Thursday, June 23, 2016

Let's Talk... Hot Off the Press...

CUISINE NEWS 

By Florida Weekly

Naples Winter Wine Festival has named wine legend Pierre Lurton the Honored Vintner for the 17th annual event, which takes place Jan. 27-29, 2017, at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. Mr. Lurton runs the Chateau Cheval- Blanc and Chateau d’Yquem wineries in Bordeaux.
“It is truly a pleasure to be honored at this festival among some of the most respected vintners in the wine world,” he says. “I look forward to being able to share my experience with esteemed colleagues and connoisseurs, all while contributing to improving the wellbeing of children in need.”
Mr. Lurton has also provided auction lots for the festival, including a private tour and tasting at Cheval Blanc and a private lunch with him at the famed winery.
NWWF has raised $146 million for local children’s organizations over the years. Tickets are limited to 580 guests and start at $10,000 per couple. A $25,000 package is also available that provides reserved seating for a party of four at a vintner dinner. For more information, call 514-2239 or visit napleswinefestival.com.
HB’s on the Gulf ¦ Bleu Provence offers a three-course, prix-fixe menu from 5 p.m. to close through Sunday, June 26, with octopus salad, pork tenderloin au jus and peach melba. $35. 1234 Eighth St. S. 261-8239 or bleuprovencenaples.com.
¦ Sea Salt invites kids ages 6-18 to learn how to makes pizzas and parfaits in a class starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 25. Aspiring chefs will be divided into groups by age. $25 includes lunch. Parents are welcome to stay and watch. 1186 Third St. S. 434-7258 or seasaltnaples.com.
¦ The Continental hosts a wine dinner featuring ZD and Round Pond Vineyards starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 29. Chris Kearney of Pacific Southern Wine Company will speak while guests enjoy a four-course menu that includes petit filet served with garlic scapes, morel mushrooms and fiddlehead ferns paired with Kith & Kin Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. $110. Reservations required. 1205 Third St. S. 659-0007 or continentalnaples.com.
¦ Dagny’s Spirits hosts a free wine and liquor tasting from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30. 15205 Collier Blvd. 384- 9421 or dagnysspirits.com. 
¦ Paradise Wine hosts a wine and cheese seminar at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30, with expert Claudia Marchello. $20. 8965 Tamiami Trail N. 687-3155 or paradisewinellc.com.
¦ Three60 Market kicks off Independence Day weekend with an American wine tasting paired with grilled skewers and charcuterie from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, July 1. $20. 2891 Bayview Ave. 732-7331 or three60market.com.
¦ Hyatt House Naples now offers a Catch & Cook package that allows diners to bring their catch from a half-day fishing excursion on the Gordon River to the kitchen where the chef will clean, cook and plate their fish. 1345 Fifth Ave. S. 775- 1000 or naples.hyatt.com. 
¦ HB’s on the Gulf at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has unveiled new lunch and dinner menus created by Chef Justin Hornyak and his team. Lunch items include jerk pork, BLT&A sandwich, steak tip sandwich, coconut shrimp and blue crab salad. In addition to small plates of beef carpaccio and shrimp escabeche, new dinner offerings include full entrees of Sakura pork tenderloin and duck confit ragu.
Through Sept. 21, guests at HBs receive a complimentary bottle of Kendall-Jackson wine with two large dinner plates and a complimentary glass of Kendall Jackson wine with one large lunch plate. 435-4347 or naplesbeachhotel.com.
¦ NCH has started a weekly farmers market at the hospital system’s central campus at 2157 Pine Ridge Road. As part of the Blue Zone’s Worksite Initiative, the market offers fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, juices and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Wednesday. For more information, visit nchmd.org. ¦ 
— Email food and dining new to Lindsey Nesmith at lnesmith@floridaweekly.com

Let's Talk...

WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO  IN SOUTH WEST FLORIDA

Provided by Florida Weekly
Pink Floyd tribute band Brit Floydbrings its Space and Time Continuum World Tour to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 23. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com. 




