Agenda 08/12/2025 Item #16A15 (Installation of a historical marker at Rosemary Cemetery Plot N)8/12/2025
Item # 16.A.15
ID# 2025-2468
Executive Summary
Recommendation to approve the installation of a historical marker at Rosemary Cemetery Plot N, which received
historical designation, at the southwest corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and Pine Ridge Road.
OBJECTIVE: That the Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) approve the historical marker and associated
features, for Rosemary Cemetery Plot N at the southwest corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and Pine Ridge Road.
CONSIDERATIONS: On October 30, 1991, the Board adopted Ordinance 91-102, establishing the Historical and
Archaeological Preservation Ordinance, which was re-codified in Ordinance 2004-41, as amended. This Ordinance was
enacted to protect, preserve, and perpetuate Collier County's historic and archaeological sites, districts, structures,
buildings, and properties. The Board may distinguish properties with architectural and/or historical significance by
designating them as local historical landmarks.
On January 28, 2025, Board Agenda Item # 9.A (Resolution – Designating Plot N of the Rosemary Cemetary [sic] as
historically significant), the Board adopted Resolution 2025-029, which approved the Historic Designation of Plot N of
Rosemary Cemetery.
Rosemary Cemetery, which opened in 1931, was originally established on twenty acres of land. This area, known as
"Plot N", is the burial site of eight unknown African Americans. Plot N's position on the far eastern edge of the site,
adjacent to the train tracks, highlights the historical practice of segregation, even in burials, during the 1930s and 1940s,
and serves as a poignant reminder of the community's past.
Eagle Scout candidate Jonathan Rodriguez is 17 years old and has just started his senior year at Lorenzo Walker
Technical High School, where he is taking high school, trade, and college-level classes. He is a lineman on the Lely
High School football team, a unified partner for the Special Olympics, and a lead usher at his church. He has been
scouting since elementary school. To become an Eagle Scout, candidates must progress through the ranks of Scouts,
earn merit badges, hold leadership positions, and complete a significant service project before their 18th birthday.
Jonathan's 18th birthday is September 2. For his Eagle Scout Project, Jonathan proposes to install headstones and
signage to acknowledge the people buried in Plot N.
The Land Development Code ("LDC") section 5.06.04.C.9 requires that on vacant lots, no signs shall be permitted
without a building permit. The minimum street frontage requirement for ground signs is 75 feet, and the minimum
setback is 10 feet from any property line, as per LDC Section 5.06.04.F.1.f. The subject parcel is approximately 65 feet
by 15 feet, or 0.02 acres, and will not be developed or require any other building permits. The minimum dimensions of
the property do not allow for setbacks to be met.
The proposed location of the sign is to be centered along the western boundary of the parcel, as shown in the attached
proposed site plan. The face of the sign measures approximately 24 inches x 36 inches and has an overall height of
approximately 78 inches, including the pole, as shown in the attached sign sketch.
Typically, ground signs require a building permit; however, other sign types, including construction and real estate signs
less than 32 square feet, are exempt from building permit requirements. LDC section 5.06.05. A allows for signs
authorized to be displayed by law or by governmental order, rule, or regulation to be exempt from permit requirements.
Based on these Sections, staff is requesting board approval of the historical marker without a building permit.
This item is consistent with the Collier County strategic plan objective to preserve and enhance the character of our
community.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. The signage is being donated.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management Impact associated with this Executive
Summary.
Page 414 of 3949
8/12/2025
Item # 16.A.15
ID# 2025-2468
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board
approval. --HFAC
RECOMMENDATIONS: To approve the historical marker and associated features, for Rosemary Cemetery Plot N, at
the southwest corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and Pine Ridge Road and deem it exempt from building permit
requirements but subject to Developmet Services staff review and approval.
PREPARED BY: Lisa Blacklidge, Planning Manager, Development Review Division, Growth Management
Department
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Rosemary Plot N - Sign Sketch
2. Rosemary Plot N - Site Plan
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PLOT N
OF ROSEMARY CEMETERY
Opened in 1931, Rosemary Cemetery was originally
established on twenty acres of land donated by Edward W.
Crayton, a prominent Naples citizen and president of the
Naples Improvement Company. This area of the cemetery,
known as “Plot N,” serves as the final resting place for
eight unnamed African Americans. Plot N’s position on the
far eastern edge of the site, adjacent to the train tracks,
highlights the historical practice of segregation even in
burial during the 1930s and 40’s, and serves as a poignant
reminder of the community’s past. Although the names of
the people buried here remain unknown, we are
committed to honoring their memory and recognizing that
they were once pioneering community members. Let us
remain steadfast in our commitment to remember and
learn from the lessons of the past.
Designated as a Historic site by the
Collier County Board of County Commissioners, January 28th, 2025
with support from the NAACP of Collier County 5117-B
PROJECT REVERENCE
Jonathan Herrera Rodriguez
Boy Scouts of America - Troop 2
September 2, 2025
Page 416 of 3949
Rosemary Cemetery Plot N Historic Information Sign (Proposed)
Parcel Boundary
Sign Location
Page 417 of 3949