New and Exciting Events in East Naples

Easter is around the corner, and I’d like to make this column a happy one rather than focusing on anything in the world that is depressing, so I’ll pass with a make up a story about the Easter pony’s delivering the Easter Baskets to meet Marian H. and her friend Donna. These two went out to deliver Easter Eggs, but all they could find to deliver were Easter baskets and lots of happiness, so everything else was filled with candy and good wishes for all! And that’s it!

• A little more new news about this area: The first BMW Dealership in this part of Collier County just opened last week on Davis Boulevard and Airport Road next to a bank so you can even take out a loan, if need be, and across from Home Depot. My goodness, lots of great car dealerships are coming to that area, as well as Car Clubs with extensive facilities on Terrace Boulevard in that same area. I think we are witnessing the beginning of gentrification for that area, and it’s catching on quickly. Let’s face it; it’s been a long time coming! Now you see many buildings being rebuilt to become lovely new businesses and changing the appearance of that area, which brings in new businesses and even a couple NEW restaurants!
• And in another area, Miller’s Ale House is even coming to the Lely Restaurant Row area. That’s going to take off with popularity quickly! Watch and see what follows – excitement!
• In case you never heard of the East Naples Task Force, it’s a county government meeting with homes and businesses from that area whose main focus is improving the appearance of the surrounding area. They work with departments such as Code Enforcement, the Water and Wastewater Department, Recycling and Waste Management, Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, HOA’s in that area, and CRA members to improve the area. It’s a place where people can meet once a month to exchange ideas with departments who can help them make the improvements! And although you’ve probably never heard of them, they have helped bring many issues to the right place and solved the problems! And it’s well attended by local residents and many Home Owners Associations who want to help make a difference! And the group keeps growing. The next one is right around the corner – Wednesday, April 13th at 2:00 PM at the East Naples Community Park on Thomasson Drive. It will be a busy place, as the park is in the midst of preparing to host the World Wide Pickleball Event for five days at the end of April, so the park will be buzzing with business and activity and food and so much fun! But I digress; if you have concerns with the area you live in, why not drop by for the meeting to see what they do. It might be the best thing you can do for your community!! Once you go, you’ll want to continue.
• Be prepared! Avow is presenting an Armed Forces Appreciation Day Ceremony on Friday, May 20th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The event is free and will be held in the Dick Lee & Mary Martha Tonra Waterview Room, at 1205 Whippoorwill Lane.

Hopefully, you are planning on attending the world’s favorite sport event: the US Open Pickleball Championships and it came to life right here in East Naples! No one had ever heard of it before, and most of us had no idea what they were talking about, but NOW we are the HOME of Pickleball Tournaments. Everyone shook their heads, but there were a few that looked the other way and plugged away and in ONE YEAR they captured the Pickleball elite to come to this area!! I’m pretty sure that everyone in this area is well aware of the game now, but I know for a fact, many have never seen it played yet! Make this year the year of discovery! Go to the games, at least one! You’ll be hooked! I’m amazed at the number of people who play professionally, and others who don’t play and yet wouldn’t miss a day of the games. And it’s ALL AGES who love the sport! Hope to see you there! It’s an exciting place during the games!