Keeping Up with East Naples

The mission of East Naples Civic and Commerce is, “To Encourage, Cultivate, and Develop community prosperity through advocacy and economic development, and to enhance the general welfare of East Naples.” During their monthly luncheon on Thursday, October 15, at The Arlington of Naples, the members gathered did just that. 

What began as East Naples Civic Association 70 years ago before joining forces with East Naples Business Group (formerly East Naples Merchants Association) has now become a thriving club comprised of community leaders, businessmen and women, volunteers, business owners, and any citizen who shares the vision to make East Naples an even better place to live and work.

In addition to the once-a-month in-person luncheon that features time to network amongst other like-minded individuals and a guest speaker, the ENC&C also hosts monthly Business After Five functions, Breakfast Coffee functions, and monthly member newsletters.

ENC&C has been a driving force behind community development for East Naples, and their advocacy is a familiar voice for the Board of County Commissioners. Issues surrounding transportation, safety, redevelopment, workforce development, and recruitment and retention of talent are among their key goals.

They have also continuously supported East Naples students through scholarships, paving the way for opportunities with Keiser University, Florida Southwestern, and Lorenzo Walker Technical College.

One may see members of the ENC&C at the annual Christmas Santa Run, partnered with East Naples Foundation, East Naples Kiwanis, Greater Naples Fire Department, and Collier County Sheriff’s Office over the last 30 years, along with participation in many other community functions throughout the year.

On Thursday, ENC&C President Pat Sheery began the luncheon with a warm welcome before bringing up Crystal Kinzel, Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, and J.P. Terrasi, marketing manager at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, to talk about Referendum 3 and the proposed tourist tax, noting, “Though we are not a political organization, there are referendums on the ballot that are really important that people should know what they are really about.”

Kinzel gave an overview of Referendum 3, being sure to clarify that it is about non-school taxes and homestead exemption increases. She shared her stance, “Anybody who knows me knows that I’m a person who wants to cut costs; we want to be frugal, and we don’t want to spend any more money than we have to spend. But I’m also the person that wants a plan.”

She continued with, “If we are looking at fire, police, EMS, county government, and elected officials, like my own position, we are all supported by your property taxes.” Addressing a commonly heard misunderstanding from the public of ‘you’re making me buy my house again’, she replied, “No, you’re really paying for the services and amenities that we have here in Collier County: the libraries, the museums, the beautification elements of our community. All of those services are funded through the general fund, which is the property tax element of it.”

She encourages the public to do their research, “Please look at each issue and how it impacts you, but also how it impacts our community and how it would impact our state.”

Terrasi spoke next on the proposed one percent increase on the existing tourist tax, which will be on the ballot in November. “The biggest part of it that we need people to know is that it is not a real estate tax; it is a one percent increase to the tourism tax rate for hotels/motels and short-term rental stays of six months or less.”

Terrasi said that this tax money will go to nourishment in the community and to marketing the area as a destination. “Not only throughout the state, but the country, and elsewhere. Collier County spends a lot of money to attract tourism to this area and has reached a threshold of tourism tax income that now we’re able to increase the tax to the max that it can be (six percent), when we are currently at five.”

He noted that this increase would put Collier County on a similar playing field as other competing cities for tourism.

Pat Sheery returned to the mic to let the ENC&C members know that the charity they have chosen to support for the holiday is Beverly’s Angels: They provide backpacks for kids who are taken from their home for domestic reasons or similar. Police Officers have these backpacks in their trunks and give them to the child when on the call. The backpacks have pajamas and some essentials for the child because, most times, when they’re taken out, they leave with whatever they have on and nothing else.

Tim Aten gave a detailed presentation next on the many new businesses and development coming to the area through his work and research for his Facebook Page, ‘Tim’s in the Know’.

Aten acknowledged the numerous projects in the works and those that have been ongoing, “The transition really hasn’t been pretty, but we’re seeing a future being built now, and we truly are seeing historical change. Whether you think it’s good or bad and how you look at it, there’s a lot happening and we’re changing by the minute. And East Naples is right in the middle of it!”

The next ENC&C meeting will take place on November 19. Interested parties can learn more about ENC&C and register at: www.encivicandcommerce.org.