A growing debate over noise from the Naples Airport is dividing residents, and calls for action on both sides.
Mary Tatigian, founder of Quiet Florida, says the daily noise from low-flying jets over her home in Collier County is relentless.
“It really feels like an assault,” Tatigian said. “I cannot sit outside on my deck. I cannot have a conversation in my beautiful backyard. We’ve worked our whole lives for this property, and it’s almost like you’re a prisoner in your home.”
Tatigian acknowledges the jobs the airport supports. Still, she wants middle ground — and is calling on airport leaders to enforce quiet hours, reduce traffic, and reconsider flight paths.
“They’re encouraging growth by building this new Naples Jet Center,” she said. “We have apparently low cost of gas, low cost for landing fees. There's a lot of things that could be done. We could disperse traffic, disperse the traffic all over Naples, let everyone feel what we're feeling."
On the other side, a newly formed nonprofit called Responsible Government Naples is backing the airport and urging city leaders to stop exploring options to move or shut it down. Instead, they’re advocating for long-term, balanced solutions.
Responsible Government Naples launched a petition calling on city council to stop spending on airport relocation studies and instead invest in what they call “sustainable and innovative solutions that balance the needs of the community, the airport, and the environment.”
“We observed recently some decisions and conversations which are taking place in Naples city council, where the discussions are taking place first about moving the airport, closing the airport, changing how the airport is operating, which is concerning for us because this is one of the major institutions here from a business point of view, where more than 5500 people are working,” said RGN President Branimir Brankov.
Brankov said the group wants to work with the city — not against it — to preserve jobs, support the local economy, and also address resident concerns.
Sean Nash, a pilot and business aviation consultant, said there are already ideas on the table, including improving flight paths and continuing to comply with the airport’s recommended quiet hours, which he says already has over 90% compliance.
"Aircraft are getting more efficient and quieter every day with technological advancements," Nash said. "So, there's solutions to be had that we want to collaborate with, and as aviation professionals, we can lend our expertise in that way."
So far, the Responsible Government Naples petition has gained nearly 200 signatures. The group's goal is to present it to the city council and help steer the conversation toward positive solutions for the airport and residents.