It has been some time since my last communication, and I want to keep in touch.
REGARDING ONE NAPLES
There has been little of interest to report specifically regarding the One Naples project. The One Naples website has been revised to show the 12-story towers and continues to promote a “first class” development. The site states:
“We are currently beginning the process of site improvements, developing engineering and infrastructure, and the finalization of the design of the buildings, residences, and luxury amenities.”
Based on experience, I would think that these activities will take between eight and twelve months. I doubt we will see any dirt moved for at least that period of time.
OTHER MATTERS OF INTERTEST TO SAVE VANDERBILT BEACH
Bill McDaniel
District 5 Collier County Commissioner
The Florida Center for Government Accountability
A new organization has been established that should be on our radar. Called the Florida Center for Government Accountability, this is a non-partisan not for profit group based in Tallahassee with a mission to produce “well-sourced quality reporting that illuminates complex issues, holds government accountable to its citizens and enhances civic engagement in the democratic process.”
Its website is www.flcga.org and you should check it out.
One of its first stories was an investigation into Commissioner Bill McDaniel and his relationship with a matter coming soon before the Board of County Commissioners. The story was published in Gulfshore Business Magazine and was covered by WINK News. This is a must read and must watch! It goes to the heart of all we went through during our fight, commissioners’ ties with developers, their potential conflicts of interest, and how important it is that we find responsible and responsive replacements. (More about that below.) The links are:
and
If all the future work of the Florida Center for Government Accountability is this good and on target, it will be terrific for all Florida residents. Your support of the organization is important. Their website provides the opportunity to learn more and to donate.
A Candidate to Replace Andy Solis
Andy Solis
District 2 Collier County Commissioner
Your Save Vanderbilt Beach Board of Directors and others have been meeting regularly to evaluate possible candidates to run, in 2022, for the seat now held by Andy Solis in District 2. You will remember that notwithstanding the fact that more than 90% of those who responded to the SVB survey asked Solis vote against One Naples, he flagrantly ignored them, and voted to approve. This is not the sort of individual we want to represent us!
We have identified a person whom we believe has all it takes to defeat not only Solis, if he has the gall to run for reelection, but who will also be able to successfully face down any other potential candidates in the primary and will go on to be our District 2 commissioner.
Until this person is fully registered and has established a campaign committee, I am unable to disclose their identity. This should be accomplished shortly, and more information will follow.
What I can tell you is that if our candidate garners as much support as SVB was able to garner from the residents of Vanderbilt Beach, Naples Park, and Pelican Bay they are a shoo-in for the seat. But that support will not simply be in the voting booth, it will have to come from all our pocketbooks as well. We are estimating the cost of a successful campaign to be in excess of $100,000
I know that we can count on you just as we did with your support of our One Naples fight.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR SAVE VANDERBILT BEACH. WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED AS DEVELOPMENTS UNFOLD.