in grades K–12.

Young artists are encouraged to create original artwork inspired by heritage, family, community, innovation, culture and the Southwest Florida experience. Each entry must also include a short written reflection from the artist describing the meaning behind the work.

Winners and selected entries from all age groups will be displayed at the Collier Museum at the Government Center starting on July 11, 2026.

Contest Dates

May 1–31, 2026

Who Can Enter

This contest is open to students in three age groups:

• Pioneer: Grades K–4
• Explorer: Grades 5–8
• Innovator: Grades 9–12

How the Contest Works

Participants will:

• Choose a prompt from their age group
• Create one original piece of artwork
• Complete a short essay describing their inspiration and ideas
• Submit the completed entry by May 31, 2026

Printed templates will be available for pickup beginning May 1, 2026 at:

Collier County Museums

• Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
• Collier Museum at the Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
• Immokalee Pioneer Museum: 1215 Roberts Avenue West, Immokalee, FL 34142
• Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 South Heathwood Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145
• Museum of the Everglades: 105 West Broadway Avenue, Everglades City, FL 34139

Collier County Libraries

• Headquarters Regional: 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109
• Naples Regional: 650 Central Ave, Naples, FL 34102
• South Regional: 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, FL 34113
• Estates Branch: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd, FL 34120
• Immokalee Branch: 417 N. First Street, Immokalee, FL 34142

Families may return completed entries in person by May 31, 2026. There will also be an option to upload a scan or photo of the artwork.

Contest Prompts by Age Group

Pioneer | Grades K–4

Themes: Heritage, Family, Community

Choose one of the following prompts:

What does America’s anniversary mean to you?
Create artwork that shows what America’s 250th anniversary means through your eyes.

America 250 SWFL Postage Stamp
Design a postage stamp that reflects your journey in Southwest Florida.

Explorer | Grades 5–8

Themes: Unity, Connection, Courage

Choose one of the following prompts:

My Family’s Journey to SWFL
Show how your family came to Southwest Florida and what that journey means to you.

Swamp Buggy Redesign
Redesign a swamp buggy that represents America 250.

Innovator | Grades 9–12

Themes: Civic Life, History, Innovation

Choose one of the following prompts:

America Illustrated
Tell your personal story while drawing inspiration from American Artists and Art Movements.

America: A Tapestry of Cultures
Create artwork that shows how America reflects a tapestry woven from many cultures, traditions, and
stories. What is your story?

Essay Component

Each entry must include a short essay (500 words or less) from the artist.

The essay should explain:

• Which prompt the student selected
• The inspiration behind the artwork
• The meaning of the piece
• How the artwork connects to America at 250

Entry Pickup and Submission

Pick up entry templates starting May 1, 2026 at participating Collier County Libraries and Collier County Museums.

Submit entries by May 31, 2026 in one of two ways:

1. Return the completed template in person
2. Upload a scan or photo of the artwork online

For locations and contest details, go to www.colliermuseums.com

Why Enter?

This contest gives students the chance to:

• Explore the meaning of America’s 250th anniversary
• Express personal stories through art and writing
• Celebrate family, heritage and community
• Connect local history with national history
• Share their creativity with Southwest Florida

Create. Reflect. Celebrate.

Drawn Together: Southwest Florida Celebrates America at 250 is an opportunity for students to honor the past, share their stories and imagine the future through art.

Pick up your template beginning May 1 and submit your artwork and essay by May 31, 2026.

About the Partners

Collier Museums

Collier Museums preserves and shares the rich history and culture of Collier County through exhibitions, educational programming and community engagement.

Southwest Florida Family

Southwest Florida Family connects local families with resources, events and opportunities throughout the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can enter the contest?

Students in grades K–12 in Southwest Florida may enter. The contest is divided into three age groups: Pioneer, Explorer and Innovator.

When does the contest run?

The contest runs from May 1 through May 31, 2026.

Where can I get an entry template?

Printed templates will be available for pickup at Collier County Libraries and Collier County Museums beginning May 1, 2026.

Can artwork be submitted online?

Yes. Families may upload a scan or photo of the artwork as part of the submission process. Go to the Collier County Museums contest page here.

Is there a writing component?

Yes. Each entry must include a short essay explaining the inspiration, meaning, and story behind the artwork.

What is the theme of the contest?

The contest celebrates America’s 250th anniversary through the lens of Southwest Florida families, history, culture and community.

The post Drawn Together: Southwest Florida Celebrates America at 250 Art & Essay Contest appeared first on SWFL Family.