THEATER 
HMS Pinafore – Young artists of Opera Naples present the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at The David and Cecile Wang Opera Center. $15 for adults, $7 for students and children. 2408 Linwood Ave. 963-9050 or operanaples.org. 
An Empty Plate in the CafĂ© du Grand Beouf – By Florida Laboratory Theater on select dates through July 2. 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com. See review on page C10. 
101 Dalmatians – By Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre on select dates through July 1. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com. 
Menopause: The Musical – At Broadway Palm Theatre through July 2. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278- 4422 or broadwaypalm.com. 
Last of the Red Hot Lovers – At the Off Broadway Palm Theatre through July 30. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com. 
Catch Me If You Can – By The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theater July 1-31. 263-7990 or naplesplayers.org. 
THURSDAY6.23 
Brain Teasers – Exercise your eyes in spotting the not-so-obvious details in optical illusions and brain-twisting puzzles from 10-11:30 a.m. at South Regional Library. Instructor Cindi Ryerson, RN, leads the challenging activities that are fun for all ages as a way to short-circuit the brain. Free. Registration required. 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway. 252-7542 or collierlibrary.org. 
The Naples Players opens its summer musical extravaganza, “Catch Me If You Can,” the story of con artist Frank Abagnale, at 8 p.m. Friday, July 1, at the Sugden Community Theater. 263- 7990 or naplesplayers.org. Israeli Scouts Caravan – The Greater Naples YMCA invites the public to a performance of the Israeli Scouts Caravan dance troupe — five girls, five boys and two Caravan leaders — from 2-3 p.m. at the Y. Free. 5450 YMCA Road. 571-9016 or gknight@greaternaples.org
Rock Out – Brit Floyd: Space & Time Continuum 2016 World Tour takes the stage at 8 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers. 481- 4849 or bbmannpah.com. 
The Beach Boys are bound to bring good vibrations to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Tickets are on sale now. Call 481-4849 or visit bbmannpah.com. FRIDAY6.24 
Creature Feature –Everglades Wonder Gardens invites kids to meet a resident flamingo and enjoy themed art and stories from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free with regular admission. 992-2591 or evergladeswondergarden.com. 
Kids Free Friday – One paying adult ($5) can bring up to five kids for free admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for activities, stories and a feature film about creatures of the sea. This week’s focus: plankton. A food truck is on site from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No registration required. 300 Tower Road. 530-5958 or rookerybay.org. 
Hot Summer Nights – Collier County Sheriff ’s Office hosts family activities from 6-9 p.m. at Eagle Lakes Community Park11565 Tamiami Trail E. 774-4434 or colliersheriff.org. 
SATURDAY6.25 
All That Jazz – The Naples Jazzmasters take the stage from 1-3 p.m. at The Norris Center. 213-3058 or naplesdixielandjazzband.com. 
To Market, To Market – Third Street South Farmers Market keeps going through summer from 7:30-11:30 a.m. every Saturday. 434-6533 or thirdstreetsouth.com. 
What’s The Purpose? – Blue Zones Project invites everyone to discover their life’s purpose in a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon at NCH, 11190 Health Park Blvd. in North Naples. Dr. Stephen Stohler of Fundamental Health Solutions facilitates. Free. southwestfloridabluezonesproject.com. 
Field Trip – Explore the Smith Uplands Preserve at Naples Botanical Garden during a Lifelong Learning class from 10 a.m. to noon. With Eric Fohn, the Garden’s natural areas manager, as your guide, you’ll learn about the history and residents of the scrub plant community. $15 for Garden members, $20 for others. Limited to 20 participants. 643-7275lll@naplesgarden.org or naplesgarden.org. 
Bourbon, Brews & BBQ – Six Bends Harley-Davidson hosts Bourbon, Brews and BBQ from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live entertainment by Sheena Brook, raffles and activities for children. 9501 Thunder Road off I-75 in Fort Myers. (844) 749-2363. 
Kings in the Building – Seminole Immokalee Hotel Casino hosts Elvis Fest 8 today and Sunday, June 26. (800) 218-0007 or seminoleimmokaleecasino.com. 
