Bayshore Drive Finalist for Great Places in Florida Award

The Florida chapter of the American Planning Association has announced that Bayshore Drive in Collier County is a finalist for the 2022 Great Places in Florida Award!

Great Places in Florida is a unique award program because communities submit nominations, and the public determines the winner. Each year the nominees focus on unique, memorable places in Florida. This annual award recognizes places with a sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow. The program is based on an annual theme to celebrate an element of community planning that contributes to the “greatness” of a place. This year’s theme is Great Healthy Places. 

Bayshore Drive is one of four finalists chosen as a Great Healthy Place in Florida. Now the winner will be selected based on the number of public votes of support on the Florida Chapter of American Planning Association website: https://florida.planning.org/community-outreach/great-places-florida/ 

Bayshore Drive is being recognized for being one of the most distinct Healthy Places in Florida. Stretching nearly two miles in unincorporated Collier County, Bayshore Drive has evolved over the last several decades from a two-lane corridor of underutilized businesses and residences to a complete street with a true sense of place. Bayshore Drive is anchored by the award-winning Naples Botanical Garden to the south and a vibrant waterfront and arts district to the north. 

Revitalization has been achieved through comprehensive community visioning and public investment in complete street improvements led by Collier County’s Bayshore Triangle Community Redevelopment Area and Bayshore Beautification Municipal Service Taxing Unit. As the street’s infrastructure transformed, it energized private investment. Now Bayshore Drive is a place for people of all abilities and backgrounds seeking to embrace healthy living, social engagement, and a sustainable environment. 

Voting remains open for the People’s Choice Award until September 23, 2022. The winner will be announced on September 28, 2022. Vote here on the American Planning Association website: https://florida.planning.org/community-outreach/great-places-florida/.