Local Life Archive

Remembering Lowell Dickey Hedges: A Naples Neighbor and Wayne City Native’s Legacy Naples, Florida, is a community built on the stories of those who call it home. It’s a place where sunshine and warm breezes intertwine with the rich tapestry of lives lived, both past and present. Today, we reflect on the life of Lowell Dickey Hedges, a man who, though originally hailing from Wayne City, Illinois, became a part of the fabric of our Naples community. He passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that stretches from the heartland of Illinois to the sun-kissed shores of Southwest Flo…

Remembering Lowell Dickey Hedges: A Naples Neighbor and Wayne City Native Naples, Florida, has always been a place where stories converge, where lives from all corners of the country intertwine to create a vibrant tapestry of community. Today, we remember one such thread in that tapestry, Lowell Dickey Hedges, who passed away at the age of 87. Though originally from Wayne City, Illinois, Lowell found a home here in Naples, becoming a part of our unique Southwestern Florida landscape. This post is dedicated to celebrating his life, reflecting on the connections between our community and his…

Naples Residents Roar: Protecting Our Bears, Our Community The air in North Naples crackles with a fierce protectiveness, a groundswell of opposition rising against a proposed black bear hunt. It’s not just about bears; it’s about our community, our values, and the future of our unique natural environment here in Southwest Florida. We’re talking about the very essence of what makes Naples, well, *Naples*. This isn’t some distant issue; it’s happening in our backyard, impacting our neighbors, our ecosystem, and the legacy we leave for generations to come. Why the Hunt? A Deeper Dive into th…

Swashbuckling in Southwest Florida: Rediscovering the Magic of “The Adventures of Robin Hood” in Naples Hey there, fellow Naples neighbors! Ever feel like grabbing your bow and arrow, rallying a merry band, and redistributing some sunshine and good vibes? Well, maybe hold off on the bow and arrow (Naples PD might not appreciate that), but you *can* capture that spirit of adventure and social justice with a classic film experience. “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” that glorious Technicolor spectacle from 1938, is gracing a screen near us, and it’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with a…

Remembering Glenn Charles Griffin: A Naples Life Well-Lived Naples, Florida, is more than just stunning beaches and luxurious golf courses. It’s a community, a tapestry woven with the lives and stories of the people who call this place home. And when a thread of that tapestry is broken, the whole community feels it. Today, we’re remembering one such thread, a life well-lived right here in our beautiful corner of Southwest Florida: Glenn Charles Griffin. While the brief news notice marks his passing, we want to take the opportunity to delve deeper, exploring the potential impact he had on N…

Remembering Bonnie Stephens: A Life Touched by Naples Sunshine Bonnie Stephens, a beloved member of both the Danville, Virginia and Naples, Florida communities, passed away in 2025 (assuming the obituary date is a typo and meant 2023 or 2024). While her obituary mentions ties to Virginia, it’s clear from the linked source that Naples held a special place in her heart. This post serves as a tribute to Bonnie, celebrating her life and exploring the unique connection many snowbirds and transplants like her forge with our beautiful Southwest Florida haven. Naples: A Magnet for Souls Like Bonnie N…

Remembering Glenn Charles Griffin: A Naples Life Well-Lived Naples, Florida, lost one of its own recently with the passing of Glenn Charles Griffin. While obituaries often offer a snapshot of a life, we wanted to take a moment to delve deeper, to paint a richer picture of this individual and celebrate his connection to our vibrant community. This isn’t just a recounting of dates and achievements; it’s a reflection on a life intertwined with the fabric of Naples, a place where sunshine, warm breezes, and a close-knit community spirit define the rhythm of life. Early Life and Roots: A Naples…

Beyond the Torch: How Special Olympics Florida Ignites Inclusion and Athleticism Year-Round in Naples Naples, Florida, is known for its pristine beaches, luxurious lifestyle, and vibrant community. But beyond the shimmering Gulf waters and manicured golf courses lies a powerful movement dedicated to fostering inclusion and celebrating the extraordinary abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities: Special Olympics Florida. While the global spotlight shines brightly on the Special Olympics every two years, here in Naples, the spirit of these games burns bright all year long, transfor…