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Participate: On the Scene

Full gallery »Marco's youngest firefighter

  • A fire ignited behind the Marco Island fire station is extinguished by Junior Firefighter of the year for 2009 Andrew Sprankle, a 4th-grader from Tommie Barfield Elementary School.
  • Taking center stage Tuesday is 2009 Junior Firefighter of the Year Andrew Sprankle, a 4th-grader from Tommie Barfield Elementary School, who received fire gear sized for the youngster, got a ride to school in the fire truck and put out fires with the help of his new Marco Island Fire Rescue Department teammates.
  • Marco Island fourth-grader Andrew Sprankle is on top of the world, or at least a fire truck, Tuesday, as he suits up in his own properly-sized fire gear as the 2009 Junior Fire Fighter of the Year. Sprankle won an essay contest at Tommie Barfield Elementary School writing about what makes his home fire safe. His award included a day of firefighting adventures with the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department.
  • Junior Firefighter of the Year Andrew Sprankle, right, a 4th-grader from Tommie Barfield Elementary School, fights his first fire with members of the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department Tuesday.

Andrew Sprankle, Junior Firefighter of the year for 2009. The 4th-grader from Tommie Barfield Elementary School won an essay contest on home fire safety leading to a ride to school in a fire truck, full fire gear of his own and a chance to put out his own fires Tuesday, Nov. 10.



Full gallery »Reader-submitted photos: Silverspot at the Mercato

  • Silverspot cinema at The Mercato.
  • David Reynolds tries out the leather seating inside one of 11 theaters at Silverspot, which held a private party, Thursday, Sept. 10, the night before it opened to the public.
  • A guest relations employee for Silverspot assists to party guests Diane Loveless (left) and Wendy Humphrey (right) the night before its public opening at The Mercato.
  • Rich and Kathy Tusa share a container of popcorn while lounging in the lobby of Silverspot at a private party, Thursday, Sept. 10, the day before it opens to the public.
  • Marie Copley and Shelia Davis chat during a private party and movie viewing at Silverspot at The Mercato, which opens its doors to the public Friday, Sept. 11.
  • Party guests at Silverspot check out the movie time screen outside the theater, which opens to the public Friday, Sept. 11.


Full gallery »Proyecto Wild Cats

  • Ramon Villa, principal gestor de las actividades deportivas del club Wild Cats
  • Jugadores de Wil cats, con grandes prespectivas, Ariel Cardoza (U-13), Maria Pedro (U-16), Jesus Mercado (U-16) e Iris Ramirez 17+
  • Los integrantes y familiares del Club Wild cats de Bonita Springs, realizaron una convivencia para celebrar la final del torneo de futbol soccer del Club de ninos y jovenes
  • Directiva organizadora del torneo de soccer del club Wild Cats de Bonita Springs, Biby Solomon, Ramon Villa, Saul Gonzalez, Carlos Santiago y Jose Ramirez
  • Ninos integrantes del club Wild Cats en la categoria U-7
  • Maria Ramirez, Itzamar Loredo, Maria Pedro, Dalia Ramirez, Brenda Cruz e Iris Ramirez, integrantes del plantel femenino del club Wild Cats.


Full gallery »Your Photos: Space shuttle Discovery launch

  • Lenny Jordan submitted this photo of the space shuttle Discovery launch taken at the Naples Continental Club on GSB North.
  • Maryle Barbe snapped this photo of the shuttle launch in front of a house in Bonita Springs.
  • Frank Grassan snapped this photo of the shuttle launch Discovery from the Naples Pier. Frank writes, 'The remnants of the shuttle's smoke trail can be seen in one of them. Several people near me were commenting on it and I believe it may be a cloud that forms in the highest reaches of the atmosphere from water that is released by the shuttle.' Submitted by Frank Grassan
  • Frank Grassan snapped this photo of the shuttle launch Discovery from the Naples Pier. Frank writes, 'The remnants of the shuttle's smoke trail can be seen in one of them. Several people near me were commenting on it and I believe it may be a cloud that forms in the highest reaches of the atmosphere from water that is released by the shuttle.' Submitted by Frank Grassan

