[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6748173,"mediaKeyId","5345248-5801b6406a99a2eff383fab5401b2d41","parentId",5345248,"title","Collier County accepts sports‑complex and Sun & Fun studies and directs 6¢ tourist‑tax referendum","audioSeconds",3073,"startMs",3547000,"endMs",6620000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345248-5801b6406a99a2eff383fab5401b2d41&start=3547&end=6620","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345248-5801b6406a99a2eff383fab5401b2d41/thumbnail_3547000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6748173/Collier-County/Florida/Collier-County-accepts-sportscomplex-and-Sun-Fun-studies-and-directs-6-touristtax-referendum","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6748173-8575f3c9146541328275d25c4d087220/orig.mp4?Expires=1773646512&Signature=ETghT~MgaJVlFxMBGgTBU2bzXaKo4QGHt8tXrDGHZCpGxKko-hONr5sq5M0pzuzbl2Fef-xHrX4Hzh1GalG4F8Ufsxed~wENFSSX1boG7Z7BJhJiLlRE2cbp58FstCs~e3eHPI2YQn4zgcaS1-OsH8UIchaqzS78qL3NwZHk6a3nAZ0g~4dJGDVKEoQgkoGOOR0BIWY8bgKxa4IEIaMxdX2C~LTV~dbZHyXLPPMjRX21Qpc0sNRykXmLvAq6Bosa7PILDLBCXsAkEhgXwSUwax-QqMktQ2eG-Vr-2HfJKpUkXgiBUFvUWw6urFNC6AIZcg89MGXYV35uMQ3P8gyM8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Collier County","date","2025-07-09T00:00:00Z","article","Collier County commissioners on July 8 accepted two tourism impact studies — for the Paradise Coast Sports Complex and Sun And Fun Lagoon — and directed the county attorney to advertise an ordinance to place a 6¢ tourist development tax (TDT) referendum on the Nov. 4, 2026, ballot.

The board voted unanimously to accept the consultant reports and to move forward with the referendum process, which county staff estimate would generate roughly $9–$10 million annually. The commission also approved moving ahead with construction of Field 9 at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, including parking and a pavilion, using planned tourism‑development funds.

Why it matters: Consultants found that expanding outdoor baseball and softball fields at Paradise Coast would lift summer visitation — a traditionally slow season for area hotels — and produce millions in net visitor spending and hotel tax revenue over time. The Sun And Fun study showed nearly half of the park’s visits come from outside Collier County and found modest investments (cabana rentals, third‑party management) could increase spending by visitors and add tax revenue.

Consultant Matthew Avila summarized the sports‑complex findings, saying the recommended outdoor expansion would drive room‑night growth in summer months and produce “significant additional attendance” for baseball and softball events. Sports‑complex general manager Adrian Moses told the board earlier operations wouldn’t scale one‑for‑one with fields added: existing managerial staff and some shared overhead would absorb part of the expansion, and revenue from new tournaments should cover event cost increases.

Commissioners focused questions on operations and long‑term capital needs. Commissioner McDaniel said he supported placing the referendum on the ballot but asked for “a far more detailed analysis on the O&M expected” including capital‑replacement reserves before agreeing to any final construction program. Commissioner Locastro urged the board not to “get tunnel vision” and recommended making a public, itemized list of projects the TDT could fund so voters understand the breadth of proposed uses.

Business and sports stakeholders voiced support. Chris Lopez of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association told commissioners the local lodging industry has discussed the measure and views the tax as a visitor‑paid funding source: “This is not a tax on the citizenry of Collier County. This is a tax on every visitor that comes in and spends one night in a hotel or a short‑term rental.” Veronica Dosio of Naples United FC described local demand: “I have 12‑year olds training at 10PM because we don’t have enough fields,” and urged the county to preserve daytime practice and game capacity for youth programs.

Next steps and limits: The board directed the county attorney to advertise an ordinance to place the incremental 1% (6¢) TDT on the ballot and reaffirmed that adopting an ordinance and advertising a referendum does not itself impose the tax; voter approval would be required. Commissioners also reaffirmed September public hearing dates on the FY 2025‑26 budget timetable.

