Big boost for SWFL tourism courtesy of New York Times’ ‘places to go’ list

Big boost for SWFL tourism courtesy of New York Times’ ‘places to go’ list

Mark H. Bickel | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

If it’s possible to receive official validation for a comeback from a series of devastating hurricanes, then you could say The New York Times provided a big stamp of approval this week for Southwest Florida.

The Times published its annual “52 to places to go” for 2026, recommending to its audience locations around the world worth visiting this year.

Places like Sorola’s Spain, Winnie-the-Pooh’s England, Assisi, Italy, Dallas, Texas and yes, two islands off the coast of Southwest Florida that most people reading this are very familiar with.

Sanibel and Captiva.

“This recognition proves what we already knew, that Sanibel and Captiva are special, world class, beach destinations that offer unmatched eco-tourism, shelling, and hospitality,” said John Lai, the President and CEO of the Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce. “It’s rare to find destinations like ours that intentionally hold 70% in conservation and that in itself sets us apart from similar vacation options.”

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

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.

City demolishing the iconic Naples pier. What will the new one look like?

City demolishing the iconic Naples pier. What will the new one look like?

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

The new Naples Pier is under constuction after a formal groundbreaking Jan. 5.

How will the new pier be different than the old one? It will be supported by larger pilings, with diameters of 18 inches as opposed to the previous 14 inches, and it will be 3 feet higher than before.

The existing pier will be demolished. It was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Renderings and a video, provided by the city of Naples show what the new pier will look like.

The new pier will be built stronger and more resilient to future storms, with an accessible design and features to protect local wildlife.

The full article and photos on naplesnews.com.

 

More to know about the private Paraiso Beach Club in North Naples

More to know about the private Paraiso Beach Club in North Naples

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

Plans are advancing for a members-only beach club in North Naples.

Since Collier commissioners unanimously approved the plans in October, the club has attracted investors and signed up more than 150 members.

Construction is expected to start soon on the multimillion-dollar project, known as Paraiso Beach Club.

“We actually are close to being ready to break ground. We anticipate that will be somewhere in the first quarter of 2026, then we are looking at a 15- to 18-month build time,” said David Tingley, a local businessman and seasoned executive in the financial services industry, who is the driving force behind the project.

If all goes as planned, he said, construction should be completed by the third quarter of 2027 — allowing for a “soft opening” late in the year, inside of the busy season.

Meanwhile, the membership drive is underway, and it’s going better than expected, attracting 160 members already, Tingley said.

To start, the club’s membership will be capped at 650 to 700 —

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

Looking for a home close to the beautiful white sand beaches of Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Expert shares his Top-10 list of rare shells to look for when you are combing the beach

Expert shares his Top-10 list of rare shells to look for when you are combing the beach

Mark H. Bickel | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

It’s always a good time to hunt for shells in Southwest Florida. But with snowbird and tourist season just underway, we thought it would be a good idea to inspire shelling enthusiasts with a list of rare shells you can find here and around Florida.Every collection needs a “gotta have it” bucket list. Stamps. Coins. Baseball cards. Comic books. Movie posters. Yes, even seashells.

And with seashells, what’s nice is, you already have a bucket so it is just a matter of checking off the shells you really want for your collection and those shells on your bucket list.

Dr. Jose H. Leal. He is the Science Director and Curator for the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. Leal’s love for shells and sea life goes back to his childhood years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What are some of the rare seashells you can find on Florida beaches?
Here is a list compiled by Leal that he put together using his knowledge and expertise of shells that can be found on beaches in Florida:

1-Atlantic Morum (Morum oniscus)
2-Fine-cut Nutmeg (Ventrilia tenera)
3-Arrow Dwarf Triton (Tritonoharpa lanceolata)
4-Beau Vitrinella (Cyclostremiscus beauii)
5-Stimpson Chimney Clam (Rocellaria stimponii)
6-Atlantic Paper Mussel (Arcuatula papyria)
7-Scotch Bonnet (Semicassis granulata)

Get the full list of rare shells and see the photos on naplesnews.com.

Looking for a home in Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Things to do in November in Naples, Bonita, Marco include wine, food event, concerts

Things to do in November in Naples, Bonita, Marco include wine, food event, concerts

Dave Osborn, Hannah Holmes | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

With October behind us, it’s time to seriously focus on the holidays. And with more seasonal residents and tourists beginning to return to Southwest Florida, there’s plenty to do including concerts, plays, comedy and more.

What else is happening? Check out our monthly calendar and feel free to email dosborn@gannett.com if you’d like to add an event. Just submit it in the format shown in these events.

GENERAL EVENTS
Godzilla Day: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Naples is celebrating this legendary monster’s 71st birthday at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3. This event will include a screening of “The Return of Godzilla” (1984) and Godzilla merchandise for purchase. Tickets are $13.99 through drafthouse.com. 9118 Strada Place, No. 8205, Naples.

Baker Senior Center Naples Events: Throughout November, the center will have several extended hours events. Join for a resin art class from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4. $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Enjoy the Twilight Cabaret with Doug Williams from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13; free for members and $5 for non-members. Lastly, attend Karaoke Night from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, November 20 – free admission. All events are for ages 60-plus and require reservations through (239) 325-4444. Baker Senior Center Naples, 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane.

For more things to do in the Naples, Florida area in November, including Veteran’s Day, USA Today Wine & Food Experience, Christmas Market, Classic Car Show and more, read the full article on naplesnews.com.

There’s so much to do in Naples – Bonita Springs! Be close to the fun with a home in the area. Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Using a remote camera in the woods, photographer collects amazing array of wildlife photos

Using a remote camera in the woods, photographer collects amazing array of wildlife photos

Mark H. Bickel, Andrew West | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

Andrew West, the award-winning photographer for The News-press and Naples Daily News, loves to go into the woods to produce some of his best images.

Deep in the woods.

For years now, West has been using a remote camera to get breath-taking photos of Southwest Florida’s wildlife. These photos have been featured on our different content platforms and the stunning images are a big hit with our audience.

The amazing thing about West’s vast collection of photos of critters in the wild is that the subjects often look like made an appointment with him to have their portrait taken. But nothing is “posing” here. The magic of the remote sensor camera, also known as a camera trap, is that it is activated by the movement of the animal, producing these uncanny moments in the natural world.

Click here to watch the video of Andrew West setting up his camera trap, and see some of the candid photos of animal life in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed.

From wildlife to wonderful restaurants and entertainment indoors and out, Southwest Florida is a great place to live. Find a home in this vibrant area on the southwest coast of Florida. Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.