Posted on April 7 at 9:06 a.m.

Collier County Tourist Development Cou ncil's televised "Hot Fun In The Sun" campaign aired across the country in 2007. Their promotional attempt directed visitors away form my business and toward government facilities, resulting in catostophic losses. I own a campground in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The Department of the Interior has 'boxed' my business in with the building of 7 campgrounds offering camping at reduced rates and in some instances free RV parking with unlimited stays. It is no secret that this type of government interferance in commerce is unethical, illegal and just plain wrong. Collier County's Board of Commissioners seem more interested in pursuing their political careers than standing up for their constitutes. The Department of the Interior seems content in destroying cultures, whether economically or by force. I just recently received the latest visitor guide that will be distributed by the county. The town in which my business operates has been left off the map completely. I have repeatedly called for the resignation of Collier County Tourism Director, Jack Wert. Jack Wert in an email to me clearly stated the he can promote who ever he wants, public or private. This year's visitor guide was the last straw. The Department of the Interior feeling no resistance has already taken possession of a 30 room motel with pool, ice cream parlor, lounge and a majestic view of the Everglades and are making plans to build more rental accomodations in the Everglades region. Government lodging facilities do not collect tourist tax.

On Lee officials: Tourist tax-funded trip to Japan worth every penny

Posted on April 5 at 9:59 a.m.

Collier County Tourist Development Council's televised "Hot Fun In The Summer" campaign aired across the country in 2007. Their promotional attempt directed visitors away from my business and toward government facilities, resulting in catostophic losses. I own a campground in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The Department of the Interior has 'boxed' my business in with the building of 7 campgrounds offering camping at reduced rates and in some instances free RV parking with unlimited stays. It is no secret that this type of government interferance in commerce is unethical, illegal and just plain wrong. Collier County board of commissioners seem more interested in pursuing their political careers than standing up for their constitutes. The Department of the Interior seems content in destroying cultures, whether economically or by force. I just recently received the latest visitor guide that will be distributed by the county. The town in which my business operates has been left off the map completely. I have repeatedly called for the resignation of Collier County Tourism Director, Jack Wert. Jack Wert in an email to me clearly stated that he can promote who ever he wants, public or private. This years visitor's guide is the 'last straw'. I appreciate Naples Daily News' coverage of tourism related issues, however speaking with certain hotel managers does not necessarily reflect the opinion of all area accomodations. The Department of the Interior. feeling no resistance has plans to build huge lodging facilities throughout Southwest Florida. The state of Florida is already in the business of renting cottages in their state parks.

On Season not over just yet

Posted on April 2 at 9:11 a.m.

In 2007 & 2008 I have received letters of congratulations from Burt Saunders office in regards to some tourism promotions to which I was involved. Burt Saunders seems to be on the ball and in tune with the needs of the State, however totally disagree on begging the government to finance state projects. I think the state of Florida would be better served if the state could stand on it's own two feet. Government funding comes with a price tag. The department of the Interior is currently operating 7 campgrounds, 2 of which are RV resorts located on U.S. 41. My family has lived here since before Big Cypress Preserve exsisted and I happen to own a campground. It is no secret what the park is doing is wrong. They have destroyed my business 4 times in the last 20 years. Somehow, by the grace of God I have managed to survive this horrible form of economic genocide. The government is not in tune with the state of Florida or the people who live here.

On House, Senate spar over Everglades funding

Posted on March 16 at 9:06 a.m.

I have lived in the Big Cypress National Preserve all my life. My family has survived countless government agency attacks, including the infamous 'Ochopee Land Grab' which established the Big Cypress National Preserve. I also witnessed the purchase of the Florida Panther Refuge. At the time of it's purchase it was a very pristene piece of land. Over the past 15 years I can't believe what state agencies have done to this land. 10 years ago I had the opportunity to fly over the refuge in a small plane. I couldn't help but notice a huge series of roads and trails panther biologists have established. Also, under construction, were several buildings that I have no idea what their purpose is. At the time of the lands purchase the division of forestry had a fire tower. The fire tower has now been taken down and destroyed and replaced with 2 homesites owned and permitted by the refuge. Just last year I read an article on how the preserve's biologists were planning to build giant greenhouses on the property in order to propagate orchids. Approximately 2 years ago a huge visitor facility was built on the refuge adjoining I-75. This project involved paving portions of the panther refuge. Also, there is an official business entrance to the refuge that consist of several structures and roads. 3 years ago, I noticed several several thousand mature palm trees had been chopped to pieces, apparently to improve habitat for woodpeckers. These rotting trees harbour beetles that are now killing tens of thousands of slash pine trees growing in the refuge. I've also noticed on weekend nights what appear to be refuge personnel partying and barbequing on this once pristene refuge. It is my belief given what I've seen, the florida panther refuge is nothing more than a development in progress. I have no ax to bear with the Naples Daily News or Jeremy Cox's coverage of the plight of the Florida panther but I have to say having lived here all my life and seeing what is occuring, on what is suppose to be wetlands by the agencies who have sworn to protect, it is very eye opening and deserves some merit.

On Development in wetlands moves ahead near Collier-Lee line

Posted on February 8 at 6:37 p.m.

676 should be 666

On Season’s in swing but not everyone’s feeling the rush

Posted on February 8 at 10:36 a.m.

