[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6224600,"mediaKeyId","3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41","parentId",3549962,"title","Commissioners transmit Sable Palm growth‑plan amendment to state after heated public comment; notice radius expanded","audioSeconds",1210,"startMs",1210000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41&start=1210&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41/thumbnail_1210000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6224600/Collier-County/Florida/Commissioners-transmit-Sable-Palm-growthplan-amendment-to-state-after-heated-public-comment-notice-radius-expanded","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224600-eecf3db9a03632bb04889f72bf53c5a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130916&Signature=FJmZpEsAqXFmO6S3eR1XTCm4Q9634VeOzTJyV-4EvI7k4bWZ1vKYiLC-iZOoT3MZBGG~g~XyJBzzzUwPH-fAiUoe8GYJ2jmfrQookkHOuQPzV9c4IjutFuceQV7x3gLOLdAKeFt2Vfa1Sp8ZYKKbs7GxaJ-oz2-SeAwLSb3GEi6-JPeLoQmz3W9Fa4vB7Gb~ICbfApuF5801OSBuEPBETGOkD0RfM6aal0fk6~pSlJUxDk5NbCemuru5TfWqB023iZUmZMgTcTAdIvMQsdYEtj7-UnDjEd2RU5ujEBLd8fayM~nENxdxMGqiTIWRyKz7y~bnzbIIjHaDj-KYczJV~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Collier County","date","2025-05-28T00:00:00Z","article","The Collier County Board of County Commissioners voted to transmit to the Florida Department of Commerce a proposed growth management plan amendment that would change the future land use designation for a 169.19‑acre parcel on Sable Palm Road, replacing the Rural Fringe Mixed‑Use District (a NERPA/sending designation) with a residential subdistrict allowing up to 2.5 units per acre (up to 423 owner‑occupied units) and a 30‑year, 15% for‑sale affordable housing commitment (63 units).

Richard Yovanovitch, representing the petitioner, and planning witnesses described the site as an existing orange grove and argued the property was likely misdesignated as sending lands when the Rural Fringe district was established. The petitioner asked for a subdistrict that would permit 2.5 units per acre and said the project would include a companion planned unit development, on‑site stormwater improvements, a 60% usable open‑space commitment and a 30‑foot buffer to adjacent conservation lands. Transportation and county staff indicated that the applicant committed to upgrade Sable Palm Road to county standards along the property frontage and to extend utilities.

County planning and environmental consultants described the proposal’s public benefits, including treatment of agricultural runoff, creation of a regulated stormwater system and increases in preserved native habitat (projected to rise from about 2.5 acres to roughly 10.5 acres on site after invasive removal). The applicant proposed 15% for‑sale affordable units targeted to incomes below the area median and emphasized proximity to nearby employers as supportive of an affordable‑housing objective.

More than a dozen residents and community groups opposed the amendment during public comment, pressing concerns about drainage, existing neighborhood flooding and the capacity of Sable Palm Road. Speakers from nearby Tamarindo, Verona Walk and Morgan Road reported water‑handling problems in heavy rains and questioned whether additional development would worsen flooding and traffic; many urged conservation or other alternatives. Audubon Western Everglades urged denial and argued the parcel should remain NERPA sending land, citing wildlife corridors, prescribed‑fire management considerations and surrounding conservation lands.

Planning director Mike Bozzi told the board the planning commission recommended approval by a 4‑1 vote after the applicant revised the proposal to reduce density to 2.5 units per acre, increase open space to 60% and add the 30‑foot buffer. Bozzi said the board’s action was a transmittal to state agencies for review and does not approve the PUD or authorize construction: state reviewers will have 30 days to comment, after which staff will return the item to planning commission and ultimately to the board for adoption consideration.

