I look forward to reading Sparkers’s Soapbox and Digest. These are always concise, very informative and objective and they allow me to efficiently gain an understanding of local and state political matters. —Michael Clayman, M.D.

Collier County Government News

1. Collier commissioners unanimously approve second Costco, despite neighborhood opposition

After a nearly five-hour hearing, Collier commissioners approved plans for a second Costco in the county at a site in East Naples. The project faced strong opposition from dozens of residents who raised concerns about traffic, safety and the environment. (Naples Daily News, 10/15/25)

2. Redevelopment project includes return of Oakes Farms Market in East Naples

Although there is work happening behind the scenes, the reopening of Oakes Farms Market is still years away. Creating the proposed mixed-use development in the Bayshore Gateway Triangle would require an amendment to the county’s growth management plan, a rezoning, and ultimately approval from the Collier County Commission. (Naples Daily News, 10/9/25)

3. Tim Aten Knows: Collier to rule on proposed beach club

Rezoning and conditional use petitions for the proposed Paraiso Beach Club are on the Oct. 14 meeting agenda for the Collier County Commission. The private beach club is proposed across two small residential lots totaling 1.3 acres on Gulf Shore Drive near its intersection with Bayview Avenue, immediately north of the La Playa Beach & Golf Resort in North Naples. (Gulfshore Business, 10/10/25)

4. New affordable housing complex coming to Naples

Ekos Creekside, a seven-story, 160-unit building to be located at 6360 Collier Boulevard, will provide housing options for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. The building is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027. (WGCU Public Media, 10/9/25)

5. Apartment construction elevating

RentCafe.com named Naples as the fastest-growing metro area in the U.S. for apartment construction, with completions up 275% in 2025. (The Naples Press, 10/10/25; RentCafe.com, 8/20/25)

6. Collier County strengthens animal breeder oversight

Commissioners unanimously approved changes to the county’s animal control ordinance. The changes require annual permits for anyone breeding even one litter of dogs or cats, impose fines up to $500 for violations, and restructure the Domestic Animal Services Advisory Committee. (Naples Daily News, 10/9/25)

7. Collier sheriff urges police around the nation to join 287(g): ‘Why wouldn’t you remove criminals?’

“The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has been involved with the 287(g) program for 17 years — long before it became popular,” Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said, speaking on Florida’s Voice Radio with Drew Steele. (Florida’s Voice, 107/25)

8. News from District 2 Commissioner Chris Hall

In this report: updates on the 9/23/25 BCC meeting and September budget hearings, the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT), upcoming public hearings about FDOT median modifications for US 41, the next Coffee with the Commissioner on Oct. 24, and more. (District 1 Newsletter, 10/13/25)

9. News from District 3 Commissioner Burt Saunders

In this report: updates on the new Veterans’ Long Term Care Community project, the new collier.gov website, Vanderbilt Beach Road extension, 2026 legislative priorities, Conservation Collier, and more. (District 3 Newsletter, 10/10/25)

10. News from District 5 Commissioner Bill McDaniel

Commissioner McDaniel was joined by Barron Collier and Collier Enterprises at a “Night With Your Commissioner” meeting on Oct. 8. Access the meeting video here with password: xJJUTcw6. (Commissioner News Release, 10/13/25)

City of Naples Government News

11. Mayor’s attempt to toss evidence fails

On Sept. 26, Collier County Judge Rob Crown denied Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann’s motion to throw out a videotape, statements and other evidence in her August 2024 DUI case. He set a pretrial conference for Oct. 29. Since her arrest on Aug. 28, 2024, the mayor’s case has gone through three judges, causing delays in her trial. (The Naples Press, 10/10/25)

12. What should Naples look like in 20 years? City wants input on long-term plans

The city is currently drafting its 2045 comprehensive plan, and residents now have a chance to weigh in. Community input will help city leaders make decisions about resiliency, managing growth, and preserving Naples’ character, said deputy city manager Mari Gallet. Residents can share feedback online at Naples2045.com. (FOX 4 News, 10/9/25)

Florida Government News

13. Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd touts election safeguards, teases proposed changes

More changes to election laws will be proposed during the 2026 legislative session, Secretary of State Cord Byrd suggested to a state House subcommittee. Potential changes could involve audits of election results and ensuring the citizenship of voters, he said. (News Service of Florida via WUSF Public Media, 10/8/25)

