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Friends and Neighbors,

With Hurricane Milton about to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, it is important to be prepared for the storm and its aftermath.

Monitoring the Storm:

- Track updates are available from the National Hurricane Center at 5AM, 11AM, 5PM and 11PM.

- Mike's Weather Page is an excellent resource

- Live local updates are available on the Naples Daily News Website

After the storm:

Horticultural Debris:

If you don’t have a private lawn care service, you can place your horticultural debris in the right-of-way (by the road) for collection.

Repairs and Dealing With the City:

You can remove wet drywall up to 4 feet, along with damaged cabinets, carpeting, and baseboards without a permit. BUT, replacing any of these items will require a building permit and a review for Substantial Damage according to FEMA NFIP standards, even for items typically not needing permits. To avoid issues, take lots of pictures.  

Read more on the Building Department Website

Tips for Dealing with Your Insurance Carrier:

Take pictures of any damage before making temporary repairs.

Contact your insurance carrier directly and have the following ready:

Your policy number

Your name as it appears on the policy

Your contact information (i.e., phone, cell, email, etc.)

Detailed description of loss or damage you incurred

Avoid signing an AOB (assignment of benefits) contract:

An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) is an agreement that transfers all insurance policy benefits and rights from you, the policyholder, to a third party such a contractor or repair vendor after damage has occurred to your property. An AOB contract is intended to help expedite the claims process and make things easier for the insured, but there is potential that an AOB contract may be fraudulently misused for repair vendors to seize control of the claims process with the intention of overcharging and inflating repair costs.

Other helpful tips on post-storm damage and the claims process can be found here.

In this issue we will look at the Five Most Romantic Restaurants in Naples, an excellent place to go and relax once the storm passes and the changes underway at Riptide Brewing. Plus, participate in our poll and let us know what your favorite month in Naples is.

Whether you decide to stay in Naples or evacuate, we send our best wishes to you and your family. I have been through several hurricanes in Naples and have always been impressed by how our community comes together. 

Stay Safe!

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• The Five Most Romantic Restaurants in Naples Florida – A Countdown

• Naples Hidden Gem: The Scalp Bar

• Rip Tide Brewery Gets a Facelift

The Five Most Romantic Restaurants in Naples Florida – A Countdown

Let’s face it – many of the best restaurants we have in Naples are situated in locations that no one has ever described as romantic. U.S.S. Nemo – one of the best, if not the best, seafood restaurants in town – is located in a strip mall with parking designed for the compact cars of yesteryear. The outdoor dining at many places abuts busy roads where the rush of traffic can drown out quiet conversation. It can be challenging to find a location where the entire experience feels like a world apart from beginning to end. 

With the holidays approaching, however, and high season returning, it’s the perfect time to plan a quiet date night before things get too busy. Check out our top 5 list below and make sure to take note of our top pick’s change in policy (if you act soon, membership is free).

The 5 Most Romantic Restaurants in Naples, Florida

If you’re planning a romantic evening out in Naples, Florida, you’re in luck. This charming coastal city is home to some of the most intimate and enchanting dining experiences perfect for a date night or special celebration. Whether you’re craving oceanfront views or cozy European vibes, these five restaurants offer the ultimate romantic dining experience. Here’s a countdown of the five most romantic restaurants in Naples, each with its own unique charm.

5) Nosh on Naples Bay

Whether you choose outdoor seating with beautiful views of Naples Bay, or eat inside by candlelight, Nosh on Naples Bay provides the perfect setting for a romantic night out. Known for delicious small plates and surprising specials (I once had an oyster dish served on edible sand), Nosh is fine dining from beginning to end. Executive Chef Todd Johnson has cultivated an ardent, local following that is well-deserved. I recommend arriving at the tail end of their 2PM-6PM Happy Hour and enjoying a cocktail and small plate before being seated for dinner. 

📍 Address: 1490 5th Ave. S, Naples, FL 34102

4) BALEEN at La Playa

Valet your car with the attendant at the door of the La Playa Beach & Golf Resort, and make your way through their classic lobby (definitely feels Old Florida) to their signature restaurant Baleen. By the time you pass the bar area and are looking out towards the beach, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled a lot further than Gulf Shore Drive. Somewhere between the valet and the beautiful outdoor seating you’ll feel like you’ve checked into your romantic weekend away – even if you’re just joining for dinner for a few hours. 

Fresh seafood, craft cocktails and impeccable service are signatures at Baleen, and you can’t go wrong with any of the fresh menu options. During my last visit – a couple days before Hurricane Helene’s arrival – I shared a selection of small plates including their excellent charred octopus during a wonderful evening out.  For a romantic fine dining experience with ocean views, it’s hard to beat Baleen. 

📍 Address: 9891 Gulf Shore Dr., Naples, FL 34108, inside the La Playa Beach & Golf Resort

3) Bleu Provence

If you're looking for a French-inspired romantic escape, Bleu Provence is the place to be. This local-favorite, family-owned, fine-dining pick was almost lost to the general public after Hoffman planned to buy it post-Ian and make it members only. 

This elegant restaurant, which offers classic French cuisine with a vintage European feel, is still owned by the Cariot family, thankfully, and it is a wonderful place for date night. Whether your seated in their beautiful garden terrace or at a quiet indoor table, the excellent food and service are what makes Bleu Provence a stand-out.  With an extensive wine list and beautifully presented dishes, Bleu Provence exudes romance and charm.

