As we approach the end of 2020, Sherry and I wish all of you a holiday season that brings joy and peace to you and your family.
Happy Holidays and all the best in 2021.
THANK YOU ARTHREX!!
Reinhold Schmieding, President and Founder
of
Arthrex, Inc.
has generously donated
10,000 masks to the businesses participating in the
Collier Cares Program!
Thank you, again for the Wonderful & Beautiful Christmas Gift!
Some Points of Clarification
About noon-time on the day of the December 8, 2020 meeting of the Board of Collier County Commissioners, the Commissioners’ offices were caught in the proverbial ‘rumor mill’ and this time it was about our office. The ‘rumor’ was that I, as a Collier County Commissioner, had called a special meeting to discuss mandatory vaccinations for Collier County. Our office reached out to the caller, to assure her that I did not call such a meeting, and we were reassured that this information had come from a reputable source. I am very happy that the caller followed up with the County to confirm the validity of what her ‘reputable source’ had told her.
And so, I reached out to our reputable source .... our County Attorney, Jeff Klatzkow ... to lay some fears to rest as to what exactly the Commissioners are able to mandate and what they can’t mandate.
First of all, the spread of COVID-19 is a pandemic, a world-wide pandemic, and Collier County looks to the State of Florida regarding the health protocols during this time. Clearly Governor DeSantis has given the Florida counties and cities the freedom to choose whether they want to pass a mask ordinance. But the issues of vaccinations, who gets those vaccinations and when they are vaccinated are solely in the hands of the State of Florida.
Collier County has followed the many executive orders of our Governor from the first COVID-19 order establishing COVID-19 response protocol on March 1, 2020, that directed the Florida Department of Health to issue a public health emergency through today. Governor DeSantis' Executive Order No. 20-244 makes it clear that local governments cannot close down businesses. Only the Governor can do this.
And finally, Collier County government buildings do have a mask requirement, but we do not prohibit the public, who choose not to wear a mask, from entering the Board of Collier Commissioners chambers to participate in our meetings.
Any concerns or comments you may have during these COVID-19 times are welcome by our office.
Social distancing with Santa 2020 Paradise Sports Complex
Holiday Events at Collier County Parks
Operation Find Santa And His Elves
December 7 – 23
Monday - Friday
9 am - 7 pm
Sat 9- 3 pm
Cost: FREE
Veterans Community Park
1895 Veterans Park Drive
Santa needs your help! Santa and his elves went for a walk through Veterans Community Park, but they got lost. Can you help find them? Explore the park and trails to help us find Santa and his elves. If you find them, come to Veterans Park Community Center and share the good news to receive a special prize! Maps are available in the community center. Be sure to tag Collier County Parks & Recreation when you post your pics on Facebook and Instagram and you will definitely stay on the Nice List.
For more information, call (239) 252-4682.
Holiday Bright – Light Up the Parks
December 7 – 31
Monday – Saturday
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
The holiday season is right around the corner! Collier County Parks & Recreation will be presenting amazing holiday light displays at our community parks to celebrate and capture the best of the season’s spirit. This is the perfect way to brighten up your year and stay COVID-19 safe during the holidays. Holiday Bright - Light Up the Parks will be one of the most sought after attractions across Southwest Florida. So this year make it all yours!
Locations
Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park
11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples
East Naples Community Park
3500 Thomasson Drive, Naples
Golden Gate Community Center
4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples
Golden Gate Community Park
3300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Naples
Immokalee Community Park
321 North 1st Street, Immokalee
Max A. Hasse Jr. Community Park
3390 Golden Gate Boulevard, Naples
North Collier Regional Park
15000 Livingston Road, Naples
Sugden Regional Park
4284 Avalon Drive, Naples
Vineyards Community Park
6231 Arbor Boulevard, Naples
Veterans Community Park
1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples
For information, call (239) 252-4000
City of Naples
December 16, 2020
Today, City Council approved the modification to the prepayment reductions for parking violations. Effective tomorrow, December 17, 2020, if a parking violation is paid within 10-days, the $102 fine will be reduced to $77.00. There will no longer be a reduction in parking violations if paid prior to 60 days.
