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Decorated combat veteran and FOX News contributor Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Johnny “Joey” Jones to speak at Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida’s signature fundraising event at the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples on March 20

Published

8 months ago

August 31, 2025

Decorated combat veteran and FOX News contributor Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Johnny “Joey” Jones to speak at Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida’s signature fundraising event at the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples on March 20

Johnny “Joey” Jones. PROVIDED

The “http://PASWFL.org” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida will present its premier annual fundraising event, “A Step Forward: Overcoming Obstacles”, taking place on Friday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples.

Guests will be treated to an unforgettable experience as Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Johnny “Joey” Jones, a decorated combat veteran, best-selling author, and FOX News contributor, takes the stage. A double amputee who lost both legs in Afghanistan, Jones has transformed unimaginable hardship into a life of purpose and service. With courage, humor, and heart, he will share how overcoming life-altering injury led him to become a powerful national voice for veterans, resilience, and community strength.

The event includes a gourmet three-course lunch, an exclusive opportunity to hear from PASWFL members living with Parkinson’s, and a celebration of courage in the face of challenge.

All proceeds from the event benefit PASWFL’s mission to help individuals and families touched by Parkinson’s Disease live well in Southwest Florida. Funds raised support free local programs, education and support for hundreds of participants each week.

“We’re honored to have Joey Jones share his inspiring story at our signature fundraising event this year,” said Mary C. Schoeffel, CFRE, executive director of the PASWFL. “While the search for treatments and a cure for (Parkinson’s) continues, the funds from this event support the free services we provide locally in Collier and southern Lee County to help those in our community touched by (Parkinson’s) to live well.”

PROVIDED

*** *** ***

Event details

WHAT: A Step Forward: Overcoming Obstacles Luncheon featuring Johnny “Joey” Jones

WHEN: Friday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples

PROVIDED

PRESENTED BY AND BENEFITTING: Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida

*** *** ***

Individual registration

$350 per person. Includes a delicious three-course meal, Joey’s keynote presentation, and remarks from PASWFL members about their Parkinson’s journeys.

(Includes $100 tax-deductible contribution)

PROVIDED

VIP registration

$500 per person. Enjoy all general admission benefits plus:

Pre-event VIP reception with Johnny “Joey” Jones

Hors d’oeuvres and champagne

Photo opportunity with the speaker

PROVIDED

(Includes $200 tax-deductible contribution)

VIP guests will be welcomed into a pre-event reception where they’ll enjoy mingling with fellow supporters and Parkinson’s Association leadership. The highlight of the VIP experience is the chance to meet Johnny “Joey” Jones in a relaxed setting, pose for a personal photo, and hear his exclusive remarks.

Registration deadline

Please note that registration for this exceptional event will close on Friday, Feb. 27.

About PASWFL

PROVIDED

For more than 25 years, PASWFL has provided front-line, evidence-based, effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower the community members touched by Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases. Each week, the PAWSFL offers more than 20 programs and support groups for members with Parkinson’s and their care partners in addition to the greater Southwest Florida community. PASWFL programs are free to members, and there are no fees associated with becoming a member; the membership application is available at PASWFL.org.

The event’s Champion Sponsor is The Wellington Group at Morgan Stanley. Additional sponsors include Life in Naples Magazine.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit PASWFL.org or call 239-417-3465. Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida headquarters is at 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples.

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Tennessee

Heading to the the Tennessee Renaissance Festival? What to know

Published

6 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Press Room

Heading to the the Tennessee Renaissance Festival? What to know

Planning to head to the 40th annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival? Here’s what you should know before going.

Hours of operation

Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Volunteer State’s blast into the 16th century will be held every Saturday and Sunday during May. Adult tickets purchased in advance start at $28.

Parking

Parking waits can build up at the renaissance fair, where parking is free with admission. Peak traffic times are expected between 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., according to the event’s website tnrenfest.com.