Residents submitted photos of the space shuttle Discovery launch Sunday, March 15, 2009.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Tornado in North Fort Myers

  • This is a camera phone photo taken of a funnel cloud reported in North Fort Myers this afternoon. A tornado warning has been issued for north Lee County.
  • North Fort Myers resident John Jones, 30, snapped this cell phone photo of a funnel forming and touching down in North Fort Myers on Sunday, June 08, 2008.
  • North Fort Myers resident John Jones, 30, snapped this cell phone photo of a funnel forming and touching down in North Fort Myers on Sunday, June 08, 2008.
  • North Fort Myers resident John Jones, 30, snapped this cell phone photo of a funnel forming and touching down in North Fort Myers on Sunday, June 08, 2008.


Full gallery »Your Photos: Homeless crusade

  • Denmark, 46, has been walking since 1999 across the United States to raise awareness about the plight of the poor and homeless in America. Starting from her hometown of Dayton, Ohio, Denmark has walked through 16 states in a quest to reach 49 states, ending in Washington, D.C.

Denmark, 46, has been walking since 1999 across the United States to raise awareness about the plight of the poor and homeless in America.



Full gallery »Your Photos: On the Scene

  • More than 200 parishioners, Marco Islanders, visitors and kind pets gathered on the new St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Labyrinth to celebrate Easter - “Island Style.” Accompanied by J. Roberts on Steel Drums and guitar music by the Rev. John Ineson, the congregation sang, heard an inspiring sermon by the Rev. Kyle Bennet, Rector of St. Mark’s and received communion and a blessing of the animals. The new labyrinth provides a place for a “walking meditation” and a quiet respite in the beautiful surrounding garden. The Labyrinth is open to the whole Marco Island community and is located on Bluebird Avenue (just east of St. Mark’s, 1101 North Collier Boulevard.)
  • An anaconda visits the Petco store in North Naples where the owner bought the pet five years ago.
  • An anaconda visits the Petco store in North Naples where the owner bought the pet five years ago.
  • Dan Almaral snapped this photo of a traffic accident on Pine Ridge Road around 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.
  • Dan Almaral snapped this photo of a traffic accident on Pine Ridge Road around 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.
  • The beautiful stained glass from the front, is now the last light standing of the old First Baptist Church on Marco Island.

Are you there when news happens? Community members send these shots taken with cell phones and their personal cameras.



Full gallery »Your Photos: 2008 Naples Relay For Life

  • The goal of this year’s Relay for Life of Naples was to raise $720,000, but the focus during the 18-hour event wasn’t just on fundraising, it also was on remembering and celebrating those affected by cancer. From 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday, team members took turns walking or running around the Gulfview Middle School track, and their efforts raised $594,527 for the American Cancer Society by the closing ceremony.
  • The goal of this year’s Relay for Life of Naples was to raise $720,000, but the focus during the 18-hour event wasn’t just on fundraising, it also was on remembering and celebrating those affected by cancer. From 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday, team members took turns walking or running around the Gulfview Middle School track, and their efforts raised $594,527 for the American Cancer Society by the closing ceremony.
  • The goal of this year’s Relay for Life of Naples was to raise $720,000, but the focus during the 18-hour event wasn’t just on fundraising, it also was on remembering and celebrating those affected by cancer. From 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday, team members took turns walking or running around the Gulfview Middle School track, and their efforts raised $594,527 for the American Cancer Society by the closing ceremony.
  • The goal of this year’s Relay for Life of Naples was to raise $720,000, but the focus during the 18-hour event wasn’t just on fundraising, it also was on remembering and celebrating those affected by cancer. From 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday, team members took turns walking or running around the Gulfview Middle School track, and their efforts raised $594,527 for the American Cancer Society by the closing ceremony.
  • The goal of this year’s Relay for Life of Naples was to raise $720,000, but the focus during the 18-hour event wasn’t just on fundraising, it also was on remembering and celebrating those affected by cancer. From 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday, team members took turns walking or running around the Gulfview Middle School track, and their efforts raised $594,527 for the American Cancer Society by the closing ceremony.
  • The goal of this year’s Relay for Life of Naples was to raise $720,000, but the focus during the 18-hour event wasn’t just on fundraising, it also was on remembering and celebrating those affected by cancer. From 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday, team members took turns walking or running around the Gulfview Middle School track, and their efforts raised $594,527 for the American Cancer Society by the closing ceremony.

