The Celebration of Lights weeklong event concluded Saturday night in the Third Street South shopping district of downtown Naples. The celebration began on Nov. 24 and lasted all week, presenting a dazzling display of lights, music and a rarity in Southwest Florida, snow.
From Enron to banks to Wall Street firms, there was public outrage as word got out about how executives lived when the companies went under. In Southwest Florida, Orion Bank was one of several banks that failed. So how well off were executives of banks that failed in Southwest Florida? The Daily News tracked their holdings through local appraiser and clerks’ offices, state incorporation papers, and other documents and sources.
One of the biggest shopping days of the year came and went. But for shoppers trying to stretch their dollars, the Christmas shopping continued Saturday — just without the crowds getting in their way. “I just didn’t want to be in that mob yesterday (Friday),” said East Naples resident Nancy Kerchenfaut, 62, while packing her car outside of the Naples Kmart on Saturday.
In Bonita Springs, a stagnant construction economy has placed large numbers of migrant and low-income Hispanics out of work. With few options, many are leaving the area. Hispanic businesses, landlords and even soccer leagues have suffered from the downturn and its exodus. Meanwhile, enrollment numbers for English language classes and requests for social aid have risen due to the economy.
It’s a situation echoed in homes across Bonita Springs, as parents weigh their financial well-being against the opportunities their children have in the United States. Adults who years ago would have returned to their home country or moved elsewhere now have reason to stay.
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