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.

Premier Mobile Health Services brings essential care to medically vulnerable residents across Southwest Florida and welcomes walk-ins at its mobile clinic locations. The clinic also operates several days each week in Fort Myers by appointment.

Where can I get walk-in health screenings near me this month?

You can get walk-in health screenings at Premier Mobile Health Services’ mobile clinic stops across Collier and Lee Counties, including Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, and Immokalee. Pick the closest stop and plan to arrive early during clinic hours for check-in and screening.

• Walk-ins are welcome at the February mobile clinic stops listed below.
• Bring an ID if you have one and a list of your current medications.
• If you have prior lab results or discharge paperwork, bring copies.
• If you or your child has severe symptoms, consider urgent or emergency care.

February mobile medical clinic schedule

East Naples United Methodist Church
Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
2701 Airport Road, Naples

Café of Life
Tuesday, Feb. 10 and Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
26724 Nomad Drive, Bonita Springs

Baptist Church Fort Myers Beach
Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
130 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach

Pine Manor Community Center
Thursday, Feb. 12 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
5547 10th Ave., Fort Myers

Our Lady of Guadalupe Community Church
Saturday, Feb. 14 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
207 South 9th St., Immokalee

Gladiolus Food Pantry
Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
10511 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers

Community Cooperative
Thursday, Feb. 19 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
3429 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 4403, Fort Myers

Mahanaim SDA Church
Friday, Feb. 20 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
318 Sabal Palm Road, Naples

What screenings and services are offered at the mobile clinic?

Premier Mobile Health Services provides basic medical services and preventive care that can help you catch issues early. Use your visit to have key numbers checked (such as blood pressure or blood sugar) and ask what follow-up is recommended for your situation.

• Early-detection health screenings
• Blood pressure checks and diabetes checks
• Drug screenings
• Basic metabolic profiles
• Nutrition counseling
• Health education
• School and sports physicals for children
• Acute and chronic disease management

The mobile clinic includes an onsite pharmacy and a point-in-care laboratory for immediate analysis of test results. That can help you understand results during your visit and make a plan for next steps.

If you’re going for a child’s physical, bring any school or sports forms you’ve been given and your child’s health history if you have it.

How do free health screenings work for qualifying Florida residents?

Premier Mobile Health Services screenings are supported by the Florida Department of Health through the Cinotti Health Care Screening Grant Program and are provided at no cost to Florida residents who qualify under 200% of the Poverty Guidelines. Ask staff during your visit whether you qualify and which screenings are included.

• Screenings through this program include cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
• Scoliosis screening is available for children ages 11–19.
• Bring any paperwork you have that may help confirm eligibility.

If you’re unsure what to ask, write down questions about follow-up care, referrals, or next appointments before you arrive.

What should I bring to a walk-in screening visit?

A little preparation can help your visit go smoothly, especially if you’re managing a chronic condition or bringing your child for a physical. Bring the basics, then ask for clear next steps before you leave.

• A photo ID if you have one
• A list of medications (or the bottles)
• Any recent lab results or discharge paperwork
• Your child’s school or sports physical forms (if needed)
• Questions you want answered about follow-up care

After your visit, add any follow-up appointments or reminders to your calendar, and share this schedule with a friend or neighbor who may need care.

How do I schedule an appointment in Fort Myers?

The Mobile Medical Clinic also operates several days each week at Mount Hermon Ministries at 2856 Douglas Ave., Fort Myers. Appointments at this location can be scheduled by calling 239-222-1829. Call ahead to confirm the next available appointment day and ask what documents to bring.

• Mount Hermon Ministries: 2856 Douglas Ave., Fort Myers
• Appointments: 239-222-1829
• General information: 239-288-7949

For more local family resources, visit neafamily.com/health and explore community support options at neafamily.com/community.

What is Premier Mobile Health Services?

Premier Mobile Health Services is a nonprofit clinic that provides quality health care services to medically vulnerable residents and those most at risk of developing long-term illnesses and hospitalization. They offer preventive screenings, basic care, and chronic disease management through a mobile clinic model that brings services into the community. If you need ongoing care, ask during your visit how to schedule follow-ups and what services are available next.

• Mobile clinic with an onsite pharmacy and point-in-care lab
• Preventive screenings and basic medical services
• Community stops across Southwest Florida

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 239-288-7949. Additional information and the monthly mobile clinic schedule can be found online at PremierMobileHealth.org.

