by Paula Ramm | Jul 2, 2026 | Estero, Featured, Naples
If you're one of the many seasonal residents who spend winters enjoying the sunshine in Southwest Florida and summers up north, you're not alone. Every spring, thousands of snowbirds close up their homes in Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, and surrounding communities before heading back north.
But Florida's summer heat, humidity, tropical storms, and heavy rains can quickly turn a small issue into a costly disaster when no one is around to catch it.
The good news? With a little preparation—and a trusted home watch company—you can leave with confidence and return to the same beautiful home you left behind.
Your Southwest Florida Summer Home Checklist
1. Never Turn Off Your Air Conditioner
This is the number one piece of advice longtime Florida residents agree on.
Florida humidity can cause mold and mildew in a matter of days if your home isn't properly climate controlled.
Instead:
- Set your thermostat between 76° and 79°F
- Replace your HVAC filter before leaving
- Consider installing a smart thermostat so you can monitor your home's temperature remotely
- Have your A/C serviced before hurricane season begins
Your air conditioner isn't just cooling your home—it's removing moisture from the air.
2. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
Water leaks are one of the biggest causes of damage in vacant homes.
Before leaving:
- Turn off the main water supply
- Shut off your water heater (at the breaker if electric)
- Turn off the ice maker
- Consider shutting off breakers to unnecessary appliances
A tiny leak under a sink can become thousands of dollars in repairs if it goes unnoticed for weeks.
3. Reduce Moisture Throughout the House
Even with the A/C running, extra moisture protection is smart.
Many seasonal homeowners:
- Place moisture absorbers such as DampRid in closets and bathrooms
- Leave closet doors and cabinet doors slightly open for airflow
- Leave dresser drawers cracked open
- Pour vinegar into the A/C condensate drain line to help discourage algae buildup
Good air circulation helps prevent musty odors and mildew.
4. Protect Your Plumbing
Standing water can evaporate over several months.
Helpful tips include:
- Add a small amount of bleach to toilet bowls
- Cover toilet bowls with plastic wrap to slow evaporation
- Close sink and shower drains
- Some homeowners also pour a small amount of mineral or cooking oil into infrequently used drains to reduce evaporation
5. Empty Perishable Foods
Before leaving:
- Remove food that could spoil
- Turn off the ice maker
- Leave an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator
- If leaving the refrigerator running, keep several jugs of water inside to help maintain temperature
Some homeowners also freeze a cup of water and place a coin on top of the ice. If the coin has sunk when you return, you'll know the freezer lost power long enough for the contents to thaw.
6. Prepare for Hurricane Season
If you're leaving between May and November:
- Bring patio furniture inside
- Secure outdoor décor
- Close hurricane shutters if appropriate
- Trim landscaping
- Remove loose items that could become projectiles during storms
7. Unplug Electronics
Reduce the risk of electrical damage by unplugging:
- TVs
- Small kitchen appliances
- Lamps
- Computers
- Chargers
Leave only essential systems powered.
8. Forward Your Mail
Don't let newspapers or overflowing mail advertise that your home is vacant.
- Forward your mail
- Pause newspaper delivery
- Notify your HOA how to reach you in an emergency
9. Install Smart Home Monitoring
Technology makes long-distance homeownership much easier.
Consider adding:
- Smart thermostat
- Doorbell camera
- Interior cameras
- Water leak sensors
- Smart smoke detectors
These devices provide alerts—but they can't fix problems.
The Most Important Step: Have Someone Check Your Home Regularly
Technology is helpful, but nothing replaces a trained set of eyes.
Air conditioners fail.
Water heaters leak.
Storm damage happens.
Pests find a way inside.
Power outages occur.
A professional home watch visit catches these issues early—before they become major repairs.
Many experienced Southwest Florida homeowners recommend having someone physically inspect the property every one to two weeks during the summer.
What Does a Professional Home Watch Company Do?
A professional home watch service doesn't simply drive by your house.
They perform visual inspections that may include:
- Checking for water leaks
- Monitoring A/C operation and humidity
- Looking for signs of mold or mildew
- Inspecting windows and doors
- Checking appliances
- Flushing toilets and running faucets
- Looking for pest activity
- Inspecting after storms
- Bringing in packages or mail if requested
- Providing detailed reports with photos
The goal is simple:
Catch small problems before they become expensive ones.
Why Southwest Florida Homeowners Trust Blue Water Home Watch Services
At Blue Water Home Watch Services, we understand that your Florida home is more than just a house—it's your investment, your getaway, and often the place where your family makes lifelong memories.
Whether your home is in Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, or nearby communities, we provide dependable home watch services designed to give you complete peace of mind while you're away.
Our professional inspections help identify problems early so you can avoid costly surprises when you return.
