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A Message from Mayor Heitmann
Honoring America’s Founding Words: A Community Reading of the Declaration of Independence
On July 8, I was honored to join residents and members of the Big Cypress Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at City Hall for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, continuing our citywide America 250 celebrations.
The reading commemorated the day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud to the public, just days after its adoption by the Continental Congress on July 4. The moment allowed citizens to hear the founding words that announced America’s independence and set forth the ideals that continue to guide our nation.
The gathering was especially meaningful because it was coordinated by the Big Cypress Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the same chapter that dedicated the America 250 Patriots Marker now proudly displayed at Cambier Park. Dedicated in November 2024, the marker honors those who sacrificed for American independence. Hearing the Declaration read aloud in front of City Hall created a powerful connection between our nation’s past and future and reminded us that liberty, equality, and self-government remain enduring responsibilities.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the Big Cypress Chapter and City Staff for organizing this memorable event and for preserving American history.
God Bless the City of Naples, and God Bless America.
Teresa Lee Heitmann
Mayor
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Stay Informed with the City's Online Public Notice System
The City of Naples encourages residents to subscribe to the online Public Notice System through the Collier County Clerk of Courts to receive timely updates on City meetings, legal notices, and other official announcements.
Accessible through the Legal Notices link on the City's homepage, the online system offers 24/7 access to current and archived notices, a searchable database, and optional email alerts whenever new City of Naples notices are posted. The system provides a convenient, transparent, and efficient way to stay informed about local government activities and community matters.
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Upcoming FY26-27 Budget Workshop and Hearings
Wondering how the City's budget comes together? Our upcoming budget workshops are a great opportunity to ask questions and gain an inside look at the budgeting process, from how priorities are established to how public funds are allocated. Whether you're curious about City services, capital projects, or the annual budget process, these meetings offer valuable insight into how funding decisions are made and how community input helps shape the future of Naples.
The Budget Workshop will be held on August 17. Budget Hearings are scheduled for 5:05 PM on September 8 and September 16. For meeting details, agendas, and presentations, visit the City's Public Meetings & Agendas webpage.
In the meantime, you can review the latest draft of the proposed FY 2026 to 2027 Budget using the link below.
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2026 City of Naples Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment Survey
The City of Naples wants to hear from you!
We’re gathering input to help shape future parks and recreation priorities, ensuring our amenities, programs, and services continue to support our vibrant, healthy, and connected community.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by August 16, 2026 and share what matters most to you. Your feedback will help guide how we plan, improve, and invest in the spaces that enhance our quality of life.
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Public Input Phase Extended for Comprehensive Plan Update
Following discussions at Planning Advisory Board and City Council meetings in May and June, City Council extended the public input phase for the Comprehensive Plan update to provide additional time for public review and feedback of the draft plan. Please click the button below to email your feedback to Erica Martin, Director of Planning, prior to October 23, 2026.
To learn more about the Comprehensive Plan update, review a draft of the Plan here.
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Season Setbacks
Twenty-four (24) hatchling disorientation events have been documented in the City - a reminder of how much beachfront lighting still affects our coastline.
Sea turtles instinctively move toward the brightest horizon upon hatching. Artificial light mimicking moonlight over the Gulf disrupts that cue, and unfortunately, we have plenty of it: on the Bortle Scale, a nine-point measure of night-sky brightness, the City currently sits high at 6.9.
On a coastline this bright, a hatchling’s instinct can work against it - one porch light can pull an entire nest off course, leaving them stranded in pools, parking lots, and roadways.
As nesting season continues, it's crucial that we:
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Keep the beach dark after sunset: turn off unnecessary lights and close window coverings.
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Use turtle-safe lighting and fixture shields.
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Dispose of trash properly, fill in any holes, and remove beach equipment each evening.
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Observe quietly from afar and do not disturb nesting sea turtles, nor their nests or hatchlings.
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Report distressed wildlife to the FWC at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or online (Wildlife Alert).
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Stay on marked paths. Walking on dunes can destroy vegetation and accelerate erosion.
Every covered window, light switched-off, and obstacle-free stretch of sand increases the odds of a successful nest and a safer journey.
Learn more about sea turtles and what you can do to minimize the dangers they face on the City's "Sea Turtles" resource webpage linked below.
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Naples Pier Rebuild
Third Concrete Pour - July 24, 2026
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In case you missed our last "Your City at Work," crews working on the Naples Pier Rebuild project have started pouring concrete for the new pier structure. The video above features highlights from the third concrete pour - focused on the section closest to the existing buildings - completed on Friday, July 24.
This process marks an exciting milestone, as the new pier is taking shape right before our eyes!
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Stormwater Beach Outfall Project
July 2026 Progress Report
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Steady progress continues to be made on the Stormwater Beach Outfall Project. Recently, work for the water main tie-in extended south toward 1st Ave S, and crews have started road resurfacing efforts between 4th Ave N and 3rd Ave N.
The video above captures some of these moving parts, including a glimpse of the vaults and mechanisms that will soon lie hidden underground. So once the 8th Ave N and 3rd Ave N beach ends reopen, you'll know exactly what's beneath your sandals!
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Class is *Almost* in Session
Collier County students will be heading back to school on Tuesday, August 11. As everyone adjusts to the new school year, please remain patient and alert while driving. Expect increased traffic near schools and along bus routes, and keep the following safety tips in mind:
Bus Stops
Certain traffic patterns require drivers to come to a complete stop when buses are loading or unloading students. Please take a moment to review the graphic above to understand when stopping is mandatory.
School Zones
School zone signs will flash yellow when active. While these lights are flashing, drivers must reduce their speed to 20 mph and maintain that speed until the “End School Zone” sign.
Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday
The back-to-school sales tax holiday runs through Thursday, August 20 - take advantage of savings on clothing, backpacks, school supplies, and more! For a detailed list of eligible items, please visit the link below.
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