An expertly curated, luxuriously produced compendium of all things Naples, Naples Illustrated brings to life personalities and takes you inside the exclusive homes, parties and interests of the world’s most affluent and influential people.
If you look at the back of my SUV, you won’t find a vanity license plate. However, I do admire the creativity, humor, and even brassiness these tags sometimes convey to an audience of highway-faring strangers. A few weeks ago, during my morning commute, one of these emboldened pieces of aluminum gave pause and made me smile. The owner of this Florida-registered musing, in my estimation, had encapsulated life in the Sunshine State with a mere seven letters: BUSY LVN. There’s no denying summer brings a slower pace to Naples, but that doesn’t mean there’s a dearth of delightful pursuits. For some, the season affords time to really get busy living and indulge in activities that are so difficult to make time for during the in-season bustle—as is the case…
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 17 years since I stepped into this role with Naples Illustrated. We were only publishing two titles in Southwest Florida then, Naples Illustrated and Naples Charity Register. Now, we’re up to 10 titles in this market alone. Our little town has enjoyed similar growth. When my husband, Michael, and I moved here from Tampa in 1986, there were just a handful of restaurants, and Pine Ridge Road was only two lanes. I recall telling Michael I needed a “bag phone” (remember those?) because I was afraid if my car broke down on Vanderbilt Beach Road I might not be seen for hours! Although grateful for all the joy Naples and its residents have brought to me and my family for more than 36…
CELEBRITY MARTINI GLASS AUCTION WHAT: Evening of Appreciation WHERE: Sea Salt, Naples SUPPORTS: Gulf Coast Veterans & Friends, Home Base Veteran & Family Care, Naples Take a Soldier Fishing, and Wounded Warriors of Collier County DETAILS: This invitation-only farewell celebration for the final Celebrity Martini Glass Auction included celebrities and veterans, live performances, Yellow Ribbon Awards, and a battle-flag presentation to event founder Brenda Melton. In 2008, the Neapolitan conceived the annual auction of artist-designed martini glasses signed by celebrities or American heroes. The event has raised nearly $5 million for charities, primarily for veterans, distributed through the Veterans Support Fund at Collier Community Foundation for local charities meeting the physical, emotional, psychological, and social needs of veterans. PRESENTING SPONSOR: UBS/Matina Group MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated THE LEAGUE CLUB WHAT: Naples…
As it honors its fiftieth anniversary, Yamron Jewelers is reveling in its renovated boutique at Waterside Shops following a yearlong project to update the entire retail space. A new entry, lighting, jewelry cases, and private VIP viewing room for Patek Philippe watches greet shoppers at the luxury watch and fine jewelry empo - rium. It reopened in April but is planning a grand opening soiree in the fall. “We believe Naples is one of the most unique places in the world, with some of the nicest, most pleasant people to work with,” says Benjamin Kendall, Yamron president. “We couldn’t imagine doing business anywhere else.” (yamron.com)…
Collier County’s artificial reef program has grown to hundreds of structures since the 1980s. Directed by Collier County Coastal Zone Management, underwater structures weighing 200 to 500 tons have been created off the county’s coastline—located from a few miles to nearly 32 miles from shore. The artificial reefs are constructed from recycled cement or limestone boulders, which are carefully evaluated to ensure the materials being submerged are free of potential environmental contaminants, according to Chris D’Arco, senior field investigator for Coastal Zone Management. D’Arco says reefs are generally surveyed once a year to assess their overall health and to clean debris. Among other benefits, artificial reefs mitigate anchoring and fishing pressures placed on surrounding natural reefs, foster habitats for fish and invertebrate life, and offer recreational opportunities to fishers and…
Naples artist Emily James has created limited-edition giclée prints on canvas of her painting Orchid Lake to benefit the Naples Botanical Garden. Orchid Lake was inspired by the garden’s LaGrippe Orchid Garden, and she has created several other garden-inspired paintings. One hundred and seventy-five archival pigment giclée prints were signed and numbered by James. They are available for purchase ($1,600) at her gallery at 720 Fifth Avenue South. Buyers receive a one-year membership to the garden. James is a longtime supporter of the garden, “which we all adore!” she exclaims. (emilyjamesart.com)…