Located in a “grassy field,” parking lots operate on a first come, first serve basis and open at 8 a.m. each day. No RVs or trailers are allowed.

Sheriff’s deputies and parking attendants will be on the grounds to help patrons park “as quickly and safely as possible,” the event states.

What if it rains?

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival will operate rain or shine, but some of the experiences may be limited during inclement weather.

“Depending on weather patterns, festival operations may be suspended, and patrons may be asked to shelter in place in their personal vehicle in the parking lot until weather conditions improve and the grounds are cleared to resume operations,” the website states.

Join the safety notification system by texting TNRENFEST to 888-777.

Are weapons allowed?

While firearms and prop guns are prohibited, all swords, daggers, bows and arrows, maces and other weapons are allowed but must be peace-tied.

Additionally, patrons purchasing or bringing bladed weapons must always have the sword sheathed and secured with a cable. Arrows are required to have their tips removed and be secured within a quiver or a case.

Will there be alcohol?

There will not be alcohol sold at this event.

Be prepared for spotty cell service

Due to the remote location of the festival, cell service may be limited, according to the website. The festival’s administrators recommend downloading, screenshotting or printing your ticket, or adding it to your e-wallet.

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Texas

Small plane crash in Texas Hill Country leaves five dead

Published

12 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Press Room

Small plane crash in Texas Hill Country leaves five dead

A small plane crashed among trees in Texas Hill Country, killing all five people onboard, officials said on Friday.

The crash happened in the dark late on Thursday night in Wimberley, a city about 40 miles south-west of the state capital, Austin, the Hays county judge, Ruben Becerra, said in a post on Facebook.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the Cessna 421C crashed around 11.25pm with a pilot and four passengers on board.

“I just heard a loud crash. I felt everything vibrate,” Stacey Rohr, who lives nearby, told local channel KEYE-TV. “Everything was up in flames. It was crazy.”

Cecil Keith said he heard what sounded like an engine backfiring – “pow, pow, pow” – when the plane flew over his house moments before the crash.

“Something was definitely wrong,” he told the TV station.

The plane took off from Amarillo, in north-west Texas, about two hours earlier and was headed to New Braunfels national airport, near Austin, according to the flight history. It crashed not far from its intended destination. Aerial images show the remains of the aircraft destroyed in a wooded area.

Becerra said he would not release the names of the victims until family had been notified.

He said a second aircraft traveling in the area landed safely at the airport in New Braunfels, about 30 miles north-east of San Antonio.

One pilot said he and the Cessna pilot were flying there together, according to air traffic control audio.

“I haven’t heard anything from him,” the pilot says on the recording.

A controller responds: “He started to move erratically and now his track is disappeared from the scope. So we want to make sure everything’s all right with him.”

At least one pilot in the area confirmed the troubled plane’s locator emergency device had emitted a distress signal. The controller called 911.

It was mostly cloudy in the New Braunfels area shortly before the crash and there was a thunderstorm two hours later, the National Weather Service said.

Wimberley, with a population of about 3,000, and New Braunfels, with a population of about 116,000, are both tourist destinations in the Texas Hill Country, drawing hikers attracted to the woody rolling hills and others for tubing on rivers in the area.

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Virginia

Developers seek to revive data center next to Virginia battlefield

Published

30 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Press Room

Developers seek to revive data center next to Virginia battlefield

One backer of a massive data center planned near a Civil War battlefield is trying to revive the project with an appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court this week, filed just one day after another developer pulled out citing ongoing legal challenges.

Neighbors have objected to Digital Gateway — a 37-building data center complex slated for a tract next to the Manassas National Battlefield Park — because of the area’s historical significance and worried about 14 planned electric substations and hundreds of diesel generators.

The Virginia Court of Appeals halted construction in April, siding with Prince William County residents and the American Battlefield Trust, finding that area leaders had not given proper notice for a 2023 hearing where the Board of Supervisors approved development.

The ruling gave QTS Realty Trust and Compass Datacenters — which jointly proposed the project — until April 30 to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

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