12-year-old collecting donations for the needy during the holidaysFort Myers man facing homelessness before the holidays
NAPLES 12-year-old collecting donations for the needy during the holidays A 12-year-old Naples boy isn’t worried about what he’s getting for Christmas. Instead, he’s working on his 6th annual “Holiday Sock Drive.”
Fort Myers man facing homelessness before the holidays A 75-year-old man is on the brink of homelessness despite working over 80 hours a week.
NAPLES Adoptee uses non-profit to provide suitcases for foster children This holiday season, a Naples woman is on a mission to bring foster children something many take for granted: a suitcase filled with dignity.
MARCO ISLAND City of Marco Island discusses lead awareness during city council meeting The city of Marco Island sent out 4900 letters to residents warning them that their pipes could contain plastic or lead.
NAPLES The future of electric planes in Southwest Florida Features of living near an airport include persistent headache-inducing engine rumbles and foul-smelling jet fuel, but electric planes could play a part in the solution.
PORT CHARLOTTE Neighbors awaiting answers on Port Charlotte Beach Park repairs Neighbors said a contractor hired by the Florida Division of Emergency Management mishandled the boats at Port Charlotte Beach Park.
FGCU introduces new technology for cognitive health screenings Ten minutes. That’s all it takes for doctors to assess how well you remember, how quickly you learn things, and how your brain is working overall.
WINK Investigates: Disgraced contractor faces new lawsuits and allegations Paul Beattie, a disgraced home builder is back doing business but legal challenges continue as another one of his businesses gets sued. Former employees of Beattie speak out, only to WINK.
SWFL reacts to UNC hiring Bill Belichick Southwest Florida reacts to North Carolina hiring Bill Belichick as its new head football coach and how that could impact the decisions of local recruits.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Some Floridians want more alone time during the holidays The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, but nearly half of Americans say they really want more alone time during the holiday.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for school speed zones The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
Aggressive driving concerns on the rise in Southwest Florida The arrest of a man who, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said, killed a motorcyclist after crashing into him on purpose is raising concerns over aggressive driving in Southwest Florida.
SANIBEL Sanibel School students prepare for community Christmas performance The school that has had to claw and fight its way back more than once to reopen is getting the chance to celebrate.
FORT MYERS Rock For Equality: SWFL music scene to hold benefit concert for Palestine A two-venue, eight-band benefit concert is coming to Southwest Florida.
NAPLES Naples man sentenced in deadly bar shooting A man has been sentenced for a deadly shooting that took place at a Naples bar in March 2021.
NAPLES 12-year-old collecting donations for the needy during the holidays A 12-year-old Naples boy isn’t worried about what he’s getting for Christmas. Instead, he’s working on his 6th annual “Holiday Sock Drive.”
Fort Myers man facing homelessness before the holidays A 75-year-old man is on the brink of homelessness despite working over 80 hours a week.
NAPLES Adoptee uses non-profit to provide suitcases for foster children This holiday season, a Naples woman is on a mission to bring foster children something many take for granted: a suitcase filled with dignity.
MARCO ISLAND City of Marco Island discusses lead awareness during city council meeting The city of Marco Island sent out 4900 letters to residents warning them that their pipes could contain plastic or lead.
NAPLES The future of electric planes in Southwest Florida Features of living near an airport include persistent headache-inducing engine rumbles and foul-smelling jet fuel, but electric planes could play a part in the solution.
PORT CHARLOTTE Neighbors awaiting answers on Port Charlotte Beach Park repairs Neighbors said a contractor hired by the Florida Division of Emergency Management mishandled the boats at Port Charlotte Beach Park.
FGCU introduces new technology for cognitive health screenings Ten minutes. That’s all it takes for doctors to assess how well you remember, how quickly you learn things, and how your brain is working overall.
WINK Investigates: Disgraced contractor faces new lawsuits and allegations Paul Beattie, a disgraced home builder is back doing business but legal challenges continue as another one of his businesses gets sued. Former employees of Beattie speak out, only to WINK.
SWFL reacts to UNC hiring Bill Belichick Southwest Florida reacts to North Carolina hiring Bill Belichick as its new head football coach and how that could impact the decisions of local recruits.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Some Floridians want more alone time during the holidays The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, but nearly half of Americans say they really want more alone time during the holiday.
LABELLE Hendry County rolls out cameras for school speed zones The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has rolled out a new way of enforcing school zone speed limits by using cameras that will target drivers traveling over a certain speed in a school zone.
Aggressive driving concerns on the rise in Southwest Florida The arrest of a man who, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said, killed a motorcyclist after crashing into him on purpose is raising concerns over aggressive driving in Southwest Florida.
SANIBEL Sanibel School students prepare for community Christmas performance The school that has had to claw and fight its way back more than once to reopen is getting the chance to celebrate.
FORT MYERS Rock For Equality: SWFL music scene to hold benefit concert for Palestine A two-venue, eight-band benefit concert is coming to Southwest Florida.
NAPLES Naples man sentenced in deadly bar shooting A man has been sentenced for a deadly shooting that took place at a Naples bar in March 2021.