After lengthy public comment and discussion among commissioners, the board voted to transmit the plan amendment to the state and to expand the required property‑notice radius for subsequent neighborhood notices to one mile (the petitioner agreed). The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners and staff emphasized that transmitting to the state is an intermediate procedural step and that the public will have further opportunities to comment at a future neighborhood information meeting, the planning commission hearing and the board adoption hearing. The board asked staff to schedule additional outreach and to provide details on road improvements, stormwater modeling and traffic studies before any adoption vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting/Afternoon Session (5-27-2025)","oneSentenceSummary","The Collier County Board of County Commissioners voted to transmit a proposed growth‑management plan amendment for a 169.19‑acre Sable Palm Road property to the Florida Department of Commerce, allowing staff to seek state review and public agency comments before any final decision on a plan change that would permit up to 423 owner‑occupied dwelling units.","taxTitle","Collier County, Florida","taxId",12758,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224606,"Collier commissioners discuss adding sixth penny tourist tax to finish Paradise Coast Park; no vote taken",3510,105000,3615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41&start=105&end=3615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41/thumbnail_105000.jpg","/articles/6224606/Collier-County/Florida/Collier-commissioners-discuss-adding-sixth-penny-tourist-tax-to-finish-Paradise-Coast-Park-no-vote-taken","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224606-17c53a9c2e0e0debec0aadb6e2f29ee0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130916&Signature=h4sO3-H1v6Rl7xyeegIb83MxEteT09GlgdJGRtsjxnfiNryo7fUPq~k8oJJ6UyUJsoljvZTWr600KmkU4z6KDp1Xzte~48iTEok4RdtQxCTYqDAXklhhWtsbTsV31UVLcAnf0OvFwIsLWThlCnpale8Jd2WFeGaQ-OsYmSoKj-TdmTUz4ypGQK67NTqoSfXuMOSMQWl--i6N-x~a0fIDovzQ7FZDKj8m9pI6h6-eqRiyo7lvxyUm9khm5IdVYcY8RHRZ0CS73k-jsTwb9XJPbPBTVfVc7H~uEM6OglUy1xHlpPWrMoK1gckR4a~99jTP7iyw3jSTcn3Eyt-j-KNI~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Penny Saunders brought the Collier County Board of County Commissioners a proposal to explore adding a sixth penny to the county tourist development tax to help finish Paradise Coast Park.

Saunders said she was not asking the board to vote on a tax increase that day but wanted discussion of “what I think, would need to be done if the board moves in the direction to complete that park.” She described cost overruns and supply‑chain problems that left the sports complex incomplete and said local tourism leaders told her they would evaluate a TDT increase to fund additional fields and a field house.

The pitch drew presentations from sports and tourism stakeholders. James Hanrahan, interim director for parks and recreation, described seasonal field closures for grass diamonds and said artificial turf would allow play in June–August when local fields are now shut down for renovation: “When you have natural grass, you wanna make sure that the fields can withstand 3 to 4 months of play.”

Bob Moreno and Alessandro Martin, representing FC Naples, said demand for more fields is high and that additional fields would increase family and youth participation. Adrian Moses, general manager for Sports Facilities Companies (the park operator), said his operator reduced an operating deficit to a projected surplus and that adding baseball/softball fields and an eventual field house could increase summer room nights and overall facility revenue; he told the commissioners he would provide letters from tournament operators supporting the need.

Chris Lopez, representing the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Collier chapter, said his organization would review the plan and could consider supporting a ballot effort: “We are absolutely here, to support … finalizing the build out of what is already an immensely impressive complex and can only get better.” Jay Tusa, the county tourism director, provided seasonality data showing much lower average daily rate and room nights in June–August versus peak months and said boosting summer sports tourism would raise summer occupancy.

Commissioners asked for more information on total project cost, long‑term operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, impacts on hotels and other anticipated room‑night generation. Commissioner Kevin McDaniel emphasized the need for clear cost, O&M and funding information and suggested pursuing federal/state grants and philanthropic contributions alongside any tourist tax proposal.

No formal vote to raise the tourist development tax was taken. The board signaled general consensus to continue studying the idea and directed staff to collect detailed cost, revenue and impact analyses and to meet with stakeholders; commissioners were asked to submit specific questions for staff follow‑up. Saunders said her intent is to return with a motion in the fall for staff to prepare ballot language for a referendum if the board decides to proceed.

