Collier County citrus grove rezoned for private golf course despite community concerns

Collier County commissioners have approved the rezoning of a 164-acre citrus grove off Sabal Palm Road to allow for the development of a private golf course, despite opposition from residents and environmentalists. Sergei Kelley, a Collier County resident, expressed his disapproval of the project during the meeting. "I think this golf course development should not happen. It's the Everglades," Kelley said. He continued, "It should stay either an orange grove or be rewilded, modified or sold to Conservation Collier. It should not be a golf course or housing at all." Developers proposed an 18-hole private fairway with 10 cottages on-site, which would serve as short-term rentals for members. They stated the golf course would be environmentally certified, aiming to protect the environment and natural wildlife. However, residents and environmentalists raised concerns about the potential impact on the surrounding conserved land and wildlife. "It's so important to protect our Florida lands, especially anywhere that's close to the Everglades. We're seeing a massive devastation of loss here in Florida all over, but in Collier County especially," said Frankie O'Brien, another Collier County resident. O'Brien also highlighted the ecological significance of the area. "I can tell you that the Picayune Strand or Sabal Palms, it's vital for our ecosystems and for our wildlife," O'Brien said. The citrus grove is surrounded by protected forest and conservation lands, and environmentalists warned that the development could harm native panthers and other wildlife. They also expressed concerns about the use of chemicals on the golf course greens. "Development brings in exotic plants that create invasive plant issues and basic animal issues. They bring in poisons to eradicate rodents, and those rodents would have fed those that the commissioners are talking about today. So I don't see golf courses as being a good placement for new things. These types of things are counterproductive," said Collier County resident Conny Randolph. Developers argued that the county could benefit from another private golf course, even though Collier County already has over 90 courses. In June, developers had proposed a 423-home community on the site, but commissioners decided to obtain an appraisal of the land instead, considering purchasing it as conservation land. Ultimately, commissioners approved the rezoning under the condition that no cottages would be built and agreed to a no-residential deed. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.