Dave Osborn
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Articles by Dave Osborn
Where Naples fans gather for NFL and college football: Exclusive
For many football fans, game day is more than about what's happening on the field. It's about watching alongside people who share the same loyalty, whether that's to an NFL team hundreds of miles away, or a college football powerhouse from their alma mater. Naples may be far from most stadiums, but local sports bars help bring fan bases together over classic game day dishes, cold beer, and a mutual interest in yelling at TV screens.
Where Naples fans gather for NFL and college football: Exclusive Original
Sept. 12, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET A nationwide directory called Game Day Bars helps football fans find local sports bars that support their favorite teams. The directory ranks bars using a "GameDayScore" based on public ratings, team affiliations, and other factors. Sonny's Pizzeria & Sports Bar is ranked as the top sports bar in Naples with a GameDayScore of 8.0. Several Naples-area bars have established affiliations with specific NFL and college football teams.
4 Collier County restaurants, 1 food truck perfect; 8 fail inspection
Sept. 8, 2026, 5:07 a.m. ET Several restaurants received high-priority violations for issues like improper food storage and temperature control. Violations ranged from live insects and dented cans to food held at unsafe temperatures. Here's the breakdown for recent health inspections in Collier County, Florida, for the week of Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2026. Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.
Witnessing an execution: What it's like seeing someone die: Exclusive
As a professional journalist for nearly 40 years, I haven't seen it all but I've witnessed a lot. Yet nothing truly prepares you to watch someone die before your eyes. Gov. Ron Desantis earlier this summer set the execution date as Sept. 1 for Harold Gene Lucas to die by lethal injection. It's important to witness these events because they are part of our society, especially in Florida where the number of executions has increased in recent years. Lucas was the 14th person executed in Florida in 2026.
Witnessing an execution: What it's like seeing someone die: Exclusive
Sept. 6, 2026, 5:00 a.m. ET As a professional journalist for nearly 40 years, I haven't seen it all but I've witnessed a lot. Yet nothing truly prepares you to watch someone die before your eyes. Gov. Ron Desantis earlier this summer set the execution date as Sept. 1 for Harold Gene Lucas to die by lethal injection. It's important to witness these events because they are part of our society, especially in Florida where the number of executions has increased in recent years.
Witnessing an execution: What it's like seeing someone die: Exclusive
Dave Osborn Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News Sept. 6, 2026, 5:00 a.m. ET As a professional journalist for nearly 40 years, I haven't seen it all but I've witnessed a lot. Yet nothing truly prepares you to watch someone die before your eyes. Gov. Ron Desantis earlier this summer set the execution date as Sept. 1 for Harold Gene Lucas to die by lethal injection.
Harold Gene Lucas executed, families feel 'sense of relief'
RAIFORD ― The somber faces reflected back from the execution chamber glass, minutes before they were to witness something many had waited to see for a half century. Then it was time, 6 p.m. Sept. 1, the brown screen rose and many of the 28 who traveled to Florida State Prison would watch Harold Gene Lucas take his last breath. The 74-year-old Lucas was guilty in the 1976 murder of Anthia Jill Piper, 16.
Family members of murder victim Jill Piper outside of Florida State Prison after the execution of Harold Gene Lucas.
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Photos of News-Press coverage in 1976 Bonita Springs, Florida murder
Dave Osborn Sept. 1, 2026, 11:08 p.m. ET The Aug. 15, 1976, page 1 story in The News-Press in Fort Myers, Florida, on the murder of Anthia Jill Piper and wounding of two others in Bonita Springs. Police said they were seeking Harold Eugene Lucas as the suspect. Provided By Newspapers.com The Aug. 15, 1976, page 1 story in The News-Press in Fort Myers, Florida, on the murder of Anthia Jill Piper and wounding of two others in Bonita Springs.
