Naples FL

Note to readers: This is another installment of our "What We Do" series, taking a closer look at our journalists and the stories they have written. Today we talk to Liz Freeman about her 2025 piece on pet therapy programs in Southwest Florida. Question: What made you decide to write this story? Was there a particular...

Organizers said around 20,000 people attended the Cars on 5th event in Naples on Saturday, and it will wrap up Sunday evening.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials called for voluntary water-use reductions in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, while dry conditions prompted supply concerns. The South Florida Water Management District issued a water shortage warning on Feb. 5 for Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier, Glades, Highlands, and Lee counties....

Sanibel staple Blue Giraffe offers one of Southwest Florida’s most colorful fish taco entrees. If you are in the mood for an island specialty that combines crisp cabbage and tender mango with flaky blackened fish, the Blue Giraffe Signature Fish Tacos are the best item on the menu. Warm flour tortillas encompass two...

There’s something thrilling about feeling the wind in your hair while skimming across glassy water, not quite knowing what’s around the bend. Maybe it’s the splash of something scaly in the reeds or the rustle of wings overhead—but every second out here feels alive. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to explore Florida the wild way, this place has your name written all over it.

Tucked away in the lush heart of Apopka, Florida, there’s a place where glassy spring water winds through ancient cypress trees and wild Florida feels close enough to touch. Welcome to King’s Landing, a hidden gem that’s quickly become a must-do for paddlers, photographers, and nature lovers who want an easy escape into Florida’s wilder side.

Tucked just north of Tampa, there’s a spot where turquoise waters shimmer like the Caribbean and beach chairs are calling your name—even if you never left Pasco County. Welcome to Epperson Lagoon, the first-of-its-kind man-made crystal lagoon in the U.S., and quite possibly the most unexpected beach day you’ll have inland.

Looking for a day out that feels equal parts adventure, relaxation, and surprise? Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is a not-so-hidden gem where you can wander among towering giraffes, watch playful otters splash around, and stroll through vibrant botanical gardens—all in one sun-soaked visit. It’s a place where nature and imagination intertwine, inviting you to experience wildlife up close while soaking in the beauty of Florida’s landscapes.

There’s a gas station in North Florida where folks line up not for fuel, but for fudge. A place where clean bathrooms are talked about with near-religious reverence. If you're driving along US Highway 129 in Live Oak and spot the bright yellow signs of Busy Bee, do yourself a favor—pull over and explore one of the quirkiest, most lovable roadside stops in the South.

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing eye-to-eye with an elephant or hearing one’s deep rumble echo across a peaceful Florida pasture, Two Tails Ranch near Williston is calling your name. Tucked away in North Central Florida’s quiet countryside, this unique sanctuary isn’t your average roadside attraction—it’s an immersive encounter with some of the most awe-inspiring animals on the planet.