In addition to amending parking violation fees, City Council approved a pilot program to convert some parking spaces along the beach for beach parking permits only. Effective January 1, 2021, there will be 363 designated parking spaces on the following twenty-two (22) beach ends reserved for City of Naples and Collier County beach parking permit holders only. These permits are only available to City or County residents.
The City will continue to provide adequate parking to the public (non-permit holders). Metered parking will continue at the remaining sixteen (16) beach ends / blocks. Allowance for beach parking permit holders to park at metered locations will remain.
Beach parking permit-only locations:
· 7th Avenue North
· North Lake Drive
· 6th Avenue North
· 4th Avenue North
· 3rd Avenue North
· 2nd Avenue North
· 1st Avenue North
· Central Avenue
· 1st Avenue South
· 2nd Avenue South
· 3rd Avenue South
· 4th Avenue South
· 6th Avenue South
· 7th Avenue South
· 9th Avenue South
· 10th Avenue South
· 15th Avenue South
· 16th Avenue South
· 17th Avenue South
· 18th Avenue South
· 32nd Avenue South
· 33rd Avenue South
Metered / pay station locations:
· Seagate Drive beach access
· Horizon Way
· Vedado Way
· Via Miramar
· Lowdermilk Park
· 8th Avenue North
· 5th Avenue South
· 8th Avenue South
· 11th Avenue South
· Broad Avenue South
· Broad Avenue South – 100 Block
· Broad Avenue South – 200 Block
· Pier / 12th Avenue South
· 13th Avenue South
· 13th Avenue South – 100 Block
· 14th Avenue South
A fifty-cent increase of the hourly rate at the beach parking pay stations will also go into effect on January 1, 2021. The new rate will be $3.00 an hour.
City residents can obtain a beach parking permit at City Hall located at 735 8th Street South. A valid driver’s license and current registration is required or a Collier County tax document showing proof of ownership if residency is out of state.
Collier County residents can obtain a beach parking permit at the following Collier County locations:
Collier County Tax Collector (Main Government Complex) – 3291 Tamiami Trail East, Naples
Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park – 11565 Tamiami Trail East, Naples
East Naples Community Park – 3500 Thomasson Drive, Naples
Fred W Coyle Freedom Park – 1515 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples
Golden Gate Community Center – 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples
Immokalee Community Park – 321 North 1st Street, Immokalee
Immokalee South Park – 418 School Drive, Immokalee
Marco Island Library – 210 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island
Max A. Hasse Jr. Community Park - 3390 Golden Gate Boulevard West, Naples
Naples Central Regional Library – 650 Central Avenue, Naples
North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall – 15000 Livingston Road, Naples
Orange Blossom Government Center – 2335 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples
Veterans Community Park – 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples
Vineyards Community Park – 6231 Arbor Boulevard, Naples
On January 2, 2020 the following locations will be accepting Foam Polystyrene:
North Collier
9950 Goodlette Frank Rd N
Monday to Saturday- 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Tim Nance
825 39th Ave NE
Monday to Saturday- 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Naples
2640 Corporate Flight Dr
Monday to Saturday- 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Marco Island
990 Chalmer Dr.
Monday to Saturday- 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Carnestown***
31201 Tamiami Trl E
Second Saturday of Month-9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
***The Carnestown Drop-off Center does not accept light bulbs or medical sharps
Collier County residents will be able to recycle clean and empty foam polystyrene packaging, including meat trays, cups, take-out containers, and egg cartons, as well as transport packaging used to protect TVs and other valuables during shipping. Foam polystyrene products should be empty and clean before recycling. Remember to recycle the package, not the food.
Three simple steps to recycling foam in Collier County:
Empty the container (meat trays, cups, take-out containers, and egg cartons).