We also offer concierge services including:
- Storm preparation checks
- Post-storm inspections
- Plant care (watering, pruning, orchid mounting)
- Moving lanai furniture
- Contractor access
- Art and decor hanging
- Shipping forgotten items
- And more
When you head north for the summer, you shouldn't have to worry about what's happening back home.
We'll care for your home as if it were our own.
Ready to Leave with Confidence?
If you're preparing to head north for the summer, now is the perfect time to schedule your home watch service.
Contact Blue Water Home Watch Services today to learn how we can help protect your Southwest Florida home while you're away.
Safe travels—and we'll keep an eye on things until you return.
by Paula Ramm | Nov 23, 2024 | Naples
One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season in Naples is to go to the Night Lights in the Garden at the Naples Botanical Gardens, also known as the Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden.
Everything is lit up with thousands of colorful Christmas lights and vivid colors that make you feel like you are in a winter wonderland, even though you are in the tropics!
Believe me, this is like no Christmas lights display you’ve seen in the north, since the beautiful lights are adorning hundreds of tropical species of trees and plants that give this SW Florida lights display a truly other-worldly look.
They best way for you to know if this is a Naples Christmas outing you’d like to add to your calendar this year is for me to show you in pictures!
Did you love these photos or what? Definitely consider putting the Naples Botanical Garden Night Lights on your Christmas activities calendar this year…you’ll be so glad you did!
Naples Botanical Garden Night Lights FAQ
What dates are the Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden?
The dates of the Naples Botanical Garden Night Lights for the 2024 holiday season are November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
How much does it cost to go to Naples Botanical Gardens?
Regular Garden admission is $34-$40 per adult, $18-$20 per child ages 4 – 17, depending on date. Children 3 and under are free.
How long does it take to go through Naples Botanical Gardens?
It takes 1- 2 hours for a leisurely tour of the Botanical Gardens.
What is the schedule of events for Johnsonville Night Lights?
Click HERE to see the Night Lights Schedule of activities and events.
Where can I get more information about the Naples Night Lights in the Garden?
Click HERE for more information about the Naples Botanical Garden Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden.
How big is Naples Botanical Gardens?
Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre, world-class garden paradise that features plants from around the world.
When did Naples Botanical Gardens open?
Naples Botanical Garden was founded in 1993.
Are dogs allowed at Naples Botanical Gardens?
Dogs are allowed during Dog Walk Hours, which are Sundays and Tuesdays 8am – 11am.
Dog are not allowed to the Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden, however, with the exception of service dogs.
Where is Naples Botanical Gardens located?
4820 Bayshore Drive
Naples, FL 34112
239.643.7275
https://www.naplesgarden.org/
by Keith Ramm | Feb 20, 2023 | Naples, Things to Do
Editor’s Note:
The Naples Train Museum is a true hidden gem in the heart of Naples! We’ve lived in Naples since 2014, but only recently visited for the first time with two of our grandchildren. We had a blast! The kids were mesmerized as they immersed themselves in the massive hands-on and interactive train displays.
My favorite part was getting to take a ride on the miniature outdoor steam train.
We had no idea what we had been missing!
A world-class collection of model trains
The Naples Train Museum hosts a world class collection of model trains including some rare models as well as operating a large layout running 10 trains.
Over 30 buttons surrounding the display table operate everything from sawing logs, loading coal, setting hot air balloons in flight to watching the fire station answer a call.
You can even see yourself on the Drive-In Movie screen.
History of the Naples Train Museum
The Naples Depot building was constructed by the Seaboard Air Line Railroad and opened in 1927.
The museum was founded in 2000 because of a gift from the William von Liebig Foundation.
Visiting the Naples Train Museum
The Naples Train Museum is located at the historic Naples Depot at 401 10th St South.
It is open to visitors on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM from mid-October to the end of April.
Hands-on and Interactive
The community and countryside include popular Naples landmarks and takes you back into the glory days of railroading.
A push of the buttons puts the scenes into action. Dimming the lights provides a night view of well-lit passenger trains, buildings, and streets.
The entire visit is interactive and young visitors are amazed and the older ones are lost in memories.
Take a train ride
Then there is the train ride outside around the Depot adjacent to US41 and 10th St.
The 7 ½ inch gauge railroad features open air passenger cars pulled by either a Live Steam Locomotive, like the original Orange Blossom Special, complete with a steam whistle, or a period correct Diesel Locomotive.
Bringing up the end of the train is a WW2 era Atlantic Coast Line Red Caboose.
At the end of the run, the young and young at heart are invited up to either blow the whistle or sound the horn.
Although the train is a much smaller scale, a little imagination makes the train ride exciting for adults and children.
How much does the Naples Train Museum cost?
Tickets include unlimited train rides and the interactive train museum.