The post Where to Get Free Walk-in Health Screenings in Collier and Lee Counties in February 2026 appeared first on SWFL Family.

During meetings on Jan. 20, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners and the Fort Myers City Council presented proclamations recognizing Valerie’s House for a decade of service to the community.

Growth across three Southwest Florida locations

Over the past decade, Valerie’s House expanded to serve families through three locations across Southwest Florida and now employs 37 staff members.

That growth includes the Fort Myers “Family is Forever Home,” a dedicated space designed for grief support and healing, along with a clinical counseling department and a volunteer training program that prepares more than 60 volunteers each year to support families.

Valerie’s House also partners with local schools, law enforcement and higher education institutions, including collaboration with Florida Gulf Coast University’s social work program. The organization says these partnerships help broaden grief education and support in the community.

A mission rooted in personal loss

Valerie’s House was founded by Angela Melvin Churchill following the loss of her mother, Valerie, who died in a car crash in 1987 when Churchill was 10 years old. The organization was created so that no child in Southwest Florida would have to grieve alone.

Today, Valerie’s House offers peer support groups and related programming for children and caregivers in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda, providing a place to connect with others who understand and find hope for the future.

Valerie’s House is continuing its anniversary celebration with initiatives planned throughout 2026, including:

• A “Where Are They Now?” storytelling series highlighting early Valerie’s House families.
• A candlelight vigil and gratitude event honoring original families, donors and supporters.
• A Florida Everblades fundraising and awareness night on March 7, featuring Valerie’s House children singing “God Bless America” before the game.
• A redesigned website and the debut of a Valerie’s House app.
• Community billboards across Southwest Florida to help connect grieving families with support.
• Children’s Grief Awareness Month activities in November, including an open house and the third annual Sunset Soiree at the Family is Forever Home.
• Special fundraising initiatives tied to the 10-year anniversary.

How families can get support

Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is supported through community donations and grant funding. Families seeking grief support or community members interested in helping can learn more at valerieshouse.org.

Editor’s note: Valerie’s House offers programming in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda for children, teens and caregivers navigating the death of a loved one. If your family is grieving, support is available.

The post Valerie’s House Celebrates 10 Years of Helping Grieving Children in Southwest Florida appeared first on SWFL Family.

You may have known us as Neapolitan Family (serving Collier County families for more than 25 years) or as Lee Family News (a trusted name for Lee County parents for decades). Today, those familiar brands continue, now united under one umbrella name that better reflects the community we’ve become:

One region. One umbrella.

The name Southwest Florida Family is our way of saying: you belong here, whether your weekends are spent at a Naples playground, a Cape Coral festival, a Bonita Springs beach, a Fort Myers museum, or anywhere in between.

And yes, Southwest Floridians understand the importance of having a quality umbrella.

Why the new name?

For years, families have crossed county lines for school, sports, friends, camps, doctors, restaurants, and weekend fun. Our readers have done it naturally—so our brand is catching up to what the community already knows: Southwest Florida families don’t live in silos.

Southwest Florida Family gives us a clearer, more inclusive identity for the work we’ve always done:

• sharing local events and weekend ideas
• highlighting trusted resources and businesses
• publishing practical parenting content rooted in real life here
• celebrating the people and places that make this region feel like home

What’s changing (and what’s not)

What’s new:

• A region-wide brand that reflects both counties and the families who move between them.
• A broader editorial lens, more “SWFL-wide” coverage, with the same local heart.

What stays the same:

• We’re still locally owned, still community-first, and still here to help you find the best of family life in Southwest Florida. (Neapolitan Family has served parents in Collier and Lee Counties since 2000, with free print and digital resources and a weekly weekend-events newsletter.)
• Our calendar, guides, newsletters, and fairs are still core to what we do.
• And starting with the January 2026 issue, families will see the benefit of expanded coverage in our combined Lee–Collier edition.

A quick note about Lee Family News

You may have seen our December announcement that Lee Family News joined the Neapolitan Family Publishing family as of December 1, 2025.
We’re grateful to carry forward a long-standing parenting resource for Lee County—but this message is about what comes next: a rebrand that better serves the entire region.

New Year. New Name. New Beginnings.

Thanks for being part of this community—then, now, and as we grow into Southwest Florida Family together.

Happy New Year!

The post New Year. New Name. New Beginnings: Welcome to Southwest Florida Family appeared first on SWFL Family.

As of December 1, 2025, Neapolitan Family has acquired Lee Family News, a trusted parenting resource that’s served Lee County families since 1991. This expansion allows us to better serve families across both Lee and Collier Counties — and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.

