Table of contents for September 2025 in Naples Illustrated

First Tee – Naples/Collier recently celebrated the groundbreaking of its First Tee Academy at The Gate Golf Club. The local chapter of the international youth organization, teaching kids values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through golf, has long operated in Collier County but without a home. After the nonprofit’s original project with the county fell through, the Schmieding family of Arthrex, a privately held medical device manufacturer headquartered in Naples, proposed building The Gate Golf Club, where Golden Gate Country Club once stood. Reinhold Schmieding, CEO and founder of Arthrex, has been a supporter of First Tee – Naples/Collier since day one. The Gate Golf Club will operate a nine-hole golf course, pro shop, driving range, putting green, and 175-seat restaurant through a public-private partnership with Collier County. Adjacent land…

A large, colorful, and playful mural has taken up residence at Mercato, the popular dining and shopping destination in North Naples. Joshua Noom, who has called Southwest Florida home for 20 years, designed the piece. As a child raised in Australia, he says, “I grew up loving art; it came naturally to me.” When he moved to Florida, he studied commercial art at a tech school in Cape Coral. For the past eight years, he has worked as a full-time illustrator and designer, creating posters, logos, and packaging. He is especially prolific in the apparel, music, and beverage industries. When an opportunity to partner with the Mercato team materialized (Noom had previously hosted a pop-up art show at the Naples hot spot), Noom eagerly accepted. He designed the mural on…

While 11-year-old Carsten Shucart was posing for the above family photo one Friday afternoon, his friends rang the doorbell, wondering when he would be free to come out and play. Three years ago, Carsten and his parents, Chris and Rochelle Shucart, moved into a community located north of Pine Ridge Road and east of Airport Pulling Road. “It’s a dream neighborhood for kids,” says Rochelle. With about 120 centrally located homes, most enjoying lake or natural preserve views, the close-knit enclave includes many older homes surrounded in mature greenery and—bonus for Carsten, an only child—lots of kids. Close friends recommended the home to the Shucarts when it went up for sale. (At one time, these friends had owned the home but didn’t immediately disclose this fact.) The Shucarts, who lived…

There’s something magical about Bali. As many of the free spirits who move there can attest, wellness comes naturally in this Indonesian province, evidenced by its profusion of plant-based cuisine, abundance of biophilic design, and deep harmony with the natural world. The beauty of the Island of the Gods is epitomized in the misty rice paddies, dense jungles, and healing rhythms of Ubud, the undisputed heart of Bali. It can also be found in Ubud’s resorts, including the luxurious Como Uma Ubud, perched on the fringes of town between a mountain and the river Oos, and the nearby Como Shambhala Estate, where wellness is a full-body journey. Ubud derives its name from a Balinese word meaning “medicine.” To be sure, a wealth of unique medicinal plants grows wild in the…

Grand Banks has come a long way since its beloved leaky-teaky, go-slow trawlers from back in the day. The classic 36, which first hit the water in 1965, and the iconic 42 remain two of the great long distance family cruising boats. See them out on the water today and their upright bows, fishing-trawler lines, and molded, looks-like-wood, lapstrake hulls still garner passionate “oohs” and “aahs” from onlookers. Fast-forward to 2014 and Grand Banks had one of those eureka moments when it acquired the Aussie boatbuilder Palm Beach Motor Yachts (named after a spectacular beach north of Sydney and not the town in Florida). That’s because the company came with its founder and head designer, Australian ocean racing legend Mark Richards, as part of the package. Since then, Richards has…

Looking to add dazzle to a cocktail, grazing board, or salad? Consider the pineberry. This relative newcomer to the fruit display is shaped like a small strawberry with white flesh, a blushing pink-and-white exterior, and showy red seeds. These cute fruits are the result of crossing white strawberries from Japan with conventional red ones from Florida. Their name comes from their subtle pineapple aftertaste, best discerned when the berries are allowed to sit out for 30 minutes to warm. That said, beware. Leaving this delicacy out of the fridge too long will abbreviate shelf life, which is shorter than that of its ruddy relatives. Nutritionally speaking, pineberries are like strawberries, serving as a good source of vitamin C, phosphorus, and folic acid. Though there are multiple growers and shippers, Wish…

If you notice the part in your hair widening or see more hair than usual in the shower drain, you may be experiencing hair loss. The condition, which research suggests affects about 40 percent of women by age 50, can start at any age, notes Dr. Vivian Wong, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness Physicians in Naples. “A common misconception is hair loss is always reversible,” Wong says. Still, there are a few things you can try on your own. She recommends at-home treatments, including topical minoxidil, an over-thecounter medication available at drug stores and online. Wong adds that nutritional supplements, particularly vitamin D and iron, may also be beneficial for people with nutritional deficiencies. On the other hand, she advises against using a testosterone hormone supplement. “Data suggest this…

GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES 4 Disney on Ice, favorite songs from popular movies recreated in a cool setting, Hertz Arena, Estero, to Sept. 7, tickets start at $37. (hertzarena.com) 6 Naples Jazzmasters, jazz concert by the Naples Jazz Society, Norris Community Center, Naples, also Sept. 20, free. (thenaplesjazzsociety.com) 7 Everyone’s a Kid, Bonita Springs residents receive reduced admission to this bontanical garden and wildlife refuge the first Sunday of every month, Bonita Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs, $12. (wondergardens.org) National Grandparents Day, invite your grandparents for a stroll in Baker Park, featuring views of the Gordon River, Naples, free. (naplesgov.com) 11 Evening on Fifth, live musical performances along Fifth Avenue South, Naples, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com) Tom Shillue, Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples, to Sept. 13, tickets start at $33. (offthehookcomedy.com) Zachary…

Sona Chakarian became a part-time resident of Naples six years ago and quickly developed a deep affection for the town and its community. She also calls Paris home—a city where she was raised and built a distinguished career, representing esteemed fashion houses like Nina Ricci and Givenchy. In this role, she introduced their collections to Eastern European markets, including Russia and the Czech Republic, cherishing the cultural exchange at the heart of her work. About two years ago, Chakarian—along with her daughter, Diana Mouradian—co-founded a culturally integrative brand in Naples called Concept Privé. With this, the mother-daughter duo sought to create something that went beyond consumerism. “I wanted to do something different, something private, and something that made connections,” explains Chakarian. While Concept Privé’s small salon in the Pine Ridge…

In a continued commitment to meeting the critical needs of local girls and women, the Women’s Foundation of Collier County (WFCC) announced $530,000 in grant awards to eight local nonprofits dedicated to empowering females. This year’s total is nearly double the 2024 grant amount. The grants were made possible by the Women Lifting Women initiative, which supports the ongoing and evolving needs of women  and girls throughout Collier County. Since its founding in 1996, WFCC has awarded more than $1 million in grants to programs serving women and girls in our community. “These funds aren’t just dollars—they’re hope, stability, and opportunity,” says WFCC Board Chair Althea Irving. “We’re helping senior women live safe and dignified lives and giving young women the tools to believe in themselves and their futures.”(wfcollier.org)…

From magazines to travel essentials and all that’s in between, this top-handle tote keeps everything stylishly organized. Better yet, the flat pockets on each side are the perfect place to stash your phone, keys, or sunnies for easy access. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, contributing editor Although Shinola is based in the Motor City, this is not that kind of convertible. The brand’s Detroit-designed Convertible Pocket leather backpack with a removable strap can be worn on your shoulder or back and has a multi-pocketed interior for essentials. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, managing editor Nothing says “I work in Florida” like apretty-in-pink backpack. Playful yet professional, this multitone leather accoutrement can accommodate a 14-inch laptop and features built-in shock absorption and radio frequency identification–blocking protection to help keep your electronic data secure. —Jane E.…

This story begins with an aging 1950s bungalow situated on an overlooked corner lot—that is, until Joseph Bonura Jr., president/CEO of Bonura Custom Homes, discovered it. Bonura was attracted by the large lot (1.2 acres), no homeowner association fees, equestrian-friendly trails, and proximity to area beaches and city life. The plot’s adjoining corners, permitting access from separate streets, sealed the deal. “Two entrances allowed a primary driveway to the planned 6,000-plus-square-foot main residence, as well as a side entrance to the one-bedroom, one-bath guest house,” explains Bonura. In New York City on New Year’s Eve in 2023, Bonura and his family met a woman from Southwest Florida who had recently sold her beloved grandparents’ home. After further conversation, Bonura discovered it was the Pine Ridge Drive residence he had just…

Big-ship cruising just got even bigger. Meet MSC World America, the newest megaship from MSC Cruises and the first World Class vessel the Italian line has ever homeported in the United States. Spanning 22 decks with room for up to 6,762 passengers and more than 2,100 crew, World America is nothing short of a floating city. It dwarfs many of its megaship peers and invites travelers to lean into the adventure of getting lost—though its seven themed “districts” help make the sprawl more navigable. While the ship still channels MSC’s European roots, the design and programming take a clear turn toward American preferences. There’s more action, more variety, and a lineup of onboard experiences that rivals the biggest resort ships at sea. But despite all this gravitas, World America hasn’t…

Shot on location at Marissa Collections, Naples The chances of Jay Hartington being born to Burt and Marissa Hartington and then becoming the CEO of their family-owned business, now celebrating its fiftieth year, are, when expressed as a percentage, minuscule. First, there is the generally accepted probability of a specific individual being born as one in four hundred trillion. Second, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that very few businesses make it to 50 years, suggesting a number less than 5 percent. Those that do are part of an elite group. Jay’s father Burt, originally from Bennington, Vermont, studied accounting and hotel and restaurant management at Paul Smith’s College in New York and the University of Wisconsin. Along with seven friends, he moved to Marco Island in 1973 to…

