
Alfie Oakes’ Legal Challenges to the Mask Orders
Alfie Oakes, owner of the Oakes Farms, Food & Thought, and Seed to Table businesses in Collier County, sued the County in federal court, claiming its mask ordinance is unconstitutional and invalid. He also challenged Collier County Code Enforcement’s efforts to enforce the mandate. And he sued the Lee County School District, which cancelled his contract to supply produce for students, for failure to produce public records he requested.
In the federal case challenging Collier County’s mask ordinance:
- Federal judge tosses out Naples grocer’s lawsuit challenging Collier County’s mask order. Naples Daily News, 2/3/21
In the Lee County suit, a state court judge ruled against the school district for its lack of response to public information requests. In the Code Enforcement suit, the special magistrate claimed she lacked jurisdiction; the County is challenging that ruling.
- Naples grocer claims victory in two legal disputes with local governments. Naples Daily News, 1/30/21
- Collier County asks special magistrate for rehearing over enforcement of its mask order. Naples Daily News, 2/6/21
Board of County Commissioners
Lee County’s Requested Changes to Big Cypress Basin (BCB) Boundary
Should Collier County support proposed legislation that would expand the Big Cypress Basin and its governing board? When discussed at the BCC’s January 12 meeting, Commissioners Andy Solis and Rick LoCastro expressed concerns. Chairman Penny Taylor offered to explore the matter and bring it back for discussion at the February 9 BCC meeting. Agenda; PowerPoint Presentation; Study Report
What is the Big Cypress Basin?
The Big Cypress Basin (BCB) is one of two major watershed basins within the South Florida Water Management District’s 16-county region. It currently includes Collier County and part of Monroe County.
The BCB Board and Service Center manage a network of canals, water control structures and back pumps that provide flood control in the Basin during the wet season and protect regional water supplies and environmental resources from over-drainage in the dry season.
The BCB Board, which is appointed by the Governor and approved by the Florida Senate, sets regional policy, budget and millage rates for the basin’s flood protection efforts within its boundaries.
What is being proposed, and why?
Lee County is currently within the Okeechobee Basin. Believing that more funding would be available to it in the future if part of southern Lee County were in the BCB, Lee County, the City of Bonita Springs, and the Village of Estero got the Legislature to require a study of the boundary of the BCB and recommend any scientifically supported changes.
The result, as they hoped, was a recommendation to expand the boundary to incorporate some of southern Lee County. The boundary change requires legislative approval, and a proposal to that effect is pending committee consideration in Tallahassee. (SB 406/ HB 209)

What are the issues?
While the Collier BCC is not against the concept of expanding the basin, there are questions as to governance changes that might occur as the result of the addition of members from Lee County.
- Collier commissioners support Big Cypress Basin expansion efforts, yet concerns remain. Naples Daily News, 1/13/21
Other County Government News
The Collier County Arts and Culture Strategic Plan seeks to evaluate, establish, and promote Collier County as an arts and culture destination. It is the result of a multi-year effort of Collier County Government, the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau, and The United Arts Council. In October, the Board of County Commissioners was asked to appoint the United Arts Council to administer the Plan. That meeting did not go well. This month:
- Collier Commission once more backs away from conflicted Collier County Arts and Culture Strategic Plan. Naples Daily News, 1/27/21
Separately, Collier County operates a “Beach Bus” to alleviate in-season parking shortages at county beaches. Different routes and schedules have been tried in an effort to increase its use. Will this year see better results?
- CAT’s Beach Bus “trolley” is ready for season. Collier County News Release, 2/2/21; Bus Route
City of Naples
In 1994, the City of Naples Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was established to “guide private and public initiatives for creating economic development, improve physical characteristics, encourage investment in Downtown Naples, improve the quality of life for residents, and establish a framework for the proper evolution of the CRA District.” This month, in recognition of the lack of affordable housing in the City:
- Naples considering acquisition of Gordon River Apartments in River Park neighborhood. Naples Daily News, 1/27/21
- Gordon River Apartments appraised at more than $14M. A second property that would need to be sold with the apartments was appraised at $800,000. Naples Daily News, 2/3/21
The City’s partnership with Gulfshore Playhouse to build another parking garage in the City is another CRA project. Now:
- Naples CRA: No decision on parking garage size near future Gulfshore Playhouse site. Naples Daily News, 2/2/21
And in other City Government news:
- Naples City Council approves Method & Concept’s plans for sculpture garden in Design District. Naples Daily News, 1/21/21
- City seeks public input for 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update. Click here to participate before February 18th. City Announcement, 1/22/21
City of Marco Island
Two City of Marco Island officials were suspended for 30-days without pay for their roles in misuse of the county’s Eventbrite COVID-19 vaccine registration system.
- Marco Island police, fire chiefs each suspended 30 days starting Monday. Marco Eagle, 2/5/21
Two-term Marco Island City Councilor Victor Rios unexpectedly resigned in October “for personal reasons.” Now, Rios, who was also President of the Belize Condominium Association Board of Directors, has been charged with fraud in connection with the 2019 Condo Board election and:
- Former councilor arrested on six felony counts. Coastal Breeze News, 2/6/21
Collier County Public Schools
The Florida Department of Education released high school graduation rates for the class of 2020 last month. CCPS’s rate was 92.2%, an increase of 19.3 percentage points since 2011 and an increase of 0.3 percentage points compared to 2019. It is the highest rate in CCPS history.
