Review of the Week: August 15, 2025, Issue No. 225

District 82 Updates

It was an incredible honor to stand before friends, colleagues, and loved ones to receive the congressional record. I was deeply moved by the kind and generous words shared by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, who took a moment to reflect on my work and the principles that guide it:

“I’ve seen how you get things done, and in an era of celebrities in politics and folks who want to do it just cause they want to be famous, it’s great when you have real leaders who get things done. You happen to be one of those and do it with grace and dignity. You honor all of us who support you and believe in you. You honor, I think, the great people of the state of Florida. I think you honor our country. Among some of your friends here and dear colleagues and your son, who again is a hero, I’d like to present you with this congressional record. On behalf of the folks I represent, we are honored and grateful for your leadership.” - Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart

Thank you, Congressman Díaz-Balart!

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the return of Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. The holiday will run from Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 31, giving families a full month of savings on essential school supplies and more.

The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday includes exemptions for:

School supplies $50 or less

• Binders
• Notebooks
• Pens and pencils
• Lunch boxes

Clothing, footwear, and apparel priced at $100 or less

• Backpacks
• Pants
• Shoes
• Shirts
• Sweaters

Learning aids selling for $30 or less

• Interactive Books
• Puzzles
• Flashcards

Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less (for noncommercial home or personal use)

• Laptops
• Flash drives
• Printers
• Headphones

For more information and to view lists of qualifying items, visit: FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool.

Insurance companies and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) enforce binding restrictions, commonly called “moratoriums,” whenever a storm is named or approaches a designated geographic area. These moratoriums generally take effect 24 to 72 hours before a hurricane is anticipated to arrive in the region, thereby restricting new policy issuances and changes to existing policies during this critical period.

Furthermore, it is important to note that flood insurance policies under the NFIP require a compulsory waiting period of 30 days before coverage becomes active, with very few exceptions. This framework is designed to mitigate risks and ensure that policyholders are adequately protected in the event of a natural disaster.

Whether or not you can buy homeowner’s insurance varies between providers, so it is essential to be prepared before hurricane season. Typically, insurers use “binding restrictions” when a hurricane is anticipated, preventing new policies or increased coverage until after the threat passes.

Although it is too early to tell whether Erin will impact the State of Florida, it is always good to be prepared in case of uncertainty. 

For more information on how to prepare for a storm, click here!

The Florida Governmental Utility Authority and water utilities around the nation are celebrating the 20th anniversary of National Water Quality Month which was founded in 2005 by the Environmental Protection Agency and backed by the United Nations. 

This annual campaign emphasizes the importance of our natural resources, encouraging community members to seek methods to actively safeguard these invaluable assets. Impactful yet straightforward habits, such as the proper disposal of chemicals and the responsible management of pet waste, play a crucial role in mitigating pollution in our waterways.

Every individual action contributes significantly to the enhancement of water quality, which not only benefits the residents of our community but also supports the diverse wildlife that inhabits these ecosystems. By prioritizing protecting our water quality, we can ensure a thriving and balanced environment for future generations. We would like you to take action: please take the time to learn about the source of your water and its treatment processes, and commit to adopting at least one new habit that will contribute to its cleanliness and sustainability.

This Water Quality Month, consider committing to changing your ways. Here are eight easy changes you can make to be a water quality steward:

• Visit the car wash.

When you wash your car at home, the soaps and chemicals run into storm drains. Storm drains release water directly into nearby water sources with no treatment process to clean it up. Professional car washes are legally required to drain water into sanitary sewer systems, where the water is then treated at a wastewater treatment plant before it is released back into the environment. A bonus: Car washes are more efficient and use less water than washing at home.

• Please pick it up.

It’s good etiquette to clean up after your pet when taking it for a walk, but it is also good for the environment. Pet feces washes into storm drains and nearby water sources if you don’t pick it up and dispose of it in a toilet or trash can.

• Could you skip the hose?

You can use a broom to clean your outdoor spaces rather than hosing them down. This will save water and prevent pollution from reaching storm drains.

• Garden organically.

Skip the fertilizer and try organic feed for your plants and vegetables. Fertilizer with phosphorus is especially dangerous for nearby water sources and groundwater. This practice is healthier for you, too!

• Could you take back your medicines?

As mentioned, medicines down the drain can harm flora and fauna in nearby water sources. You don’t want to dispose of old medications in the trash either — animals can get to them, and rain causes them to leach into groundwater. Instead, take your medications to a safe disposal site like your local pharmacy. Also, keep an eye out for twice-yearly drug take-back days at local hospitals and police stations, which usually take place in October and April.

• Dispose of paint, oil, and antifreeze properly.

Oil-based paints, oil, and antifreeze are considered hazardous materials. If disposed of in the trash or down the drain, they can all enter local water sources or groundwater. If you have usable paint, oil, or antifreeze, check with your local charitable organization for an option to donate. Otherwise, many Greenville County recycling centers accept these items.

• Avoid antibacterial soaps and cleaning products.

These products are toxic to marine life. They also kill the good bacteria in your household, making it harder to treat infections. Gentle, natural soaps are effective and safe cleaners.