Mystery Meat – Spammy Jammy returns to Goodland’s Little Bar Restaurant from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. with inspired Spam sculptures, toilet paper races and live music, all in the name of warding off hurricanes. 205 Harbor Place, Goodland. 394-6553 or littlebarrestaurant.com. 
Grand Opening – Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs celebrates its grand opening at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, dinner at Teatro Restaurant and performances by a variety of artists include MJ The Legend Live, a headlining Michael Jackson tribute band from Las Vegas. $75-$120 per person. 389-6901 or swflpac.com. 
Summer Jazz – Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club’s free SummerJazz on the Gulf series returns from 6:30-9:30 p.m. with musical guests Pocket Change. 261- 2222 or naplesbeachhotel.com. 
Stand-Up Man – Comedian and actor Bryan Callen (“Ride Along,” “About Last Night,” “MadTV”) takes the stage at Off the Hook Comedy Club tonight at 8 p.m and 10 p.m. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road. 389-6901 or offthehookcomedy.com. 
Double Dip – The Marco Players Theater hosts a double feature at 8 p.m. featuring a performance by Square 1 Improv and one by fiddler J. Robert. $20, cash or check at the door. 1089 N. Collier Blvd. 642-7270 or themarcoplayers.com. 
SUNDAY6.26 
Koreshan Market – Koreshan State Historic Site off U.S. 41 in Estero hosts a farmers market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 992-0311 or floridastateparks.org. 
Walk the Dog – Naples Botanical Garden hosts the pooch patrol from 9-11:30 a.m., when well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to accompany their owners for a stroll. Free for Garden members and their canines, regular admission plus $9.95 per pooch for others. 643-4737 or naplesgarden.org. 
MONDAY6.27 
Rhythm’s Gonna Getcha – South Regional Library hosts a Zumba class at 6 p.m. that features easy choreography to get the heart pumping. Free, but registration required. 8065 Lely Cultural Blvd. 252-7542 or collierlibrary.org. 
TUESDAY6.28 
Pups on Patrol – Naples Botanical Gardens welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs with their owners from 8-11 a.m. Free for Garden members and their canines, regular admission plus $9.95 per pooch for others. 643-4737 or naplesgarden.org. 
Free Kids Flick – Paragon Pavilion presents a free screening of “How to Train Your Dragon 2” at 10 a.m. today through Thursday. 596-0008 or paragontheater.com. 
BINGO! – Greater Marco Island YMCA hosts bingo starting at 1 p.m. $14- $22. Refreshments provided. 394-9622 or greatermarcoy.org. 
Terrific Tuesdays – See any show at Mercato’s Silverspot Cinema for just $8 every Tuesday. 592-0300 or silverspot.net. 
Butterflies Are Free – Learn about Florida’s abundant butterflies — How are they different from moths? What plants will attract them to your garden? — during a free lecture by biologist David Southall at 2 p.m. at Headquarters Regional Library2385 Orange Blossom Drive. 593-3511 or collierlibrary.org. 
WEDNESDAY6.29 
Local History – Naples Historical Society hosts a docent-guided walking tour of the downtown historical district setting out from Historic Palm Cottage at 9:30 a.m. 261-8164 or napleshistoricalsociety.org. 
Farmers Market – Blue Zones Project hosts a farmers market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NCH Healthcare System campus at 2157 Pine Ridge Road. southwestflorida. bluezonesproject.com. 
More About Butterflies – The Lifelong Learning program at Naples Botanical Garden holds a class in making your yard butterfly-friendly from 10-11 a.m. at the Garden. Instructor is Britt Patterson-Weber. $15 for Garden members, $20 for others. Limited to 30 participants. 643-7275, lll@naplesgarden.orgor naplesgarden.org. 
iPad Basics – Check in to the Vanderbilt Beach branch library for a lesson in iPad vocabulary, navigation and features from 2-4 p.m. at the Marco Island branch library. Bring your own iPad if you have one; a limited number of loaners will be available. 788 Vanderbilt Beach Road. 597-8444 or collierlibrary.org. 
Go Digital – Learn how to search for, download and read your favorite magazines for free on your tablet or smarthphone using Zinio through the local library system. Marilyn McPheron, public services librarian, shows you how from 2-3 p.m. at Headquarters Regional Library. Free. 2385 Orange Blossom Drive. 593-3511 or collierlibrary.org. 
Coloring For Grown-ups – Head to Naples Regional Library for a relaxing hour of coloring intricate designs and patterns while listening to soothing music from 2-3 p.m. Coloring therapy generates wellness and stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses and creativity. Supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own. 650 Central Ave. 262-4130 or collierlibrary.org. 