Quotes: \"If we don't move forward with that, this discussion is just academic because we don't have the money to do either scenario,\" Paradise Coast manager Adrian Moses said of funding options. \"The facility is one of the most premier soccer complexes in the country,\" consultant Matthew Avila said in describing market position.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with the statutory steps to advertise the ordinance and work with stakeholders on community outreach; commissioners asked for additional analysis on operations, debt service and capital‑replacement funding before making final decisions on any expansion package.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (7-8-2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Collier County commissioners on July 8 accepted tourism impact studies for the Paradise Coast Sports Complex and Sun And Fun Lagoon and directed staff to prepare a voter referendum to add a 6¢ tourist development tax aimed at funding expansions and related tourism infrastructure.","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},6748168,"Commissioners approve Clayton Miller memorial at Willoughby Acres Park",151,985000,1136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345248-5801b6406a99a2eff383fab5401b2d41&start=985&end=1136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345248-5801b6406a99a2eff383fab5401b2d41/thumbnail_985000.jpg","/articles/6748168/Collier-County/Florida/Commissioners-approve-Clayton-Miller-memorial-at-Willoughby-Acres-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6748168-603251c5db0018644c66b625a1ff9438/orig.mp4?Expires=1773646512&Signature=LsbGDqnsRY7DC30ot1iBY4NRjhciMXcecAhE7NASjr0YVWpiltPbfJSng4IRCsDJD30x-pyPPuARlJoDqrHFUWRcb2wuTZ-fB5vSDdiz1qw-X8JEWsN2VOPvzwS5~2Voxy9NluKD7pllqZT8cJl0mHwhGpHgMOVqvJ0~Ffgrh-2jWSNeIMv51EPcrIGFrCH4~uk2TO7bfCJGLkuHwuFoUWYjYdgLmE0wBSeU5bW9eD-5-Mj-FbeWRJXAA02Rs4fFk0HXXRmVuDAAo7DB31XGlEsTwlqSfgTdAQsC88kDkhiHO88pzboiZ9e5rHfpy6MjJlLUqIbh0qF3n6Z0jcJ3gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Collier County Board of County Commissioners on July 8 voted unanimously to approve creation of a Clayton Miller memorial at Willoughby Acres Park after a petition from local residents and family members.

Petitioners Brandon Rief and Janet Miller told the commission the North Naples community has been mourning the death of Clayton Miller, a 14‑year‑old who died in an e‑bike accident on March 15, 2025. The petition — they said — collected more than 1,300 signatures in support of renaming the park to Clayton Miller Memorial Park at Willoughby Acres. County staff explained the board’s renaming policy and suggested an alternative that would retain the park name while providing a dedicated memorial area for Clayton.

Commissioner Christian Hall, who moved the motion, said a memorial in Willoughby Acres Park would be an appropriate way to honor Clayton’s memory. The motion passed unanimously.

Staff direction and next steps: The board’s action authorizes staff to work with the petitioners to develop a memorial design and siting plan that complies with county policy for park renaming and memorials; the family and staff will continue coordination on approvals and implementation.

Quote: Petition representative Brandon Rief told the commissioners, “A memorial for Clayton at the Willoughby Acres Park ... will serve as an extremely meaningful tribute to Clayton’s memory and provide a lasting reminder to the impact he had on our community.”

Provenance: Petition introduced at the 09:15 time certain (item 6a) and memorial authorization recorded at 11:10.","The board agreed unanimously to allow placement of a Clayton Miller memorial at Willoughby Acres Park following a petition with roughly 1,300 signatures and a request from the family to rename the park; staff had recommended a memorial option consistent with the county’s renaming policy.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6748163,"Board OKs five‑year museum license to display military artifacts at county museum",154,1196000,1350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345248-5801b6406a99a2eff383fab5401b2d41&start=1196&end=1350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345248-5801b6406a99a2eff383fab5401b2d41/thumbnail_1196000.jpg","/articles/6748163/Collier-County/Florida/Board-OKs-fiveyear-museum-license-to-display-military-artifacts-at-county-museum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6748163-6040d62dbb2216e9012487324ff6f892/orig.mp4?Expires=1773646512&Signature=M15E7Koq21wUE6uOClu41mtrttfoH3U8GAcNanWdbasg1~Ckhmh7wrlrko-nU~B60nSDT2csI2zsPA95dFVNIlyTNIZ830HB7eAwZZydgYW7bm-SCnCePtR7v1gU36CWmLsbatnoi3ExCG43abgvkZdl~eSDGEIz8k9s7ueXJGp2B4dKbZkhcw4CDx7gSjYXHM1LrfyJ32oQ0kTOK6U22VvfRRjj5AiWGvVv4MBxYh8QPBPygZeqosbIRJOKdl0L0b7IitSiTQG6IuvxH2EL15o4gAdRyH4bk8bLQq9DhGNCtNN-XUUjXxEnosd222UAwNiWLLDKYAvC9zhb4reKNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Collier County Board of County Commissioners unanimously authorized a nonexclusive five‑year facility use license with America’s Military and First Responder Museum on July 8 to display military artifacts at the Collier County Museum.

