Collier County and Local News for October 2020

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October Collier County and Local Government News

The Coronavirus

This month, local residents and businesses had a second brief opportunity to apply through Collier County for federal CARES Act stimulus funding.

In addition, as it grappled with changing state guidance and deadlines pertaining to the coronavirus aid it received earlier in the year, the County began passing aide through to first responders and local governments.

Rather than extend the emergency mask order it passed in July and extended in September, Collier Commissioners passed a new order with a seemingly small but actually quite significant difference.

Unlike the County, none of Collier County’s three municipalities adopted a mask order. In August, however, the City of Naples launched a public information and advertising campaign with the NCH Healthcare System called “All Heroes Wear Masks.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Teresa Heitmann quarantined in her home beginning Oct. 1 after her daughter tested positive for coronavirus, and tested positive herself four days later.

And after a Marco Island organization cancelled its annual Christmas parade and tree-lighting events to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the City Council considered if it should step in to keep the Island tradition alive.

From the Board of County Commissioners

Collier County residents are represented on the Board of County Commissioners by one of five commissioners: Donna Fiala (District 1), Andy Solis (District 2), Burt Saunders (District 3), Penny Taylor (District 4) or Bill McDaniel (District 5).
Find Your Commissioner.

New This Month

Collier County Government Admin Building

The Board of County Commissioners approved a study to determine the feasibility of a proposed $250 million resort and amusement center adjacent to the Paradise Coast Sports Complex off Collier Boulevard and I-75.

The BCC also approved an agreement to build a one-million-square-foot distribution center west of the Sports Complex.

Ongoing Stories

Collier County Code Enforcement cited the site of a future North Naples charter school for violations of zoning laws in May. This month:

A roughly two-acre redevelopment site that remains vacant after several failed attempts by others attracted another potential buyer this month. BCC approval won’t be easy:

One of three major toll-roads to be built as part of the state’s M-CORES (Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance) project will run between Collier and Polk Counties. This month:

A Stock Development proposal to build a large condominium and retail complex on a prime piece of waterfront property in North Naples has faced well-organized community opposition for years. This month:

The BCC purchased the Golden Gate Golf Course in August 2019 for $29 million with plans for its redevelopment to be determined. Then came an offer to build and operate an entertainment venue on the site. But this month:

Replenishing sand eroded from County beaches is a recurring, months-long, multi-million dollar process funded by the County’s tourist development tax on short-term rental and hotel stays. This year’s project will begin in November.

In March, the BCC adopted an Arts & Culture Strategic Plan that had been developed collaboratively by County and local government and The United Arts Council. This month, the BCC was to approve the contract for its administration.

A new high school will be built to accommodate North Naples’ aging student population in the coming years, requiring investment in infrastructure to provide access to the site. This month:

A 2018 study of the U.S. 41 East corridor was followed by a survey, stakeholder meetings and public workshops earlier this year. This month, Commissioners adopted a plan to guide development and redevelopment in the area:

Moving On

From Naples City Council

New This Month

Naples City Hall

Naples City Council unanimously approved a permit for yet another Naples art show event, despite the possibility it would draw money away from the eight existing City art shows and concern about its use of outside help to organize the show.

Naples has separate pension systems for its police, fire, and general employees, all funded by contributions from the City, its employees and investment earnings. As the result of votes of the three pension boards this month:

Ongoing Stories

In 2019, the Old Naples Association petitioned City Council to limit the use of noisy leaf blowers in Old Naples neighborhoods. This month:

In August, 62 percent of City of Naples voters approved a referendum that amends the City’s charter to establish an independent ethics commission and an ethics office and to set minimum requirements for the City’s ethics code.

From Marco Island City Council

New This Month

Marco Island City Logo

Ongoing Stories

Moving On

From Collier County Public Schools

CCPS boardroom

From the Collier County Sheriff

From the Collier County Supervisor of Elections

From our State Legislators

Parts of Collier County are represented in the Florida House of Representatives by Rep. Byron Donalds (District 80), Rep. Bob Rommel (District 106), and Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez (District 105). All of Collier County is represented in the Florida Senate by Sen. Kathleen Passidomo. Find Your State Representatives

Byron Donalds

Historic Tallahassee Florida Capital Building

Bob Rommel

From our U.S. Congressmen

Parts of Collier County are represented in the U.S. Congress by Congressman Francis Rooney (District 19) and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (District 25). Find Your U.S. Representative

Francis Rooney

U.S. Capitol Building

Mario Diaz-Balart

Local News reported in this post is by Jake Allen, Brent Batten, Brittany Carloni, Rachel Fradette, Liz Freeman, Frank Gluck, Greg Hardwig, Harriet Howard Heithaus, Laura Layden, Omar Rodriguez Ortiz, Patrick Riley, Karl Schneider (USA Today Network – Florida: Naples Daily News, News-Press, Marco Eagle); and Steve Stefanides (Coastal Breeze News)

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