The goal of this year’s Relay for Life of Naples was to raise $720,000, but the focus during the 18-hour event wasn’t just on fundraising, it also was on remembering and celebrating those affected by cancer.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Pilot makes emergency landing behind hotel

  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.

The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Traffic crash on March 30, 2008

  • Michael Early sends this photo of a traffic crash on March 30, 2008.
  • Michael Early sends this photo of a traffic crash on March 30, 2008.
  • Michael Early sends this photo of a traffic crash on March 30, 2008.
  • Michael Early sends this photo of a traffic crash on March 30, 2008.

Photos from March 30, 2008 traffic crash.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Lunar eclipse on Feb. 20, 2008

  • Greg Pacter writes, 'Sorry this is late. I thought you'd like it for the February 20 lunar eclipse gallery. I took this shot when the clouds were rolling in.'
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.

The total eclipse on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Randy Wayne White book signing

  • Naples author Randy Wayne White held a book signing at the Borders in North Naples for the release of his latest thriller, 'Black Widow.'
  • Naples author Randy Wayne White held a book signing at the Borders in North Naples for the release of his latest thriller, 'Black Widow.'
  • Naples author Randy Wayne White held a book signing at the Borders in North Naples for the release of his latest thriller, 'Black Widow.'
  • Naples author Randy Wayne White held a book signing at the Borders in North Naples for the release of his latest thriller, 'Black Widow.'
  • Naples author Randy Wayne White held a book signing at the Borders in North Naples for the release of his latest thriller, 'Black Widow.'

Naples author Randy Wayne White held a book signing at the Borders in North Naples for the release of his latest thriller, "Black Widow."



Full gallery »Your Photos: St. Patrick's Day Festivities

  • Thousands of attendees decked in green enjoyed a celebration of traditional Irish fare as 127 community organizations, businesses, school bands and groups marched in the Naples St. Patrick’s Day parade.
  • Thousands of attendees decked in green enjoyed a celebration of traditional Irish fare as 127 community organizations, businesses, school bands and groups marched in the Naples St. Patrick’s Day parade.
  • Thousands of attendees decked in green enjoyed a celebration of traditional Irish fare as 127 community organizations, businesses, school bands and groups marched in the Naples St. Patrick’s Day parade.
  • Thousands of attendees decked in green enjoyed a celebration of traditional Irish fare as 127 community organizations, businesses, school bands and groups marched in the Naples St. Patrick’s Day parade.
  • Thousands of attendees decked in green enjoyed a celebration of traditional Irish fare as 127 community organizations, businesses, school bands and groups marched in the Naples St. Patrick’s Day parade.
  • Thousands of attendees decked in green enjoyed a celebration of traditional Irish fare as 127 community organizations, businesses, school bands and groups marched in the Naples St. Patrick’s Day parade.


Full gallery »Your Photos: St. Elizabeth Seton Easter basket donations

  • The Saint Elizabeth Seton Student Council, with the cooperation of the entire student body, created 155 Easter baskets for their fellow students at the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee.
  • The Saint Elizabeth Seton Student Council, with the cooperation of the entire student body, created 155 Easter baskets for their fellow students at the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee.