• You can use a rain barrel.

Make good use of those summer storms by collecting water in rain barrels. The water can then be used to water your plants on drier days. The Contestee Nature Preserve occasionally holds rain barrel workshops to teach you how to build your own!

In compliance with Florida Statute 489 and Senate Bill 1142, Collier County has officially discontinued the requirement for 24 local specialty contractor licenses effective July 1, 2025.

The following specialty contractor licenses are no longer required in Collier County:

Acoustical

Cabinet

Decorative Metal

Dredging

Epoxy

Excavation

Exterior Covering by Artificial Stucco System

Floor Covering

Insulation

Landscape

Nonelectrical Sign

Nonrecreational Pond/Waterfall/Fountain

Painting

Paving Block

Paving Commercial

Pollutant Storage

Reinforced Steel

Sandblasting

Satellite Dish

Sealing and Striping

Swimming Pool Cleaning

Tile and Marble

Tile, Marble, and Terrazzo

Tree Trimming/Removal

For more information, please visit: https://www.colliercountyfl.gov/.../contractor-licensing

Business Tax Receipts Still Required:

In Collier County, it is essential for all businesses to secure a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) to operate legally, regardless of their location within the county. This requirement applies uniformly to businesses situated in the municipalities of Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades City. 

The BTR must be specific to the type of work being performed and is issued annually by the Collier County Tax Collector’s Office.

Businesses may also need to obtain zoning approval, fire inspections, or other documentation depending on their location and scope of work.

For more information on how to apply for or renew a Business Tax Receipt, please visit: https://colliertaxcollector.com/business-tax-receipts/ 

When a school bus comes to a stop:

•Vehicles driving in both directions on two lane or multi-line roadways with no median must stop.

•Vehicles driving on roadways that are divided by a median or barrier must stop if following bus and proceed cautiously if on the other side of the median.

•When stopping for a bus, stay at least 10 feet back to allow children the space to safely enter and exit the bus.

At its August meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved changes to expand youth turkey hunts from two consecutive days (Saturday and Sunday) to four (Friday through Monday) on 104 wildlife management areas. This change was previously implemented on lands outside of the WMA system for the 2026 youth turkey season. Access will be limited to only youth hunters and supervising adults on 21 WMAs during their youth turkey hunting days.

In June, the FWC surveyed the public about these changes and received over 2,000 responses, with over 80% in support of both proposals.

These changes provide additional opportunities for youth with more hunting days. However, they will not increase the total number of youth quota permits issued nor affect WMAs (Wildlife Management Area) that do not currently have youth turkey hunts.



Visit MyFWC.com/Turkey and click on "Youth Turkey Hunt Weekends" for more information about youth turkey hunting days.

Reposting a threat of violence can lead to severe consequences, both legally and in terms of disciplinary action at school.

Reporting instead of reposting reduces fear in the community and ensures that threats are investigated quickly.

Help keep our schools safe: Report, don’t repost.

Notice is hereby given that the Golden Gate Beautification Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 19, at 4:30 p.m. at the Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, Florida.

The agenda will be available on the Collier County Government website at

https://www.collierptne.com/mtsu/golden-gate-beautification-advisory-committee/

About the public meeting:

Two or more members of the Collier County Board of County Commissioners may be present and may participate at the meeting. The subject matter of this meeting may be an item for discussion and action at a future meeting.

All interested parties are invited to attend, and to register to speak. All registered public speakers will be limited to three minutes unless changed by the chairman.

Collier County Ordinance No. 2004-05 requires that all lobbyists shall, before engaging in any lobbying activities (including, but not limited to, addressing the Board of County Commissioners, an advisory board or quasi-judicial board), register with the Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records Department.



Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or other reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding, should contact the Collier County Facilities Management Division, located at 3335 Tamiami Trail E., Suite 101, Naples, Florida 34112, or (239) 252-8380, as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event. Such reasonable accommodations will be provided at no cost to the individual.

For more information, call Dan Schumacher at (239) 252-5775.

Save your seat today and register for the

2nd Annual Day of Service – Emergency Readiness Summit at the Naples Grande Beach Resort on September 12.

Learn basic CPR, AED operations, hurricane preparedness and recovery, and more!

All sessions are led by experts.

Plus, you’ll be honoring first responders and other heroes in our community.

Enjoy free breakfast and lunch.

Save your spot here: https://collierers.eventbrite.com

Veterans'

Corner

Collier County is a top priority for funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a new Veterans’ nursing home within District 82. This marks the second time Collier has reached the top of the state’s priority list.

This $72 million project will transform the former Golden Gate Golf Course into a 120-bed nursing and adult day care center.

Groundbreaking is expected to start in June 2026, with a projected completion date for mid-to-late 2028.

This two-story facility will include therapy, skilled nursing, and adult day health care services.

To read the article from Florida Construction News, click here! 

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It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. My team and I will continue to listen, work, and legislate on your behalf as we look to the future. God bless you all, and God bless the great state of Florida!

Representative Lauren Melo

Florida House District 82

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