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Naples unveils draft resiliency plan: three pillars and multi-department roadmap
Summary
City staff presented a draft Resilient Plan that frames coastal protection as three coordinated pillars — offshore, onshore and inland — and builds on earlier vulnerability assessments, pump station upgrades and beach outfall projects.
City staff and consultants presented a draft Resilient Plan at the Sept. 22 Naples City Council workshop, outlining a coordinated, citywide program to strengthen protection from storms, flooding, heat and infrastructure failures.
Public Works Director Bob Middleton described the plan as “the opening salvo” of resilience work that builds on vulnerability assessments and recent projects including stormwater outfall work and multi-basin planning. The plan groups actions into five strategic phases — preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation and adaptation — and stresses integrated engineering and community engagement.
Critical Infrastructure Director George Yilmez described the plan’s three pillars: offshore protection to dissipate wave energy (for example artificial reefs or submerged structures), onshore protection emphasizing dunes and beach nourishment, and inland protection focused on stormwater systems and seawalls. “We have the foundation. That means you have decades of investment,” Yilmez said, noting the city has already invested tens of millions in utilities and pump stations and is proposing additional studies including a business case, thermal analysis and a seawall inventory.
The report lays out immediate and long-term projects: two new master pump stations and beach outfall upgrades are under construction; a watershed master plan and Basin 4 designs are advancing; and a proposed seawall ordinance is under review. The city flagged funding sources including local utility and stormwater funds, Tourist Development Council dollars and federal/state grants; consultants noted private partnerships and grant funds have supported prior work.
Staff emphasized that inland projects are primarily within city control while offshore measures will require multi-jurisdiction cooperation. “Pillar 3 is within our control,” Middleton said. “We can optimize funding and leverage county, state and federal partners.”
Speakers Bob Middleton — Public Works Director (government) George Yilmez — Critical Infrastructure Director (government) Erica Harris — Coastal and climate scientist, AECOM (consultant)
What’s next: staff will continue design work on pump stations and basin studies, take the seawall recommendations through a deeper legal and code review, and seek council feedback on funding priorities and outreach.
