Hunter Walterman
•6/26/2026
NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)— A public meeting turned tense as developers and neighbors clashed over plans for a Collier County citrus grove.
WINK News reporter Hunter Walterman listened to neighbors' concerns and is looking into plans for the project. Developers had plans for the South Naples citrus grove a couple of months ago, wanting to build more than 400 homes on the property.
Commissioners planned to make a decision in January but postponed the vote after fierce public opposition. Now, developers have new plans and might run into new opposition.
Citrus groves and golf courses represent two Florida icons that symbolize very different ideas of what the Sunshine State should be. That was the question on people's minds as developers walked through plans for the South Naples citrus grove.
Developers are back, and they want to turn the property into a private golf course. It hasn't been designed yet, but developers say it will be environmentally friendly with minimal water and fertilizer use.
"We're trying to come up with a reasonable use for the property that respects our neighbors," said Rich Yovanovich, the developer's attorney.
Some neighbors didn't buy that as people lined up to ask questions and oppose a project they fear could threaten the wildlife that surrounds the property. A Collier County environmental study found evidence of the Florida panther and other endangered species on the property.
One public speaker asked whether the project would help the Florida panther. Yovanovich responded that it would.
Some neighbors say they're worried more development could threaten public safety, pointing to a massive wildfire in April that forced evacuations. Jeanne Condle expressed concern about evacuation challenges.
"Evacuations can sometimes be immediate," Condle said. "I would be concerned about anyone back there."
Yovanovich acknowledged the property owners' preference. "I can tell you, the people who own this property would love to stay in the citrus industry," he said.
But a new reality for Florida citrus could pave the way for private golf. One public speaker captured the sentiment of many in attendance.
"We love our land and we want to preserve it for the future generations to come," the speaker said.
The project is far from over. The developers still need to go through the county planning commission and county commissioners, who have the final say. It's possible the county itself could buy the land for conservation use—the owners have not officially sold yet, and county commissioners directed staff to come up with an offer for the property.
