FIREWORKS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE NEW YEAR’S DAY AND THE 4TH OF JULY. WELL, NOT EVERY BRANCH HERE ON THE GULF COAST IS NECESSARILY ON THE NAUGHTY LIST. NEW AT 11 GULF COAST NEWS REPORTER, BLAINE MONTGOMERY INTRODUCES US TO SOME OF THE ONES WHO ARE STEALING SMILES INSTEAD OF PACKAGES. >> MANY OF YOU KNOW, THE STORY OF THE GREENWICH UP TO NO GOOD ON THE HOLIDAYS. AND JUST THIS WEEK WE’VE TOLD YOU ABOUT BRANCHES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TRYING TO BREAK INTO CARS OR EVEN STEALING CHRISTMAS CARDS. BUT WHILE SOME ARE ON THE NAUGHTY LIST, SOME ON THE NICE LIST IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. TODAY. THIS GRANT SURPRISE ONE HOMEOWNER LEHIGH ACRES. THERE WERE NO STICKY FINGERS HERE. INSTEAD, JUST DROPPING OFF A PACKAGE. AND THIS GRANT STOLE SOME QUICK LAST AND TRAFFIC IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY. MEANWHILE, DOWN IN COLLIER >> CHRIS IVORY AND HEARTBEAT MISSES GRINCH WHO WANTS NOTHING BUT TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER. THIS IS MY 3RD YEAR DOING IT STARTED OUT FOR A FRIEND OF MINE WHO WAS SICK. I NOTICE THAT IT CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE. AND I’M LIKE HOW DOES DO THIS EVERY YEAR NOW THAT IT’S DEFINITELY WORTH SEEING THE KIDS AND THE ADULTS ALL SMILE WHEN THEY TURN THIS CORNER BE LIKE, OH, MY GOD, THERE’S A GRANT AND HER MESSAGE TO YOU. HOW ABOUT DON’T BE A GRINCH AND JUST BE SAFE
Grinches on the nice list bring holiday cheer across Southwest Florida ahead of Christmas
Updated: 11:24 PM EST Dec 24, 2025
While some real-life “Grinches” in Southwest Florida have landed on the naughty list this holiday season, others are doing the exact opposite — spreading smiles and Christmas cheer.In Lehigh Acres, a Grinch surprised a homeowner by delivering a package, not stealing one. In Charlotte County, another Grinch brought laughter to drivers by making a festive appearance in traffic.And in Collier County, horns honked and cheers erupted as “Mrs. Grinch” waved to passing cars. Lauren Osborne says this is her third year dressing up to brighten people’s days — a tradition that began while supporting a sick friend.“It’s worth it to see kids and adults smile when they spot the Grinch,” Osborne said.Her holiday message is simple: Don’t be a Grinch, just be safe and have a happy holiday.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —
While some real-life “Grinches” in Southwest Florida have landed on the naughty list this holiday season, others are doing the exact opposite — spreading smiles and Christmas cheer.
In Lehigh Acres, a Grinch surprised a homeowner by delivering a package, not stealing one. In Charlotte County, another Grinch brought laughter to drivers by making a festive appearance in traffic.
And in Collier County, horns honked and cheers erupted as “Mrs. Grinch” waved to passing cars. Lauren Osborne says this is her third year dressing up to brighten people’s days — a tradition that began while supporting a sick friend.
“It’s worth it to see kids and adults smile when they spot the Grinch,” Osborne said.
Her holiday message is simple: Don’t be a Grinch, just be safe and have a happy holiday.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.