Collier County commissioners continue discussion on South Naples Citrus Grove rezoning

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

After more than seven hours of public comment and debate Tuesday, Collier County commissioners have decided to continue discussions on a controversial rezoning proposal for the South Naples Citrus Grove, rather than approve or deny it.

The developer, SWJR Naples LLC, requested to rezone around 160 acres along Sabal Palm Road to allow up to 423 homes, including townhomes, single-family homes, and some income-restricted units. The request drew strong opposition from environmental groups and local residents, who cited concerns about wildlife, water flow, and wildfire risk.

Representatives for SWJR Naples LLC said the land is not designated conservation land, but agricultural property, and that the citrus grove itself is no longer sustainable.

The developer says the plan includes environmental features such as lakes, required littoral plantings, and a wildfire management plan that would account for prescribed burns in the area. They also argue the project would improve water flow and drainage, potentially helping reduce flooding north of Sabal Palm Road by restoring water movement from north to south.

They also pointed to the inclusion of income-restricted housing as a benefit in a county where affordability remains a major issue.

The property has been a working citrus grove since 1978. Owners say citrus greening disease has devastated production, leaving the grove no longer economically viable.

Henry Jacobs, one of the property owners, told commissioners the family is at or beyond retirement age and needs to consider other uses for the land.

“We’ve been fighting a losing battle,” Jacobs said. “Also, considering the property’s proximity to many developments, we decided to look for another use of our property.”

Environmental groups, including Audubon Western Everglades, warned the site is close to the Picayune Strand State Forest, home to Florida panthers, wood storks, bears, and other wildlife, and falls within a zone where prescribed burns and wildfires are common. Brad Cornell, Audubon Western Everglades policy director, said the land is important for water management and habitat protection.

The vote to continue discussion was 3-2: Commissioners Rick Locastro, Dan Kowal, and Bill McDaniel supported exploring other options and meeting with environmental groups, while Commissioners Burt Saunders and Chris Hall voted against continuing the item, opposing the development from the beginning.

Locastro said the goal is to find solutions that are fair to the landowner while addressing environmental concerns.

The commission is expected to revisit the item at a future meeting, giving both developers and opponents time to present additional proposals or modifications to the plan.

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