John Dunnick, executive director of facilities and redevelopment, described the agreement as approximately 2,000 square feet of museum space under a five‑year lease at $10 per year and no utilities; staff noted hours and operations would be coordinated with the county museum. The only outstanding issue was workers' compensation coverage; the museum maintains volunteers rather than paid employees and staff requested latitude to resolve insurance requirements with the museum’s insurers.

Dave Hines, president of America’s Military and First Responder Museum, thanked Commissioner Hall for bringing the item forward and said museum volunteers will continue working toward a larger permanent space in the future. The board voted to approve the agreement and gave staff limited flexibility to finalize insurance requirements prior to execution.

Next steps: Facilities staff and risk management will finalize the insurance language and execute the license; staff expects the license to be executed after insurance details are resolved and will report back to the board.","Commissioners approved a five‑year, nonexclusive facility use license with America’s Military and First Responder Museum to display artifacts at the Collier County Museum for a nominal $10 annual lease; staff will finalize workers' compensation insurance arrangements with the museum’s insurers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6748158,"Collier County and local rescue groups continue talks on privatizing parts of animal‑services operations",226,1492000,1718000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345248-5801b6406a99a2eff383fab5401b2d41&start=1492&end=1718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345248-5801b6406a99a2eff383fab5401b2d41/thumbnail_1492000.jpg","/articles/6748158/Collier-County/Florida/Collier-County-and-local-rescue-groups-continue-talks-on-privatizing-parts-of-animalservices-operations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6748158-53f5c844768ad821f4dabc677325f492/orig.mp4?Expires=1773646512&Signature=crxn2qa7yn3laGA5udvl3SZ7L5aWwfvU3oVnOCdqkXMJAgLO9KefQkZZl-h9NbnHEXe8cFn4~iq-HA3cezTlem786flziuW8kOAqi1CePp9USKXLOsqJiSjoJgHo~XPRcCmzolI6sRD61wKGf0Qjns4fgMndyC~b~ftEwmm0n7af94ZByoPMighj9dVbxcoVLMBFKfUPJ-NHi6ljN22ckYwWNv3QfxqMexMj4ks9MnJ-ckX4qWowrQAU0UlraPiZkVzjWDkudr2mYvXfZ8gh4E-kBt5jjonyIpb5ttWDSwAymMj0hFv5045RiQcx8cEmNSbYfoVXL947cW-gdzA5Hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Local rescue group For the Love of Cats presented a detailed proposal on July 8 to assume community‑cat response functions from Collier County Domestic Animal Services (DAS), including trapping, transport, kitten rescue, public education and return‑to‑owner work, while DAS would pay for surgeries, vaccinations and community‑cat wellness expenses.

Jan Rich, president and co‑founder of For the Love of Cats, told commissioners the organization expects to TNR roughly 750 cats this year and said a partnership could expand capacity severalfold. County staff told the board that follow‑up meetings are scheduled to outline a phased partnership and that budget constraints currently limit full implementation. Commissioners indicated general support and asked staff to return with options for a staged implementation and budget scenarios.

DAS volunteers and advocates stressed staffing shortages and the need for a surgical veterinarian at DAS; public commenter Eva Frond noted the DAS surgical vetenarian position had been vacant since last September and urged hiring or a cost‑effective outsourcing approach. County Manager Amy Patterson said staff will meet with the rescue organization to discuss phase‑in possibilities and present options for the board to consider during budget hearings.

Next steps: Staff will meet with For the Love of Cats and other stakeholders to scope a phased partnership and return with a budgetary plan for possible inclusion in upcoming budget hearings. Commissioners suggested any privatization should be evidence‑based, phased and budget‑conscious.","Representatives of For the Love of Cats and domestic animal services (DAS) discussed a proposed partnership to manage community cat issues and spay/neuter services; staff said budget constraints limit immediate adoption but a follow‑up meeting is scheduled and commissioners expressed support for exploring a phased private‑partner model.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Collier County accepts sports‑complex and Sun & Fun studies and directs 6¢ tourist‑tax referendum

Commissioners approve Clayton Miller memorial at Willoughby Acres Park

Board OKs five‑year museum license to display military artifacts at county museum

Collier County and local rescue groups continue talks on privatizing parts of animal‑services operations