Longtime NDN Columnist Brent Batten Dies at 66

Batten spent 23 years as a columnist at the Naples Daily News, covering everything from politics to his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:50am

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A soft, out-of-focus photograph in warm tones depicting the desk of a journalist, with a coffee mug, pen, and notebook visible, conceptually representing the lifelong dedication of columnist Brent Batten to his craft.The warm, blurred light of a journalist's desk reflects the lasting impact of Brent Batten's decades-long career chronicling the stories of Naples and Southwest Florida.Naples Today

Brent Batten, a longtime columnist for the Naples Daily News, passed away at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer. Batten spent 23 of his nearly 35 years at the newspaper as a columnist, covering a wide range of topics from local politics to his love of the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was known for his witty, cleverly crafted columns that often took a lighter look at the world.

Why it matters

Batten was a fixture in the Naples community, serving as perhaps the most recognizable journalist in the area. His columns provided a unique perspective on local issues and events, and he was known for his ability to connect with readers through his writing. His passing marks the end of an era for the Naples Daily News and the local journalism community.

The details

Batten joined the Naples Daily News in 1985 and spent the majority of his career as a columnist, though he also covered the police and courts beats and served as the paper's Lee County bureau chief and city editor. He was known for his prolific output, writing around 150 columns per year over his 23-year tenure as a columnist. Batten's columns covered a wide range of topics, from local politics and elections to his love of the Ohio State Buckeyes and his New Year's resolution to toss socks with holes in them.

  • Batten joined the Naples Daily News in 1985.
  • Batten spent 23 of his nearly 35 years at the newspaper as a columnist.
  • Batten passed away on April 8, 2026, a day before the start of The Masters golf tournament, which he had attended in recent years with his son Zach.

The players

Brent Batten

A longtime columnist for the Naples Daily News who passed away at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer. Batten spent 23 of his nearly 35 years at the newspaper as a columnist, covering a wide range of topics and becoming a fixture in the Naples community.

Michelle Batten

Brent Batten's wife of 26 years, who announced his passing on Facebook and is planning a celebration of life event to honor his memory.

Zach Batten

Brent Batten's son, who attended The Masters golf tournament with his father in recent years.

Eric Strachan

A former Daily News photo and managing editor who worked closely with Brent Batten and described him as an exceptional journalist and friend.

Bill Kramer

A Naples City Council member and former Naples High School football coach who described Batten as one of the smartest, funniest, and most fair-minded people he knew.

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What they’re saying

“Brent didn't want a funeral. A celebration of life is being planned, where we can share memories, tell stories, and raise a glass — or a bottle of Bud — in his honor.”

— Michelle Batten, Brent Batten's wife

“It was a quick friendship. We worked well together. He wrote so clearly and powerfully about Naples and Southwest Florida because he deeply understood the area and people. He spent four decades talking to people and telling their stories and the stories of our coast. He cast a critical eye but also a loving one.”

— Eric Strachan, Former Daily News photo and managing editor

“The passing of Brent Batten is heartbreaking. He was one of the smartest, funniest, most fair-minded people on the planet. God bless Brent and his family.”

— Bill Kramer, Naples City Council member and former Naples High School football coach

What’s next

A celebration of life event is being planned by Brent Batten's wife, Michelle, where friends, family, and colleagues can share memories and honor his legacy.

The takeaway

Brent Batten's passing marks the end of an era for the Naples Daily News and the local journalism community. His witty, insightful columns and deep understanding of the Naples area made him a beloved figure, and his legacy will continue to be felt through the many lives he touched over his nearly 35-year career.