MAY
Greater Naples Chamber to host flood summit
‘Wildlife and Wild Places’ exhibit features FGCU students
Friends of Rookery Bay and the art program at Florida Gulf Coast University will host “Wildlife and Wild Places in SWFL,” a collaborative art exhibition, with a reception, in May. Students created the original photographs and sculptures. These artists were enrolled in the history of photography course by Professor Hannah Harley or sculpture course by Professor Steve Hughart. The reception is from 5:30 until 7 p.m., Thursday, May 8 at The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. It will be on display until Aug. 1. Admission to the reception is complimentary but registration requested at rookerybay.org/events. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, with admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 4-12). Learn more at rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.
Community Day at Artis ꟷ Naples
Head to the arts venue, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., at noon, Saturday, May 10, for a day of art, music and fun. This free event includes hands-on activities in The Baker Museum, musical performances and special activities throughout the day. Information: artisnaples.org.
SWFL Inc. opens nominations for the INCredible Awards 2025
SWFL Inc. recently announced that nominations are open for the INCredible Awards 2025, honoring outstanding individuals, businesses and nonprofits in Southwest Florida. The awards ceremony will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. The INCredible Awards recognize the influential leaders and organizations that contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the region. The group invites the community to nominate deserving candidates who have demonstrated excellence in their industry and made a lasting impact on Southwest Florida. Award categories: SWFL Citizen of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, INCredible Award, Innovation Award and Veteran-Owned Business of the Year. Nominations are open now and close on March 21. To nominate an individual, business, or nonprofit, visit swflinc.com/2025-incredible-awards.
Pink Floyd music at Hertz Arena
The Pink Floyd tribute band Brit Floyd is making a stop at Hertz Arena on the 50 Years of Wish You Were Here World Tour. At 8 p.m., May 14. Tickets start at $58 and arena parking is $30. At 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Information: hertzarena.com.
‘Purrs and Paddles’
Arts org to roast Marco city manager
Marco Island Center for the Arts is inviting the community to “an evening of humor, heart, and hometown celebration” during the 70th Birthday Roast of City Manager Mike McNees at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 31at the Arts Center Theatre in Marco Town Center. Honorary Roast Master is Hyla Crane, executive director of Marco Island Center for the Arts. The roast will feature friends, coworkers and public figures “sharing their favorite funny moments and stories about McNees, all in the spirit of good-natured fun and community pride.” Tickets are $25, and seating is first come, first served. All proceeds support Marco Island Center for the Arts. Tickets and additional information are available at marcoislandart.org or by calling 239-394-4221.
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: Victor Wainwright, ‘The Hallelujah Girls’ and Latin America, Caribbean art
In the news: 3 To Know: Five arrested for drug charges; man attempts to run over girlfriend
ONGOING
‘Famlet’ on the Marco stage
“What do you get when you cross a moderately dysfunctional modern American family with one of the most notoriously dysfunctional families in the Shakespearean canon? You get Famlet!” reads the press release from the Marco Island Center for the Arts for the Arts Center Theatre. From local playwright Alex “Hubba” Costello comes “Famlet”, a comedy that takes the stage at the Arts Center Theatre from May 2 through May 11. Tickets are on sale now. Call the Arts Center Theatre box office at 239-784-1186 or visit marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre to reserve your seats.
Photography contest
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is offering a way for you to show off your photography skills and celebrate the city’s beloved official bird, the burrowing owl. How? Through the annual Burrowing Owl Photo Contest, which runs from May 1 through 17. It’s open to amateur photographers of all ages. To be eligible, submissions must feature Cape Coral’s burrowing birds “in their natural environment.” Prizes will be awarded in two categories: Youth (ages 7–17) and adult (18 and up). The grand prize-winner will be featured on the official tee for the 2025 Burrowing Owl Festival. Winners will be revealed during an awards ceremony at noon, May 31 at Rotary Park in Cape Coral. To enter, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org for full contest rules and submission guidelines. The deadline to submit is May 17.
Broadway Palm’s ‘Waitress’
Based on a 2007 movie starring Keri Russell, the musical “Waitress” tells the story of a pregnant waitress who sees a pie-making contest as a way to escape her unhappy life. It features songs by pop singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. April 11-May 24. $65-$85. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
‘Culture Shock!’ exhibit at Arts Bonita
This group art exhibit features works inspired by movies, TV, music and other pop culture. The artists offer their take on cartoons, famous movie scenes, legendary musicians and lots more. On display now through June 5. Free. Hinman Gallery-in-the-Round at Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Information: 495-8989 or artsbonita.org.
Exhibit explores Marco Island’s home history
A new Marco Island Historical Society exhibit, “The Florida House,” takes a trip back in time, marking and celebrating the 60th anniversary of modern Marco and the construction of the island’s first model homes. Exhibit runs through June 7. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors.
‘STEMsational’ summer camps
Civil Air Patrol
Meeting times and website have changed. Marco Civil Air Patrol meets the first and third Mondays of every month, starting at 6:30 p.m., at 2003 Mainsail Drive, Marco Executive Airport, in our hangar, on the left of the terminal. Volunteers welcome! Visit FL376.CAP.GOV.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. It features aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits, an art gallery, picnic area, guided walking trails, butterfly garden and a scenic overlook bridge. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12 and 3 and under are free. Information: RookeryBay.org.
Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours
Join us for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay Research Reserve. With our kayak tours, paddle through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! Boat tours are small 6-passenger boats and offer a comfortable and informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours including a shelling trip to a deserted barrier island or a sunset tour. Find out more at RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
JUNE
Art @ City Hall: ‘Mother Nature’
The city of Marco Island is pleased to announce a new art display at City Hall featuring “Mother Nature” as the theme. Artists in the exhibit include Marziano Gizzi, JoAnn Brandau, Edwin Cohen, Karen Swanker, Joseph Parisi, Lynn Roberts, JoAnn Sanborn, Mary Pat Palombo, Lynn Nathanson, Judith Chinski, Robert Kenedi, Adorable Monique and Nancy Norman. A free Art Open House will take place at city hall at 4 p.m., June 5.
Summer camps at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering several summer camp options for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Camps are educational and focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math and incorporate activities. Campers get to invent, design, build, and learn. Summer camp are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily and start on June 9. For registration and additional information, visit edisonford.org.
JULY
Encore series
“Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” – A comedic and touching portrayal of the iconic humorist Erma Bombeck, at 7:30 p.m., July 24 and 25 and 3 p.m., July 26 and 27. Peter Fogel returns with “Til Death Do Us Part … You First” at 2 and 6 p.m., Aug. 6. “The Swingset” by Krystyn Estes will return for a limited engagement Aug. 28 and 29. Tickets are available now through the Marco Island Center for the Arts website marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/ or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
AUGUST
Stage 2 Improv
Stage 2 Improv, the Naples-based group, returns for three performances. Shows will be June 28, Aug. 2 and Sept. 20. At the Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre. More at marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221…