Nova Classical STEM Academy plans to launch its inaugural school year serving grades K–7. The tuition-free public charter school also plans to expand annually until it serves grades K–12.

For families in Southwest Florida, this event offers an early look at a new education option designed to combine Classical education with STEM-focused, project-based learning. That may be especially useful for parents in Collier and Lee Counties who are comparing school choices before the 2026–27 school year.

Where can families go and what will happen at the event?

The ceremony will take place at Nova Classical STEM Academy, 7101 Banway Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967. The event runs from 1–3 p.m. and is being hosted in partnership with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

According to the announcement, the event will include brief remarks from community leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and guided campus tours. Parents and community members will also have the chance to learn more about the school’s educational model and opening plans.

• Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Time: 1–3 p.m.
• Location: 7101 Banway Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967
• Event features: remarks, ribbon cutting, guided tours

Several local and school leaders are expected to attend, including Dr. Yalcin Akin, president of Discovery Science Schools, and Matt Sheets, founding principal of Nova Classical STEM Academy.

• Dr. Yalcin Akin, President, Discovery Science Schools
• Matt Sheets, Founding Principal, Nova Classical STEM Academy
• John Lai, Interim President & CEO, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
• Trish Petrosky, Lee County Commissioner, District 5
• Kevin Anderson, Mayor, City of Fort Myers

This makes the event more than a photo opportunity. It is also a practical chance for parents to see the campus before the school year begins and hear directly from the people leading the school and supporting its launch.

What makes Nova Classical STEM Academy different from other school choices?

Nova Classical STEM Academy says it blends a Classical education foundation with STEM-enriched, project-based learning in a tuition-free public charter school setting. The school has been approved by the Lee County School Board and is scheduled to open in August 2026.

The school describes its model as one that is rooted in classical humanistic values and enriched with modern scientific exploration. For parents, that means the academy is presenting itself as a school that aims to combine core academic traditions with hands-on STEM learning.

The press release also states that Nova Classical STEM Academy is the first school in the world to integrate these elements in this specific tuition-free public charter format. Families interested in new education models may want to ask how that approach will look in day-to-day classroom life once the campus opens.

At opening, the school is expected to serve grades K–7. It plans to add grade levels each year until it reaches K–12.

• Opening: August 2026
• Initial grades: K–7
• Future plan: expand annually to K–12
• School type: tuition-free public charter school

That long-range growth plan could matter to families looking for continuity over time. It may also interest parents who want to learn whether younger children can remain in the same school community as they move into later grades.

The announcement positions the school as a new option for Southwest Florida families and ties the opening to growth in the region’s future workforce and community. For parents in Collier and Lee Counties, that puts this launch on the radar as both a school story and a local development story.

Who is this school for and is it free?

Nova Classical STEM Academy is described as a tuition-free public charter school. That is one of the clearest practical details for families deciding whether to attend the event or follow the school more closely.

Based on the release, the school will open with grades K–7 in August 2026. Parents of children in those grades may find the ribbon cutting especially useful because it offers an early introduction to the campus and leadership team.

The press release does not include application steps, enrollment deadlines, transportation details, or other policy information. It also does not list eligibility requirements beyond the grades the school plans to serve at opening.

That means the event may be a good starting point for families who want a first look, but you may still need to follow up directly for enrollment and operational details. It is smart to write down your top questions before you attend.

• Will your child be in grades K–7 for the August 2026 opening?
• Do you want to see the campus before the school year starts?
• Are you comparing charter, public, or other school options in Fort Myers?
• Would a Classical and STEM-focused approach fit your child’s learning style?

Parents who want more family resources can also visit the Neapolitan Family homepage and the Parenting section for additional local information.

Next step: Bring a few written questions about enrollment, grade expansion, and daily programming so you can make the most of the event.

How can parents prepare and who should they contact for more information?

If you plan to attend, the most helpful preparation is simple. Confirm the event time, keep the school address handy, and leave room in your schedule for a guided tour and brief remarks.

If you cannot attend or need more information, the school’s website and phone number were included in the announcement. Families can learn more at NovaClassical.net or call 239-483-8340.

For parents, the key contact from the release is the school itself. Calling ahead may help if you want to confirm event details, ask about the August 2026 opening, or learn when more enrollment information will be available.

The Nova Classical STEM Academy ribbon cutting gives families a practical way to see a new Fort Myers campus before students arrive. It also gives the community a closer look at a school that plans to grow from K–7 to K–12 over time.

The post Nova Classical STEM Academy ribbon cutting opens a new Fort Myers school option appeared first on SWFL Family.

Why did Chloe want to raise money for Make-A-Wish?