The ticket is $8 for adults and $4 for children 3 to 13, first responders, and veterans, military and medical.
Children under 3 are admitted free.
The Naples Train Museum is Looking for Volunteers
The museum is operated by a staff of volunteers that are rewarded by Smiles and Laughter.
All the Trains, Buildings and Displays require constant maintenance. Many of the needed parts are no longer available and the volunteers have often gotten parts custom manufactured.
The museum is always looking for volunteers to carry on the wonderful future for this unique community resource for many generations to come.
Interested in trains, interacting with children, making friends, learning new skills?
Got 4 hours on a Friday or Saturday?
The Naples Train Museum has a spot for you.
How was the Naples Train Museum impacted by Hurricane Ian?
Hurricane Ian destroyed a good part of the outdoor Railroad.
The Engine House was filled with 26 inches of seawater and covered all our equipment. It delayed our Autumn Opening Day.
It took the volunteers nearly 800 hours to rebuild all of it.
Our Diesel Locomotives required many new parts, including a new motor, complete rewiring, and restoration.
The Steam Locomotive had its boiler, flues, tender flushed of saltwater.
All the equipment was desalinated, cleaned and some cars were even repainted.
The tracks have been repaired.
The Trains are running.
We’re back and better than ever!
All of this became an unexpected financial drain.
If you’d like to support the Naples Train Museum
Donations and Fundraising are critical to the success of the museum. Donors play an essential role in keeping the Train Museum open, running, maintaining, and improving. The museum is also seeking support to help us recover from Hurricane Ian.
You can support the museum through our Buy-A Brick program. Our donor website allows you to design and purchase a custom-made brick for our Outside Train Boarding Area. You can add one of the many clipart images to the brick which you can choose on the website at http://www.naplestrainmuseum.org/
Simply click on the “Buy a Brick” icon. The cost is $65.00 for a 4”x8″ concrete brick without clipart and $75.00 with clipart.
Cash donations are always welcome.
For more information on the Naples Train Museum
To learn more about our museum, email us at Naplestrainmuseum@comcast.net or go to naplestrainmuseum.org.
by Paula Ramm | Feb 2, 2023 | Naples, Things to Do
I had heard rumors floating around for a while about a possible new park and playground in Naples for those of us who live waaay out in the Estates, but it seemed too good to be true.
There really wasn’t anything for kids like that out in Golden Gate Estates, so if you had kids or grandkids, you had to drive into town or just hang out and play in your big ‘ol rural estates yard.
But what was once a dream is now reality! We now have our very own neighborhood park that is not only close by, but AWESOME!
I mean, it is HUGE! As in the largest park in all of Collier County!
But not only huge, but it has a big castle that is simply too cool for words!
The huge impressive castle, along with all of the other playground features, is hand-built! Inside the castle are multiple levels with lots of fun staircases with twists and turns that are fun for chasing, hide-and-seek, or make-believe.
At each level of the castle, there are different types of slides. The spiral one that descended several floors was my grandkids’ favorite. I’m not sure if they liked going down or up better!
Along with the massive castle, the Big Corkscrew Island playground features all sorts of fun slides, cable bridges, zip lines, monkey bars, climbing stations, ramps, and therapeutic, tire and strap swings. There is also a separate play area for toddlers.
There are even solar-powered charging stations and lots of shade, which is a must-have here in SW Florida!
The nautical theme is super-fun! And so many areas to play and hide.
What kid can resist a dinosaur fossil dig? The “Dino Dig” is fun shaded sand play area with lots of hidden dinosaur bones to unearth like a real archaeologist!
Big Corkscrew Regional Park Aquatic Complex
Another awesome feature of Big Corkscrew Regional Park is their fun Aquatic Complex opening soon!
It has a 25-yard by 25-meter heated pool, a children’s activity pool, a wading pool, a 177-foot open slide, a 122-foot closed slide, one 1-meter springboards and one 3-meter springboard.
Even better? The price. You can spend a day at this waterpark for just a dollar or two! You can’t beat that. You can get an even better deal with seasonal or annual passes.
Pool Entrance Fees
| Under 3 |
Free |
| Youth 3-17 |
$1.50 |
| Adults 18 + |
$2.00 |
| Seniors 60+ |
$1.50 |
| Veterans |
$1.00 |
What Amenities does Big Corkscrew Regional Park have?
Phase I
Community Center
Aquatic Complex
Event Lawn With Stage
4 Multipurpose Athletic Fields
2 Concession Pavilions
Playground
2 Basketball Courts
2 Tennis Courts
6 Pickleball Courts
National Fitness Campaign Court
Walking Paths
Phase II
4 Baseball Fields
Concession Pavilion
Fitness Center/Gymnasium
Kayak/Canoe Launch
Walking Paths
Is Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park Open?
