Kelly Farrell

Naples

Reporter at Naples Daily News

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Articles

Airboat Closure Brings Attention to Western Everglades Water Woes

1 week ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

Captain Mitch House maneuvers a small fishing boat through mangrove tunnels as an odor stings the nose and dead fish float upon the surface water in the Western Everglades. He, his wife of 20 years, Janette House, and daughter Kaitlyn House, 19, have just moved from their airboat tour business, located along U.S. 41 just west of Carnestown. Now, they are offering fishing tours out of their hometown of Everglades City instead. “There’s a speed bump,” said Kaitlyn to her dad, helping him navigate.
Council Talks About Noise, Electronic Signs, Staff Raises

2 weeks ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

Marco Island City Council chose to move forward with noise restrictions while supporting new electronic signs and staff raises during their meeting on Monday night. City Staff RaisesStaff raises of four percent were approved by Council 6-1 with Chairman Erik Brechnitz opposing. “We would still be below the market in some areas,” Assistant City Manager Casey Lucius said. “We believe this is a fair recommendation,” she added.
Marco Bike Committee Dissolves

2 weeks ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

Marco Island’s bike path advisory committee dissolved on Monday as City staff recommended its compliance with Sunshine Laws. “Some of the issues we wanted to kind of course correct for was compliance with the Sunshine Laws,” said City Clerk Joan Taylor during Monday night’s Council meeting. Just as Taylor presented the changes necessary to bring the longstanding committee into compliance with Sunshine Laws, Council dissolved the Committee instead.
Residents Warn Reclaimed Water Polluting Canals

2 weeks ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

Moments after Marco Island received an environmental award Monday night for its exemplary reclaimed water, concerned citizens warned that the reuse water is contaminating canals. City Council is scheduling a workshop and considering purchase of advanced wastewater treatment to reduce pollutants, while also considering whether such an idea will go to a referendum or be decided by Council.
Culture of Mistrust Resurfaces in Everglades Airboat Closure

3 weeks ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

Despite efforts to relieve a history of distrust between longtime Everglades residents and the government, an airboat family feels betrayed. "I feel I have been lied to by South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and all the board members,” said Mitchell House, an Everglades City resident and owner of Captain Mitch's Everglades Private Airboat Tours along U.S. 41, just west of Carnestown.
Killing of Collier Man Heightens Bear Hunt Debate

3 weeks ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

The death toll could rise depending on the ongoing response to a Florida black bear killing a man and a dog in the rural Collier County town of Jerome on May 5. Pets, livestock, humans, and bears are some of the lives at stake. Florida wildlife officials and residents are in the midst of considering the first black bear hunt in the state in 10 years with a Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting on the topic May 21.
Everglades Airpark Committee Delayed as Closing Looms

3 weeks ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

As if attempting to take off without a flight plan, the committee created to save Everglades City Airpark is grounded by a lack of county information, members say. Collier County Commissioners were about to consider a study to close the Everglades City Airpark through a consent agenda item at their meeting in March. Residents and pilots were outraged that such a big community decision would be considered by the County Commission without public discussion and input.
Judge Rules Drag Allowed in Naples Park

3 weeks ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

A federal judge ruled on Monday that Naples Pride can include drag at Cambier Park this June as part of people’s First Amendment Constitutional rights. The First Amendment protects rights for people to express themselves, to gather with other people and to protest the government. The announcement of the U.S. District Court decision came from the American Civil Liberties Union through a press release on Monday, May 12, following the ruling.
City Council Talks Water Safety, Electric Fees, Ethics

1 month ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

Marco Island City Council proclaimed May a month of water safety as they discussed new electricity bill surcharges to help keep the City budget afloat into 2026. Meanwhile, one member of Council accepted responsibility for an ethics violation involving her dog attacking a minor and dog in December.
Digging Up Old Marco’s Past

1 month ago | coastalbreezenews.com | Kelly Farrell

Digging up the past is getting a lot of attention on Marco Island as archaeologists sift through dirt in Old Marco and developers carve into the earth of Indian Hill. “Everybody is pretty excited about what we’re doing,” said Luigi Carvelli, a restaurant owner and property owner along Bald Eagle Drive in Old Marco.