Chloe’s motivation came directly from her own experience. “I got a Make-A-Wish for myself, so I want to give back to the Make-A-Wish program,” she said.

That simple reason carried real weight. Chloe knows firsthand how meaningful it is when people show up for a child facing ongoing challenges. Her fundraiser was not just about collecting money. It was about paying forward something that changed her life.

How did this Naples student turn an idea into a schoolwide fundraiser?

Chloe began by presenting her idea to school administrators, who supported the plan. She then brought it to the National Junior Honor Society and secured volunteers to help collect donations in the courtyard each morning before school.

The fundraiser itself was designed to be fun and competitive. Chloe wanted something that would engage her classmates, and after considering several options, her assistant principal suggested Penny Wars.

That idea gave the school an easy way to participate while keeping the energy high.

How did Penny Wars work at Oakridge Middle School?

Students in grades six through eight competed for a dress-down day and a sweet treat. Pennies added positive points to a grade’s total, while higher-value coins and bills counted against that grade. A quarter, for example, was worth negative 25 points.

That meant students could help their own grade by adding pennies or sabotage another grade by dropping silver coins or dollar bills into a competitor’s box. The format made the fundraiser lively, strategic, and easy to understand.

• Pennies counted as positive points
• Silver coins and bills counted as negative points
• Students could boost their own grade or hurt another grade’s score
• The winning grade earned a dress-down day and a sweet treat

The campaign raised $1,086.13, with the eighth grade finishing on top.

What makes Chloe’s story so personal?

Her desire to help others is rooted in her own medical journey. Chloe had a stroke while still in utero, leaving the left side of her body weaker and smaller. She lives with pain and faces daily obstacles, including difficulty climbing stairs. She cannot compete in sports and has other limitations.

Even so, her mother, Megan Seyer, says Chloe meets life with unusual strength and kindness. “We are so blessed,” she said. “Is she in pain all the time? Yes. Is she a fighter and is she strong? Yes. I have the most kind-hearted, beautiful girl that I could not be more proud of.”

That combination of resilience and compassion is what gives Chloe’s fundraiser its heart.

What did Make-A-Wish mean to Chloe and her family?

The Make-A-Wish experience left a lasting impression on the entire Seyer family. Chloe was granted a wish to be a princess for a day at Disney World, and the family stayed at the organization’s village in Orlando, where they were surrounded by entertainment, gifts, and thoughtful touches.

For Chloe’s mother, the experience offered something every parent hopes for: joy and relief in the middle of something hard. “Her life is so challenging — you just want some sense of normalcy, some happiness,” Seyer said. “It was a blessing to see her smile and feel accepted.”

Chloe still remembers specific details. “The thing I really remember was the Make-A-Wish Village,” she said. “One of my favorite parts was the carousel. There is a lunchroom. There is a salon there. There is also an ice cream store. There is a place to put your wishes. I can see my wish. It is still there.”

How did leading the fundraiser change Chloe?

Beyond the money raised, Chloe said organizing the campaign helped her grow. Leading a schoolwide effort meant speaking to administrators, recruiting volunteers, and stepping into visible leadership roles that felt intimidating at first.

She said it was nerve-racking to present the idea to the National Junior Honor Society and even more daunting to appear on the school news and address the student body. Still, she did it.

“I had to figure out what to do, and use my resources and learn how to be a leader,” Chloe explained. “It was really a boost in confidence.”

What can other parents and students learn from Chloe’s example?

For families in Collier and Lee Counties, Chloe’s story is a reminder that kids do not have to wait until adulthood to make a meaningful difference. A school fundraiser, a service project, or one well-supported idea can teach leadership, empathy, and courage all at once.

It also shows what can happen when adults take a young person’s idea seriously. Chloe had the vision, but school administrators, faculty, and student volunteers helped turn that vision into something real.

• Listen when your child wants to help others
• Encourage projects that connect service with personal meaning
• Support opportunities for students to speak, lead, and organize
• Show kids that even small donations can add up to real impact

What happens when a wish becomes a purpose?

In March, Chloe presented the funds she raised at a local Make-A-Wish gala, where she also gave a speech. There, she shared more of her story and explained what the organization has meant to her life.

“I explained my whole life experience with having my stroke. At the end I said how much Make-A-Wish helps my life and how I feel more special in a good way. It is hard when you have a disability, but when you see people that have your back and make you feel like you belong, it makes you feel really good.”

That is what makes Chloe more than a fundraiser organizer or a middle school student with a good idea. She is a young person who received kindness, remembered it, and decided to pass it on. That is a princess with a purpose.

