photo mosaic of Naples, Florida pier, Bayfront, Bayside, dolphin jumping, magenta orchid, water birds silhouetted against the sunset
Ave Maria could add thousands of homes, sparking resident concerns

Ave Maria could add thousands of homes, sparking resident concerns

 Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

The town of Ave Maria could grow by more than 2,000 acres.

On May 7, the Collier County Planning Commission voted nearly unanimously to recommend in favor of the expansion.

A final decision will be made by county commissioners. A hearing is scheduled for June 9.

Ave Maria Development LLLP (Limited Liability Limited Partnership) has applied to add 2,042 acres to the town. To do so, it needs approval to expand the boundaries of the already designated stewardship receiving area (SRA) for development from 5,928 acres to 7,970 acres.

The expansion would allow for more residential and commercial development.

Barron Collier Cos. is the force behind the town, in partnership with Tom Monaghan, the creator of Domino’s Pizza and founder of Ave Maria University.

Ave Maria: A first for Collier County development
Ave Maria was the first SRA and town to develop under the county’s Rural Lands Stewardship Area, or RLSA, program.

The voluntary program allows developers to build more intense towns and villages on property with lower conservation value, in exchange for preserving more environmentally sensitive land, through a credit system. The program is designed to prevent urban sprawl, addressing state concerns about the protection of wildlife and wetlands out east, dating back to the 1990s.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

Are you seeking a home in the Bonita Springs – Naples, Florida area? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Collier County development approved decades ago moves forward in North Naples

Collier County development approved decades ago moves forward in North Naples

Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

A planned housing development first approved more than 40 years ago in Collier County could soon take shape, but it could look different.

On April 28, Collier commissioners greenlighted amendments to the Imperial Lakes Planned Unit Development (PUD) in North Naples.

Originally approved in 1982, the PUD has been in waiting for the expansion of Veterans Memorial Boulevard, west of Livingston Road.

With the expansion still not completed, the developer has agreed to design, permit and build the western extension of the boulevard to the Seminole Gulf Railway to provide access to the new community.

New community could include a mix of housing options
The approved amendments to the PUD will give the landowner and developer, going under the name N.A. Realty Trust Inc., the option to build a mix of housing, including single-family and two-family homes, as well as other multifamily homes.

The developer could still build the original plan, which allowed for up to 430 multifamily homes in five-story buildings.

The long vacant site spans nearly 80 acres. It sits north of the private Imperial Golf Club and to the west of the Castlewood at Imperial community, near Aubrey Rogers High School.

Naples land use attorney Rich Yovanovich, who represented N.A. Realty Trust at the public hearing, said the developer had worked to limit the height and types of homes built in the corner closest to Castlewood to address residents’ concerns about the visual impact.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

Naples ‘house on the beach’ condo lists for $13.9 million

Naples ‘house on the beach’ condo lists for $13.9 million

Andrea Stetson | Special to The News-Press & Naples Daily News

Jeanna Wolfe’s spacious home has sliding glass doors that lead to a humongous lanai with a pool and spa overlooking the Gulf. That might not seem unusual unless you know that Wolfe lives in a condo.

“We didn’t want to be in a condo building, but this is like a house on the beach,” Wolfe stressed. “The terrace has stairs right to the beach. It really feels perfect for the person that wants a house on the beach, but the ease of a condo.”

It is the only one of the 19 condos in The Vanderbilt with its own terrace and pool and that terrace spans 5,793 square feet and includes the large deck with its pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, sitting and dining areas and garden. That is almost as much as the interior which is 6,141 square feet under air. The entire property is 12,640 square feet.

“It was lived in by the developer of this building, and we met them and became friends, and we told them if you are ever going to sell let us know and that was 2012 and we have been here ever since,” Wolfe explained. “It is just our unique place. Nobody knows it exists. We have spent many years here and have loved it here.”

Wolfe’s beloved husband, Jeff, recently passed away and Wolfe now wants a change and is selling her dream home for $13,995,000.

Read more about how Jeanna and her husband enjoyed living in this lovely home, on naplesnews.com.

Ready to explore the most exceptional properties of Southwest Florida? Contact me today to begin your journey. Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Collier commissioners unanimously approve new village in rural area

Collier commissioners unanimously approve new village in rural area

Laura Layden | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

Collier commissioners approved a longtime citrus grower’s plans to build a new village in rural Collier County.

On April 28, commissioners voted unanimously in favor of allowing Fort Myers-based Alico Inc. to create a stewardship receiving area on land where the company has grown and harvested oranges for decades.

The designation as a receiving area will allow Alico to develop a more than 1,400-acre village, known as Corkscrew Grove East, off Corkscrew Road, near State Road 82.

The planning commission recommended approval to county commissioners.

The village could have up to 4,502 residences and nearly 240,000 square feet of commercial uses, including retail shops, restaurants and medical offices, along with at least 45,020 square feet of civic spaces, which could be used for schools, churches and emergency services.

The village will include affordable housing.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

 

‘Hamilton,’ Jimi, more: Artis—Naples new season big on icons

‘Hamilton,’ Jimi, more: Artis—Naples new season big on icons

Legendary composers and iconic musicals highlight the upcoming Artis—Naples season.

The Naples entertainment venue has announced its 2026-27 performing arts subscription season, which features Baker Museum’s upcoming exhibitions, concerts and more.

Here’s what to know.

‘Engage, inspire and entertain’
The 2026-27 season marks the organization’s third year under the artistic leadership of Sharon and Timothy Ubben Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley. Additional performances and exhibitions will be announced in July 2026.

“As Artis—Naples enters its third season under Alexander Shelley’s artistic leadership, we continue to build on a strong foundation while evolving as a multidisciplinary organization serving Southwest Florida audiences,” said Artis—Naples CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen in a news release.

‘Artists confront the world’
The Naples Philharmonic Masterworks Series kicks off in in late October as Shelley conducts Beethoven and Brahms, with South Korean classical pianist Yeol Eum Son performing.

The November concert features Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird, setting the stage for 2027 when Shelley conducts a series of concerts in March 2027 of Beethoven’s symphonies 1 through 9.

“In Beethoven’s symphonies, in large-scale orchestral and vocal works and in the more intimate language of chamber music, artists confront the world as it is while reaching toward what it might become,” Shelley said in the news release.

‘Hamilton’ returns for Broadway series, and lots more…read on naplesnews.com

TAre you looking for a home in the vibrant Naples, Florida area? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.