Commissioner Rick LoCastro January 18th Update

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Over 13,955 have already signed up for this newsletter…and still counting… I’m “Working To Exceed Your Expectations Every Day”! This regularly released Commissioner’s Report will update citizens regarding projects, events, news, and timely information regarding programs, services, and initiatives… and how we are working hard to work for YOU!

As your Collier County District 1 Commissioner, it’s my goal to ensure constituents are informed about things taking place in District 1… and also around ALL of Collier County… and you always have access to me.

 

 

Besides the details below… this past week we addressed many long standing issues:

  • Major speeding problem on Isles of Capri (yes, many tickets given out… please slow down)!  Thank you to our Sheriff’s Office for their partnership assisting me.
  • Finally attacking the long overdue raising of the Goodland Road to handle regular flooding/tidal problems.  Bid for construction occurred on December 11, 2020.  Award of contract going to the Board of County Commissioners February 23, 2021.  Notice to proceed with construction March 2021!

We continue to light a fire under the Marco Executive Airport “NEW Terminal” project…
a $9 Million taxpayer project that is a year and a half behind schedule… NOT any more!
On January 12, 2021, I was honored to be selected by my fellow Commissioners to Chair three Collier County Committees.

  • Affordable Housing Committee
  • Public Safety Coordinating Council
  • Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

The purpose of this committee is to review policies, procedures, ordinances, land development regulations, and recommend specific actions concerning affordable housing.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL

 

The Public Safety Coordinating council was established to assess the population status of all detention & correctional facilities owned or contracted by the County. The council shall formulate recommendations to ensure the capacities of these facilities are not exceeded. Additionally, the council will assess the availability of pretrial intervention or probation programs, work-release programs, substance abuse programs, bail bond schedules, and the confinement status of inmates housed in County facilities.

 

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL

 

 

The mission of the SWFL Regional Planning Council is to work together across neighboring communities to consistently protect and improve the unique and relatively unspoiled character of the physical, economic, and social worlds we share for the benefit of our future generations.
The Council enables local jurisdictions to provide services & facilities, to optimize employment of geographic, human, economic & natural resources in support of economic, natural resources, social, land use, transportation & public safety development.
FOCUS AREAS:

  • Water Quality
  • Affordable Housing
  • Regional Transportation
  • Storm Resiliency & Climate Change
  • Intergovernmental Coordination & Communication

I will Co-Chair this Council with Commissioner Bill McDaniel (District 5).

 

OUT IN THE COMMUNITY

 

VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK

 

 

I visited Veterans Community Park and met with the leadership team from Parks & Recreation and the Veterans Park staff and walked the entire area.

The park and fields are in great shape.  We do have some drainage problems we are now addressing that may have made the fields less than optimum at times during rainstorms.  That’s now being fixed.  I’m aware of the theft in the batting cages… security cameras are now also coming and the cages are now locked.  The long time missing basketball hoops are now on order as well.  The dog park and pavilion are in amazing shape and the park was packed with pickleball players and others enjoying the park.

Although Veterans Community Park is in District 3, as a veteran myself this park has extra special meaning… I will continue to keep close watch over it. More improvements coming!

 

Pickleball has become a popular sport in all our parks… We look to continue to convert “some” tennis courts to popular pickleball courts.

 

WASTEWATER PLANT

 

I am continuing my visits of Collier County Depts & Facilities.  We must ensure we’re spending taxpayer dollars wisely, have efficient processes & procedures, and I want to meet our leaders & teams responsible for the missions of our County.  Water treatment is critical and another behind the scenes job that must be in good hands.  I was impressed with what I saw & heard… and will stay linked to this important service.

 

Visiting one of our  water treatment plants ensuring  we have the infr​astructure to continue to properly treat and provide water for our County.

 

CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

 

 

Visited Senior Environmental Specialist, April Olson,  and Director of Environmental Policy,  Nicole Johnson, to discuss our environment and issues the Conservancy is focused on… and how we can work together to find common ground.

 

LEADERSHIP COLLIER

 

 

Honored to speak to this year‘s Leadership Collier Class and join fellow newly elected officials on a panel…the Mayor of Naples and new City Council members from Everglades City and Marco Island.  As a 2013 Leadership Collier Graduate myself… it’s great to see this valuable Chamber of Commerce program continue to mentor our current & future Collier County leaders.