Thursday, July 2, 2026
Vanderbilt Beach gets lifeguards, just in time for the 4th
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Steamy and 91 today with afternoon storms likely — a classic locals'-season Thursday. The bigger surprise: Vanderbilt Beach gets lifeguards for the first time starting this weekend, right as the 250th-birthday crowds roll in.
Today
Beach forecast: all clear
FWC's latest samples found no red tide anywhere from Barefoot Beach down to Marco, and this morning's 8:21 a.m. low tide is your shelling window — storm chances build after lunch.
This Weekend
Fireworks at 9 p.m. Saturday — visible from every Gulf beach
Naples and Marco Island both put on free shows, and you don't need to fight for a downtown spot to see them. Leave the DIY fireworks at home — Audubon asks that nesting shorebirds get at least 100 feet of space.
America's 250 Block Party kicks things off Friday
Paradise Coast Sports Complex packs a treasure hunt, a World Cup watch party and FC Naples action into one stop, Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — an easy warm-up before the big day.
Lifeguards debut at Vanderbilt Beach
North Collier Fire's new ocean rescue program puts trained first responders on the sand at one of our busiest beaches — a first for Vanderbilt, and the timing ahead of a holiday weekend couldn't be better.
Local News
Waterside Shops adds six stores this summer
Dior and Vuori are in, Eddie V's leads the new restaurant slate, and there's complimentary lemonade while the additions roll out through 2027. The quiet-months perk: you can actually find parking right now.
A $1.2 million glow coming across from City Hall
Naples Community Church got the green light for nine stained-glass panels that will be illuminated nightly — a new stop on the evening stroll, sweetened by the city returning the church's $27,800 public art fee.
New Publix penciled in for North Naples
Tim Aten pegs the opening for midyear 2027 — a long wait, but around here a new Publix is practically a civic event.
Food & Drink
Adoré Bar & Cucina opens in the old Pelican Larry's
The family behind GG Brunch Haus gutted the Davis Boulevard spot and rebuilt it around imported Italian ingredients — one of a trio of new Italian restaurants Tim Aten is tracking around town.
Where to get your 250th-birthday dessert
Florida Weekly's holiday roundup includes Sandra's Sweet and Savory on Sixth Avenue South — apple pie is American, but Key lime is how we do it here.