Latest news with #DaveOsborn
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Shell yes! What SWFL beach made USA Today's 10BEST list
One Southwest Florida beach made another list for being among the best in the state. In USA Today's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards for 2025, the national news publication rated Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island as the No. 6 beach in Florida. "The allure of Bowman's Beach, located on Sanibel Island, Florida, lies in its tranquil setting and the chance to go shelling along its expansive white sand coastline," USA Today wrote. "With amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, it's an ideal spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike." The 10BEST Beaches in Florida: 1. Delray Beach 2. Clearwater Beach 3. Treasure Island Beach 4. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea 5. Stuart Beach 6. Bowman's Beach 7. St. Pete Beach 8. Siesta Beach (Siesta Key) 9. Destin 10. Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine) Bowman's Beach is in the heart of shell collecting, making Sanibel unofficially known as the "Seashell Capital of the World." Sanibel Island is home to more than 250 species of shells, littering its roughly 15 miles of sandy beaches with millions of treasures ranging in size and color. Thousands travel to the island every year. Sanibel is a barrier island so it sees more shells on its beaches compared to others around the county, experts told the News-Press three years ago. And Sanibel is one of the very few islands in Florida that run perpendicular, which causes ocean currents to have the beaches primarily flush water downward. USA Today asked a panel of experts to nominate their top picks, then readers voted to determine the winners. The News-Press is part of Gannett, which publishes USA TODAY and more than 200 local news sites nationwide. Hurricane recovery: All of Sanibel's beach parking lots are now open. See full list Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@ and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Sanibel's Bowman's Beach named on USA Today' 10BEST list in Florida
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
'Prime viewing': Naples landmark made USA Today's 10Best for unique attraction
A Naples landmark has received a top honor for one its most popular and unique attractions. The Naples Zoo has been named in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for 2025. The national news publication rated the Naples Zoo's Primate Expedition Cruise eighth among the 10 best zoo exhibits across the country for 2025. "The best zoo exhibits not only educate but also engage visitors by transporting them to another place, whether it be the foothills of the Himalayas, a Florida swamp, or to an island in Madagascar," USA Today said in announcing the winners. "But which zoo exhibits are the most impressive, immersive, and informative in the country?" USA Today asked a panel of experts to nominate their top picks, then readers voted to determine the winners. The Naples Daily News is part of Gannett, which publishes USA TODAY and more than 200 local news sites nationwide. The Naples Zoo exhibit was one of two in Florida that were recognized. "The Primate Expedition Cruise is a unique opportunity only found at Naples Zoo where visitors climb aboard a catamaran for a 15- to 20-minute cruise around islands where monkeys, gibbons, and lemurs cavort in their own tropical paradise," USA Today's 10Best said. "This unique lake habitat contains multiple primate-friendly islets complete with climbing structures, hammocks, and fruit trees. The cruise's design maintains primates' privacy and visibility simultaneously — they can retreat into foliage or venture closer to passing boats. These naturalist-guided tours share insights about each species' adaptations and social structures, while the boat's design ensures every seat is prime viewing real estate." In the past year, Naples Zoo officials said, it welcomed more than 425,000 visitors, with more than 285,000 embarking on a Primate Expedition Cruise. Top 5 things to do this weekend: Free concert, Earth Day, Celebrate Bonita! Officially known as Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, it opened in 1969 and sits on 43 acres and in 2019 celebrated 100 years as a botanical garden and 50 years as a zoo. The primate cruise opened in 1992, and through the years, has remained perhaps the most popular attraction because it offers a respite from the heat while people can observe fascinating animals. Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@ and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples Zoo primate cruise in USA Today's 10Best zoo exhibits
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Naples St. Patrick's Day Parade 2025: What you need to know
The Naples St. Patrick's Day Parade remains a community tradition, going back nearly a half-century. The 1.6-mile parade ― which began in 1976 ― is the largest privately funded St. Patrick's Day parade in Florida. It annually draws about 40,000 people. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on 11th Avenue South and heads north on Third Street South to Fifth Avenue South. It then heads east on Fifth to Eighth Street South, where it turns south and ends at 12th Avenue South at Crayton Cove. Parking: Arrive early because parking can prove a challenge closer to the start time. Viewing: Arriving early also means a better chance to stake out a good spot to watch, especially closer to the street. Parade-goers will go four or more rows deep from the curb along Fifth Avenue South. Beads: If you have no green, white or other color St. Patrick's Day swag, fear ye not. Those in the parade will be tossing beads to the crowd and, at two hours long, that's a lot of bead opportunities. Weather: The leprechaun meteorologist ordered up a perfect day, with a high of 81 and no rain expected Saturday in Naples. Patience: That's a lot of people in a small location, so expect crowds and traffic. Road closures: Fifth Avenue South will be closed 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Third Avenue will be closed 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. More at Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@ and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples St. Patrick's Day Parade 2025: What to know before you go