Starting with the January 2026 issue, we’ll launch a combined Lee-Collier edition of Neapolitan Family Magazine, designed to provide even more helpful content, events, and local resources to parents throughout Southwest Florida.

A Shared Mission, A Stronger Community

The decision to bring Lee Family News under the Neapolitan Family umbrella was a heartfelt one. Kathy M. Kuser, longtime publisher and president of KMK Publishing Inc., is stepping into retirement after more than 20 years of service to the Lee County parenting community.

“After 21 years in publishing, I’m ready to slow down and spend more time with my grandchildren,” Kuser shared. “It’s been an honor to serve our readers, and I’m confident that the Neapolitan Family team will continue this work with heart and integrity.”

We’re honored by Kathy’s trust. Over the past two decades, our teams have worked side by side in neighboring counties, sharing a common goal: to uplift and inform local families. Now, we’re bringing that shared passion together in one expanded platform.

What Readers Can Expect

Our combined print and digital edition will offer:

• Parenting articles tailored to local families
• A comprehensive event calendar covering Lee and Collier Counties
• Weekly “best events” newsletter
• Annual guides to schools, camps, and special needs resources
• Popular seasonal fairs and expos
• Deeper coverage of local organizations and family-friendly businesses

If you’re a longtime Lee Family News reader, welcome! We’re excited to have you in our community. And for our Neapolitan Family readers, get ready for even more stories, ideas, and events to enrich your family life.

Staying Rooted in Southwest Florida

Neapolitan Family Magazine has proudly served Collier County since 2000, and we remain deeply committed to being a trusted, locally owned resource for families across Southwest Florida.

Happenings Magazine, also part of KMK Publishing, will continue under the leadership of publisher Jamie Kuser — covering arts and entertainment throughout the region as it has since 1995.

This is more than a merger; it’s a joining of missions, audiences, and community spirit. We can’t wait to grow with you.

The post Lee Family News Joins Neapolitan Family Publishing appeared first on SWFL Family.

Featured Holiday Toy Drives in SWFL

1. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Toy Drive

Spread cheer by hosting an Angel Tree at your business, school, or church—or simply donate toys at participating locations, or volunteer to help sort and distribute toys.

Learn more

2. Toys for Tots – Naples & Bonita Springs

Donate new, unwrapped toys at local drop-off sites or give financially online. Want to get more involved? You can even host your own drop site.

• Naples
• Bonita Springs

3. Guadalupe Center Toy Drive & Shop + Share

Event Date: Dec. 12, 12–4 p.m.
Location: Waterside Shops, 5415 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples

Help make a wish come true by donating toys at the event or at these drop-off locations through Dec. 10:

• Guadalupe Center’s Philanthropy Office: 2640 Golden Gate Pkwy., Suite 205, Naples
• Van Otterloo Family Campus: 3655 Westclox St., Immokalee

Donate online

4. Project Outreach Christmas Toy Collection

Now through: Dec. 5
Location: The Floor Meisters, 6281 Naples Blvd., Naples

Donate a new toy valued at around $25. Project Outreach partners with local schools to deliver over 2,000 toys to underserved kids.

projectoutreachnaples.com

5. 10th Annual Sydney’s Santa Ride Toy Drive

Now through: Dec. 11

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office collects toys for NCH pediatric patients. Drop off your donations at these locations:

• CCSO District 1 Substation, 776 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples
• CCSO District 2 Substation, 4707 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples
• CCSO District 4 Substation, 14750 Immokalee Rd.
• CCSO District 5 Substation, 13245 Tamiami Trl. E. #100
• Airport Kia of Naples, 3325 Westview Dr., Naples
• AdviniaCare Naples, 7801 Airport Pulling Rd. N., Naples
• Aldos Italian Table & Bar, 4820 Davis Blvd., Naples
• Tacos & Tequila Cantina (all Naples locations)

colliersheriff.org

6. Mercedes-Benz of Naples Toy Drive

Locations:

• 501 Airport Rd. S., Naples
• 14610 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples (Bonita Springs location)

Support Golisano Children’s Hospital by donating toys at either dealership.

mercedesbenznaples.com/toy-drive

7. Naples Christmas Cheer 2025

A community effort by Greater Naples Fire Rescue, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and North Collier Fire to serve local families in need.