14. Police visit over ‘You lack values’ postcard sparks First Amendment debate

Two armed police officers visited a Florida man after sending a postcard to the state’s CFO. The postcard, which read “YOU LACK VALUES,” was considered an act of political expression by the sender. Free speech experts say the visit could intimidate critics. (USA Today Network-Florida via Naples Daily News, 10/10/25)

15. DeSantis teases third migrant detention site to help with enforcement

Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that Florida could open up a third migrant deportation camp during an event on Oct. 7 in Panama City Beach. The state has yet to share any specifics about the new site, including a timeline or a list of possible locations. (Spectrum News 13, 10/7/25)

16. State received FEMA funds for detention center

The state of Florida was awarded $608 million in reimbursement funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for building and running mass detention centers, including “Alligator Alcatraz” in southern Collier County. Environmentalists say that because FEMA funds were received for it, the center is legally required to undergo a federal environmental review to protect endangered wildlife. (The Naples Press, 10/10/25)

17. Florida’s new growth law draws another legal challenge

The growth-management group 1000 Friends of Florida and an Orange County resident filed a lawsuit on Oct. 7 challenging the constitutionality of a new state law that blocks cities and counties from approving “more restrictive or burdensome” changes to growth plans. Twenty-five cities and counties have filed a similar challenge. (News Service of Florida via WUSF Public Media, 10/9/25)

18. Judge rejects Florida bid to dismiss social media lawsuit

The lawsuit challenges a portion of a 2024 law (HB 3) that was meant to go into effect Jan. 1, but whose enforcement has been held off. At issue is a provision that prohibits anyone under 16 from using some social media platforms, excluding 14- and 15-year-olds who obtain parental permission. (USA Today Network-Florida via Yahoo News, 10/8/25)

19. State reveals how many kids lost health coverage after being unable to do so in Senate committee

According to Ashley Carr, spokesperson for KidCare, the state’s subsidized children’s health insurance program, 17,510 children were removed from its rolls between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025, for failing to pay the premium. That equals 7% of children with subsidized policies over that time span. (Florida Politics, 10/8/25)

20. Florida Sen. Jim Boyd set to become next state Senate leader

During his time in the Legislature, Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Brandenton, has become known for leading legislation that aimed to reduce deaths from opioid overdoses, including working alongside then-state Attorney General Pam Bondi. His county was the epicenter of the crisis in Florida about 10 years ago. (Politico, 10/14/25)

21. Florida Rep. Sam Garrison gets nod as next House speaker

House Republicans designated Rep. Sam Garrison, 49, a Fleming Island attorney and chairman of the Rules & Ethics Committee, to succeed House Speaker Daniel Perez after the 2026 elections. (News Service of Florida via WUSF Public Media, 10/9/25)

2026 Election News: In the Governor Race

22. Breaking down the leading hopefuls in a high-stakes gubernatorial race

In Feb. 2025, President Trump endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for Florida governor. A new development in the race is the entrance of former Speaker of the Florida State House, Paul Renner. And the Lieutenant Governor of Florida, Jay Collins, has all but officially announced his plans to run. For the Democrats, the front-runner appears to be David Jolly. (Florida Political Review, 10/8/25)

2026 Election News: In the Attorney General Race

23. Trump endorsement changes GOP primary outlook

President Donald Trump on Oct. 8 endorsed Attorney General James Uthmeier’s campaign to keep his seat in 2026, effectively ending chatter among the political class about the race being a proxy war between the president and Gov. Ron DeSantis. (Miami Herald, 10/8/25)

2026 Election News: In the Congressional District 19 Race

24. Seaside stampede: Nine Republicans jostle in race for Florida’s District 19 nomination

What was promising to be a messy but obscure congressional race for Florida’s 19th Congressional District was suddenly catapulted into national prominence on Oct. 1, when Madison Cawthorn, a 30-year-old former North Carolina congressman, announced that he would be running. (David Silverberg: The Paradise Progressive, 10/7/25)

More online

Sparker’s Digest is part of the Sparker’s Soapbox platform, a nonpartisan civic-information resource for Collier County voters.

Sparker’s Soapbox also includes Sparker’s Primers, which are introductory guides to Florida and Collier County civics, and Sparker’s Research, which are in-depth election-year looks at the candidates and ballot issues on Collier voters’ ballots.

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