Thursday, July 23, 2026
Naples Bay Resort just sold for $41 million
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A 94-degree locals'-season Thursday — mostly sunny until the afternoon build-up rolls in off the Glades, with rain chances climbing into the weekend. The bigger news: Naples Bay Resort & Marina just changed hands for $41 million, its first sale since the place opened in 2008.
Today
Beaches are clean, but respect the current
Every Collier beach FWC sampled came back clear for red tide, but Tropical Storm Bertha — even from way over by the Texas coast — is pushing an elevated rip current risk onto our Gulf. Fine day for the sand; swim close to shore and mind the flags.
The back-to-school tax holiday is on
Florida's sales tax break on clothes, school supplies, and computers runs through August 20 — a full month this year. Worth knocking out now while the stores are still in summer-quiet mode.
This Weekend
The Conservancy's python hunters hit the big screen
Nat Geo Wild's 'Python Invasion' features the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's own snake-tracking research, screening Friday at 2 p.m. at Paragon Pavilion. Free for Conservancy members — registration required.
Local News
Naples Bay Resort sells for $41.3 million
Local developer Fred Pezeshkan handed the hotel and marina off to Pyramid Global Hospitality and Western & Southern — the first ownership change since it opened in 2008. New owners at a waterfront property that size usually means renovations, so watch this one.
The new Neapolitan Way Publix is open
The rebuilt store on US-41 replaced the nearly 40-year-old original that came down in late 2024, and it now has mezzanine seating — yes, a Publix with a balcony. Worth a detour on your next grocery run.
Collier gets its first mobile healthcare unit
North Collier Fire's new MH-45 handles the low-acuity calls — the falls and fevers that don't need lights and sirens — weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. That keeps the actual rescue trucks free for actual emergencies, which matters as the county keeps growing.
If you smell smoke this summer, it's probably on purpose
Prescribed burns are planned at six Conservation Collier preserves between now and September — routine habitat work that also cuts wildfire fuel before the dry season. So a smoke column on the horizon isn't automatically a 911 call.
Food & Drink
Burger Monger brings its first drive-thru to North Naples
The Tampa-born chain is converting a former Kelly's Roast Beef site for its first-ever drive-thru format, opening sometime between now and September. A fast-casual burger you don't have to leave the car for is a genuinely new thing up here.
Tiny Kitchen Empanadas is worth finding
Naples Foodie tracked down this little spot at 524 Park Street and came away charmed — traditional empanadas with some personality, open Monday through Saturday until 6. Perfect locals'-season lunch: no line, no valet.