Met Live – Paragon Pavilion screens a live performance of the Metropolitan Opera’s “L’Elisir d’Amore at 7 p.m. 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road. 596-0008 or paragontheaters.com. 
COMING UP
Check Out E-Resources – Need help downloading e-books or audiobooks from the library? Curious about learning a new language with your laptop or tablet? Find help in using the Collier County library system’s many electronic resources anytime from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at Naples Regional Library. Bring your device and just stop in. No registration required. 650 Central Ave. 262-4130 or collierlibrary.org. 
Imagine That – Explore your wildest imagination in a session with author/ illustrator Brooke Dierkhising from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at South Regional Library. Learn the scientific connection between the imagination and learning, discover tools such as meditation and being in nature to calm and energize, and dive into how the words of a story become a powerful tool for keeping the brain fit through visualization. 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway. 252-7542 or collierlibrary.org. 
Reef Documentary – Tune in to WGCU Public TV at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 30, for the premiere of “Paradise Reef,” a documentary showcasing the symbiotic relationship of the Everglades, the Ten Thousand Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. See story on page A8. 
Hot Summer Nights – Collier County Sheriff’s Office hosts family activities from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 1, at Immokalee Sports Complex505 Escambia St., Immokalee. 774-4434 or colliersheriff.org. 
Jazz Concert – The Naples Jazzmasters perform from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at The Norris Center. 213-3058 or naplesdixielandjazzband.com. 
Marvel-ous BBQ – The Naples Zoo hosts a Super Heroes BBQ at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 3. Guests can enjoy a full day at the zoo, a barbecue lunch and a visit with Captain America. $10-$45. 262- 5409 or napleszoo.org. 
Fireworks in Fort Myers – The Fort Myers Miracle hosts a fireworks show after the 6 p.m. game Sunday, July 3. 768-4210 or miraclebaseball.com. 
Parade Time – Naples’ annual Independence Day parade steps off at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, and processes down Third Street South and Fifth Avenue. 213-7120 or naplesgov.com. 
Fourth in the Swamp – Everglades City hosts an all-day Independence Day celebration starting at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, with an opening ceremony on the steps of City Hall and continuing at McLeod Park with food, family activities, pet contests, vendors, contests and more. The grand finale fireworks begin at 9 p.m. 695-3871. 
Light Show – Sugden Regional Park hosts its Independence Day celebration from 2-10 p.m. Monday, July 4, with a free ice cream social, family activities, entertainment and a fireworks show over the lake at sundown. Bring chairs and blankets. Free. 4284 Avalon Drive. 252-4000 or collierparks.org. 
Morning Constitutional – Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary hosts early bird walks through the swamp from 8-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 5. $10-$25, registration required. 348- 9151 or corkscrew.audubon.org. 
Make Your Own – Learn how to make (and then take home) natural home and body care products including sunscreen and air freshener in a Lifelong Learning class from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 5, at Naples Botanical Garden. Instructions will be provided for laundry detergent, shampoo, toothpaste and scouring powder, all using natural ingredients. $15 for Garden members, $20 for others. Sign up by calling 643- 7275 or emailing lll@naplesgarden.org
Guest Lecture – Everglades Wonder Gardens hosts a lecture from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, about paddling regulations in local waterways. 992-2591 or evergladeswondergardens.com. 
Lunch & Learn – Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary invites guests to bring a lunch and listen to a lecture about Florida’s wetland permitting process from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. Free with regular admission. 348-9151 or corkscrew.audubon.org. 
Art ALIVE – Naples Art District galleries and studios, north of Pine Ridge Road and west of Airport-Pulling Road, welcome visitors from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. 580-7999. 
