Collier County schools update mask policy

Collier County is changing its rules about students wearing masks in school, now requiring all face coverings to be two layers. This rule is more directed at buffs, a form of cloth face coverings that some people wear. The school district says the change came after speaking with the Department of Health. One mom said […]

Deputies: Man stole 2 luxury cars, led them on chase by car and foot

A Golden Gate man was arrested Thursday after deputies said he stole a luxury vehicle from a residence in North Naples while deputies were searching for him in connection with the theft of another luxury vehicle just minutes earlier. According to a Collier County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post, Mauricio Ivan Zegarra, 24, faces multiple felony […]

New restaurant in Naples provides second chances, raises money for nonprofit

A new restaurant is opening its doors in Naples, but this one is unlike most others. Every dollar, every dime spent at Lulu’s Kitchen gets sent straight to St. Matthew’s House. Something as simple as buying a burger actually raises money for a community food pantry or homeless shelter. If that isn’t enough to convince […]

Naples Winter Wine Festival offers virtual event to benefit kids in need

Nonprofits are struggling as fewer donations come in, fundraisers are canceled and more people are in need, but the organizers of one annual Southwest Florida event have found a way. The Naples Winter Wine Festival benefits thousands of children in need and brings in millions of dollars for the Naples Children and Education Foundation. This […]

Nicholas Morales-Bessannia

Family, community demand answers after man shot by Collier County deputies

Nicholas Morales-Bessannia was shot and killed early Thursday by Collier County Deputies. His family still has more questions than answers. “I don’t want to look at him like that, I never want to see him that way,” said Ismael Morales-Diaz, the victim’s nephew. Deputies say Morales came at them with a shovel and gardening shears. […]

Collier County sees hundreds turnout on National Register to Vote Day

During the uncertainty of the pandemic, supervisors of elections in Southwest Florida were glad to see a good turnout on National Register to Vote Day Tuesday. We looked into the patterns elections offices are noticing when it comes to registrations. “It’s your civic duty to vote; that’s what this country is based on,” Maureen Ruemler […]

Family of man killed by Collier County deputies say they want justice

A picture now hangs of the Immokalee father with the words ‘Justice for Nicholas’ after he was fatally shot by Collier County deputies. Now, his family from all across the state have come together to grieve their loved one. “I’m coming from Wauchula,” said Franciso Morales-Bessannia, the victim’s brother. “He got killed, they called me, […]

Collier County reallocates $12M in CARES Act funds for nonprofits, community health

Collier County commissioners on Tuesday approved $12 million of CARES Act funding for community health and services. The money will go to hospitals, emergency health services, elder care, and nonprofits, ensuring more people will get the help they need – and employees will get to keep their jobs. Getting furloughed from the St. Matthew’s House […]

city of naples fire rescue

Naples firefighters save boy trapped in playground

Firefighters never know what their days will bring, and they probably didn’t imagine they’d see a father rushing into Station One from Cambier Park on Sunday. “The father came over and he said he needed a shovel. I said, ‘what’s it for?’” said Eric Baltodano of City of Naples Fire Rescue. “He said his child […]

Del’s 24 closes, set to be bought with rest of center by Collier County

A Collier County staple is no more after over 55 years in business, but its name will live on. The beloved Del’s 24-Hour Food Store in Collier County officially closed its doors in August about a year after the owner Del Ackerman’s death. But the community landmark has a bright future with Collier County set […]