Photos of News-Press coverage in 1976 Bonita Springs, Florida murder
Follow Photos of News-Press coverage in 1976 Bonita Springs, Florida murder Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News Updated Tue, September 1, 2026 at 11:08 PM EDT Photos of News-Press coverage in 1976 Bonita Springs, Florida murder The Aug. 15, 1976, page 1 story in The News-Press in Fort Myers, Florida, on the murder of Anthia Jill Piper and wounding of two others in Bonita Springs. Police said they were seeking Harold Eugene Lucas as the suspect.
Recap: Florida executes Harold Gene Lucas for murder of teen ex-girlfriend
3:56 pm PT September 1, 2026Share this update Jill Piper's family members attend execution of Harold Gene Lucas Kim Luciani Among the witnesses in the observation room, a woman, believed to be Jill Piper’s mom, was in the front row. After the execution, her family led her out. No one cried or made a sound the entire time. All you could hear was the A/C humming at 67 degrees. But with so many people in the small room, it felt hotter.
Live updates: Florida set to execute man for murder of ex-girlfriend 50 years ago
Kim Luciani C. A. Bridges Dave Osborn USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida Updated Sept. 1, 2026, 3:01 p.m. ET Florida is set to execute Harold Gene Lucas, 74, by lethal injection today, Sep. 1, at Florida State Prison near Starke, for the 1976 murder of his ex-girlfriend, 16-year-old Anthia "Jill" Piper. Lucas, of Fort Myers, then 24, and Piper had dated for four years when Piper broke up with him after an argument.
Live updates: Florida executes Harold Gene Lucas for murder of teen ex-girlfriend
6:45 pm ET Who is scheduled to be executed next in Florida? C. A. Bridges As of Sept. 1, there are two more people scheduled for execution, both this month: Sept. 18: Daniel Owen Conahan, Jr., a.k.a the "Hog Trail Killer," convicted of the 1996 Charlotte County kidnapping and murder of Richard Alan Montgomery. Sept. 29: Curtis Wilkie Beasley, convicted of bludgeoning Carolyn Monfort, 62, to death with a claw hammer in 1995 at her Polk County home.
11 Lee County restaurants, 3 food trucks perfect; 18 fail inspection
Sept. 1, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Lee County restaurant inspections site.
September things to do in Naples, Bonita: Comedy, concerts Original
Aug. 31, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET Fall is on the horizon, and that means more events and things to do as Halloween nears. There's plenty to do in Southwest Florida in September, including concerts, plays, comedy, fall events and more. What else is happening? Check out our monthly calendar and feel free to email dosborn@usatodayco.com if you'd like to add an event. Just submit it in the format shown in these events.
Writing about the past: 'I've always been fascinated by history' Original
Aug. 30, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET Journalist Dave Osborn wrote about Theodore Roosevelt's 1917 visit to Sanibel and Captiva islands. The story is part of the America 250 series, highlighting local history's role in the nation's story. Osborn discovered his own ancestral connections to the American Revolution and to Roosevelt during his research. The reporting involved extensive archival research, including old newspapers and historical society photos.
'Perfect fit': Kenny Rogers praised Dolly Parton before Naples show
Kenny Rogers was about to perform in Naples nine years ago when he spoke mainly of his friendship with Dolly Parton. The legendary Parton died Aug. 25 at 80, while Rogers passed away at 81 in 2020. Rogers performed at Artis―Naples in late January 2017. In a 2017 interview with the Naples Daily News, Rogers recalled trying to record the 1983 song "Islands in the Stream." Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees offered Rogers the song.
Football is back! Sports bars to watch games in Naples, Fort Myers
A lot has changed in the football world since last year. Alabama is no longer that Alabama and Indiana has reached the summit of the college football world. Now it's time for what millions of fans have waited for: Football season is back. It's the time of year when it seems we can't get enough of NFL, college and high school games. And many of us grew up somewhere else, so it's nice to watch our home team in a bar or restaurant if they're not on TV locally.
Ex-Epstein top aide lives in posh $6M Naples home: Exclusive
Lesley Groff, who has not been charged with a crime, denies any knowledge of Epstein's illicit activities. Epstein victims have publicly disputed Groff's testimony, claiming she was not truthful with Congress. The News-Press and Naples Daily News are examining the Epstein files on the U.S. Department of Justice website for information relevant to Southwest Florida. We'll periodically report our findings.