Why does this story matter for Naples families?

Stories like Chloe’s matter because they show the best of a community. They remind us that children can lead, schools can rally, and personal hardship can be transformed into generosity.

For parents raising children with disabilities or medical challenges, Chloe’s story may also feel especially meaningful. Her experience reflects both the daily reality of living with limitations and the deep importance of being seen, celebrated, and included. Families looking for local support can explore special needs resources for Collier and Lee families and more special needs articles for Southwest Florida families.

And for families hoping to raise kids who give back, Neapolitan Family offers more ideas through stories about teen volunteerism and charity events in Collier County, and tips on how to choose the best volunteer activities for your family..

The post Naples Girl’s Make-A-Wish Fundraiser Pays Her Wish Forward appeared first on SWFL Family.

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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For families in Collier County Public Schools, the award is more than a headline. It is a reminder that strong leadership at school can shape a child’s daily experience, raise expectations and open doors far into the future.

Why does this Collier County principal award matter to families?

The Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award recognizes 15 of Florida’s most successful principals from high-risk public schools. Winners are selected using weighted Florida Department of Education data, making this an award grounded in student performance and growth.

That data-driven approach is one reason Budzynski said the recognition feels especially meaningful. The award reflects the work of students, teachers and staff together, not just one person.

“I’m definitely humbled and honored to receive the award,” Budzynski said. “I’m competitive for kids, and that competitive nature in me is good because it makes us do the right thing and work a little harder and motivates the staff to work a little harder.”

• It highlights student growth, not just school reputation.
• It recognizes leadership in a high-risk public school setting.
• It shines a light on the teamwork behind school improvement.
• It creates a direct benefit for one student through a scholarship.

For parents, that last point may matter most. School awards can sometimes feel distant from day-to-day family life. This one leads to a real, immediate opportunity for a child.

How did Village Oaks Elementary earn this recognition?

Budzynski was recognized for her work leading Village Oaks Elementary School and helping transform the school’s culture and outcomes. She pointed to collaboration, planning and persistence as the drivers behind the school’s success.

“I love the process,” Budzynski said. “It wasn’t a nomination form. It’s all about the data, which speaks volumes to how our students worked so hard over the years, and our staff collaborated, planning and making sure we did whatever it takes to help our students be successful.”

That idea of “whatever it takes” is often what families notice first in a strong principal. It can show up in clearer communication, higher expectations, better support for teachers and a school climate where children feel seen.

Jeff Kottkamp, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, underscored the role principals play in student success. He noted that school leadership is second only to classroom instruction among school-related factors that affect learning. Good principals help good teachers do their best work.

• They set the tone for school culture.
• They support teachers and staff.
• They keep the focus on student growth.
• They help families trust the school community.

Village Oaks families have seen that leadership up close. Budzynski’s award reflects years of effort that reached beyond test scores and into the daily habits that help children thrive.

Who received the scholarship, and why was he chosen?

As part of the award, Florida TaxWatch partners with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to provide a two-year college scholarship to one student at each winning principal’s school. At Village Oaks,
In collaboration with school leaders, Budzynski selected fifth-grade student Wilmer Gomez Domingo.

The choice was rooted in something every parent hopes to see in a child: ownership of learning. Budzynski said she has known Wilmer since kindergarten and has watched him consistently push himself.

“He’s one of those students who works hard and takes ownership of his learning,” Budzynski said. “Even the media specialist just said he came in to ask, ‘What else can I do? Can I have another book?’ So it’s that continual growth, looking at himself and saying, ‘What can I do better?’”

Wilmer’s response was simple and heartfelt. “I didn’t expect to win this because there are some other people, like a friend of mine, who is also like me,” he said. “I feel pretty good!”

This is the kind of school story families remember. Recognition for a principal becomes momentum for a student. A scholarship promise made in elementary school can shape how a child sees the future.

• It affirms hard work early.
• It gives a student a concrete college goal.
• It shows other children that effort gets noticed.
• It reminds families that opportunity can start young.

What can parents learn from this story?

Parents may not control school policy or statewide awards, but they do recognize the qualities that help children grow: encouragement, consistency, curiosity and high expectations. Wilmer’s story is a strong example of how those habits add up over time.

Families can reinforce the same mindset at home by praising effort, asking children what they want to improve and celebrating initiative. Progress often starts with small questions, like asking for another book or trying one more time.

There is also a bigger takeaway for Collier County families. When schools invest in leadership and student support, children benefit in visible ways. One award can spotlight an entire school community and remind parents that transformation is possible.