- SWFL graduation rates: Collier and Lee counties make gains despite pandemic. Naples Daily News, 1/8/21; CCPS Press Release
A CCPS plan to help students with disabilities develop life skills came a step closer to reality this month when the Naples City Council unanimously approved a zoning change to enable the plan to proceed:
- Naples OKs Collier school district’s plans for home near Naples High. Naples Daily News, 1/20/21
Also, this month, CCPS’s newest public charter school, Naples Classical Academy, closed on its purchase of Fogg’s Nursery at 10270 Immokalee Road, just east of Collier Boulevard. The school expects to open with 800 students in August.
- Naples Classical Academy purchases $5 million site for charter school in North Naples. Naples Daily News, 1/21/21
Coronavirus in the Schools
Florida parents have full choice about whether their child receives in-school or virtual instruction, but Florida schools are open for the second semester that started January 19.
- More than 88% of Collier students expected to be on campus to start second semester. Naples Daily News, 1/13/21
- COVID-19 cases for Collier teachers, staff jumped during Christmas break. Naples Daily News, 1/15/21
- Collier schools start vaccinating older employees, school nurses. Naples Daily News, 1/25/21
- Collier schools see dip in pre-K enrollment during pandemic. Naples Daily News, 1/29/21
Other Local Elected Bodies
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
This month, the Clerk’s Office continued its efforts to educate the public about the services it offers through periodic news releases and monthly newsletters.
Also, this month, acrimony continued over the contested August primary election in which Clerk Crystal Kinzel defeated former Clerk’s Office employee James Molenaar. This month:
- Five former employees file lawsuit against Collier Clerk of Courts Crystal Kinzel. Naples Daily News, 2/4/21
Supervisor of Elections
Florida’s Supervisors of Elections are required by state law to conduct periodic maintenance of the voter registration lists. If a Supervisor receives change-of-address information about any of its registered voters, she must change the registration records to reflect the new address and must send the voter an address change notice. Voters who receive an address confirmation request are encouraged to respond to it promptly. This month:
- Supervisor of Elections begins biennial list maintenance activities. News Release, 1/28/21
Our State Legislators
District 28: Sen. Kathleen Passidomo
- Sponsored bills in 2021 Legislative Session
- Florida senators renew push to repeal no-fault auto insurance system. News Service of Florida via Palm Coast Observer, 1/29/21; SB 54
District 106: Rep. Bob Rommel
- Sponsored bills in 2021 Legislative Session
- Lawmakers dispute Florida anti-riot bill as it goes through legislative process. “Rommel told us he doesn’t know a logical person who would not support this bill.” WINK News, 1/20/21; HB 1
- Rommel’s property insurance bill takes aim attorney fees, roofing costs. News Service of Florida via Jacksonville Business Journal, 1/20/21; HB 305
District 80: Rep. Lauren Melo
District 105: Rep. David Borrero
- Sponsored bills in 2021 Legislative Session
- Legislation banning abortion after 5 months in the works. Florida Politics, 1/13/21; HB 351
Our U.S. Representatives
Key Votes In the U.S. House
To object to certification of electoral college votes
Diaz-Balart — YEA; Donalds — YEA
Roll Call 11, 1/7/21
To activate section 4 of the 25th amendment to declare President Trump incapable of executing duties of his office…
Diaz-Balart — NAY; Donalds — NAY
H. RES. 38, 1/12/21
To impeach President Trump
Diaz-Balart — NAY; Donalds — NAY
H. RES. 24, 1/13/2
To remove Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from her committee assignments
Diaz-Balart — YEA; Donalds — NAY
H. RES. 72, 2/4/21
To approve budget package with COVID-19 relief plan
Diaz-Balart — NAY; Donalds — NAY
H. RES. 101, 2/5/21
District 25: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart
- Sponsored bills in 2021 Legislative Session
- Mario Diaz-Balart staying as top Republican on Transportation, HUD Appropriations subcommittees. Florida Daily, 1/17/21
- Mario Diaz-Balart says he’ll work with Joe Biden administration on immigration reform, pathway to citizenship. Florida Politics, 1/20/21
- GOP congressman Diaz-Balart voted to remove Rep. Greene from committees — but wanted these Dems removed too. FOX News, 2/5/21
- Mario Diaz-Balart plans to use appropriations assignments to help Israel, take aim at Cuban, Venezuelan regimes. Florida Daily, 2/1/21
District 19: Rep. Byron Donalds
- Sponsored bills in 2021 Legislative Session
- Opinion: Divide and conquer or unite and prosper. By Rep. Byron Donalds via The Hill, 1/22/21
- Congressman Byron Donalds announces committee assignments for the 117th Congress. Press Release, 1/27/2
- Donalds comes out swinging, defends Georgia congresswoman’s freedom of speech. The Floridian, 1/28/21
- Rep. Donalds slams Democrats’ COVID relief plan as ‘liberal agenda’ without GOP support. Fox News, 2/6/21
That’s it for January government news for Collier County voters. Have a safe February!