St. Pete Beach Florida (Credit: TripAdvisor) As lockdown has left most of us longing to be somewhere — anywhere else than stuck at home, Tripadvisor has just the thing to help you escape, as its annual Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches are revealed. Saint Pete Beach tops the list for the best beach in America, and eight other Florida beaches also made the list. However, no beaches from Southwest Florida made the cut. Highlighting travelers’ favorite beaches across the globe, from sweeping white sand and turquoise waters in tropical climates, to dramatic cliffs and pounding surf in some of the most secluded spots on Earth, the awards are based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travelers for beaches, gathered over a 12-month period. New for 2021, the Best of the Best Beaches also takes into account the volume of “saves” for beaches on Tripadvisor, reflecting the position that many travelers were in for much of 2020 — unable to travel, desperate to explore, lusting after the beaches they wished they could visit. “Your last trip to the beach probably feels like a lifetime ago, but with vaccine programs rolling out worldwide, safely making that beach getaway a reality just might be in reach! In fact, a recent Tripadvisor survey revealed that 60% of travelers are very likely to take a beach trip in 2021,” said Christine Maguire, vice president and general manager, global media business at Tripadvisor. “Whether your preferred kind of beach is preened and pristine or rugged and rough, this list of travelers’ favorites is just the inspiration you need to get planning your next beach break.” In 2021, Australia’s Whitehaven Beach takes the top spot amongst global travelers. The remote Australian paradise, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is only accessible by boat, seaplane or helicopter and is lauded by travelers for its gorgeous soft white sand and postcard perfect turquoise water. This year, Florida’s Saint Pete Beach takes not only the title of number one beach in the United States, but is also rated fifth in the world. Of the 25 best beaches in the U.S., Florida and Hawaii dominate the list, with over 30% of the winners located in the Sunshine State and almost 30% in the Aloha State. “We take Tripadvisor’s awards very seriously in St. Pete/Clearwater. We have been home to the number one beach for four of the past six years, but after a devastating 2020 for travel, we’re especially honored to receive the Travelers’ Choice Award this year,” said Steve Hayes, President and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. “Our communities, including Saint Pete Beach and Madeira Beach, have done an amazing job building these great destinations and keeping their beaches pristine for travelers from near and far.” For the complete list of Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award-winning beaches for 2021, visit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. 1. Saint Pete Beach – St. Pete Beach, Florida Travelers say: The most perfect place to watch the sun set over the ocean. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Shared 2 Hours Small Group Sunset Cruise of St. Pete Beach 2. Ka’anapali Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii Travelers say: This beach is so gorgeous and accessible to everyone. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Snorkel & Whale Watch from Ka’anapali Beach 3. Moonstone Beach – Cambria, California Travelers say: Beautiful beach and a great place to look for moonstones and jade. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Cruise down the scenic Moonstone Drive during sunset 4. Wailea Beach – Wailea, Hawaii Travelers say: The walkway along Wailea Beach offers breathtaking views of the Maui coast. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Makena Turtle Town Eco Adventure in Maui 5. Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Oregon Travelers say: Haystack Rock at low tide is incredible with all the tide pools and sea creatures. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock 6. Napili Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii Travelers say: There’s a small natural reef about 30-50 yards in, and tons of marine life living on it. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Maui Whale Watch Cruise from Lahaina Harbor 7. Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, Maine Travelers say: At high tide you can walk out hundreds of feet and still be only waist high. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Check out the scenic outlooks of Perkins Cove. 8. Wai’anapanapa State Park – Hana, Hawaii Travelers say: This black sand beach (produced by volcanic activity on the island) is otherworldly along the beautiful coastline. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Full Day Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup 9. Madeira Beach – Madeira Beach, Florida Travelers say: Very nice, flat beach. You can enjoy a very nice walk for miles. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Calypso Breeze Daytime Tropical Buffet 10. Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, Hawaii Travelers say: Kailua offers plenty of everything: sand, wide open space, fewer crowds, and a good park to go with it. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Full Day Kailua Beach Guided Tour To Mokulua Islands Top 10 Beaches in the World Whitehaven Beach – Whitsunday Island, Australia Santa Maria Beach – Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba Baia do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil Grace Bay Beach – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Saint Pete Beach – Florida, United States Turquoise Bay – Exmouth, Australia Eagle Beach – Eagle Beach, Aruba Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy Ka’anapali Beach – Hawaii, United States Baía dos Golfinhos – Praia da Pipa, Brazil Methodology The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches honor travelers’ favorite beaches worldwide based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travelers, as well as the volume of “saves,” gathered over a 12-month period (January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020). Travelers can “save” their travel ideas and plans on Tripadvisor by tapping the heart icon on places to stay, restaurants, and things to do, such as beaches. Tripadvisor views saves as a great indicator of what travelers are interested in doing in the future. A Tripadvisor Consumer Sentiment Survey, based on data drawn from an online survey of 2,330 consumers, in partnership with Qualtrics, conducted between 12/28/20 through 01/10/21 across six countries – U.S., UK, Australia, Italy, Singapore and Japan