Redistricting Comes to Collier County

In a 3-2 vote, County Commissioners approved a new district map during their regular commission meeting Tuesday, December 14, 2021. The Florida constitution requires redistricting after every census to address changes in population. Commissioners had months to review the five different maps presented by David Weeks, Redistricting Project Manager. The county also held meetings in each district so that the public had the opportunity to review the five maps and make comments. At the start of the meeting, Weeks told Commissioners that they could accept a map as shown or they could make modifications to the one they favored. Of the five maps presented, Map Two got the go-ahead without any changes or modifications. The League of Women Voters and the NAACP supported Map Two as it afforded the most minority representation out of the five. Commissioner Saunders (District Three), Commissioner Taylor (District Four) and Commissioner Solis (District Two) agreed. Commissioner Saunders stated that “we have a couple of organizations that are very much concerned about minority representation.” He went on to say that voting for Map Two “sends a message that we are serious about making sure that minorities in this county have the opportunity to have representation.”

Jacob Winge, President of the East Naples Civic Association, campaigned for Map Four with “tweaks”. The tweaks being to put Isles of Collier in one district and most of East Naples into two districts, where it is currently spread out over four. Commissioner McDaniel (District Five) and Commissioner LoCastro (District One) favored Map Four with the tweaks recommended by Winge. McDaniel had concerns with Map Two because it divides rural Golden Gate Estates and East Naples. “I have huge concerns with subdividing the rural Golden Gate Estates,” said McDaniel. “I don’t think that’s appropriate.” Commissioner LoCastro said “Map Two has the highest population deviation and divides Golden Gate Estates and keeps Isles of Collier and Berkshire still divided.” McDaniel and LoCastro were the two dissenting votes to Map Two.

Under the new district map, District One, of which Marco Island is a part of, now includes Naples Heritage Golf and Country Club, Cedar Hammock Golf and Country Club, Green Heron and Falling Waters. Lakewood, Riviera Golf Estates, Kings Lake and Crowne Pointe are moved out of District One into District Four. The new redistricting map also moves everything west of Wilson Boulevard and north of Golden Gate Boulevard out of District Five into District Three.

Selecting a new redistricting map wasn’t the only county business commissioners on the docket. A collaboration between the Humane Society and Domestic Animal Services was discussed. Commissioner Solis and Saunders are not convinced combining these two agencies is the correct thing to do. Commissioner LoCastro pointed out that supporting documents showed that the Humane Society would absorb and take over DAS, something he presently does not support. He believes the county can benefit from HSN but not have them “take over”. Commissioners approved to have staff do an exploratory analysis on the proposal and come back to them with their assessment.

Commissioners have accepted a fee structure for boat launching and permits. The proposed fee policy charges an increase per annual permit up to three, with any additional permits after three remaining at the same higher rate. There was discussion on increasing that dollar amount per permit but for now, they are going with the fee policy changes as presented. Commissioners plan on revisiting the new fee policy and other changes they initiated last month. Dan Rodriquez, Public Service Department Head, agreed with that philosophy, saying that “this is something we (Parks and Recreation Department) want to talk about again in March and then yearly”. After they get more data on how many commercial boats are launching at each of the ramps, they may want to restrict that number depending on the ramp and the number of vehicles per ramp.