$15 Million Incentive and Updates from the County Commissioners Meeting

There were spirited and passionate discussions during the bi-weekly Collier County Commissioners Meeting on Tuesday, June 22 along with standard business reviews.

The Mosquito Control District is looking to expand their service area. Reasons cited for expansion include excessive mosquito populations in non-serviced areas that are adjacent to inhabited areas and the forecasted increase in population outside the current district service area. The growing population in the eastern portion of the county is expected to bring the potential for more mosquito-borne illnesses. It entails a modest yearly tax increase. Commissioners will take a vote on at their next meeting on July 13.

Commissioner McDaniel put forth an ordinance to make Collier County a Bill of Rights Sanctuary County. Specifically, the ordinance states “Collier County has the right to be free from the commanding hand of the federal government and has the right to refuse to cooperate with federal government officials in response to unconstitutional federal government measures, and to proclaim a Bill of Rights Sanctuary for law-abiding citizens in its cities and county.” The ordinance prohibits any department, employee or official in Collier County from intentionally enforcing any “unlawful act” from the federal government, with an “unlawful act” being defined as any federal act that violates or unreasonably restricts an individual’s constitutional rights. Violators can be sued in circuit court. There were around 20 citizens on hand speaking in support with comments ranging from mask mandates taking away liberties and the erosion of Second Amendment Rights. All the commissioners support having the county being a Bill of Rights Sanctuary County, but the question arose as to the legality of its enforcement, a sentiment echoed by County Attorney Klatzkow. Commissioner Solis points to the fact that it is the courts that determine and interpret the Bill of Rights and Constitution. Another concern is that there is nothing in the ordinance stating who decides whether the federal government has done something unconstitutional. Commissioner McDaniel said that the Sheriff’s Office will be the one to enforce the ordinance. 

In the end, Commissioners voted 3-2 to move forward to the next step, which is to advertise the ordinance. They have the opportunity to amend the ordinance at their next meeting at which time they will vote on whether to approve.

Great Wolf Lodge was front and center again, asking the County for a 15 million dollar incentive to bring their family-centric hotel/playground to the property next to the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Their presentation included the new tax revenues and job opportunities they would bring to the county, the marketing that would prominently feature the county, and the potential for other hotels in the area to get higher rates based on the business model and rates they would be charging. Commissioner LoCastro agrees that Great Wolf Lodge is an amazing product and would be a fantastic addition to the county but doesn’t believe the county needs to give them a “15-million-dollar gift” to come to the county. While the request has merit, he comments that Collier County is a destination in itself and doesn’t need to pay companies to come here. Commissioners agreed four to one to give Great Wolf Lodge the incentive.

Finally, commissioners talked about lifting all Covid related restrictions as it pertains to their meetings. They unanimously agreed to have meetings go “back to normal”.