Looking Ahead To 2024

As we prepare to enter into 2024 and what will most certainly be one of the most tumultuous years we’ve seen in some time, the American people, as well as Collier County and Marco Island Marco Island residents may be in for a bumpy ride.

No one expects the upcoming year to be anything but normal. The national election scene may well be one of the most animated and unrestrained that we have ever witnessed, not only for the race for the Presidency but for control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the United States Senate. All the chips are on the table for all three coveted prizes.

A fourth prize may lie in that of Donald Trump’s battle to just have a seat at the table and win his challenge to beat back the efforts of an energized Democratic machine seeking to deny him his battle to be the nominee of his party to run a rematch with a very damaged Democratic incumbent, whose favorability poll numbers within his own party are very much suspect. Democratic party leaders are very concerned as to his ability to turn the party faithful out in the numbers necessary to defeat his 2020 opponent if, in fact, he is the nominee.

The race to maintain the slim Republican majority in the U.S. House may be in jeopardy due to their own infighting within their own ranks, which was demonstrated in their own inability to coalesce around a strong Speaker to run the House, which they had a slim majority in during the last two years of childish bickering and self-destructive acrimony which failed to show their ability govern and may cause them forfeit their majority.

They must demonstrate their ability to turn that perception around in the next nine months or risk being the minority in that chamber. This will once again endanger their ability to have an opportunity to deal in the substantive discussions that will be held after the 2024 elections, regardless of who resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Rumors run rampant within Collier County as to whether the District One Seat may face a potential challenger to incumbent Commissioner Rick LoCastro because of the discontent of some within his own district and the rumblings of another potential candidate for that seat.

The District One seat encompasses Marco Island, Port of the Islands, Isle of Capri and East Naples. LoCastro was very active during his first term within his district holding numerous informational meetings regarding issues concerning their areas.

Here on Marco Island, there are a total of two individuals who will definitely be leaving Council. Councilor Jarod Grifoni will be term-limited, as he will be completing his second four-year term in office and is presently serving as Chairman of the Council. Councilor Folley will have to resign upon his official filing for the State Representative Seat presently held by State Representative Bob Rommel. Upon his resignation, Councilor Folley's seat would be temporarily filled by a council appointee until the next election, and that individual will serve out the remainder of the two years left on his four-year term.

Three other councilors will have to make a decision later this year. Councilors Becky Irwin, Joe Rola and Rich Blonna will be completing their first term in office and will have to choose to run for a second four-year term.

2024 will certainly be a challenging one ahead, as the financial assistance that has enabled councilors to spend money at an accelerated rate during the last four years because of the extra cash made available from the Collier County 1% sales tax bonus funds will be discontinued. Collier County Commissioners recently chose to discontinue that additional surtax and return it to the original 6% levy effective January 1, 2024.

Stay tuned for additional news and information over the next months as we attempt to keep you abreast of breaking news.