In its infancy, Sizzle Dining was a pint-sized event consisting of about two dozen Naples restaurants offering specially priced dinners through the slowest dining weeks in September. Over nine years, it has aged well. This year’s event—taking place September 3-30—is a four-week celebration of food and drink, involving more than 100 Southwest Florida restaurants. In addition to dinners, there are lunches, brunches, and chef demonstrations. Guy Clarke, who founded and developed Sizzle Dining, says, “It’s turning out to be a great year. The overall objective as we continue to grow Sizzle is to make it more than lunches and dinners. I want to convert September into our own SOBEWFF [Miami’s annual wine and food festival in South Beach], with fun, cool things going on.” Diners now have a full four…

It’s common advice to avoid eating right before bedtime—but why? “Eating too late or right before bed can disrupt your body’s rest and digesting state,” explains Elizabeth Pezzello-Gorman, a holistic fitness and nutrition coach in Naples. Pezzello-Gorman recommends that you finish eating around two to three hours before bedtime, giving your body a chance to digest while helping prevent heartburn and acid reflux. The foods you choose at night may also affect your sleep. “It is best to avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, high-fat foods, and sugar, as these can all disrupt sleep patterns and trigger heartburn or indigestion,” Pezzello-Gorman notes. Instead, if you’re hungry, she suggests eating a nighttime snack that’s high in protein and healthy fats but low in carbohydrates, such as plain yogurt with nut butter and…

ARTFULLY ARRANGED WHO: The League Club WHAT: Naples Tables WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón DETAILS: Incredible tablescapes decorated by interior designers and other creative individuals were on display during an evening reception and a luncheon featuring guest speaker Alex Hitz. Funds raised to date have enabled The League Club to bestow more than $7.3 million to the local community. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY WHO: Harry Chapin Food Bank WHAT: A gathering supporting the largest food bank in Southwest Florida WHERE: The Mini Bar, Naples DETAILS: Jane Enos, Chris Shucart, and Carolyn Tieger hosted an evening event, allowing community members to support Harry Chapin Food Bank and learn about its impact within Collier County and beyond. A DAY JUST FOR THE GIRLS WHO: Females, friends, and family WHAT: International…

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis celebrated 62 Floridians who demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving their communities at this year’s Florida’s Heroes Reception. Ann Hughes, CEO of Fostering Success, a Southwest Florida nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational and enrichment opportunities to help foster children thrive, was the sole honoree from Collier County. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach, providing essential resources, mentorship, and advocacy to foster youth in Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties. “Every child deserves a chance to succeed, and I am proud to be part of an organization that is committed to providing foster youth with the opportunities and support they need,” said Hughes. About the first responders, educators, community leaders, and advocates who have made a meaningful impact, Governor DeSantis says,…

Who doesn’t love a well-organized closet? Besides the design appeal, a sense of calm prevails when items are perfectly tucked into place and easy to locate when needed. “I’ve always enjoyed making things look aesthetically pleasing,” says Amanda Miller, a personal stylist and shopper. Originally from Ocean City, New Jersey, Miller studied styling at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Before completing her studies, however, she found full-time work in the Miami area, styling fashion editorials and campaigns for many renowned brands. Eight years ago, Miller moved to Naples. Burnt out from her intense travel schedule, she turned her focus to styling what she terms “real people,” something she finds especially rewarding. While coordinating outfits, helping people pack for trips, and creating look books, Miller added closet organizer to her…

You know you’ve ascended to the apex of luxury when your new car comes with bleach-white carpets the color of Chiclets. The carpets of Mercedes-Maybach’s brand new 2026 SL 680 Monogram Series, along with its leather seats, door panels, and steering wheel, are so searingly white that Ray-Bans should be standard-issue. In fact, there should be a cautionary dashboard sticker warning of the sullying effects of muddy Jimmy Choos or a Starbucks double espresso. What’s equally interesting is that currently white is the only choice of interior coloring on offer for the first run of SL 680 Monograms. There are only two exterior colors as well: Red Ambience or glossy White Ambience, each with a contrasting Obsidian Black hood. The noir bonnet comes embellished with a repeating pattern of Maybach’s…

Naples residents have a new provider for highquality orthopedic care close to home with the recent opening of the Hospital for Special Surgery at NCH (HSS at NCH). The partnership addresses demand in the area from sports injuries, arthritis, and joint conditions caused by aging. “By bringing comprehensive orthopedic services under one roof, HSS at NCH fills a significant gap in local health care, making it easier for patients to access top-tier joint care, rehabilitation, and surgical expertise without leaving the community,” notes Justin Blohm, vice president of HSS at NCH. The new facility offers myriad tools and cutting-edge advances, including robotic-assisted surgical systems for joint replacement procedures, advanced MRI imaging, and motion-analysis technology used by elite athletes. Despite its state-of-the-art offerings, Blohm points out the facility isn’t just about…

There are an estimated 33,000 museums in the United States. The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples recently received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, placing it among the top 3 percent of museums in the country. This is the highest national recognition for a museum. Achieving this prestigious designation requires a rigorous process that evaluates all areas of a museum’s operations, from education and collections stewardship to governance, planning, and community engagement. “Accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of the Artis—Naples team and the unwavering support of the community,” says The Baker Museum Director and Chief Curator Courtney McNeil. “It reflects the care we take with every exhibition, every school partnership, and every visitor experience. We are honored to share…

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