NCH Healthcare System & FHA COVID-19 Vaccine Update
From Matt Holliday, Director of Government Relations:
As we prepare for another vaccine approval (Moderna), I wanted to let you know that NCH Healthcare System is registered with the appropriate agencies in Florida to receive & administer the vaccines. We were well prepared and have been since October with the purchase of two of the ultra-cold freezers. In short, We are ready to go!
With the Moderna vaccine, storage and use parameters are a little more forgiving and we can adjust our freezers to fit those specific needs. NCH is slated to receive our share of the allocation to begin vaccinating the front-line care providers as soon as we have it. There is a very specific direction from Florida, and each vaccination must be entered into the state data system to ensure the vaccines are being administered as directed by the CDC, the state agencies, and other requirements. We will absolutely comply with these requirements, as failing to do so jeopardizes our eligibility to participate in the vaccination program.
As more vaccines are approved and as the ones already approved become more available, NCH will be a tireless advocate to administer these vaccines across our region, including our partners in care such as the David Lawrence Center, first responders, other health care entities, or however we can be of the greatest service.
We know the control of this virus is going to be a challenge for many months to come and our nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians and the entire care team have made great strides in improving the outcomes of our COVID-19 patients. NCH Healthcare has a solid record of outcomes that are better than the national average which is outstanding news for the patients & their families.
NCH Hospital Visitation Policy Update
Effective Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Due to the current rise in COVID-19 positivity rates, the NCH Healthcare System is limiting hospital visitation hours to 12:00pm - 6:00pm in general and critical care units. In support of patient-centered care, clinicians are encouraged to use their best judgement in making exceptions for compassionate care reasons.
This change to our hospital visitor policy will take effect on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. The following visitation guidelines remain in place:
Overall
All visitors to the hospital must practice social distancing and will be required to complete a screening process and sanitize their hands with alcohol-based gel before visitation.
No visitation is allowed for anyone who has respiratory symptoms including coughing, runny nose, fever, congestion, shortness of breath, chest pain with inspiration.
Individuals who are ill, have fever, or have been exposed to COVID-19 should refrain from visiting.
All visitors are required to wear a hospital supplied face mask at all times while on the campus. Visitors who violate this policy may be asked to leave the facility.
To reduce the risk of spreading a contagious disease, COVID-19 patients or patients requiring airborne precautions are restricted to compassionate care visitation only.
General visitation is limited to one visitor per patient at a time.
Visiting periods should be brief and limited to approximately 1 hour.
In addition to department specific exceptions, additional exceptions may include support of patients with disabilities or for compassionate care at the discretion of the hospital leadership.
Visitation is limited to the patient’s room. Common gathering rooms such as family rooms and surgical waiting areas are not available. Visitors are not allowed in the cafeteria.
No visitors under the age of 12.
Limited General Visiting Hour Guidelines
General Units & Critical Care
12pm-6pm
Brookdale Rehabilitation
4-8pm
Behavioral Health (4SE)
1-2pm and 6-6:45pm
Birthplace & NICU
All Hours - one visitor at a time, 18yr+
Pediatrics:
All Hours - parents/guardians, 18yr+
About NCH Healthcare System
The NCH Healthcare System is a not-for-profit, multi-facility healthcare system located in Naples, Florida, and is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The System is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Naples Hospital) with a total of 713 beds. NCH is an alliance of 775 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Collier County and southwest Florida that offers nationally recognized, quality health care to our community. Our mission is to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.
Kids Christmas Party
Friday, December 18
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Ages K - 5th grade
Cost: $10 per child
Max Hasse Community Park
3390 Golden Gate Boulevard W.
Join us for a Kids Christmas Party at the Max Hasse Community Park. Holiday music, crafts, candy, games, prizes, pizza and drinks will be provided. Participants must pre-register for this event, as space is limited. All CDC guidelines will be followed and masks must be worn.
For more information, call (239) 252-4200.
