Collier Commission Continues Debate on Controversial South Naples Citrus Grove Rezoning

A long-standing orange grove in South Naples remains at the center of a heated land-use debate after the Collier County Board of Commissioners delayed a vote this week on a proposed rezoning that would pave the way for a major housing development on the site.

After more than seven hours of public testimony, including passionate voices from both conservation advocates and housing supporters, commissioners opted not to approve or reject the developer’s request and will revisit the issue at a future meeting.

🏡 What’s Proposed

The rezoning plan would allow developer SWJR Naples LLC to convert roughly 160–169 acres of citrus grove land along Sabal Palm Road into a residential community of up to 423 homes, including townhomes, single-family units, and a portion of income-restricted housing.

Proponents argue the plan could help address local housing shortages and incorporate environmental enhancements — such as stormwater improvements, lakes and littoral plantings, and wildfire mitigation provisions — to lessen ecological impacts.

🌱 Legacy Grove Faces New Future

The property in question is one of the last remaining working citrus groves in Naples, farmed by the same family since the late 1970s. Owners say decades of challenges, including citrus greening disease that has ravaged groves statewide, have made traditional citrus production economically unviable. As a result, they are pushing to find a new use for the land.

Despite this, opponents contend that the grove holds environmental and historical value beyond its agricultural roots.

🐆 Environmental & Community Concerns

Environmental groups and neighbors raised concerns that development could disrupt wildlife habitat and surrounding conservation lands, particularly the adjacent Picayune Strand State Forest, which supports species like Florida panthers and wood storks. Critics also pointed to wildfire risk, water-flow dynamics and broader ecological implications for sensitive lands bordering the grove.

Residents objecting to the rezoning far outnumbered supporters at the meeting, with more than 70 people packed into the chamber and scores signing up to speak.

🏙️ Affordable Housing and Land Use Debate

Supporters of the developer’s proposal highlighted the inclusion of income-restricted units — roughly 15% of total homes — as a meaningful step toward easing housing shortages in Collier County. They shared that educators, healthcare workers and first responders could benefit from new, more affordable ownership opportunities closer to jobs and services.

County staff and commissioners acknowledged the urgency of housing affordability in the region but stressed that the grove’s location and ecological context pose unique challenges that merit deeper evaluation before a final decision.

🗳️ Commission Stance and Next Steps

The board’s decision to continue the hearing — rather than vote on the rezoning — resulted from a split among commissioners who want more time to explore alternatives, changes to the plan, and potential environmental safeguards.

Commissioners who supported continuing the discussion said they hope to identify a balanced approach that respects both the property owner’s interests and long-term environmental stewardship.

No new vote date has been set yet, but county planners expect the item will return to a future agenda after additional stakeholder meetings and possible revisions to the proposal.