Discover a one-of-a-kind adventure at Hope & Joy Sanctuary—where unforgettable animal encounters meet hands-on learning!

Get up close with incredible animals like kangaroos, capybaras, and even a sloth during a guided, small-group experience designed for all ages. This interactive sanctuary focuses on education, rescue, and meaningful connections, giving you the chance to feed, pet, and learn about these amazing animals in a safe, supervised setting.

Visits are by appointment only to ensure a personalized and safe experience for both guests and animals. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance, as availability is limited. Book your visit here: https://scatterjoyacres.org/visit-us-in-florida/

Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a unique Florida experience—your wild adventure starts here.

Contact for bookings & questions: 19861 North River Rd., Alva, FL 33920 | Tel: 941-867-9401 | Email: info@scatterjoyacres.org

If you’re looking to fit in a little pickleball while visiting us in Southwest Florida, there are several free and low-cost options. The top pickleball spots in Naples and Bonita Springs include the premier 65-court East Naples Community Park (home to the U.S. Open) and Veterans Community Park. Sports Challenge America (12 courts) is a top, fee-based choice in Bonita Springs, along with public options like the City of Bonita Springs Recreation Center.

Top Pickleball in Naples

East Naples Community Park (3500 Thomasson Dr): The premier spot in the area with 65+ lighted, outdoor courts. It is home to the annual U.S. Open Pickleball Championships.
Veterans Community Park (1895 Veterans Park Dr): Offers 16 outdoor courts (8 permanent, 8 temporary) with active, open-play, often with competitive 3.5+ games.
Fleischmann Park (1600 Fleischmann Blvd): Features 6 fully lighted outdoor courts with lessons and equipment rentals.
USOP National Pickleball Center (3520 Thomasson Ln): A premier facility adjacent to the main East Naples Park, often offering easier access.

Top Pickleball in Bonita Springs

Sports Challenge America (27200 Kent Rd): Features 12 permanent, lit courts with hourly rentals, shaded seating, and a pro shop.
City of Bonita Springs Recreation Center (24501 Walden Center Dr): Public facility with 3 permanent courts and available portable nets.

Key Tips

Cost: East Naples Park generally charges a $10 daily fee or $100 for a pass, while many municipal community parks (like Veterans) offer free play.
Sign-up Boards: Both East Naples and Veterans parks have, or utilize, social, sign-up boards to manage games during busy times.
Best Time: Courts are very active, with pick-up games often running from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

The 50th Annual Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026. The event begins with a traditional flag-raising ceremony at Crayton Cove at 9:30 AM, followed by the main parade kickoff at 11:00 AM.

The 2026 parade was briefly canceled in early January due to rising security and city fees, but it was reinstated after the community raised approximately $46,000 in just a few hours to cover the costs. As the largest privately-funded parade in Florida, it typically attracts over 40,000 spectators to downtown Naples.

Parade Route & Logistics

The parade covers approximately one mile through downtown Naples.

Starting Point: The corner of 3rd Street South and 10th Avenue South.
Path: The procession travels north on 3rd Street South, turns east onto 5th Avenue South, and then heads south on 8th Street South.
Ending Point: The parade finishes in front of Naples City Hall.
Road Closures: Expect significant closures from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM along 5th Avenue South and from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM along 3rd Street South.
Parking: The city recommends using the two downtown parking garages; however, arriving early is highly advised as they fill up quickly.

2026 Major League Baseball Spring Training

Spring training in Southwest Florida, near Estero/Fort Myers, features the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park and the Minnesota Twins at the Lee Health Sports Complex (Hammond Stadium), with games running from late February through March. Nearby, you can catch the Atlanta Braves in North Port and the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte.

Top Spring Training Locations Near You (Grapefruit League):

Boston Red Sox: JetBlue Park, Fort Myers (approx. 20-25 mins from Estero).
Minnesota Twins: Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers (approx. 20-25 mins from Estero).
Atlanta Braves: CoolToday Park, North Port (approx. 40-50 mins from Estero).
Tampa Bay Rays: Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte (approx. 50-60 mins from Estero).
Baltimore Orioles: Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota (approx. 1 hour+ from Estero).

Key Information:

Season: Games run from late February to late March.
Tickets: Tickets typically go on sale in December or January, though tickets are often available closer to the date.
Atmosphere: These stadiums offer a close-up, intimate experience compared to regular-season MLB games.

The 22nd Annual Cars on 5th Concours in Naples, FL, is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM on 5th Avenue South. As the city’s largest one-day event, it will showcase over 750, or more than 400, rare exotic, classic, and luxury vehicles (Ferraris, Lamborghinis, etc.). The event is part of the Naples Automotive Experience running February 5-7, 2026.

Key Details for 2026:

Date & Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Location: 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL.
Highlights: Over 750+ vehicles, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Porsches, and Corvettes.
Special Features: The event is part of a weekend that includes a Friday night JetPort Reception (Feb 6) at Naples Airport.
Tickets: Available for purchase, supporting Habitat for Humanity of Collier County.
Attendance: Approximately 25,000 people are expected to attend.

The event will also feature unique, high-end cars such as a 1923 Hispano-Suiza, Pagani Huayra R, and Bugatti Chiron.

For more information: click here.

Bonita Springs Seafood & Music Festival™

Join us February 6th-8th, 2026 for the 5th Annual Bonita Springs Seafood & Music Festival. The event will be held next to The Poker Room (the old Dog Track) located at 28001 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Hours will be Friday 3pm-9pm, Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. Admission is FREE!

Enjoy a weekend of relaxation, great food, and wonderful live music, along with shopping at a marketplace of arts, crafts, and fine products.

As you listen to live music, explore the arts and crafts marketplace, where you’ll find a treasure trove of unique and exquisite products. Browse, shop, and indulge in a shopping spree like never before!

This event is more than just a music festival; it’s a celebration of food, music, shopping, and relaxation. So come on over, bring your friends, and be a part of the festivities. You won’t regret a single moment of the incredible experience that awaits you!

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Sea turtle nesting season in Florida is from March through October, with peak activity between May and July. The majority of nesting occurs in Florida, accounting for almost 90% of the U.S.’s sea turtle nesting. It begins when the massive females (they can weigh up to 400 pounds) lumber through the sand to lay their eggs. After two months of incubation, it’s time to hatch! Itty-bitty sea turtles push their way out of their shells and make a mad scramble to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Because hatchlings are guided by moonlight, it’s essential to turn off any beach-facing lights from homes, flashlights and even camera flashes. Read more local guidelines on how to help keep our beaches sea turtle–friendly. If you spot a problem with a sea turtle or nest, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).