Supporters in the room and at the podium stressed that a one‑cent increase—many commissioners were given a projection that a sixth penny would generate roughly $9.7 million a year if in place now—would be borne primarily by visitors rather than local ad valorem taxpayers but emphasized the need for a clear public education campaign outside of county‑funded promotion (which state law would prohibit).","Commissioner Penny Saunders asked the Collier County Board of County Commissioners to explore adding a sixth penny to the tourist development tax to finish Paradise Coast Park, and the board directed staff to return with detailed cost, revenue and voter‑information options rather than taking a vote.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":46,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224587,"County facilities director urges comprehensive deferred‑maintenance and master‑planning program; requests studies and funding",46200,46200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41&start=46200&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41/thumbnail_46200000.jpg","/articles/6224587/Collier-County/Florida/County-facilities-director-urges-comprehensive-deferredmaintenance-and-masterplanning-program-requests-studies-and-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224587-36f62f212d0263004373a7e3a6d84e8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130916&Signature=Fh2CBPrKwGBHq7KFMX2IPhVLA-bNAUtZcFDiNluiov4K4G2l5yF00LF6veKJQhOcVsvnRv8~v-yphWxywsLjzZQTqIYPFHBibP81WwECcHGRiukXK4M6Fb0hsdpF49nAdrktWVzVsimmsxYtdMVfFIVnVKOVvczawEdN5TTl4JhVZTRku9M6pAXhP-bOBLol8QDzJK0K8Cekzy1lz8xjLMHGLPuoog4QF3-mbhu9YRSlC7Qr7nD45806h~VhiQx7~Pk7LPYzEZg5lqMsr7w1lTbJGtot9o2JweDeeEaBv0offGLEGpk40In9YDCnMaVDlk9ovwCoCJlLQSYLhqx2Tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Collier County’s executive director for facilities and redevelopment outlined a multi‑year approach to cataloguing deferred maintenance, improving space utilization and strengthening safety and security systems across county buildings.

John Dunnick told the board that much county infrastructure dates to the 1990s (average building age roughly 25 years) and that existing condition data are outdated; the most recent countywide facility assessment cited by staff was completed in 2017. He said the county’s maintenance and planning practice had been “piecemeal” and recommended commissioning a third‑party, county‑wide condition assessment and creating a living master plan that ties condition findings to a prioritized capital‑maintenance program.

Dunnick described the Administration Building (1974) and the county health department (1989) as examples of structures that need substantial long‑term investment — including envelope, HVAC and fire‑suppression work — and said staff will evaluate whether to refurbish or replace high‑cost assets when a complete condition and life‑cycle assessment is available. He showed examples of aged mechanical piping, failing exterior penetrations and older fire‑alarm/access‑control systems. The department is moving to enterprise asset systems (ArcGIS and Cartegraph) so condition data, preventive‑maintenance schedules and space allocations are stored in one system of record.

Staff said they have reprioritized existing vacancies and fund sources to add planning and supervisory positions without increasing overall FTEs and have secured initial funding (a board‑set aside of approximately $1.3 million) to begin facility condition work. Dunnick estimated the complete effort — condition assessment, space utilization study and a master plan — would require roughly $3.5 million to $3.8 million and take multiple years to complete; staff proposed using existing set‑asides and bringing further funding requests into the FY‑26 budget cycle.

The board supported the approach and emphasized that any plan should be an ongoing, accountable program with regular updates. Commissioners asked staff to return with procurement options, timelines and clear priorities for public‑safety buildings and other critical assets. Dunnick and staff said they will return with a proposed scope of work and contract options for the condition assessment and with FY‑26 budget requests tied to prioritized capital maintenance.","Facilities staff told the board the county needs a structured, multi‑year program to inventory deferred maintenance, prioritize repairs and modernize security and asset‑management systems; staff recommended a countywide condition assessment and a master plan funded in part from existing set‑asides and future budget requests.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224591,"Commissioners continue hobby‑breeder/animal control ordinance for public input; staff to seek enforcement improvements and partner with nonprofits",0,63240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41&start=63240&end=63240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41/thumbnail_63240000.jpg","/articles/6224591/Collier-County/Florida/Commissioners-continue-hobbybreederanimal-control-ordinance-for-public-input-staff-to-seek-enforcement-improvements-and-partner-with-nonprofits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224591-0bc815c4536e6f4808f65d449a786902/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130916&Signature=Vb0lkrTsPxwIvTky-e9SxKElA97DjvRVblzttV0TgoFRQqQoe6HOWSVCtI2hAGac0IkWqa6jddVVIdd3SwSq3Hb60hHw2NA-OQJqEnh8zMuj7Xa7NCndLcbZvZ8pLMXT6no1F9mPsavOk3JBZgBVII8xZvtFkKMSvMjD53qY9KdLjko9ldehgxa4qXcsvUvUfbPlyiO3VW4OA-C~TUbQgGF-pd8VzXrlC3gyKqUSBx6OvMUW0Qkc2-mBCZ-DzAVqfQnju~z1A96MUnrb~iInH5~uJp9-68NS16fK8YyqSyku~Z6HsODCHD9b-Lx49SnEO9-7BtAbhOimqrre1leSGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Penny Saunders asked to continue an ordinance amendment that would change the definition of “hobby breeder” and update permit requirements in the county’s animal control code so staff could incorporate public input and enforcement details.