Families can apply for assistance at:
napleschristmascheer.com

More info: greaternaplesfire.org

How You Can Help

• Donate new, unwrapped toys
• Volunteer at collection or distribution events
• Host a drop-off site or Angel Tree
• Share toy drive info on social media

The post Holiday Toy Drives in SWFL 2025 appeared first on SWFL Family.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of the information, but it is always a good idea to verify details with each venue before you attend.

Naples

Season-Long & Multi-Date Santa Events

Santa Photos at Coastland Center

Dates: November 21–December 24, 2025 (closed Thanksgiving Day)
Location: Coastland Center, 1900 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples
Website: coastlandcenter.com

Visit Santa in the JCPenney Court for classic mall Santa photos. Walk-ups are welcome; some dates may offer reservations.

Lights of the Season & Santa’s Village

Dates: November 28–December 28, 2025
Times: Monday–Thursday, 6:30–9 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 6:30–10 p.m.
Location: Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. N.E., Naples
Website: collierfair.com

Drive through a glowing holiday light display, then visit Santa’s Village for festive treats, activities, and Santa sightings for the whole family.

Holiday on the Bay at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay

Dates: Select Saturdays in December 2025 (including December 13)
Time: 3–7 p.m.
Location: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples
Website: venetianvillage.com

Celebrate along the water with live entertainment, “snow” shows, and visits with Santa in a beautiful bayside setting.

Holiday Photos with Santa – Naples Grande Beach Resort

Dates: Select dates in December 2025
Location: Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples
Website: naplesgrande.com

Dress up for a resort-style Santa photo opportunity in a luxurious coastal setting. Check the resort’s holiday schedule for specific dates and times.

Single-Day Santa Events in Naples

Christmas Tree Lighting and Walk

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 6–6:30 p.m.
Location: Sugden Park Plaza, 4270 Tamiami Trl. E., Naples
Website: fifthavenuesouth.com

Celebrate with a Christmas tree lighting, living nativity, skating rink, live music, and an appearance by Santa Claus.

SnowFest 2025

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 3–7 p.m.
Location: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3883 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples
Website: collierparks.com

Enjoy a winter wonderland with giant real snow slides, photos with Santa, face painting, bounce houses, holiday entertainment, and more.

Movie on the Lawn – Pictures with Santa

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 5–8 p.m.
Location: Naples Area Board of Realtors, 1455 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples
Website: nabor.com

Start the evening with pictures with Santa, then enjoy pizza, candy, popcorn, beverages, and a showing of The Santa Clause.

Cookies and Milk with Santa – Eagle Lakes Park

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 9–11 a.m.
Cost: $3 per person; pre-registration required
Location: Eagle Lakes Park Community Center, 11565 Tamiami Trl. E., Naples
Website: collierparks.com

Kids can enjoy cookies and milk and spend one-on-one time with Santa in East Naples.

Naples Santa Paws

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 1–3 p.m. (Free)
Location: Santa’s Workshop near Sea Salt, 1186 3rd St. S., Naples
Website: thirdstreetsouth.com

Bring your pets for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at this pet-friendly holiday favorite.

Naples Jingle Bells Bash

Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Cost: $5
Location: Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples
Website: collierparks.com

Enjoy arts and crafts, games, train rides, laser tag, inflatables, music, and a visit from Santa.

Winter Market with Free Pictures with Santa

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Time: 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Location: Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, 2405-5 Tarpon Bay Blvd., Naples
Website: jeremiahsice.com

Shop a local winter market and enjoy free photos with Santa. This event is family- and pet-friendly.

Marco Island

Single-Day Santa Events

Cookies & Milk with Santa – Mackle Park

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (Free)
Location: Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Ter., Marco Island
Website: christmasislandstyle.com

Santa flies in by helicopter, then kids can enjoy cookies, milk, and a special visit with him at the park.

Immokalee

Single-Day Santa Events

Immokalee Tree Lighting Ceremony

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 6–9 p.m. (Free)
Location: South Immokalee Park, 418 School Dr., Immokalee
Website: collierparks.com

Join the community for a festive tree lighting and photos with Santa.

Breakfast with Santa – Immokalee Community Park

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 9–11 a.m.
Cost: $5 (credit/debit only)
Location: Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. 1st St., Immokalee
Website: collierparks.com

Enjoy a small breakfast and a special meet and greet with Santa.

Ave Maria

Single-Day Santa Events

Cookies with Santa – Sunshine Ace Hardware

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 9–11 a.m.
Location: Sunshine Ace Hardware, 5360 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria
Website: sunshineace.com

Bring the kids to meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy cookies in the heart of Ave Maria.

