The Naples Press ready to launch after overcoming setbacks

Business, real estate, arts, and entertainment, it’s all in a new newspaper going out to people on Friday.

The Naples Press is making its debut for Collier County communities after overcoming setbacks from the hurricane.

First, it was difficult to find paper. The team started looking for peach paper last summer because they wanted to stand out but were told it was almost impossible.

Then came the hurricane, which really set things back, but eventually, everything fell into place.

“We’re going to have everything that you need to know about Collier County,” said Penny Fisher, editor at The Naples Press.

The Naples Press is a locally owned community newspaper for Naples and Collier County.

Fisher says this newspaper is much needed in this community. “I think that there’s a void, not just in Collier County, but across the United States. Newspapers and media companies are slashing costs. And so, I think it’s really refreshing to be starting something new like this.”

The goal is to provide hyper-local business, real estate, and arts and entertainment coverage focused on Naples, Marco Island, and surrounding communities.

“Naples is growing by leaps and bounds. I mean, the whole of Southwest Florida, but especially Collier County. So, it’s great to give them another vantage point of news here,” said Tim Aten, senior editor at Gulfshore Business.

The team is made up of respected journalists like Tim Aten.

“Obviously, I’m kind of biased about it, but I’m looking forward to having the ‘Tim Aten Knows’ column published in the new newspaper. It’s been a weekly column that I’ve written for 16 years, more than 16 years. So, it’s good to have a new home,” Aten said.

The team hit many roadblocks and hiccups, then Hurricane Ian, but things began to fall into place, and they’re excited to see what the community thinks.

A lot of newspapers are putting an emphasis on being digital first, but not The Naples Press. They’ve decided to print first, meaning you won’t be able to find it online.

Copies are being delivered Friday for those who are subscribed. You can subscribe by clicking here.