Candy House Creation
Friday, December 18
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Ages 5-12
Cost: $10 per child
pre-registration is required by December 16
Vineyards Community Park
6231 Arbor Boulevard
Children will use an assortment of candy, frosting and cookies to design their own candy house.
For more information, call (239) 252-4105.
Pancakes & Pajamas
Saturday, December 19
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Cost: $2
Immokalee South Park
418 School Dr., Immokalee
Join us for our Pancakes & Pajamas event and pictures with Santa. There will be crafts.
COVID-19 Safety Measures
We are asking all participants feeling sick to stay home. Temperatures will be taken at the door. Participants must wear masks. Sanitization stations will be provided and hand washing is required.
Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park Aquatic Facility
Will temporarily be closed for Pool Maintenance starting Thursday, December 10, through Sunday, December 20, 2020.
The Aquatic Facility will reopen on Monday, December 21, 2020.
While the Aquatic Facility is closed, please visit the Golden Gate Community Park Aquatic Facility located at 3300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Naples, Florida.
For more information, call (239) 252-1020.
Congratulations!
Collier County Parks & Recreation Division for Earning Your Fourth National Accreditation in Parks and Recreation
Mark of distinction recognizes commitment to highest level of service to the community
Collier County Parks & Recreation Division rejoined the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning their fourth accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience.
As part of the accreditation process, Collier County Parks & Recreation Division had to demonstrate compliance with 151 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.
“The process of reaccreditation is extensive and to accomplish this, our team continually monitors our business and customer processes to ensure we are meeting the public’s needs,” said Collier County Parks & Recreation Director Barry Williams. “We invite residents and visitors to rediscover our fantastic park system, where there is something for everyone.”
For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit www.nrpa.org/CAPRA.
A Small Change ...
Sandy Parker suggested that we publish the two (2) week summary for Collier County and we agree.
We are not publishing our newsletter as frequently as we did before and Sandy's suggestion makes great good sense!
Thank you Sandy Parker!
COVID-19: summary for Collier County Data through Dec 16, 2020 verified as of Dec 17, 2020 at 09:25 AM
COLLIER COUNTY FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INFORMATION
On the https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ website, County reports are now available. Please scroll down to the button that says “See County Report”.
***
On December 17, 2020,the Collier County Florida Department of Health has reported a total of 20,482 positive cases of COVID-19. 19,994 of these cases are residents, 488 are non-residents. The age range is 0-101.
For up-to-date detailed information on Florida resident cases, please visit the live DOH Dashboard here
More information on a case-by-case basis can also be found here. (Coronavirus: summary of persons being monitored, persons under investigation, and cases.)
The Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website is now available in Spanish.
The website is being translated into Creole as well. The partially translated site can be found at the link above.
Walk-up testing – all ages Wednesdays and Fridays – 9:00 am-3:00 pm
No referral needed for testing.
Clients do not need to have symptoms and will be asked to provide their name, contact phone number, address, date of birth.
Lightning, heavy rain, or gusty winds can slow operations or shut down the site.
Testing at DOH-Collier Naples site:
3339 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112
DOH-Collier Determined High Priority Group Testing Only
Appointment only – all ages Daily, Monday-Friday – 9:00 am-3:00 pm Symptomatic testing only.
Please call the DOH-Collier screening line at (239) 252-6220.
Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9:00am-3:00pm
For an appointment call (239) 252-6220
Monday-Sunday - 9:00am-5:00pm
Please note: Drive-thru testing will discontinue at this location effective Thursday September 3, 2020
NEW - Appointment only, drive-thru testing – all ages
Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9:00am-3:00pm
For an appointment call (239) 252-6220, 7 days per week, 9:00am-5:00pm
No referral needed for testing.
Clients do not need to have symptoms and will be asked to provide their name, contact phone number, address, date of birth.
Lightning, heavy rain, or gusty winds can slow operations or shut down the site.