The Saint Elizabeth Seton Student Council, with the cooperation of the entire student body, created 155 Easter baskets for their fellow students at the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee. As a gesture of good will, and in the spirit of the Easter season, the students at Saint Elizabeth Seton felt this was a fitting sign of friendship. Each class was asked to bring in various items such as candy, small toys and stuffed animals to put in the baskets. Several students and parents created the baskets Friday afternoon. On Monday, Desmond Barrett of the Guadalupe Family Center, picked up the baskets to be distributed by Easter.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Naples Bears Rugby Club

  • Naples Bears Rugby Club's played Saturday, March 14 against the NE Nomads (a Miami team). Naples came back from a 12-point deficit to win the game 18-15. Dana Pica prepares to receive a lateral as several Nomads prepare for the tackle. Derek Milner (far left) anticipates the ball coming very quickly from Pica.
  • Naples Bears Rugby Club's played Saturday, March 14 against the NE Nomads (a Miami team). Naples came back from a 12-point deficit to win the game 18-15. Max Tryfus (#11) tackles a Miami player.
  • Alex Tovar (on ground) makes the score 10- 12, with Miami ahead, near the end of first half.
  • Brandon Pearson (left) watches a teammate and 2 Nomads to for the ball after a kick.
  • Johnny Jaques watches Brandon Pearson try to outrun a NE Nomad defender. Naples Bears Rugby Club's played Saturday, March 14 against the NE Nomads (a Miami team). Naples came back from a 12-point deficit to win the game 18-15.
  • Dana Pica (#5) tries to pass the ball while being tackled. Naples Bears Rugby Club's played Saturday, March 14 against the NE Nomads (a Miami team). Naples came back from a 12-point deficit to win the game 18-15.

Naples Bears Rugby Club's played Saturday, March 14 against the NE Nomads (a Miami team). Naples came back from a 12-point deficit to win the game 18-15 securing home field advantage in their playoffs. The high school age Bears Rugby team is coached by Steve Young. The Naples Bears are in the black jerseys and the Miami NE Nomads are in red.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Zoo School at Busch Gardens

  • More than 60 students and six faculty members from Golden Gate Middle School attended Zoo School at Busch Gardens in Tampa on March 7, 2008.
  • More than 60 students and six faculty members from Golden Gate Middle School attended Zoo School at Busch Gardens in Tampa on March 7, 2008. Walked through Curiosity Caverns where they were able to see various species birds. (The pink flamingos were quite taken with our students!)
  • More than 60 students and six faculty members from Golden Gate Middle School attended Zoo School at Busch Gardens in Tampa on March 7, 2008.
  • More than 60 students and six faculty members from Golden Gate Middle School attended Zoo School at Busch Gardens in Tampa on March 7, 2008. The students were given a guided tour of the Serengeti via the Serengeti Express.
  • More than 60 students and six faculty members from Golden Gate Middle School attended Zoo School at Busch Gardens in Tampa on March 7, 2008. The students were given a guided tour of the Serengeti via the Serengeti Express.
  • More than 60 students and six faculty members from Golden Gate Middle School attended Zoo School at Busch Gardens in Tampa on March 7, 2008.

Last Friday (March 7th) 66 students and 6 faculty members attended Zoo School at Busch Gardens in Tampa. We left at 6:00 am and returned at 10:00 pm. The students were given a guided tour of the Serengeti via the Serengeti Express. Went to the Timbuktu Theater to see a Wildlife Theater Presentation. Walked through Curiosity Caverns where they were able to see various species birds. (The pink flamingos were quite taken with our students!) Taken on trucks to feed the giraffes. And finally, the students had a chance to walk through the Edge of Africa exhibition where they were able to see hyenas, young lions (we especially thought the young male lion was cute since he had a Mohawk since his full mane hadn't come in yet.) and a hippo swimming in his own private aquarium.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Swamp Buggy Races - March 1, 2008

  • Ron Monaldi snapped this photo at the Swamp Buggy races around 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2008. He writes 'I believe the buggy number was 777. Driver OK.'
  • Terry Walsh was uninjured after flipping his Bounty Hunter machine upside down in the sweeping right-hand turn around the Florida Sports Park track’s south island during a time-trial run during the Swamp Buggy Racing Spring Classic on Saturday, March 1, 2008.
  • Terry Walsh was uninjured after flipping his Bounty Hunter machine upside down in the sweeping right-hand turn around the Florida Sports Park track’s south island during a time-trial run during the Swamp Buggy Racing Spring Classic on Saturday, March 1, 2008.
  • Terry Walsh was uninjured after flipping his Bounty Hunter machine upside down in the sweeping right-hand turn around the Florida Sports Park track’s south island during a time-trial run during the Swamp Buggy Racing Spring Classic on Saturday, March 1, 2008.
  • Terry Walsh was uninjured after flipping his Bounty Hunter machine upside down in the sweeping right-hand turn around the Florida Sports Park track’s south island during a time-trial run during the Swamp Buggy Racing Spring Classic on Saturday, March 1, 2008.
  • Terry Walsh was uninjured after flipping his Bounty Hunter machine upside down in the sweeping right-hand turn around the Florida Sports Park track’s south island during a time-trial run during the Swamp Buggy Racing Spring Classic on Saturday, March 1, 2008.

