Saturday, July 25, 2026
A 1987 loophole lets data centers into Collier
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Mostly sunny and near 90 today, but the heat index will push 105 and a stray storm could pop after noon — get the outdoor stuff done this morning. The eyebrow-raiser today: Collier's zoning code hasn't been touched since 1987, and it already allows data centers of any size, anywhere they'd fit.
Today
It's a beach morning — red tide is a no-show
FWC's latest samples came back clean at all five Collier test sites, from Barefoot Beach down to South Marco. With high tide at 9:52 a.m. and storms holding off until afternoon, go early.
Local News
Data centers could build here under rules written in 1987
The county's zoning code predates the internet as we know it, so a data center of any size is already allowed — with no restrictions on water use, noise, or energy draw. Until commissioners update the code, there's no lever to pull if one shows up next to your neighborhood.
The Botanical Garden just banked its one millionth seed
It's an insurance policy for Southwest Florida's rarest natives — including the woolly lupine — tucked away in case storms or development wipe out the wild populations. A quiet milestone with very long-term payoff.
The old dog track is becoming a $140M sports hub
Construction has started on Elevate Southwest Florida at the former Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs — nearly 20 acres of sports and wellness venues, targeted for 2030. Anyone who ever bet a trifecta there will barely recognize the place.
Golden Gate Estates gets its own fire-and-EMS station
Station 74 is a joint Greater Naples Fire Rescue and Collier EMS facility built to cut response times out in the Estates. The practical upside for homeowners there: closer coverage can mean lower insurance premiums.
An 11-mile rail trail goes to the voters Aug. 18
Bonita Springs residents will decide whether to borrow up to $35 million to buy an inactive rail corridor for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail, which would run roughly 11 miles and connect down into Collier. If it passes, it's the kind of path we'd all end up riding.
Food & Drink
Michelbob's is bringing its ribs to North Naples
The longtime rib institution is opening an 80-seat location at 14700 Tamiami Trail N. this summer — its first true North Naples outpost. No more driving to East Naples or settling for Marco takeout.
All three Tulias just won Wine Spectator awards
Osteria Tulia and Tulia Italian Steak on Fifth Avenue South, plus Bar Tulia Mercato at Mercato, each earned the nod — one wine director, Marcello Palazzi, runs all three lists. A good excuse for a summer wine dinner while tables are easy to get.