Change of Testing Immokalee Location
Starting November 1, 2020 COVID-19 testing will be moved to this location due to construction:
Temporary location
DOH-Collier testing in Immokalee
1500 Lake Trafford Road, Immokalee, 34142
DOH-Collier Determined High Priority Group Testing Only
Appointment only – all ages
Daily, Monday-Friday – 8:00am-5:00pm
Symptomatic testing only. Please call the DOH-Collier screening line at (239) 252-6220
Walk-up testing – all ages
Sundays and Mondays – 9:00am-1:00pm
Tuesdays – 3:00pm-7:00pm
No referral needed for testing.
Please note:
All other services will continue by appointment only at the DOH-Collier Immokalee site located at 419 N. First Street, Immokalee, 34142.
Clients do not need to have symptoms and will be asked to provide their name, contact phone number, address, date of birth.
Lightning, heavy rain, or gusty winds can slow operations or shut down the site.
Through a partnership the Department of Emergency Management, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Health, Lee County, and Collier County offers drive-thru testing at Century Link Sports Complex.
Testing at Century Link Sports Complex:
14100 Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33916.
Walk-up rapid testing – 5 years and over
Daily, Monday-Sunday – 8:00am-4:00pm
No referral is needed for testing.
Clients do not need to have symptoms and will be asked to show a valid ID for everyone being tested.
Lightning, heavy rain, or gusty winds can slow operations or shut down the site.
Testing is also available through primary care physicians and urgent care facilities. Please call ahead prior to going to the office.
The Florida Department of Health has unveiled the testing locator.
You can find testing locations near you by selecting your county and/or city.
By selecting “See More Information” by the testing site, you will be provided information such as testing requirements and whether or not you need an appointment. https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/testing-sites/
***
Additional Testing Sites
Thank You Collier County Medical Society!
Advance Medical - Drive-through Rapid Testing in the mornings, $150 cash payment
Physician offices might also be able to test or send patients to labs like Quest or LabCorp with prescriptions, so patients may wish to start there first.
(from April Donahue, Collier County Medical Society Executive Director)
Collier County
Advisory Board Vacancies
The Collier County Board of County Commissioners is seeking applications for positions on several advisory committees. Members of committees must reside and be registered to vote in Collier County. Scroll to the bottom of this page for instructions on how to apply.
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee has one vacancy for one of the following specific categories related to affordable housing: non-profit provider of affordable housing, and employers within the jurisdiction. This committee was created in accordance with Sect. 420.9076 Fla. Stat., to review policies, procedures, ordinances, land development regulations, and the adopted local government comprehensive plan, and to recommend specific actions or initiatives to encourage affordable housing. Terms are three years.
The Board of Building Adjustments and Appeals has two vacancies. Applicants must represent one of the following professions: a licensed plumbing or mechanical contractor, or a state licensed architect or structural engineer. This five-member board hears appeals on rejections or refusals by the Building Code Compliance Director to approve mode of construction or materials to be used in construction or alteration of a structure. Members must be knowledgeable in the following Collier County Codes: Florida Building Codes, Electrical Code, Fire Prevention Code, Gas Code, Mechanical Code and Swimming Pool Code. Terms are four years. This is a Quasi-Judicial Board.
The Code Enforcement Board has three regular seats and one alternate seat expiring in February 2021. This seven-member board with two alternates is composed of individuals representing the occupations of architect, business owner, engineer, general contractor, subcontractor and realtor, who are considered on the basis of their experience or interest in the areas of the codes and ordinances to be enforced. Members are required to file a Form 1 Statement of Financial Interest each year with the Supervisor of Elections. Terms are 3 years. This is a Quasi-Judicial Board.
The (Conservation Collier) Land Acquisition Advisory Committee has four seats expiring in February 2021. This committee's primary responsibility is to recommend to the BCC an Active Properties Acquisition List with qualified purchase recommendations of environmentally sensitive lands consistent with the goals of the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program. Membership of the committee shall comprise broad and balanced representation including environmental and conservation interests, agricultural and business interests, educational interests, and general civic and citizen interests within the County. Members shall have expertise, knowledge or interest in ecology, conservation of natural resources, real estate or land acquisition, land appraisal, land management, eco-tourism or environmental education. Terms are three years.
