Collier County moves forward with airport expansion over raceway

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (WINK)—The founder of the Immokalee Regional Raceway urged Collier County commissioners to keep the racetrack in place during Tuesday’s meeting, as the county advances plans to use the land for airport expansion.

 

Ralph Hester spoke during the public petition portion, with supporters in attendance backing the track’s future. WINK News also spoke with Collier County Commissioner Bill McDaniel to learn what, if anything, can still be done.

 

Founded 27 years ago, the Immokalee Regional Raceway has long operated as a gathering place for local drivers and racing enthusiasts.

 

Hester and supporters are pushing to preserve the site as a community space, even as the county moves forward with plans to build aircraft hangars on the property as part of the airport’s expansion.

 

"I want to keep it going. I've tried to find land and move it but I can't find land," Hester said. "The airport is 13 hundred something acres. I don't need, but 45 they can make a spot for me. Maybe other commissioners listening to this might put some pressure on Mr. McDaniels to help me. We need to keep something going in Immokalee, that's the only thing in Immokalee that brings money."

 

A petition with more than 11,000 signatures from supporters is trying to save the racetrack. However, McDaniel told WINK News that at this point, there’s nothing that can be done.

 

McDaniel said he has had several conversations with Hester about relocating the racetrack. The county has already extended the time the racetrack can stay at its current location.