Best Reader-Submitted Photos

Smiling grandson Submitted by Linda Story


Linda Story’s grandson Brent Hall, 6 months, was visiting his Oma and Opa and flashed this beautiful smile whenever folks asked him to show off his new tooth.

Dogs in costume Submitted by Monica Polacek


Muki, a 5-year-old Boxer, and Bella, a 2-year-old Boxer/Lab mix, “love to get dressed up for the holidays” writes owner Monica Polacek.

Sunset silhouette Submitted by Amber Newberry


Amber Newberrry writes, "Having the beach in my backyard creates many opportunities like this. I love to take my kids to the beach to watch the sunset. This was taken at Via Mira Mar on Gulfshore Boulevard." This photo was taken on November 3, 2007 at 5:53 p.m. - just at sunset.

Cool splash on July 4 Submitted by Cliff Phillips


Annie Phillips enjoys a cool splash on a hot Fourth of July at the parade Wednesday.

Lightning storm Submitted by Gene M. Koetting


Gene M. Koetting took this shot of lightning looking south over Roberts Bay during a summer storm on July 20, 2007.

Frog on leaf Submitted by Pete Zepeda Jr.


A frog sits on a leaf underneath a lamppost on Blue Point Avenue in Naples during the fall of last year. “I just got the camera in June or July,” said Zepeda, 41. “It was one of the first pictures I took.” While trying out a new macro lens with his Canon XTI, Zepeda said he saw the frog underneath a lamppost and then took the picture. “It came out good,” Zepeda said.
Photography is a recent interest of Zepeda, who is a recreation coordinator for the city of Naples at the Norris Center. He mainly enjoys taking pictures of animals, wildlife and flowers. Zepeda credits his interest in photography in part to his cousin, who often takes photographs of Big Cypress National Preserve.
In the future he hopes to take a class to expand his knowledge of photography, but in the meantime, he finds he learns best by just spending time with the camera. “It’s better to play around with it, I think.”

Marco Island rainbow Submitted by Cathy Clendenin


While staying at the Sunset Cove on Marco Island, the Normans woke up to this beautiful rainbow in the sky.

Marco Island sunset Submitted by Chris & Angie Herring


This is why Chris and Angie Herring moved to Marco Island. Who doesn't love a sunset like this?

SuperDog to the rescue Submitted by Carol B. Castillo


“Our purebred Heinz 57 mutt, Mia, really ‘enjoyed’ her Halloween costume at our party on Saturday night!” reader Carol B. Castillo writes. “Super Dog to the rescue!”

Pelican Bay skyline at night Submitted by Daniel Diekneite


Daniel Diekneite snapped this photo of the Pelican Bay skyline at night as seen from Bay Pointe. Naples never looked so big-city glamorous.

Circus acrobats Submitted by Beth Brenner


The Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars featured an international cast of daredevils, aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, clowns and animal performers.

Cooling off at the beach Submitted by Melody Klein


Danielle Klein was chilling out under her towel during one last hurrah at Wiggins Pass beach before school starts when the wind caught it and blew it up over her head.

Waterspout over beach Submitted by Wes Davis


Amateur photographer Wes Davis of Fort Myers Beach snapped this photo of a waterspout during an evening storm in late June.

Youth surfing at Naples Pier Submitted by Tom Brooks


This image of a young man boarding in the surf was shot Saturday, November 3, 2007 from the Naples Pier. Tom Brooks writes “To me it clearly shows one of the best things of Naples in good weather.”

Little Blue Heron walking on beach Submitted by Sara Burg


A Little Blue Heron goes for a walk near Clam Pass on Labor Day.The image was captured by Sara Burg of Philadelphia, who was on an early morning walk with her dad, Michael. Both were in Naples visiting Stod and Gloria Burg, residents of The Meridian.

Kissing fish on July 4, 2007 Submitted by Nancy Nash


James and Nancy Nash get festive and fishy for the Fourth of July, spent on Residents Beach on Marco Island!

Smoke from wildfires obscures sun Submitted by Nancy Nash


During 5 o'clock traffic Monday evening, the smoke from the wildfire slithered around the sun like a snake in the sky.

Cattle egret waits for handouts at McDonalds Submitted by Mike Housewert


Henry, as this cattle egret is called, occasionally hangs out on the railing of the local McDonald's. As people go through the drive-thru, Henry hang out on the railing waiting for a free hand out.

Fireworks display Submitted by Cliff Phillips


Awesome fireworks display.

Father & Daughter at beach Submitted by Jordan Scardigno


Jordan and Aviles Scardigno share a father/daughter memory at Bonita Beach. Aviles is 18 months old and loves to visit the beach with her daddy.