A Brief History of the Destruction of Florida

It must be an election year. Last October the Board of Collier Commissioners voted they could use $53 million of Conservation Collier funds to fill gaps in this year’s budget, funds earmarked by voters for purchasing conservation lands. The commissioners also changed the Conservation Collier ordinance - that was originally approved by voters in 3 separate referendums - to give the commissioners “express power” to use the program’s money for “any other county purposes deemed [by them] to be in the best interest of the public.” 

Last Tuesday, after being swamped by opposition, they backpaddled so fast they left a wake. Rick LoCastro pointed out how many people reminded the board of the referendum’s approval (77%), and “that it is a program everybody loves.” The voters did not need reminding, but certainly the board did. 

Commission chair Chris Hall stated that appropriating the money from Conservation Collier “was a one-time thing we did…It was never our intent to rob Conservation Collier and use its slush fund.” Slush fund? Interesting choice of words Mr. Hall. None of the $53 million has been paid back, nor do they have any plan on how to replenish it. 

Surely the saddest quote also originated with Mr. LoCastro, stating that the high number of Collier citizens came to last Tuesday’s meeting because “they thought we’d raided Conservation Collier, when in reality we put a spotlight on it.” Heck of a spin there. 

This would be the same governing body that, just a few years back, voted to change building codes in Isles of Capri (Mr. LoCastro’s district) to allow for multiple mixed-use high-rises in the very center of that tiny island community. Capri residents garnered over 1000 signatures opposing the change, they hired a lawyer, they attended commission meetings in van loads, they did everything right, all to no avail. The commissioners, not one with a personal or commercial tie to the community, approved the changes anyway. In the aftermath, for sale signs sprouted like weeds. 

And that, neighbors, is a brief history of the destruction of Florida. Normally, I would urge you to write your commissioner to voice your opinions, but as this board seems to collectively disregard the will of the citizenry, I recommend replacing the lot at the next election. Your ballot remains your strongest voice.