Insects briefly close 3 Lee County restaurants; 10 perfect, 33 fail
Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Lee County restaurant inspections site.
Insects briefly close 3 Lee County restaurants; 10 perfect, 33 fail
Violations included live roaches, improper food temperatures, and unsanitized surfaces. Numerous other establishments were cited for high-priority violations and require follow-up inspections. Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you.
Where's the best pizza joints to try in Florida Original
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They come in all shapes and sizes and from just about everywhere. Of course we're talking about pizza, and it seems most cities in Florida have at least one super spot to try. It's the kind of place you brag about to friends and family and, when they're in town, you take them there. There's the New York traditional round pizza to the legendary Midwest tasty deep-dish Chicago pies and Detroit rectangular pan pizzas with the caramelized crust.
By Dave Osborn Verified, Amber Olesen, Helena Perray Verified, Kyla Sanford Verified, Tom Szaroleta Verified, Valeria Bartra, Kendall Little Verified, Wade Tatangelo Verified, Lucia Viti Verified, Robyn George, Brittany Misencik Verified, Julie Garisto
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Fort Myers News-Press
Verified
In photos: Best pizza joints to check out in Florida
Follow In photos: Best pizza joints to check out in Florida Dave Osborn, Fort Myers News-Press Updated Fri, August 14, 2026 at 10:18 AM EDT In photos: Best pizza joints to check out in Florida Savor this cross-country tour from our USA TODAY-Florida Network food journalists, who share their favorite pizza palaces from across the Sunshine State, starting with The Spicy Piggy pizza from Giuseppe's Steel City Pizza in Port Orange. Read more.
In photos: Best pizza joints to check out in Florida Original
Dave Osborn Updated Aug. 14, 2026, 10:23 a.m. ET Savor this cross-country tour from our USA TODAY-Florida Network food journalists, who share their favorite pizza palaces from across the Sunshine State, starting with The Spicy Piggy pizza from Giuseppe's Steel City Pizza in Port Orange. Read more. FM Pizza Oven serves authentic wood-wood fired pizza, in the heart of Eau Gallie.
Football is back! Sports bars to watch games in Naples, Fort Myers Original
Aug. 14, 2026, 5:00 a.m. ET A lot has changed in the football world since last year. Alabama is no longer that Alabama and Indiana has reached the summit of the college football world. Now it's time for what millions of fans have waited for: Football season is back. It's the time of year when it seems we can't get enough of NFL, college and high school games. And many of us grew up somewhere else, so it's nice to watch our home team in a bar or restaurant if they're not on TV locally.
Beachfront Captiva restaurant's suit has trial date: Exclusive
Aug. 12, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET The iconic Mucky Duck restaurant on Captiva Island that sued for the right to see Gulf sunsets is headed for trial in summer 2027. The final pretrial conference is set for 9:30 a.m. June 25, 2027, in U.S. District Court in Fort Myers. And a jury trial set for the term beginning July 6, 2027, said a court record dated Aug. 10. The beachfront restaurant alleges in a civil suit that the Captiva Erosion Prevention District illegally built a 12-foot artificial dune barrier.
5 things to know about Sanibel author's suit over Doc Ford brand
A best-selling Florida author who sued a restaurant management company may have his day in court this year. Randy Wayne White's trial that was to begin Aug. 18 has been postponed as he recovers from injuries suffered in a fall, court records said. In early July 2025, he sued HM Restaurant Group LLC, claiming it was "repeatedly browbeating" him about reducing his royalties tied to the Doc Ford (brand. Ford is a main character in many of White novels set on Sanibel and Captiva islands.
