photo mosaic of Naples, Florida pier, Bayfront, Bayside, dolphin jumping, magenta orchid, water birds silhouetted against the sunset
New waterfront development gets green light in Naples

New waterfront development gets green light in Naples

Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

City council approved a long-planned, mixed-use waterfront development in Naples.

On June 17, council voted 4-1 in favor of the development, with one council member abstaining, due to a potential conflict of interest.

Years in the making, the project, overlooking Naples Bay, has faced challenges as it has evolved.

Formerly known as The Prom and now as The Viceroy, the development is planned on 1.81 acres of long vacant land, near the intersection of River Point Drive and the Fifth Avenue South bridge downtown.

Plans for the three-story development include short-term lodging, along with other retail and commercial uses, supported by surface and underground parking, as well as street parking.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

Are you looking for a home in beautiful Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Mile of momentum. Old 41 rapid transformation reshapes downtown Bonita

Mile of momentum. Old 41 rapid transformation reshapes downtown Bonita

Phil Fernandez | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

The In the Know questions from you about what’s become a one-mile expanse of monster construction along what at one time had been a lonely stretch of Southwest Florida highway are many, such as these.

“Hi Phil. I enjoy reading your column, and now I find myself writing to you about the developments going on in my backyard: Old 41 in downtown Bonita Springs. So much has been done over the years to restore and maintain the ‘downtown’ nature of the village,” said reader Barbara McMahon. “Can you tell us what the plan is for the area from Terry to Bonita Beach Road?

“Right now there is major construction of a luxury apartment complex − Imperial 41 − that spans both sides of the river. And just a block south, the area where the Lee Sheriff had a satellite station is fenced off for construction, and the park across the street is also fenced off. (The) city has developed Old 41 into a lovely walkable road with islands and great landscaping. Will it be overwhelmed?”

Read the full article on naplesnews.com to get answers to questions like “What’s behind Imperial 41 housing in Bonita Springs, Florida?, How did Lee County’s Imperial 41 come together in Bonita?,” and more.

Are you looking for a home in beautiful Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Recipe for success: 9 Naples restaurants withstanding the test of time

Recipe for success: 9 Naples restaurants withstanding the test of time

Kendall Little | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

We’re nearly a month into the new year, but I’m here to reflect on the old.

The Naples restaurant scene is constantly evolving and growing, bringing new and unique spots to the area every season. But for every new restaurant that opens in Collier, two close. The restaurants that continue to endure deserve their flowers, and these nine spots have endured quite deliciously for decades.

So, what’s the recipe for success when it comes to maintaining a popular restaurant in Naples? These nine restaurants all have different owners, menus, and environments, but have a few things in common: great service, fresh local ingredients, and an authenticity you can’t buy.

While lots of new restaurants have chic modern interiors and flashy unique dishes, these Collier gems find the simplicity in good ingredients, classic dishes, and friendly service to be the pillars that keep them in business for decades.

Key points:

  • Several Naples-area restaurants have remained popular for decades by focusing on fresh local ingredients and friendly service.
  • Kelly’s Fish House Dining Room, founded in 1953, is the oldest restaurant highlighted and is known for its “Old Florida” feel.
  • Many of the enduring establishments, such as The Dock at Crayton Cove and Riverwalk at Tin City, specialize in fresh seafood.
  • Other long-standing favorites include The Pewter Mug steakhouse, Pastrami Dan’s sandwich shop, and the uniquely themed Spanky’s Speakeasy.

Read the full article with photos on naplesnews.com.

Be close to good food with a home in the area. Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

 

New waterfront restaurant makes chic debut in Bonita Springs

New waterfront restaurant makes chic debut in Bonita Springs

Kendall Little, Robyn George | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

It’s not every day that a new waterfront restaurant opens in Southwest Florida.

And it’s even more rare when it’s helmed by a globally renowned chef.

You’ll get both with Acqua Bistecca, which opened Wednesday, Jan. 21, overlooking Estero Bay at Saltleaf Marina in Bonita Springs.

The chic waterfront restaurant is powered by James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina.

Read the full article with photos on naplesnews.com.

Shops. Entertainment. Schools. Hospitals. What’s new for SWFL in 2026?

Shops. Entertainment. Schools. Hospitals. What’s new for SWFL in 2026?

Phil Fernandez | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

  • Construction is starting on The Carnelian Hotel and Sterling’s Club in Naples, with a planned opening in early 2027.
  • The development is part of a larger transformation near Waterside Shops, which will also welcome an RH Gallery.
  • Nearby, the Eddie V’s restaurant is anticipated to open in Spring 2026.

Construction officially begins this week on the Sterling’s Club and The Carnelian Hotel as the Naples transformation at Pine Ridge Road and U.S. 41 continues.

The pair are on track to welcome guests in early 2027, just steps from the evolving Waterside Shops. That center has considerable ongoing redevelopment of its own with one Friday Jan. 23 arrival and the closing sale of a major store we’ll tell you more about in today’s In the Know. We’ll also be answering a related reader question.

Read on naplesnews.com to find out What’s to know.

Do you want a home to come to in southwest Florida on or near to Sanibel and Captiva? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

6 of the top restaurant gems in Naples. Have you tried them all?

6 of the top restaurant gems in Naples. Have you tried them all?

Kendall Little | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

Restaurants are the gems that make up the crown of Naples, from old classics like Kelly’s Fish House to new trendsetters like Blackbird Modern Asian. Our city is lucky to have a community that really values going out to eat, not all markets can say the same.

But what makes a restaurant a gem? Is it good service? Is it a unique menu? Waterfront dining? You’ll have to be the judge of that. But in my eyes, these six dining spots are prime examples of Naples gems.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com

Be close to good food with a home in the area. Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.