Terry Walsh was uninjured after flipping his Bounty Hunter machine upside down in the sweeping right-hand turn around the Florida Sports Park track’s south island during a time-trial run during the Swamp Buggy Racing Spring Classic on Saturday, March 1, 2008.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Italian American Society Fund-raiser

  • The Italian American Society Charity Flea Market and Bake Sale was held Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the United Church Marco.
  • The Italian American Society Charity Flea Market and Bake Sale was held Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the United Church Marco. Pictured left to right) Tom Dawber, Elio Morgante, Lillian Morgante, Lou Guidarelli (chairperson) Peggy Vitale, Rosemary Guidarelli (chairperson).
  • The Italian American Society Charity Flea Market and Bake Sale was held Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the United Church Marco.
  • The Italian American Society Charity Flea Market and Bake Sale was held Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the United Church Marco.

The Italian American Society Charity Flea Market and Bake Sale was held Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the United Church Marco.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Collier high school student protest

  • Students at Palmetto Ridge High School held a protest Thursday morning in an effort to draw attention to the high school scheduling issue. Four Palmetto Ridge High School students were arrested this morning following a sit-in at the school.
  • Hundreds of Gulf Coast High School students unhappy about a possible change to the high school schedule staged a sit-in at the school’s courtyard about 9 a.m. today.
  • Hundreds of Gulf Coast High School students unhappy about a possible change to the high school schedule staged a sit-in at the school’s courtyard about 9 a.m. today.
  • Hundreds of Gulf Coast High School students unhappy about a possible change to the high school schedule staged a sit-in at the school’s courtyard about 9 a.m. today.
  • Hundreds of Gulf Coast High School students unhappy about a possible change to the high school schedule staged a sit-in at the school’s courtyard about 9 a.m. today.
  • Hundreds of Gulf Coast High School students unhappy about a possible change to the high school schedule staged a sit-in at the school’s courtyard about 9 a.m. today.

Hundreds of Collier County high school students unhappy about a possible change to the high school schedule staged protests and sit-in at Gulf Coast High, Naples, Lely and Palmetto Ridge high schools on February 20 and 21, 2008.



Full gallery »Your Photos: FGCU Zombie film shoot

  • The FGCU Film Makers Club shot a post-apocalyptic scene depicting a zombie invasion of campus for entry in George A. Romero’s “Diary of the Dead” Short Film Contest on Saturday night.
  • The FGCU Film Makers Club shot a post-apocalyptic scene depicting a zombie invasion of campus for entry in George A. Romero’s “Diary of the Dead” Short Film Contest on Saturday night.
  • The FGCU Film Makers Club shot a post-apocalyptic scene depicting a zombie invasion of campus for entry in George A. Romero’s “Diary of the Dead” Short Film Contest on Saturday night.
  • The FGCU Film Makers Club shot a post-apocalyptic scene depicting a zombie invasion of campus for entry in George A. Romero’s “Diary of the Dead” Short Film Contest on Saturday night.
  • The FGCU Film Makers Club shot a post-apocalyptic scene depicting a zombie invasion of campus for entry in George A. Romero’s “Diary of the Dead” Short Film Contest on Saturday night.

Featuring 30 ghastly zombies in various states of decomposition, the FGCU Film Makers Club shot a post-apocalyptic scene depicting a zombie invasion of campus for entry in George A. Romero’s “Diary of the Dead” Short Film Contest on Saturday night.




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