• Ask your child what they are proud of this week.
• Encourage them to set one small learning goal.
• Stay connected with your school principal and teachers.
• Look for local school resources and family opportunities.

To keep up with school-year planning, families can check the Collier County Public Schools calendar. For more programs and enrichment options, browse the Education Directory for Collier and Lee Counties and the latest CCPS Activities Guide.

What comes next for Bev Budzynski and Village Oaks?

Budzynski is now focused on opening Ave Maria Elementary School, but her impact at Village Oaks will continue. It lives in the data that earned statewide recognition, in the culture she helped build and in students like Wilmer, whose path to college now feels more real.

For Immokalee and greater Collier County, this moment is worth celebrating. It is a win for public education, a win for strong school leadership and a win for one child whose future just changed.

The post Collier County Principal Award Changes a Student’s Future appeared first on SWFL Family.

His regular chair works for getting around school, home, and the community, but it’s not ideal for sports. He has  dreamed of owning a sports wheelchair with angled wheels for easier turns and faster speeds, and a lower back to allow him to recline further, giving him a better angle to shoot the ball. But those specialty chairs are expensive. His mother, Kristina Thomas, said they had been saving for years, but could not afford one. Then this fall, the staff at Manatee Elementary School in Naples decided to dedicate all the money raised during their annual Turkey Trot fundraiser to buy Justin the sports wheelchair. Usually, the event raises about $3,000, but the students and community rallied behind the cause and raised more than $9,100. 

“Yes, I was surprised,” Justin said. “I will be able to roll in it faster and play basketball. The wheels are slanted sideways so it is easier to turn and faster. I can move around better.”

Justin recently went to Clearwater to be fitted for the custom chair. He chose his favorite colors, blue and orange (University of Florida colors), for his new wheels. He added a bit of green to the chair’s name and chose colored spokes for the wheels.

He had another surprise waiting for him at Top End Sports in Clearwater. While he was there having his chair fitted, he met Paul Shulte, a co-captain of U.S. Paralympic basketball team who will also be in the 2028 Paralympics Games.

Schulte “even invited Justin to come to one of his clinics in the St. Pete area,” Kristina Thomas said.

Laurie Mearsheimer, principal at Manatee Elementary, was amazed at how much money was raised for Justin’s chair. 

“Absolutely, we were surprised, but we knew it would happen because we saw how everyone rallied around him,” Mearsheimer said.

The sports wheelchair costs $6,700. Since the school raised more than $9,100, there was money left over to make life easier for Justin and other students with disabilities at school. Manatee Elementary has a courtyard where students enjoy eating lunch, but the tables there are not accessible for all students.

“It is very limiting,” Mearsheimer said. “So now we are upgrading to new furniture that is handicap accessible.”

Mearsheimer said the community’s kindness has done more than get Justin new wheels; it has given him a new outlook. She described Justin as a very shy child in the past, but the recent support has changed that.

“This whole experience has made him come out of his shell,” she described. “He is a little more talkative. He got the attention and saw it was not so scary. He just couldn’t believe it was finally happening.” 

Justin was a cover kid on the March 2018 issue of Neapolitan Family Magazine.

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Open Positions

Sales Representative (Part-Time)

If you love selling and know the family market in Collier and Lee counties, we may be a great match. Southwest Florida Family is the go-to parenting resource in SWFL, and we’re hiring a part-time Sales Representative to help local businesses grow through multi-platform advertising.

What you’ll do

• Sell integrated campaigns including website ads, social media packages, e-blasts, digital magazine/newsletter placements, print magazine ads, and event sponsorships
• Manage and grow a mix of established accounts and new business leads
• Build relationships with local business owners and marketing decision-makers
• Create proposals, follow up consistently, and close sales
• Represent the brand at occasional community events and client meetings

What we’re looking for

• 3+ years of sales experience (media/advertising sales a plus)
• Strong knowledge of Collier & Lee County communities and businesses
• Self-starter who is organized, responsive, and customer-service driven
• Comfortable working independently from home and tracking outreach/follow-ups
• Proven ability to meet goals (share examples of results if you can)

Job details

• Part-time (estimated 20 hours a week)
• Work from home with occasional client visits and community events
• Compensation: base + commission (includes established accounts)
• Flexible schedule

How to apply

Email your resume to info@neafamily.com. A brief note on your connection to Collier/Lee Counties and your recent sales results is appreciated.

Visit our About Us page to learn more about Southwest Florida Family.

Want to reach 80,500+ parents monthly? Find out how you can advertise with us.

The post Join Our Team! appeared first on SWFL Family.