Free Film – Steve CarrellChanning Tatum and Mark Ruffalo star in “Foxcatcher” (USA, 2014), showing at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at Naples Regional Library. Mark and Dave SchultzU.S. Olympicwrestling champions, join Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire John E. du Pont as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul. But John’s emotional self-destruction threatens to consume them all. 650 Central Ave. 262-4130 or collierlibrary.org. 
Classic Flick – Marco Island Center for the Arts presents a screening of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 8. Two western robbers flee to Bolivia when the law gets too close. Free, but donations appreciated. 1010 Winterberry Drive. 394-4221 or marcoislandart.org. 
Aquatic Gardening – Learn all about aquatic container gardens for water lilies and more on your patio or lanai in a Lifelong Learning workshop from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at Naples Botanical Garden. $15 for Garden members, $20 for others. Sign up by calling the Garden at 643-7275 or emailing lll@naplesgarden.org
Jazz Concert – The Naples Jazzmasters play from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at The Norris Center. 213-3058 or naplesdixielandjazzband.com. 
Foreign Film – The FGCU Renaissance Academy screens “Under the Bombs” (Lebanon, 2009) at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at the university’s Naples campus. During a cease-fire in the Lebanon Israeli conflict of 2006, a Christian taxi driver brings a Shiite woman from Beirut to the heart of the conflict in the country’s south. As they scour the rubble of local towns for her son, they discover that despite their very different backgrounds they have much in common. $5 for RA members, $7 for others. 1010 Fifth Ave. S. 434-4737 or fgcu.edu. 
Hot Summer Nights – Collier County Sheriff’s Office hosts family activities from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 15, at McLeod Park in Everglades City. 208 S. Copeland Ave. 774-4434 or colliersheriff.org. 
Summer Jazz – Vodkanauts perform from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, on the lawn at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club as part of the SummerJazz on the Gulf series of free concerts. 261-2222 or naplesbeachhotel.com. 
Foreign Film – The FGCU Renaissance Academy screens “The Castle” (Australia, 1997) at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at the university’s Naples campus. A working-class family fights city hall after they are told to vacate their beloved family home to allow for infrastructural expansion. $5 for RA members, $7 for others. 1010 Fifth Ave. S. 434-4737 or fgcu.edu. 
Hot Summer Nights – Collier County Sheriff ’s Office hosts family activities from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, at Seagate Elementary School. 774- 4434 or colliersheriff.org. 
Wading the Flats – Lovers Key State Park invites kids ages 6 and up to explore the sea grass flats with a guide at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 21. Free, but registration required. 463-4588 or floridastateparks.org. 
Hot Summer Nights – Collier County Sheriff ’s Office hosts family activities from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 29, at Vineyards Community Park6231 Arbor Blvd. 774-4434 or colliersheriff.org. 
Full Frontal – The Naked Magic Show gives audiences an eyeful at 8 p.m. Friday, July 29, at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers. 489- 0326 or bbmannpah.com. 
Castles For Kids – Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples hosts the fourth annual Castles for Kids sandsculpting competition complete with mermaids and pirates and more fun from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 1, at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort. Teams of four kids and one adult compete for the best sand sculpture. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Email Liz Cashman at lcashman@cmon.org
Stella! – Marco Island Center for the Arts screens “Casablanca” (1942) at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12. In the early days of World War II, an American expatriate meets a former lover in Morocco. Free, but donations appreciated. 1010 Winterberry Drive. 394-4221 or marcoislandart.org. 
Foreign Film – The FGCU Renaissance Academy screens “Everlasting Moments” (Sweden, 2008) at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at the university’s Naples campus. In a time of social change and unrest, a young woman wins a camera in a lottery. $5 for RA members. $7 for others. 1010 Fifth Ave. S. 434-4737 or fgcu.edu. ¦ 