📍 Address: 1234 8th St. S, Naples, FL 34102

2) The Turtle Club

This isn’t our first occasion to cover The Turtle Club in the Naples Florida Review (see a more detailed review here), but if a beachside sunset is your idea of romance, then The Turtle Club is the perfect setting. Outdoor seating allows you to literally sit on the beach where you can take off your shoes and watch the sunset with your toes in the sand. Inside, the old Florida vibe presents a romantic experience of its own. 

Nestled directly on Vanderbilt Beach, The Turtle Club offers diners the distinctly rare chance (in Naples, at least) to enjoy upscale dining with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand.  Known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the sunset, it’s an ideal spot to celebrate a romantic anniversary or special occasion. 

📍 Address: 9225 Gulf Shore Dr., Naples, FL 34108

1) Veranda E

From the first moment I stepped through the lobby of the Hotel Escalante and into Veranda E more than a decade ago, the restaurant has been my top pick for a romantic dinner in Naples. 

Veranda E is more than a hidden gem – many of my local friends had never heard of the restaurant before – it is a Naples treasure. Situated at the crossroads of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street, Veranda E is tucked inside the unassuming Hotel Escalante. When you step into the romantic courtyard with its fluttering tablecloths and gurgling fountains, you’ll realize why so many couples have opted to take wedding photos there over the years. You feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. 

The restaurant is known for seasonal, fresh ingredients served on candlelit tables amidst lush greenery. If you haven’t been before, get the Hot-n-Crunchy Grouper. Trust me – it is truly something special. 

Policy Change: On their website, the Hotel Escalante now advertises Veranda E as only open to guests. When I panic-called them about the new policy they carefully explained that they are changing to a hotel guest and “members-only” policy. Disheartened, I asked what they planned to charge for membership, only to be tipped off that membership is currently free. You just need to make a reservation and sign a form when you arrive. I, for one, am eager to visit before this romantic gem of a place decides to start charging. 

📍 Address: 290 5th Ave. S, Naples, FL 34102

Naples Hidden Gem: The Scalp Bar

Let me be the first to tell you, Monica is serious about scalps. From the moment I stepped inside her treatment room at The Scalp Bar and she introduced herself, I could tell I was in for a real treat. I wrapped myself in a warm towel expecting a professional head scratch and ended up with more information about my hair and head health than I ever could have expected. 

What brought me to a Scalp Bar? A Father’s Day gift. I had bought my husband the Scalp Bar’s Bliss Bath for this past Father’s Day because he loves the head massage portion of his haircuts. I found the business by Googling “Naples head massage.” After he delayed making the appointment he said I should go first to “check it out” and I didn’t need to be asked twice. 

The experience is heavenly. There’s no other way to describe having your head massaged, gently scratched and washed for an hour by someone who clearly knows what they are doing. I completed the 50-minute Bliss Bath and was ready to schedule my next appointment. I know – for sure – that my husband is going to love it when he can carve out an hour. 

Scalp Bars aren’t a new trend, but they tend to be a lot more popular in urban areas like New York or Chicago. When I asked Monica, who currently works alone and owns the business, how she became interested she told me a compelling story that’s worth repeating. 

As a former cosmetologist and hair stylist at a salon, Monica became increasingly bothered by how little her fellow stylists new about the scalp conditions that were impacting their clients. Some of the color treatments she saw were not appropriate for all scalp skin types and she knew she wanted to help more clients with their questions about hair loss. 

Fast forward two years later, and Monica had completed a two-year European course about scalp health and conditions and started launched her own business. Since opening in the Bayfront Salon Suites, Monica’s Scalp Bar has had such a strong following that she is planning to relocate soon to a place that will allow her to expand the business. 

“Everyone thought I was crazy starting a Scalp Bar,” Monica told me as I was comfortably checking out at the end of my treatment. “The business has really taken off, though, and I hope to concentrate more on hair loss and helping more people learn about scalp health when we move into the new space.” 

Make you reservation for a Scalp Bar treatment today on their website, and check out their current location on the third floor of the Bayfront Professional Center before their big move. 

Rip Tide Brewery Gets a Facelift

Kaleidoscope Beer Co. recently took over Riptide Brewing Co.'s Naples taproom, bringing new life to the space while maintaining continuity with staff and operations. Owned by Bill Vaughan, his wife Heather, and sister Amy, Kaleidoscope Beer plans to make its own mark by brewing beer on-site, using the existing fermentation tanks previously installed by Riptide. Vaughan, who has extensive experience in craft brewing, is excited to revive the brewing system and transition the space into a vibrant, cozy neighborhood pub with an evolving beer menu. Until Kaleidoscope starts crafting its own brews, Riptide's beer will continue to be served.

Check out more details in this story from Gulfshore Business.

Link: https://www.gulfshorebusiness.com/kaleidoscope-beer-naples/

We’d love to hear from you! Take this edition’s poll:

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Why It Matters

Supporting local businesses isn't just about enjoying a meal or trying something new—it's about contributing to the very fabric of Naples. Each restaurant, brewery, and unique business like The Scalp Bar represents a story of passion, hard work, and dedication.

When you choose to visit these places, you're helping sustain the community's small businesses, the lifeblood of our local economy. Beyond that, you're creating memorable experiences for yourself and your loved ones—whether it’s a romantic night out at one of Naples' most intimate restaurants, indulging in a one-of-a-kind scalp treatment, or savoring a fresh brew at a rebranded neighborhood pub. These moments are what make living in and visiting Naples so special.

By celebrating these places, you're not only enriching your own life but also ensuring that these hidden gems continue to flourish, bringing vibrancy and character to our community for years to come.

Carolyn Cervoni
Editor-in-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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