This month in Collier County government news: Reopening continues. $2 million beach renourishment planned. County may purchase environmentally-sensitive ranch land. For this and more government news for Collier County voters, read on …
Coronavirus Update
For the latest news about the coronavirus in our area and across the state, visit:
Florida COVID-19 Dashboard
- Collier County COVID-19 web page
- City of Naples COVID-19 web page
- City of Marco Island COVID-19 web page
- Sen. Kathleen Passidomo’s COVID-19 web page
Reopening County and City Facilities
Beach Access
- Florida city [Naples] closes beaches after visitors sit too close. Associated Press via USNews.com, 5/10/20
- Peaceful protesters against Naples beach closures on 5th Avenue S at Gulf Shore Boulevard. WINKnews.com, 5/10/20
- Naples votes to reopen beaches — again — with some limitations. Naples Daily News, 5/11/20
- Protesters gather at Lowdermilk Park, demand full beach access. NBC2 News, 5/12/20
- Wary of out-of-town crowds, Collier restricts beach hours, parking on weekends. The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Bill McDaniel opposed. Naples Daily News, 5/12/20
- Not social distancing at the beach? Marco Island to issue citations with $200 fines to violators. Marco Eagle, 5/14/20
- Collier County, Naples to discuss beach restrictions at public meetings next week. Naples Daily News, 5/29/20
- Collier County leaders vote in favor of opening beaches for normal hours on the weekend. The vote to restore regular weekend hours at County Beach parks was 3-2, with Commissioners Penny Taylor and Andy Solis opposed. A motion to move forward with the limited 4th of July celebration at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex failed 2-3 with Commissioners Solis, Donna Fiala and Burt Saunders opposed. WINKNews.com, 6/2/20; Board Meeting Recap
Retail & Restaurants
- Collier to issue temporary permits for some restaurants to expand outdoor seating. Naples Daily News, 5/6/20
- City of Naples allowing temporary permits for outdoor retail, restaurant seating. Naples Daily News, 5/8/20
- Marco Island allows restaurants to use parking as temporary outdoor seating. Marco Eagle, 5/11/20
Short-term Rentals
- Collier County eases restrictions on short-term vacation rentals in place due to the coronavirus. The vote was 3-2, with Commissioners Bill McDaniel and Donna Fiala opposed. Naples Daily News, 5/29/20
Other Reopening News
- Naples to make decision about Fourth of July parade, fireworks later in May, June. Naples Daily News, 5/6/20
- Naples cancels city-run summer camps. WINKNews.com, 5/6/20
- Marco Island requests Gov. DeSantis to allow more businesses to reopen. Marco Eagle, 5/6/20
- Collier County Parks & recreation reopening fitness facilities. fox4now.com, 5/24/20; Fitness Scheduling System
- Collier schools are asking parents for feedback about school reopening plans, preferences. Naples Daily News, 5/28/20; parents’ survey
- The 20th Judicial Circuit courts ease back with in-person proceedings. Naples Daily News, 5/30/20
Health, Safety & Welfare
- Southwest Florida shares unemployment system nightmares. The News-Press, 5/7/20
- Rent and mortgage assistance available to those affected by COVID-19 in Collier. Florida Weekly, 5/7/20
Growth & Development
- Brent Batten: County eyes purchase of legendary 24-hour store in East Naples. Naples Daily News, 5/14/20
- Neighborhood group forms, seeks members, to influence Stock Development’s One Naples plan. savevanderbiltbeach.com, 5/21/20
The Environment
- Collier moves forward with purchase of environmentally sensitive ranch land. Commissioners directed staff to negotiate terms of the up to $10 million deal. If the deal goes through, the use of the land will likely be the subject of much public discourse. Naples Daily News, 5/13/20
- Collier commissioners approve $2 million beach renourishment in Naples to begin in November. Naples Daily News, 5/27/20
City of Naples
- Four artificial oyster reefs to be constructed at Rock Creek in Naples. Naples Daily News, 5/21/20
- Electrical equipment improvements to improve reliability of Naples water plant. The vote to approve a $2.8 million contract for construction to upgrade electrical equipment at the water treatment plant was 6-1, with Councilman Mike McCabe opposed. Naples Daily News, 5/22/20
- Experts say recent Naples legislation can help to preserve city’s past. Naples Daily News, 5/29/20
- City of Naples summer ban on fertilizer containing nitrogen begins June 1. Newsletter, City of Naples, 6/1/20
City of Marco Island
- Marco Island ‘banning recreational marijuana’ ordinance heads to polls in August. Marco Eagle, 5/7/20
- Marco Island police haven’t determined what to do with reinstated officer who can’t testify. Naples Daily News, 5/27/20
- Recently reinstated Marco Island police officer finds himself back under investigation. Naples Daily News, 5/28/20
Collier County Public Schools
- Collier names schools for prominent black educator, longtime Naples philanthropist. Naples Daily News, 5/21/20
Clerk of Courts & Comptroller
- Collier Clerk opens new customer service counter at the Tax Collector’s driver license facility on Airport Road. News Release, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, 5/28/20
Sheriff
- Collier crime rate lowest since 1971. Press Release, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, 5/28/20
- Statement of Sheriff Rambosk and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on Minneapolis event and disturbances. via Facebook, 5/30/20
- Arrests starting to increase as Collier County reopens and tries to get back to normal. Naples Daily News, 5/31/20
Our State Legislators
- Byron Donalds slams Joe Biden over ‘you ain’t black’ comment. Florida Politics, 5/25/20
Our U.S. Congressmen
- Francis Rooney leads Florida congressional reps in calling on FEMA to waive cost-share requirements. Florida Daily, 5/22/20
- Francis Rooney: Coronavirus stimulus funds should not be used to cover pension shortfalls. Florida Daily, 5/15/20
- Francis Rooney: More Than $40 Million in HHS Funds Headed to Southwest Florida. Florida Daily, 5/11/20
Opportunities to Learn
- ‘100 Days of Coronavirus in Southwest Florida’: Virtual Town Hall on June 17. The News-Press, Naples Daily News and WGCU will host a virtual town hall with some of the most recognizable thought leaders in our community. The event will be streamed on multiple platforms, broadcast/simulcast on WGCU TV and Radio and be available to watch on social media. Read more.
That’s it for May’s Collier County government news. Have a great June and stay safe!