Excuse me if this may sound a little self centered, I'm a campground owner in the Big Cypress National Preserve who collects tourist tax. This year's nationally televised tourism campaign, sponsored by Collier County, directed tourists into government facilities which pay no tourist tax. Just yesterday I was listening to Gulf Coast University's Everglades Radio Network. The FM number to this radio station is posted on I-75. This radio station, claiming to be an environmnental and informational public broadcast is also directing tourists toward government owned campgrounds. The government constructing commercial campgrounds that include water, electric and sewage facilities should have never been built on public land and are causing great economic and environmental problems. My campground was established well before the Preserve ever existed. What the National Park Service has done to my family and business is wrong. You would think Collier County commissioners would stand up for there constituents. Instead I've watched a small community be destroyed, while National Park Service employees continue to construct a multitude of lodging facilities, with more on the way. As far as tourism goes this year, you can count me out. Collier County's tourism campaign has seen to that. I wonder why Naples News is reporting on statistics and opinions from Lee County? Has Collier County's tourism director, Jack Wert run out of excuses?

On Season’s in swing but not everyone’s feeling the rush

Posted on December 11 at 9:45 a.m.

Dave Weigel has served the county well for many years. He was uninvolved in countless charges against corrupt commissioners who received jail time. His pending removal from office is what should be re-evaluated.
Consideration should taken by county commissioners in favor of the RV Park's request, given the environment of the RV bussines which is being controlled by the National Park Service. National Park officials have constructed and are continuing to construct RV Parks/Resorts on U.S. 41 in the Big Cypress National Preserve. These parks collect no tourist tax and are a drain on county resources. What the department of the Interior is doing is against all their rules and bylaws in regards to government competition. Collier Commissioners have a duty to their constituents to see to it that these government regulations are adhered to. I have complained repeatedly to the board of Collier County Commissioners for years to stand up for my rights as a tax paying campground owner doing business in Collier County. Jim Coletta knows very well my dilema, yet continues to ignore my request.

On None

Posted on December 6 at 8:47 a.m.

Collier County Commissioners/Collier County Board of Tourism as well as hotel owners and operators should be very alarmed at what is ocurring here with the Euro dollar at an all time high. It is only natural to expect tens of thousands of European visitors to the Collier County area. Smoking is an excepted habit in European countries. With rising insurance costs at beachfront hotels as well as the high cost of energy (electric,gas) and the anticipated removal of the current illegal alien workforce hotels now employ, a smoking ban implemented during this time of uncertainty probably isn't the best idea. Bill Barnett is well known for playing "hardball" with the tourism industry. Ten years ago Bill Barnett poked fun at and refused to support the possibility a bigfoot like creature just might exsist in the Everglades. Whether or not such a creature does exsist, it has given the area over 30 million dollars in national and international publicity. If this situation concerns homeowners who would prefer not to have people smoking in their backyards, I guess they have a right to complain. If this is about pollution caused by smokers, proper recepticles should be placed accordingly. But if this is about tourism, I can assure you, it is the worst possible time to even discuss a smoking ban. The international tourist trade could be totally destroyed.

On None

Posted on November 28 at 9:03 a.m.

Unfortunately, what hotel owners received from the commissioners was a stocking stuffed with coal. I recently returned from a prolonged business trip in Virginia Beach. I hope this is not what the newly hired PR firm has in mind for Naples. Tatoo parlors line the beachfront. Groups of homeless children spend the entire summer there. There is an old saying here in the Everglades, 'if you want to kill a snake, you have to cut off it's head'. The hiring of a PR firm to make up for the incompetence of the current tourist director, Jack Wert is just a big waste of money. I extended a hand of friendship to Jack Wert upon his appointment to office. He has never once visited my business or shown any concern what so ever. I am a tourist tax collector who owns a campground, zoo and museum. This past month commissioners gave $500,000 to zoos and museums in the Naples/Marco area. This summer's tourism campaign, which was nationally televised, directed customers away form my business and toward government facilities and pay no tourist tax. Commissioner, Jim Coletta knows very well my dilema yet he continues to support intercity tourism. It is time for commissioners to step up to the plate and remove Jack Wert from office.

On PR firm hired to aid Collier tourism bureau

Posted on November 27 at 8:51 a.m.

The Bureau of Tourism can not fund anything without Collier County Commissioners approval. I'm a tourist tax collector who owns a campground, a zoo and a museum. Just last month Collier Commissioners gave away half of a million dollars to zoos and museums located in Naples and Marco Island. This past summer's tourist campaign cost the county another half of a million dollars. Unfortunately for me, the National televised campaign directed tourist away from my business and toward government facilities, which pay no tourist tax. The losses my business suffered was catostrophic. Commissioner, Jim Coletta knows very well my dilema, yet he continues to support intercity tourism with no regard to the negative impact it is having on business within his district. He blindly supports Collier County's tourism director, Jack Wert, who's philosphy towards tourism will ultimately destroy the ambiance downtown Naples residents have enjoyed for years. This coming Thursday, I will be spending the day with the Swedish TV crew, promoting tourism in the Everglades. Where's my wine and cheese?

On Tourism bureau offering Winter Wine Festival trip to 10 writers