Collier County Dedicates Land for New Veterans Nursing Home — A Milestone for Local Veterans

In a major development more than a decade in the making, Collier County officials have formally dedicated nearly 24 acres of land for a new state-of-the-art veterans nursing home in Naples, clearing a key hurdle toward construction and bringing long-needed local care to the area’s veteran community.

The land — part of the former Golden Gate Golf Course property along Collier Boulevard — was officially turned over during a ceremony attended by county leaders, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs officials, and members of the local veterans community on January 9.

At the heart of the project is a $125 million facility planned to offer 120 skilled nursing beds along with an adult day health care center, outpatient therapy, wellness services, and other supports tailored to veterans and their caregivers.

According to county leaders, all state and federal funding is in place, and architectural and design work is nearing completion.

The project represents a major expansion of health care infrastructure in Collier County, which is home to roughly 28,000 veterans — a population that until now has often had to travel significant distances for long-term care and specialized services. Local veteran William Graebe told officials at the dedication that having the facility in Naples will eliminate lengthy travel to other parts of Florida for care, making services more accessible for veterans and their families.

Collier County Commission Chairman Burt Saunders noted that the county has committed roughly $40 million toward the project, with the remainder coming from state and federal sources. The site dedication clears the way for construction, which county officials say is expected to begin this summer, with a target ribbon cutting slated for mid-2028.

For years local advocates, veterans service organizations, and policymakers have highlighted the need for a veterans nursing home in Southwest Florida. Until now, many Collier County veterans and their families have made long drives to facilities in Port Charlotte, Tampa or Miami for skilled care, adding travel burdens at times when support and comfort are most needed.

The new facility — one of only a handful of state veterans nursing homes in Florida — is designed not just as a residence for long-term care, but as a community hub that supports a range of health and wellness needs. By pairing skilled nursing with adult day services and therapy programs, officials hope it will become a model for comprehensive veteran-centered care.

Local veterans and their families at the dedication expressed optimism that the Naples facility will make a meaningful difference in quality of life and support systems for the region’s veteran population. With construction planned to begin this year, the project stands as one of the most significant veterans-focused investments in Collier County’s recent history