5 things to know about Sanibel author's suit over Doc Ford brand
Aug. 11, 2026, 12:10 p.m. ET A best-selling Florida author who sued a restaurant management company may have his day in court this year. Randy Wayne White's trial that was to begin Aug. 18 has been postponed as he recovers from injuries suffered in a fall, court records said. In early July 2025, he sued HM Restaurant Group LLC, claiming it was "repeatedly browbeating" him about reducing his royalties tied to the Doc Ford (brand.
Naples fest named No. 1 again by USA Today 10BEST
Aug. 8, 2026, 5:07 a.m. ET Make that two years in a row. The Naples Winter Wine Fest has been named No. 1 in the USA Today 10BEST for the second year in a row. The annual fest also was named top dog in 2025. "We are delighted to once again be recognized as the best wine festival in the United States," said Lisa Juliano, senior vice president, Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event Production, in a news release.
This singer rocked an FC Naples soccer shirt at concert
Naples has shown its love for Darius Rucker at his concerts in town over the last decade. And now he's shown his love for the city right back. The award-winning musician rocked an FC Naples soccer T-shirt during a recent concert in Kansas City. Rucker wore it when he performed at the Starlight Theatre on July 31 for his Songs of Summer 2026 Tour. FC Naples is in the USL League One professional soccer club that plays home games at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
Sanibel author's suit over Doc Ford brand heads to trial
Aug. 4, 2026, 5:07 a.m. ET A Florida best-selling author's dispute against restaurant management company heads to trial in mid-August. Randy Wayne White in July 2025 sued HM Restaurant Group LLC, claiming it was "repeatedly browbeating" him about reducing his royalties tied to the Doc Ford brand, a main character in many of his books. A jury trial is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 18 in Lee County Circuit Court. The restaurant company has denied the allegations.
4 Collier County restaurants perfect; 12 fail inspection
Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Collier County restaurant inspections list.
Soap star arrested in Naples on third DUI has new court date Original
Aug. 1, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET A court hearing for a former TV soap star charged with DUI has been moved. Colleen Zenk's pretrial hearing in Collier County Circuit Court originally was July 29 and it's now Sept. 9. Zenk waived her right to a speedy trial and has pleaded not guilty. She was not in court July 29 and court records did not indicate what the hearing was postponed.
August things to do in Naples, from concerts to comedians
July 29, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET Summer is winding down and there's plenty to do in Southwest Florida in August including concerts, plays, comedy and more. What else is happening? Check out our monthly calendar and feel free to email dosborn@usatodayco.com if you'd like to add an event. Just submit it in the format shown in these events. GENERAL EVENTS Mahjong Monday: Acqua Bistecca Estero Bay will host Mahjong Monday, on from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, in partnership with SWFL Mahjong.
Rodent activity briefly closes iconic Naples restaurant; 4 perfect
Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Collier County restaurant inspections site.
Artis―Naples reveals new season, what to see in 2026-27
Some longtime favorites and a few new performers will grace the Artis―Naples stage for its new season. The theater venue has announced its full 2026-27 season, which is packed with a little something for everyone. The full-season release includes some programming announced in April along with new shows revealed for the first time.
Artis―Naples reveals new season, what to see in 2026-27
Some longtime favorites and a few new performers will grace the Artis―Naples stage for its new season. The theater venue has announced its full 2026-27 season, which is packed with a little something for everyone. The full-season release includes some programming announced in April along with new shows revealed for the first time. The 2026-27 season marks the organization’s third year under the artistic leadership of Sharon and Timothy Ubben Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley. .
What to do this weekend in Naples includes last chance to see musical
Here's three events to check out in Naples between July 24-26 to help plan your week. What else is going on? Check out our events calendar, where you'll find plenty of things to do, including concerts, karaoke and more.
2 Collier County restaurants perfect; 6 fail inspection
Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Collier County restaurant inspections site.
Actors from Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Marco Island, Florida
July 19, 2026, 9:58 p.m. ET Other notable actors from the area include Dominic Fike of "Euphoria" and Orli Gottesman from "Yellowstone." The list also includes past stars like "Saturday Night Live" cast member Jan Hooks and "Step by Step" actress Angela Watson. The recent Emmy nomination for Tal Anderson shined a light on Southwest Florida, which over the years has been home to movie and television stars.