Bonita Springs

Season-Long & Multi-Date Santa Events

Christmas at Farmer Mike’s

Dates: November 29–December 20, 2025 (Fridays & Saturdays)
Time: 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Location: Farmer Mike’s U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs
Website: farmermikesupick.com

Enjoy Santa visits, sleigh hay rides, a light show, games, stories, food, treats, and family fun on the farm.

Single-Day Santa Events in Bonita Springs

Pictures with Santa at the Wonder Gardens

Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs
Website: wondergardens.org

Reserve a timeslot to meet Santa and take photos surrounded by lush gardens and resident animals.

Bonita Springs Holiday in the Park

Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 4:30–8:30 p.m. (Free)
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs
Website: cityofbonitasprings.org

Enjoy live music, snow, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus in the heart of Bonita Springs.

Cape Coral

Single-Day Santa Events

Holiday Festival of Lights

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 4–10 p.m.
Location: Big John’s Plaza, 1239 Cape Coral Pkwy. E., Cape Coral
Website: holidayfestivalcc.com

Have your photo taken with Santa, ride the snow drift slide, hop on the train ride, and enjoy lots of family fun.

Holiday Boat-a-Long

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 4–9 p.m.
Location: Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct., Cape Coral
Website: capecoral.gov

Watch a festive boat parade, enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, crafts, an outdoor movie, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Estero

Single-Day Santa Events

Santa Fest 2025

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero
Website: leegov.com

Meet Santa and enjoy crafts, carolers, coffee, treats, and more holiday fun for the whole family.

Fort Myers

Season-Long & Multi-Date Santa Events

Santa Photos at Edison Mall

Dates: November 21–December 24, 2025
Location: Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
Website: shopedisonmall.com

Stop by the mall’s holiday set for photos and visits with Santa throughout the season.

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Dates: Early November–December 24, 2025 (check store for exact times)
Location: Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers
Website: basspro.com

Bass Pro transforms into Santa’s Wonderland with festive décor, kid-friendly activities, and free photos with Santa on select days.

Single-Day Santa Events in Fort Myers

Breakfast with Santa at Bell Tower

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: Morning (check event details for specific time)
Location: Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
Website: belltowerfl.com

Enjoy breakfast, holiday activities, and personal time with Santa at this family-friendly event.

Santa & Children’s Entrepreneur Market and Family Night

Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
Website: belltowerfl.com

Shop kid-run booths, enjoy family activities, and visit Santa for photos and holiday fun.

Christmas on the Farm – M&M Farms

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 3–6 p.m.
Location: M&M Farms, 5450 Higginbotham Rd., Fort Myers
Website: mmfarmswfl.com

Enjoy hayrides, hot cocoa, food trucks, vendors, a bounce house, and a chance to meet Santa and send him a letter.

Use this guide to plan your Santa visits and create magical memories with your kids all season long. For even more holiday fun, including parades, menorah lightings, markets, and concerts, check the Neapolitan Family Calendar of Events for additional listings.

The post Where to See Santa in Collier and Lee Counties (2025) appeared first on SWFL Family.

What began decades ago as a simple gesture of support between local farmers and business leaders has grown into an opportunity for leaders from the county’s coastal and interior regions to feast on locally grown food, give thanks for a thriving community, and support the next generation of youth on the day before Thanksgiving. 

This wildly popular, fun event includes networking, live music by Back Country Boys Band, and a hearty steak lunch served with Immokalee-grown vegetables as well as beer and wine. As a true, heartfelt display of service and tradition, volunteer business leaders man the grills, and sides are served by Collier County elected officials who volunteer as celebrity servers. The event kicks off with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard Presentation of Colors and the official turkey pardon. This light-hearted American tradition spares a live turkey from being slaughtered for Thanksgiving.

Proceeds benefit the youth development programs of Collier County 4H, Collier County Junior Deputies, Key Clubs of Collier County, and Youth Leadership Collier. Youth beneficiaries will be on hand as volunteers to assist with a variety of fundraising opportunities. 