Tom Kapp, founder of Snip Collier, urged the board to strengthen enforceable requirements for people who own breeding animals, pressing for mandatory health certificates, microchipping and recordkeeping of transfers to reduce stray litters and to support local shelters. Kapp said local rescue groups and private spay/neuter providers already absorb much of the county’s load and urged better enforcement tied to fines and property‑based penalties: “If you really come down on them, you'll cut out 25 to 50% of all the … dogs.”

Domestic Animal Services and code enforcement staff described limited enforcement bandwidth, long travel distances across the county and a need for clearer authority and collection mechanisms for fines. Staff said they are reviewing options including wage garnishment or liens but must confirm legal mechanisms with the county attorney. The county also described recent and planned grants, local clinic partnerships and the Snip Collier Immokalee triage/clinic project.

After discussion, the board unanimously continued the ordinance to the first meeting in July (July 8) and asked staff to work with local animal‑welfare groups, DAS and the county attorney’s office to return with revised language and enforcement options and to present proposed partnerships and budget recommendations as part of FY‑26 budget planning.","The board continued proposed amendments to the animal control ordinance addressing the definition and permitting of 'hobby breeders' and directed staff to work with animal‑welfare groups and DAS to refine enforceable permit and citation language, and to return at the July 8 meeting with revisions.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224596,"Board directs staff to prepare purchase agreement with fair board, recommends sale near cost with reverter clause",217,2233000,2450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41&start=2233&end=2450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549962-5c6b19f97d4dda1a7e2f4d097b944b41/thumbnail_2233000.jpg","/articles/6224596/Collier-County/Florida/Board-directs-staff-to-prepare-purchase-agreement-with-fair-board-recommends-sale-near-cost-with-reverter-clause","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224596-b32824d77abc5e499f2307bb6a1e55a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130916&Signature=no1kUC4H2pz-NrSI7pijLGRi~Bgz-RjiQJ5GgKo-wF8r9lZ2LNQxrfdjPhxTdyDVIJ6BBI-RK8wl4eChE7NETPYOU4sVRS6u6Qxar-EtQ76gkJaJGWEqd1hts7tEkxv8jQnhi8-Vd1Z4lA7FgbgTwEshMZJEnaDWLTN7dCjK3p7Z5tGj2GANObYovLrSDTZqW8zyGi8~6QPZmZFqXAgEOjZR2f37lWwIpYYhhDCis0ZePIrJQ4koQi5cFRZTfk-Pn19nOeyB7EF1k3MkB00gmVUbkenT8yYn0pnwlw~gQOX3nF6ozAIBnh7NNLWAx~sf4PUN4E2AYl3Xn94KJ21csw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Collier County Board directed the county manager to prepare a purchase and sales agreement with the Collier County Fair Board for roughly 100 acres of property used as a fairgrounds and to provide direction on price per acre. County staff reported a recent market value (from a recent appraisal) and reminded the board of the option to sell at less than market value with a reverter provision to protect continued fair use.

Commissioner Kevin McDaniel noted the utilities department had permitted the current fairgrounds as a well field for fresh water supply tied to the county’s Northeast regional wastewater facility work and said relocation of the fairboard’s operations may be necessary. McDaniel said he would recommend not profiting from the sale to the fair board but instead selling at a price equivalent to county cost plus interest and including a reverter clause to return the property to county control if fair operations cease. County staff said they had discussed the proposal with fair board representative Clay Brooker and would carry the details forward into a draft purchase and sale agreement.

The board voted unanimously to direct the manager to prepare the purchase document and to include protections and the recommended pricing approach. Commissioners emphasized they wanted to preserve the fairgrounds’ legacy uses — including the swamp buggy, the fair and the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch — and staff indicated they would bring a formal agreement back for board approval with specific price, deed restriction and reverter language.

No final sale or price was approved at the meeting; staff said they would return with a draft agreement and the formal purchase and sale terms for a subsequent board vote.","Commissioners directed staff to prepare a purchase and sales agreement for Camp Keys/fairgrounds property with the Collier County Fair Board, asked staff to work on a per‑acre price near county cost plus interest and to include a reverter/deed restriction if the land ceases fairground use.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners transmit Sable Palm growth‑plan amendment to state after heated public comment; notice radius expanded

Collier commissioners discuss adding sixth penny tourist tax to finish Paradise Coast Park; no vote taken

County facilities director urges comprehensive deferred‑maintenance and master‑planning program; requests studies and funding

Commissioners continue hobby‑breeder/animal control ordinance for public input; staff to seek enforcement improvements and partner with nonprofits

Board directs staff to prepare purchase agreement with fair board, recommends sale near cost with reverter clause