Naples native to sing July 21 on 'America's Got Talent: How to watch Original
July 17, 2026, 5:11 a.m. ET A Naples native with talent will perform before millions. Sarah Hardwig auditioned and earned the right to sing on "America's Got Talent." The show airs at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, on NBC, and streams July 22 on Peacock. Hardwig announced July 16 on her Instagram that she would be on the popular talent show competition that airs every summer. "Y'all, I auditioned for AGT and my audition is going to be airing next week!" Hardwig said in a video.
'The Pitt' to 'Euphoria': Actors from Naples, Fort Myers: Exclusive Original
July 16, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET Other notable actors from the area include Dominic Fike of "Euphoria" and Orli Gottesman from "Yellowstone." The list also includes past stars like "Saturday Night Live" cast member Jan Hooks and "Step by Step" actress Angela Watson. The recent Emmy nomination for Tal Anderson shined a light on Southwest Florida, which over the years has been home to movie and television stars.
Photos of TV, movie stars from Naples, Fort Myers, Cape, Marco
Photos of TV, movie stars from Naples, Fort Myers, Cape, Marco Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News Updated Thu, July 16, 2026 at 9:03 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Photos of TV, movie stars from Naples, Fort Myers, Cape, Marco Leighton Meester, who grew up on Marco Island, Florida, at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California on Jan. 5, 2025.
Photos of TV, movie stars from Naples, Fort Myers, Cape, Marco
Dave Osborn July 16, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET Leighton Meester, who grew up on Marco Island, Florida, at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California on Jan. 5, 2025. (Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY) Dan MacMedan, Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY Dominic Fike, a native of Naples, Florida, performs at Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee in 2024.
What to do this weekend in Naples, Bonita includes Disney musical
July 14, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET Here's three events to check out in Naples between July 17-19 to help plan your week. What else is going on? Check out our events calendar, where you'll find plenty of things to do, including concerts, karaoke and more. And if there's an event you'd like to see featured in our weekly list of top events, please email it to dosborn@usatodayco.com. Write something short in the format you see in this week's Top 3 and, if possible, please send a photo as well.
6 Collier County restaurants perfect; 1 closed; 4 fail inspection
Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Collier County restaurant inspections site.
Rolling Stones new song has lyric about Naples. What it means
Mick Jagger mentions Naples in the song "Never Wanna Lose You" from the new Rolling Stones album "Foreign Tongues." Jagger's previous home ownership in nearby Lakewood Ranch suggests the reference is to Naples, Florida, not Italy. This is the second known Southwest Florida connection for the band, who shot their "Black and Blue" album cover on Sanibel in 1976. The Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger sings of this Southwest Florida city but maybe not in the way many would think.
Rolling Stones new song has lyric about Naples. What it means
The Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger sings of this Southwest Florida city but maybe not in the way many would think. Naples ― with its tony downtown Fifth Avenue South restaurants and exotic, six-figure cars roaring up and down the popular street ― receives a mention in the song "Never Wanna Lose You" on the Stones' new album "Foreign Tongues" that dropped July 10.
Enjoying sunsets a right? Captiva restaurant says yes: Exclusive
July 10, 2026, 3:52 p.m. ET The Mucky Duck restaurant claims the dune violates its civil rights under the US Constitution. The restaurant is seeking over $100,000 in damages for the blocked view of the Gulf. The Captiva Erosion Prevention District argues the restaurant does not have legal rights to an unobstructed view.
Enjoying sunsets a right? Captiva restaurant says yes: Exclusive
A legal dispute between government entities and a Captiva Island restaurant boils down to a simple fact: Do people have a US constitutional right to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf's sunsets? Mucky Duck in late 2025 sued the Captiva Erosion Prevention District Board of Commissioners and Captiva Erosion District in Lee County Circuit Court. The waterfront restaurant claims the Southwest Florida public agencies illegally installed a 12-foot dune barrier blocking the Gulf.
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