About Farm City BBQ

Rooted in a 68-year legacy, this cherished event began when Naples’ business leaders extended a hand to local farmers during a tough harvest year, ensuring no family would go without on Thanksgiving. The following year, the farmers returned the gesture, and a tradition of mutual support and community care was born. At its heart, Farm-City BBQ provides an opportunity to celebrate farmers, business owners, and neighbors and give thanks for the food on our tables, the hands that grow it, and the people who make this community thrive. Today, the Farm-City BBQ continues that legacy, serving up a delicious, locally sourced meal prepared by volunteers and served by Collier County elected officials. To date, the Farm-City BBQ has raised more than $630,000 for youth development programs in Collier County. To learn more, visit FarmCityBBQ.com.

The post 68th Annual Farm City BBQ Serves Up Food, Fellowship, and Purpose with its Pre-Thanksgiving Feast appeared first on SWFL Family.

‘Tis the season for Southwest Florida children to make their Christmas lists and state their case on whether they’ve been naughty or nice this year.

Now through Nov. 28, boys and girls across Southwest Florida can write their letters to Santa at any Sunshine Ace Hardware store to be sent to the North Pole. Sunshine Ace Hardware has a designated mailbox at each retail location for letters bound for Santa’s home.

“Through our Letters to Santa program, we’ll be sending messages directly to Santa’s home at the North Pole, and he has promised that he’ll respond to every letter,” said Sunshine Ace Hardware President Michael Wynn. “Santa is already getting busy, but he still has time to look through each letter and decide who’s been naughty or nice and pick out special gifts for a magical Christmas morning.”

Parents can bring their children to the following stores during regular business hours to write and send Letters to Santa:

Collier County

• Downtown Naples (141 Tamiami Trail North)
• East Naples (4433 Tamiami Trail East)
• Marco Island (1720 San Marco Road)
• Golden Gate (11673 Collier Blvd.)
• North Naples (8850 Founders Square Drive)
• Ave Maria (5630 Ave Maria Blvd.)
• Winchester Center (13855 Winchester Trail)
• Pelican Bay (8813 Tamiami Trail North)

Lee County

• Bonita Springs (9100 Bonita Beach Road)
• San Carlos Park (18911 Tamiami Trail South)

Cookies with Santa

Sunshine Ace Hardware will also host Cookies with Santa at select locations. Children can enjoy cookies and take photos with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. at the following locations:

• Nov. 28 at 9100 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs
• Nov. 29 at 8850 Founders Square Drive in North Naples
• Dec. 6 at 18911 Tamiami Trail South in San Carlos Park
• Dec. 13 at 5630 Ave Maria Blvd. in Ave Maria
• Dec. 20 at 8813 Tamiami Trail North in North Naples (Pelican Bay)

The post Sunshine Ace’s Letters to Santa and Cookies with Santa Programs Open in Southwest Florida Through November 28 appeared first on SWFL Family.

Judged by University of Missouri School of Journalism faculty, the competition recognizes standout editorial, design, and digital work from parenting publications across the country. The PMA’s annual awards program honors excellence in family and parenting publications nationwide, and the Neapolitan Family team is proud to have been acknowledged among the best. The awards spanned editorial excellence, design, and digital, highlighting the publication’s service to parents and families in Southwest Florida.

PMA Awards Earned by Neapolitan Family

EDITORIAL AWARDS

• GOLD — Recurring Column: Kindness Corner — Andrea Stetson (author). Judges called the column “must-read content” with a local focus that “spotlights students doing acts of kindness or volunteering.”
• GOLD — Family Fun Article: 72 Days of Summer Fun! — Andrea Stetson (author), praised for “marvelous research” and inspiring family adventures all summer long. View it here.
• BRONZE — Family Matters Article: Silent Struggles: Opening Up About Menopause and Perimenopause — Andrea Stetson (author) recognized for topic choice and execution.
  View it here.

DESIGN AWARDS

• GOLD — Front Cover: Original Photo: March 2025 — Photography by Monica Alvarez; Jane MacNealy, designer, Stacy Nicolau, co-publisher, recognized for a “thoughtful photograph” and “color-coordinated and relevant teases.” View it here.
• BRONZE — Feature Layout: Confronting Cyberbullying: How to Identify, Prevent, and Respond Effectively — Jane MacNealy, designer, commended for luminous, conceptual design that amplifies a vital topic. View it here.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

• SILVER — Website General Excellence: Neafamily.com, by Jane MacNealy and Stacy Nicolau,  was honored for a timely featured story experience, clear tagging, and local-focused coverage.

Now in their 25th year of print and digital publishing, Neapolitan Family covers the content parents use most: recurring columns, local family news and feature stories, activities guides, digital resources, and service features, demonstrating consistent quality across print and web for Collier County and Lee County families.

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