Let's Talk Hot Summers in South West Florida...

2016 Ultimate Summer Guide 

Yankee Doodle Dandy ways to celebrate our independence 
SATURDAY, JULY 2 
Provided by... Naples Florida Weekly
¦ The Naples Dixieland Jazz Band promises some favorite patriotic tunes when it performs from 1-3 p.m. at The Norris Center. 213-3058 or naplesdixielandjazzband.com.
¦ Miromar Outlets has a blast at its lakeside Independence Daycelebration beginning at 6 p.m. with live entertainment and an abundance of food, drink and fun. The fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. 
SUNDAY, JULY 3 
¦ Marvel’s Captain America invites everyone to a Super Hero BBQ starting at 11:30 a.m. at The Naples Zoo. Zoo members pay $35 for adults, $40 for children; others are $40 and $45. Children younger than 3 are admitted for $10. Admission includes lunch, a meet-andgreet with the All-American hero and a full day of programs and activities at the Zoo. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last guests admitted at 4 p.m. 262-5409 or napleszoo.org.
¦ The Fort Myers Miracle hosts a fireworks show after the 6 p.m. game against the Jupiter Hammerheads on Sunday, July 3, at Hammond Stadium in south Fort Myers. 768-4210 or miraclebaseball.com. 
MONDAY, JULY 4 
¦ The traditional Naples Independence Day Parade steps off at 10 a.m. and proceeds from Broad Avenue South to Third Street South, then heads north to Fifth Avenue South, turns east on Fifth Avenue South and then south on Eighth Street South past City Hall before ending at Eighth Avenue South and Eighth Street South.
Call 213-7120 or visit naplesgov.com for more information.
¦ The city’s red, white and blue fireworks show lights up the sky over the Naples Pier starting at 9 p.m., with special effects musically choreographed to patriotic selections simulcast on radio station WAVV-101.1FM. Remember that personal use of sparklers or any fireworks is prohibited per city ordinance.
Call 213-7120 or visit naplesgov.com for more information.
¦ Everglades City hosts an all-day Independence Day celebration starting at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony on the steps of City Hall and continuing at McLeod Park with food, family activities, pet contests and more. The grand finale fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Call 695-3871 for more information.
¦ Sugden Regional Park in Naples hosts its Independence Day celebration from 2-10 p.m. with a free ice cream social, family activities, entertainment and a fireworks show over the lake at sundown. Bring chairs and blankets. Free. 4284 Avalon Drive.
For more information, call 252-4000 or visit collierparks.org. 
¦ The 58th annual Fourth of July parade, coordinated by the Bonita Springs Firefighters Local 3444, steps out at 9 a.m. from Bonita Drive south of Rosemary Drive and ends at Riverside Park.
Star-Spangled Bonita festivities get fired up in the park at 4 p.m. and include live bands, bounce houses, a water slide, train rides, an old-fashioned bed race, eating contests, food and beverages, vendors and face-painting. The fireworks and laser light show start at dusk.
Visit cityofbonitasprings.org for more information.
¦ On Fort Myers Beach, the Matanzas Pass Bridge closes from 9:30 a.m. to noon for the Fourth of July parade that marches along Estero Boulevard between School Street and Time Square.
Fireworks fill the night sky over the beach from 8:45-10 p.m. near the pier. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed to oncoming beach traffic from 9:30-11 p.m.
For more information, visit fortmyersbeach.org.
¦ In downtown Fort Myers, the Fourth of July Freedom Fest block party starts and noon and the fun goes on until 10 p.m., with live bands on four stages, a vintage car show, kids art activities and more. Fireworks over the Caloosahatchee River start around 9 p.m.
For more information, visit riverdistrictfreedomfest.com.
¦ Pure Florida heads out on the water for Independence Day fireworks cruises from 7:30-10 p.m., cruising from its Naples and Fort Myers locations.
Naples passengers aboard the M/V Double Sunshine will depart from Tin City and enjoy all-American cuisine and the captain’s entertaining narration before watching the fireworks show offshore from the Naples Pier. Tickets for $80 include the buffet and one beverage. Additional drinks will be available for purchase onboard. Call 263-4949 or visit pureFL.com for reservations.
Fort Myers passengers will cruise the Caloosahatchee River aboard the M/V Edison Explorer, departing from The Marina at Edison Ford and viewing the downtown Fort Myers fireworks display. Tickets for $60 per person include a buffet. Drinks will be available for purchase onboard. Call 919-2965 or visit pureFL.com for reservations. ¦