Massive east Collier development approved despite public's concerns of impact on Florida panthers

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

Collier County commissioners unanimously approved the Corkscrew Grove East development on Tuesday after hours of debate and public opposition.

The project would bring more than 4,500 homes to nearly 1,500 acres near Corkscrew Road and State Road 82 in eastern Collier County.

Plans also include commercial space, a school site, parks, affordable housing and open space.

The development moves forward under Collier County’s Rural Lands Stewardship Program, which allows development in certain designated areas while requiring conservation land to be set aside elsewhere.

Before the vote, nearly two dozen people signed up to speak, with many raising concerns about traffic, overdevelopment, and impacts to Florida panthers and other wildlife.

“I was hoping for maybe one, two commissioners to peel off and realize that this is a development too far. It's one too many. That didn't happen,” said Matthew Schwartz, executive director of the South Florida Wildlands Association.

Developers argued the project would help meet housing needs in eastern Collier County and create a community where residents can live, work and shop closer to home.

County documents say the plan includes affordable housing, open space and wildlife protections, including crossings and buffer areas.

The vote could also be the first of larger changes planned for the area. A second future development called Corkscrew Grove West has also been referenced as part of the larger long-term plan.

According to Alico’s website, construction on Corkscrew Grove East is expected to begin in 2028.

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