The Floodplain Management Planning Committee has three vacancies for citizen representatives residing in the following areas: southwest Collier County (along the US 41 corridor and south 951), north central Collier County (east of I-75 and west of Collier Blvd., between Rattlesnake Hammock Rd. and the north Collier County line), and the rural region of the county (east of 951). The committee reviews and provides recommendations for floodplain management regulations, and for surface water and watershed management issues brought before it including, but not limited to, matters dealing with water quality and quantity. They will also develop and, at least annually, evaluate and update the Collier County Floodplain Management Plan. Members serve at the will of the County Manager.
The Golden Gate Beautification Advisory Committee has one vacancy. This five-member committee advises and recommends as to the beautification and maintenance of landscape improvements within the road right of way as described by ordinance boundaries. The committee shall prepare an itemized budget of the amount of money required to carry out the business of the committee for the next fiscal year. Members must be residents of one of the following precincts: 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, and part of 322. Terms are four years.
The Golden Gate Community Center Advisory Board has one vacancy. Members must reside within the boundaries of the Golden Gate Community Center Municipal Services Special Taxing District. This five-member committee advises the Board of County Commissioners on the budget and operation of the Golden Gate Community Center. Terms are three years.
The Golden Gate City Economic Development Zone Advisory Board has one vacancy, and three seats expiring in January 2021. Applicants must either be residents of Golden Gate City, or represent business and commercial interests in the Golden Gate City Economic Development Zone. This seven-member committee was formed for the purpose of advising the BCC concerning policies and programs to attract businesses or industries to the Economic Development Zone, and reviewing and making recommendations on applications for funding through the Trust Fund. Terms are two years.
The Haldeman Creek Dredging Maintenance Advisory Committee has one vacancy. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of the MSTU. This five-member committee was created to aid and assist the Board of County Commissioners in carrying out the MSTU, to prepare and recommend an itemized budget, and to recommend work programs and priorities. Members will be appointed from different parcels, subdivisions and/or communities within the MSTU. Terms are four years.
The Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Committee has three seats expiring in December for applicants residing in the Ochopee Area Fire Control Special Taxing District. This five-member committee advises the Board of County Commissioners on the budget and operation of the Ochopee Fire Control District. Terms are two years.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has one vacancy representing the Naples and Urban Area Community Park District. This seven-member committee advises the BCC on any matters concerning acquisition, development and programs involving parks and recreation facilities in Collier County. Membership consists of one member from the Immokalee Community Park District and six members from the Naples and Urban Area Community Park District. Terms are four years.
The Pelican Bay Services Division Board has four pending vacancies representing the Resident category, and one pending vacancy representing the Commercial/Business category, which shall expire on March 31, 2021. This 11-member board was established by Ordinance 2002-27, as amended, to provide input to the Board of County Commissioners in carrying out the purposes of the Pelican Bay Municipal Taxing and Benefit Unit as set forth in the Ordinance; recommend an itemized budget, work programs and priorities to the BCC; and exercise control of the day to day operational affairs of the Unit to the maximum extent allowed by law. **The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on January 5, 2021.**
The Vanderbilt Waterway MSTU Advisory Committee has two seats expiring in February 2021. Members must be permanent residents within the MSTU boundaries. This committee assists the BCC in carrying out the purposes of the MSTU of providing for dredging and maintenance of the Vanderbilt Waterway between the Bluebill Bridge and the Cocohatchee River, prepares and recommends to the BCC an itemized budget for the MSTU, and recommends work programs and priorities to the County Manager. Terms are 4 years.
The Water and Wastewater Authority has one vacancy for a lay member. Lay members are appointed on the basis of individual civic pride, integrity, and experience in any area of regulation. This five-member authority regulates utility rates and related matters regarding non-exempt water and wastewater utilities in unincorporated Collier County. Members are required to file a Form 1 Statement of Financial Interests each year with the Supervisor of Elections. Terms are 4 years. This is a quasi-judicial board.
