I want to take a few moments to speak directly with you about the Naples Airport Authority and how recent proposals could impact our community.
On September 15th, a Special Act Bill was presented to the Collier County Legislative Delegation, where it received approval to move forward in the state legislative process. This bill, introduced by State Representative Adam Botana and supported by our legislative delegation including State Representatives Yvette Benarroch and Lauren Melo, and State Senator Kathleen Passidomo, proposes changing the governance of the Naples Airport Authority.
Specifically, it would shift the board from being appointed to being elected by all voters in Collier County.
At first glance, this may seem like a minor procedural change. But for the City of Naples, it has serious implications. The airport sits on city owned land, operated under a long-term lease for decades to support aviation, business, and community services.
The concern is simple: under this proposal, decision making power for an airport on City owned property would be placed in the hands of voters across the entire county not the residents of Naples. To put it in perspective, Naples has about 16,400 registered voters. Collier County has over 266,000. That means for every one Naples voter, there are more than sixteen county voters. Our voices the voices of the landowners would be drowned out.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about fairness, home rule, and accountability. Naples residents live closest to the airport and deal directly with its impacts: noise, traffic, safety, and environmental concerns. Yet under the proposed structure, we would have little influence over decisions affecting our daily lives and neighborhoods.
To make it even clearer: imagine your homeowners association your HOA allowed residents from a neighboring town to elect your HOA board members. These are the people making decisions about your neighborhood rules, landscaping, common areas, and assessments. You live there, pay the dues, and deal with the impacts but suddenly, the majority of voters choosing your board don’t live in your community at all. That’s essentially what this proposal would do with the Naples Airport.
Let me be candid: this is a power shift that threatens Naples’ economic development, quality of life, and control over key resources. Less responsive airport management could harm our tourism industry, local infrastructure, and overall community well-being.
We recognize the airport serves a vital role for all of Collier County, and we value our regional partnerships. But local control is a principle enshrined in our State Constitution for a reason. Communities must have a meaningful voice in decisions about the land they own and the quality of life they protect.
City Council and I are carefully reviewing this proposal. We will continue advocating for transparency, accountability, and fairness. We urge our state leaders to reconsider this approach and protect the rights of Naples residents. And I encourage all of you to make your voices heard, contact your elected officials, and share your concerns.
Finally, stay engaged, attend meetings, and speak up. Together, we can ensure decisions about our airport reflect both regional needs and the interests of the people of Naples.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our city.
Blessings,
Teresa Lee Heitmann, Mayor