The castle playground and several other amenities in phase 1 opened on December 16, 2022. More amenities are in the works, with the Grand Opening of Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park being planned for May, 2023.
How big is Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park?
Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park in Naples is 150 acres.
Where is Big Corkscrew Regional Park Located?
Big Corkscrew Regional Park by the located near the Collier County Fairgrounds at
810 39th Avenue, N.E.
Naples, FL 34120
What Hours is Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park Open?
- Park Hours: Mon-Sun 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Playground area closes at sunset
How do I get more info?
For more info on the awesome new Collier County park, check out their website HERE or call them at (239) 252-4900.
Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park Review
If you live in or near Golden Gate Estates, then I highly recommend that you visit the Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park. The playground and other activities are awesome for kids, and the community center, Aquatics complex, sports fields and other amenities are great for teens and adults.
There truly is something for everyone!
by Paula Ramm | Nov 24, 2022 | Hurricane Ian, Naples
Slowly but surely the beautiful beaches of Naples, Florida are opening up after Hurricane Ian! Of course, caution should still be used, but here is a list of the open beaches in Naples and Collier County!
ENJOY!
Naples, Marco Island, & Collier County Beaches Open after Ian
March 25, 2023 UPDATE:
ALL Naples, Marco Island, & Collier County Beaches are open, with the exception of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
May 15, 2023 UPDATE:
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is NOW OPEN!!!
1. Bluebill Ave. Access of North Vanderbilt Beach, Naples
To see photos and videos of the current status of North Vanderbilt Beach after Ian, see my post How is Vanderbilt Beach North Naples on Gulf Shore Drive after Hurricane Ian?
2. South Marco Beach, Marco Island
To see how Marco Island fared after Hurricane Ian, check out my post Hurricane Ian Damage in Marco Island, Florida (Photos One Week Later)
3. Tigertail Beach, Marco Island
Normally, the way we get to beautiful Tigertail Beach is by crossing the lagoon in up-to chest-high water, which I do not recommend at this time! Take the long way there for now!
4. North Gulf Shore Vanderbilt Beach Access #2
5. North Gulf Shore Vanderbilt Beach Access #4
6. North Gulf Shore Vanderbilt Beach Access #6
7. 1977 Gulf Shore Blvd. N.
8. Central Avenue
9. Naples Pier
10. 13th Avenue South
11. 17th Avenue South
Naples & Collier County Beaches Open after Ian as of December 23, 2022
As of Friday, December 23, 2022, these two Naples beaches will be open to the public as well!
12. Vanderbilt Beach Main Access
Vanderbilt Beach main access at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Rd (100 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples) is open as of December 23, 2022! This includes the Vanderbilt Beach parking garage.
To see the storm surge on Vanderbilt Beach during and after the hurricane (with photos and video), see my post Vanderbilt Beach Naples Storm Surge from Hurricane Ian (During and After)
13. Clam Pass Beach Park
Clam Pass Park at 465 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103, is open as of December 23, 2022. The parking lot is also open.
Naples & Collier County Beaches Open after Ian as of February 11, 2023
14. Lowdermilk Beach Park
257 Banyan Blvd.
Naples, FL 34102
Naples & Collier County Beaches Open after Ian as of March 25, 2023
15. Barefoot Beach Preserve Beach Access
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Enjoy, but again, still use caution, as there is still the possibility of glass, metal, wood and plastic in the water and sand that can be difficult or impossible to see.
Naples & Collier County Beaches Open after Ian as of May 15, 2023
16. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
11135 Gulf Shore Dr, Naples, FL 34108
Beaches in Naples and Collier County that are still closed after Ian
May 15, 2023 UPDATE:
ALL Naples and Collier County beaches are now open!
1. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Beach
May 15, 2023 UPDATE:
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is NOW OPEN!!!
Delnor-Wiggins is still undergoing major rebuilding and renovation after Hurricane Ian. You can see their progress on my post How is Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Naples after Hurricane Ian?
You can read more at NBC-2 News HERE.
For more information about the post-Ian status of any beach in Collier County, contact the Collier County Parks & Recreation Division at (239) 252-4000.
SW Florida Hurricane Relief
Naples is special in our hearts as well as many others, who are heartbroken over the devastation that Hurricane Ian brought SW Florida.
We wanted a way to help those in our own beautiful hometown who were impacted by Hurricane Ian, to rebuild and come back stronger and more beautiful than ever, so that families can continue to create wonderful lifelong memories here in this little slice of paradise.
$5 of every shirt purchased will go towards SW Florida relief efforts at: Destiny United Relief and Meals of Hope. These are both reputable organizations that we personally know, have worked with, and highly recommend. Thank you! 💗