Museum of the Everglades Hosts “Indomitable – the Life & Art of Camille Brock Baumgartner” Exhibit
Museum of the Everglades is pleased to present Indomitable – the Life & Art of Camille Brock Baumgartner – a retrospective exhibit recounting the colorful story of the late artist who made Everglades City her home from 1977 until 1994, focusing as much on the artist and the events that shaped her life and work as it does on the art itself. This exhibit explores her journey from adventures as a Playboy bunny in 1960s Miami to her groundbreaking work lifecasting dignitaries of the Seminole tribe in bronze thirty years later. A fixture in the Naples art community, Camille’s paintings of her friend and colleague Paul Arsenault’s historic home were selected to represent the Fine Arts Society’s Decade of Arts campaign in 1989.
After overcoming struggles with alcoholism and other personal issues, Baumgartner was determined to pay back her gift of sobriety and became a licensed addiction counselor, working both in that capacity and as a public relations agent for the Willoughs at Naples. She wore many hats (quite literally) and served our community in many ways before returning to her native Georgia where she died in 2015.
Examples of Camille’s work in a variety of mediums and along with numerous photos from her storied career bring the Pauline Reeves Gallery at Museum of the Everglades to life - capturing the essence of an artist whose irrepressible spirit inspired the exhibit’s title.
Indomitable – the Life & Art of Camille Brock Baumgartner opened on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, and will run through Saturday, February 27, 2021.
Originally a commercial laundry established during the building of the Tamiami Trail, the Museum of the Everglades features exhibits that proudly tell the stories of the area’s pioneer past and its transformation into Barron Collier’s company town. Placed on the National Register in 2001, the building itself brings the region’s history to life, an extraordinary example of Everglades City’s evolution from a frontier fishing village to the Birthplace of Collier County.
For more information about Museum of the Everglades’ Indomitable – the Life & Art of Camille Brock Baumgartner, please contact the museum at (239) 252-5026 or visit www.colliermuseums.com/exhibits
Our office received some questions about the $67 million sent to the County by the Florida Department of Emergency Management in July for COVID related expenses.
Below is some information from the CollierCARES Community and Human Services Division website.
This is an important link for anyone who would like to see a weekly update of the County's distribution of the money.
CollierCARES is the program through which Collier County is rolling out the more than $67 million in recently allocated coronavirus relief funds. This funding is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal stimulus package.
The funds include six broad initiatives:
$20 million for community health and services initiatives. This includes nonprofits, community health and public safety providers as well as 501(c)(19) veterans organizations.
$5 million food pantries/food banks administered through the Community Foundation of Collier County.
$15 million for individual assistance. These funds will be distributed to qualified residents for assistance with past due rent, mortgage, childcare, and utility payments.
$10 million for small business relaunch and rehire grants. This includes hospitality marketing efforts for those in the hospitality sector.
$5 million for personal protective equipment (PPE). This involves providing kits to small businesses, health and public safety and nonprofits in Collier County that are heavily involved with public interaction.
$5 million for childcare facilities.
$7 million in community reserve and replenishment.
How can the money be spent?
Relief funding must be used on incurred expenses related to COVID-19 between March 1 and December 30, 2020. Some examples include, but are not limited to:
Medical Expenses – Emergency medical response expenses;
Public Health – Communication and enforcement, medical and protective supplies, and disinfection;
Payroll Expenses for Public Safety and Public Health Services – Employees whose job duties are substantially committed to the COVID-19 response; and,
Actions to Facilitate Compliance with Public Health Measures – Sanitation measures, food stability and unforeseen teleworking costs; and,
Past due rent, mortgage, utility, and childcare – Open to Collier County residents at-large.
For more information about the CollierCARES program, call (239) 252-8999 or dial 311 within Collier County.
