photo mosaic of Naples, Florida pier, Bayfront, Bayside, dolphin jumping, magenta orchid, water birds silhouetted against the sunset
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.

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.

 

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.

 

Biggest 2026 concerts in Naples, SW Florida: Hertz Arena and more

Biggest 2026 concerts in Naples, SW Florida: Hertz Arena and more

Charles Runnells | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

If you love music, Southwest Florida is the place to be in 2026.

Some big concerts are heading to the Fort Myers/Naples area between January and June.

The lineup includes Barry Manilow’s final concerts at Hertz Arena, disco greats KC and the Sunshine Band, actor Bill Murray and his blues-rock band, classic rockers Styx and Cheap Trick, pop-parody king Weird Al Yankovic and lots more.

For information about the best shows to see in 2026 between now and May 30th click here.

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.