Collier County commissioners deny proposed 350-foot Ochoppi communications tower after tribal and public opposition

Collier County commissioners on Tuesday rejected plans to build a 350-foot emergency communications tower at the Ochoppi Fire Control Station along Tamiami Trail, citing local opposition, concerns about cultural impacts and unresolved deed-title questions.

The action came after a three-hour public hearing in which dozens of speakers — including Miccosukee and Seminole tribal members, landowners near the proposed site, environmental advocates and county staff — urged the board to reconsider the location. The board voted unanimously to deny use of the Ochoppi site and directed staff to pursue other options, including working with federal partners to preserve communications at the existing Karnstown tower.

The proposal, presented by Brandon Copper of Davidson Engineering on behalf of the applicant, called for an essential-service communications tower to serve 9-1-1, state and federal partners and to provide ancillary cellular support. "Our proposed use is a 350 foot tall emergency communications tower," Copper said during his presentation, adding the structure…