Doctor Beach Just Put A Naples Florida Beach In His Top 10

Naples, Florida just keeps raking in the accolades. Earlier this week, US News and World Report voted Naples as the best place to live in the country. Now a new list is out, Doctor Beach's Top 10 Beaches, and Naples is once again recognized.

Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches, including water and sand quality as well as safety and management. FIU Professor Stephen Leatherman, known as "Doctor Beach" is an internationally known coastal scientist who has published 20 books and hundreds of scientific articles and reports about storm impacts, coastal erosion and ways to improve beach health and safety.

Duke Kahanamoku claimed the top spot because of its white coral sand and clear water. It also doesn't hurt that an ancient volcano crater sits in the backdrop, he said. Located at the west end of Hawaii's Waikiki Beach, the beach is far from the large crowds elsewhere and the widest beach on this stretch of world-famous sands. It is also protected by an offshore coral reef, which Leatherman says makes it a good beach for families with children. The nearby Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is also a favorite bathing and swimming spot.

It's not surprising to see two Florida beaches on the list, but having one from Naples is a big win. Naples, like much of Southwest Florida, took a lot of damage from Hurricane Ian back in 2022. So when I saw the new Doctor Beach rankings were out, I didn't expect much. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the recovery of that beach.

This weekend is the unofficial kick off to summer. To help you navigate what to do and where to go, here are your Weekend Vibes. 6 things to do Memorial Day weekend in Southwest Florida from Naples to Fort Myers, Cape Coral and beyond.

Travel experts say more people are taking to airways and highways over the next few days than have in the last fifteen years during this same time.

If you are flying for Memorial Day weekend, or plan to anytime this summer, here are some good airport hacks. They give you tips when it comes to new consumer protection rules with luggage and flight interruptions along with other useful tips.

But if you are staying in town, the weekend is full of BBQs, side-walk sales and more. However, this holiday has a very important significance that should be remembered above all. It is to honor those who have lost their lives serving our country.

There are a lot of memorial commemorations, remembrances and similar activities. A couple are listed here and we always encourage you to participate in them.

Besides remembrance ceremonies and events honoring members of the military, there is a huge All-American BBQ at the Germans American Social Club in Cape Coral. More on that is below.

In addition, movie buffs won't want to miss the 14th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival. This celebrates independent films from around the world at numerous venues throughout Lee County.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for May 24th through the 27th, Memorial Day weekend in Southwest Florida.

There are lots of things to keep you busy this weekend in Southwest Florida. If you can, get out and support local events and business.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.

This is a big event featuring a variety of independent films. Enjoy everything from shorts to features and documentaries in a wide range of genres. Films are shown at several locations in Lee County with the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center being the nucleus. They run daily, now through Sunday and tickets are still available. More info here.  

Paying respect to fallen hero's is the theme of the Memorial Day events at GCTC in Estero. It's also a benefit for the Southwest Florida Military Museum. There is a presentation of the Colors by Lee County Sheriff's Office followed by live music and other performances. Bring your own chairs and blankets. There are games for the kids too. It's Monday from 4-7. Free.  More info here.

Start your day with a memorial run in Punta Gorda on Monday. The fun begins at 8am in Laishley Park.: $15 (ages 0-14) $20 (ages 15-18) price increase after may 26th. More info here.

At this big cookout and festival in Cape Coral, organizers are honoring Active Duty and Retired Military with the help of  folks from 'Quilts of Valor'. Enjoy all kinds of hot BBQ off the grill and lots of beer, both German and American. Sunday $5. Free for Active Duty and Retired Military with proper ID and children 12, More info here

 More info here

This is the last weekend to see "The Addams Family" musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. It's based on the 1960's TV show and has been getting great reviews.  Closing night is Saturday at the theater on Colonial Blvd in Fort Myers. Tickets start at $35, More info here.

WONDER stands for Walk, observe, navigate, draw, explore, and read. You can do all of that this weekend at Naples Botanical Garden. There are games, activities and scavenger hunts helping you to explore the gardens. There will be live music and other treats.  9am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday.  More info here.