Hendry County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in deer poaching investigationDeputy injured, suspect killed in shooting near State Road 72 in DeSoto County
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in deer poaching investigation The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit is seeking assistance from the public in its investigation into the illegal killing of approximately nine deer.
Deputy injured, suspect killed in shooting near State Road 72 in DeSoto County A suspect wanted on a child enticement charge out of Georgia was killed in a deputy-involved shooting early Saturday morning in DeSoto County.
ENGLEWOOD 1 dead in Englewood incident; authorities investigating There is an active investigation going on at the 3200 block of Smith Street in Englewood, where one person was found dead.
NAPLES Naples Winter Wine Festival kicks off to support Collier County children The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the largest charity wine auctions globally, is set to begin at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples on Saturday.
ESTERO Join the March to a Million Meals to combat hunger in Southwest Florida Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Southwest Florida, with one in eight adults and one in six children experiencing hunger.
NAPLES Last chance to enjoy Naples Boat Show’s yachts and waterfront fun The Naples Boat Show wraps up on Saturday, offering one last chance for visitors to explore an impressive lineup of boats, yachts, and waterfront fun.
CAPE CORAL SunSplash Waterpark hosts hiring event in Cape Coral As chilly temperatures linger, it might be hard to think about the hot, humid days of summer, but SunSplash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral is already preparing for the season.
the weather authority Cold Saturday morning, warmer afternoons on the way The Weather Authority says Southwest Florida woke up to the coldest temperatures in 3 years.
Neighbors react to deputy-involved shooting of man with machete New body camera footage shows the moment Charlotte County deputies opened fire on a man armed with a machete.
FORT MYERS 21st annual Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival underway in Fort Myers The 21st Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival is underway. Despite the colder weather, visitors are enjoying the festivities in Fort Myers.
New video shows alternate angle of I-75 multi-county chase A theft ring in Lee County led to a dramatic car chase involving Paul Fritzson, who allegedly carjacked a couple in Collier County.
Meet the kids benefiting from Naples’ charity wine festival: Kolson’s story The Naples Winter Wine Festival, known as the largest charity wine auction in the world, kicked off on Friday with a focus on benefiting children in Collier County.
Iona Firefighter rescues homeowner from blaze A firefighter bravely rescued a homeowner from a burning house on Whiskey Creek Drive.
LEHIGH ACRES Father and son face off in hoops for the first time Gateway guard Quran Pettyjohn Jr. faced off against his dad, East Lee County head coach Quran Pettyjohn Sr., for the first time Thursday night.
NAPLES School burglars in Collier County make off with guns The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying four people who broke into Golden Gate Middle School and stole guns that were locked in a safe.
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in deer poaching investigation The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit is seeking assistance from the public in its investigation into the illegal killing of approximately nine deer.
Deputy injured, suspect killed in shooting near State Road 72 in DeSoto County A suspect wanted on a child enticement charge out of Georgia was killed in a deputy-involved shooting early Saturday morning in DeSoto County.
ENGLEWOOD 1 dead in Englewood incident; authorities investigating There is an active investigation going on at the 3200 block of Smith Street in Englewood, where one person was found dead.
NAPLES Naples Winter Wine Festival kicks off to support Collier County children The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the largest charity wine auctions globally, is set to begin at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples on Saturday.
ESTERO Join the March to a Million Meals to combat hunger in Southwest Florida Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Southwest Florida, with one in eight adults and one in six children experiencing hunger.
NAPLES Last chance to enjoy Naples Boat Show’s yachts and waterfront fun The Naples Boat Show wraps up on Saturday, offering one last chance for visitors to explore an impressive lineup of boats, yachts, and waterfront fun.
CAPE CORAL SunSplash Waterpark hosts hiring event in Cape Coral As chilly temperatures linger, it might be hard to think about the hot, humid days of summer, but SunSplash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral is already preparing for the season.
the weather authority Cold Saturday morning, warmer afternoons on the way The Weather Authority says Southwest Florida woke up to the coldest temperatures in 3 years.
Neighbors react to deputy-involved shooting of man with machete New body camera footage shows the moment Charlotte County deputies opened fire on a man armed with a machete.
FORT MYERS 21st annual Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival underway in Fort Myers The 21st Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival is underway. Despite the colder weather, visitors are enjoying the festivities in Fort Myers.
New video shows alternate angle of I-75 multi-county chase A theft ring in Lee County led to a dramatic car chase involving Paul Fritzson, who allegedly carjacked a couple in Collier County.
Meet the kids benefiting from Naples’ charity wine festival: Kolson’s story The Naples Winter Wine Festival, known as the largest charity wine auction in the world, kicked off on Friday with a focus on benefiting children in Collier County.
Iona Firefighter rescues homeowner from blaze A firefighter bravely rescued a homeowner from a burning house on Whiskey Creek Drive.
LEHIGH ACRES Father and son face off in hoops for the first time Gateway guard Quran Pettyjohn Jr. faced off against his dad, East Lee County head coach Quran Pettyjohn Sr., for the first time Thursday night.
NAPLES School burglars in Collier County make off with guns The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying four people who broke into Golden Gate Middle School and stole guns that were locked in a safe.
Dozens of children, nonprofits, and donors gathered Friday morning at Artis—Naples. It is Meet the Kids Day, which is considered the pre-game and kick-off leading up to the Naples Winter Wine Festival auction on Saturday. Meet the Kids Day allows people who participate in the auction to see where the money they spend on lavish lots of high-end wines and trips goes. “The Naples Winter Wine Festival is our signature fundraiser, but it is a huge part of our organization and very important because, without the wine festival, we wouldn’t be able to have funds to support the community,” explained Naples Children & Education Foundation CEO, Maria Jimenez-Lara. Here’s how it works—people bid on auction lots. The money collected, $33.2 million in 2024, supports the efforts of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, or NCEF. Child advocacy-based nonprofits apply to NCEF for grants. After a rigorous approval process, NCEF decides which nonprofits get grants and the dollar amount. In 2024, 57 nonprofits received grants. This year, everyone seems to have a little extra pep in their step at Meet the Kids Day. 2025 marks the festival’s silver anniversary. The children dressed up as their future selves as Friday’s event celebrated the past, present, and future. “Our founders are from Collier County, but Collier County also doesn’t have any tax-based support that goes to serve or help social services or children’s services. So, if we don’t do this amazing festival and raise the money that we do this weekend, then 35,000 to 45,000 children are left without services,” added Jimenez-Lara. The nonprofits provide shelter, food, education, and opportunity to children who might not have it otherwise. Naples Winter Wine Festival: 25 years of helping Collier County children They provide healthcare and a path for the future. Kids share their own stories and dreams to make sure donors understand the impact of their dollars. 17-year-old Yaneli has her sights set on medical school. “NCH has inspired my goals as a cardiologist and as a doctor. I’m a first-generation student for my family as well and I hope to be a doctor one day,” said the Immokalee High junior. Future surgeon Inarhy and future chef Mia from the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County proudly showed off their Candyland display. Their smiles and dreams inspired patrons. “The sparkle in the eyes of these two little girls, I mean, you can see that they have a bright future ahead. Just being able to instill that confidence and giving the ability to dream, you don’t see that all the time,” stated Saima Aftab, a neonatologist in Miami. “These kids are forging a new path with their lives. That makes you wonder what else can we do to invest in them to help them achieve that,” added Craig Watson, a 5-year event patron. To learn more about the event and online auction, click here.