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    The search for something real
    Michelle Lee, right, and daughter Bailey Ruiz, who run Black Card Matchmaking in Naples. Photo courtesy Michelle Lee
    Local News
    By Melanie Pagan  
    3 October 2025

    The search for something real

    Inside the challenges, risks and alternatives shaping dating in Southwest Florida

    When it comes to finding love in Collier County, singles say the odds can feel stacked against them. A 2024 study from Spokeo ranked Florida as the worst state for dating, while another highlighted the challenges of starting over after 50 in Southwest Florida. Behind the numbers are stories of frustration, resilience and a growing demand for alternatives to the swipe-right culture.

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