Las Vegas Grand Prix Off to Disastrous Start

For all the excitement and questions around F1's first rip to Las Vegas since 1982, Sin City did not deliver. Less than 15 minutes into the first practice runs the session was red flagged. It's clear that the Las Vegas Grand Prix is off to a disastrous start. Carlos Sainz's Ferrari hit a loose drain cover on the back straightaway that caused tremendous damage to the #55 Ferrari. F1 fans around the globe have been skeptical of the event since it's announcement. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is off to a disastrous start. Carlos Sainz is also being assessed a 10-grid penalty as a result of the team having to replace the car's power unit. Even though the team only needed to replace the parts because of the damage caused by the loose drain cover on the track! Here is the video where the Ferrari hit the cover.

This is an embarrassment, and there's no other way to put it. The cars did get back on track for Practice 2. Although that was two and a half hours late as crews had to inspect all other drain covers on the track. F1 also removed all fans for the practice session. And that is a shame because it proved to be an exciting one. Red Bull, which has dominated all season, seemed to be a little off the pace. It's difficult to tell the full potential of a car after just an hour and a half on track. But Red bull has struggled on street circuits (comparatively to the rest of the tracks) this season. If you're wondering about the full results of the second practice session, just bang it here.

Max Verstappen is not holding back on his thoughts on the week either. Before even getting on track Verstappen said he does not like all of the events surrounding the race. He said he does not like that it is 99% glitz and 1% racing. After getting a few laps in on the new circuit, Max did not change his tune. "I didn't enjoy it, there are more enjoyable circuits to drive. Haven't discovered anything new. The track improved at the end with a bit more rubber. We were able to complete our entire program." The race and qualifying are still to come. But the Las Vegas Grand Prix is off to a disastrous start.

It's the weekend before Thanksgiving. Time to get your prep work done and here is where you can find the best deals on holiday fare if you are either cooking or shopping this weekend. But make sure you also take time to have some fun along the way. To help, here is where to have some weekend fun in Southwest Florida. Here are your Weekend Vibes for November 17th through 19th.

The first Christmas themed event kicks off this weekend in Naples. It's time for the annual Magic Lights at the Collier County Fairgrounds. Get in the holiday spirit at this family event without ever having to get out of your car. Details are below.

Southwest Floridians love their boats. They showed up in droves last weekend for the 51st Annual Fort Myers Boat Show. This weekend it's the annual Waterfest celebration in Englewood. The Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) Racing World Championship is the highlight of the event and attracts people from all over the state.

It is also the final weekend for you to gorge on fair food and try to keep it down on carnival rides. We're talking about the Fair at Fenway South. It's at Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers. If you want more elevated food, it's CROW's Annual Taste Of The Islands on Sanibel. Here are some photos of the official food judging to whet your appetite.

One more thing. If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. There are lots of cool things to do this weekend in Southwest Florida. Here are your Weekend Vibes for  November 17-19. Get out and have some local fun. Cheers.

Magic of Lights is at the Collier County Fair Ground and it kicks off Friday night. The grounds become alive with two million lights in all kinds of holiday displays. Best part is, you drive through the displays. You'll see everything from a Winter Wonderland, to a 200 foot long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, along with life sized dinosaurs and a 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®. There are activities outside of your car as well. The event runs through New Year's Eve. Tickets start at $18.50. More info here.

Taste of the Islands is one of the premiere fundraising events for CROW, the Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island. Hurricane Ian recovery has caused a few changes in the event. There will be a shuttle to take participants on a crawl to bars and restaurants on the island. Tastes the signature drinks and dishes, vote on your favorite and help the organization rebuild animal enclosures damaged by the storm. More info here.

Fair At Fenway South wraps up at JetBlue Park this weekend. Enjoy midway games, live shows, a petting zoo and even racing pigs. And then there are the dozens of thrilling carnival rides. The fair runs through Sunday. Tickets $6 in advance, $12 at the gate. Admission does not include rides. More information here. 

The big event kicks off in this small beach town with a block party Friday night. The main attraction are the races. The annual OPA Racing World Championship is quite a thrill to see. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9am with racing at 10am. More info here.

This holiday variety show at Barbarba B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. has something for all ages. From aerialists and acrobats, to comedy and music, lots of holiday music. Shows are Friday and Saturday, tickets are $38-$78.  More info here. 

This happens the third Friday of every month, mostly along First Street in downtown Fort Myers. There is live music almost everywhere, from the galleries and shops, the restaurants and bars. Even on the streets. The party is 6-10

This is a party with a purpose and it surrounds wine and cheese. November is National Homelessness Awareness Month. The Helping Hands Ministry of Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church is holding this event in Browning Hall at the on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers. Saturday 5-7pm, $50 

This happens the 2nd Friday of the month at Lee County Alliance For The Arts. This month it is felted landscapes. Enjoy craft cocktails while having fun with crafts. It's Friday from 6-9. $72 for non-members, all supplies are provided.  More info here.

Sample some 50 craft beers at this festival that also benefits PACE Center For Girls. There will be music, games, food trucks and more. The party is Saturday at Mercato Shops in Naples. 5pm-8pm, $50 in advance $55 at the door. More info here.

Enjoy more than 100 antique, muscle, and classic car at this annual event. There will asl be vendors, entertainemtn food and activities for all ages. This year it is at Florida South Western College Naples campus.  $10 for adults, $5 ages 4-12, free under 3 years old. More info here.

It's time for the 5^th Annual Great Garage Sale hosted by Charlotte County Community Services. Find all kinds of treasures on Saturday from 8am to 1pm at the Charlotte Sports Park on El Jobean Road in Port Charlotte.  It's a big event and admission is free. More info here. 

If you are into sports cards, this is for you. Buy, sell and trade cards and other memorabilia. You can even get in on the action with Pokémon cards. A food truck will be there along with other activities. Sunday 9am-2pm Pondella Bingo in North Fort Myers. $3, free for  12 and under. More info here.