Resolution 2025-283 RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 2 8 3
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING THE GORE NATURE
CENTER AS HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT, PURSUANT TO THE
HISTORIC/ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRESERVATION REGULATIONS AS
PROVIDED IN SECTION 2.03.07.E OF THE COLLIER COUNTY LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, APPROXIMATELY
10±ACRES,IS LOCATED IN THE GOLDEN GATE ESTATES,IN SECTION
33, TOWNSHIP 49 SOUTH, RANGE 28 EAST, COLLIER COUNTY,
FLORIDA. [PL20250010255]
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County adopted Ordinance No. 91-
70, the Historical/Archaeological Preservation Ordinance, on August 7, 1991 and subsequently
incorporated this Ordinance into the Collier County Land Development Code; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County seeks to recognize the
importance and significance of Collier County's historical heritage,and to this end has enacted regulations
to protect,preserve and perpetuate Collier County's historic and archaeological sites, districts, structures,
buildings and properties; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.03.07.E of the Land Development Code,provides for official designation
of particular sites and structures as historically significant and provides regulations to maintain the historic
character of officially designated properties; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Robert H. Gore III earned his PhD in Marine Invertebrate Zoology from the
University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, published seventy-five
papers in the scientific and popular press,authored several books including"The Gulf of Mexico,""Songs
from Solitude," and "Right Smart to Say," consulted state and county governmental agencies, and
conducted research in marine biology and ecology with the Smithsonian Institution for a decade; and
WHEREAS,Dr. Robert H. Gore III purchased land in Golden Gate Estates in the 1980s and over
two decades accumulated 71 parcels totaling approximately 180 acres of mostly contiguous vacant land;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Robert H. Gore III established the Naithloriendun Wildlife Sanctuary in
Southwest Florida near the Big Cypress Swamp where he regularly held events on the 170-acre sanctuary
to allow visitors to explore; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Robert H. Gore III completed the construction of an Old Florida Cracker-style
home on a 10-acre parcel in 1987; and
WHEREAS, the Collier County Conservation Collier Program purchased the 10-acre property
with the old Florida Cracker-styled home on August 8,2025; and
WHEREAS, the Collier County Conservation Collier Program plans to use the property to open
the Gore Nature Center for public use; and
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WHEREAS, Dr. Robert H. Gore III's home and 10-acre parcel represent characteristics of
historical significance due to the cultural, social and economic history that contributed to the history in
Collier County, including but not limited to Dr. Robert H. Gore III's contribution to the protection of the
environment in Collier County; and
WHEREAS,the Collier County Historical/Archaeological Preservation Board(the"Preservation
Board")reviewed and considered the application for historic designation of the Dr. Robert H. Gore III's
home and 10-acre parcel, collectively referred to as the "Gore Nature Center," at a public meeting held
for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, on October 17, 2025, the Preservation Board voted to recommend approval of the
application for historic designation of the Gore Nature Center as a historic site; and
WHEREAS, the Preservation Board hereby forwards said nomination to the Board of County
Commissioners.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF COLLIER COUNTY,FLORIDA that:
In recognition of its important and significant place in the historical heritage of Collier County,
the property known as the Gore Nature Center,which includes Dr.Robert H. Gore III's home and 10-acre
lot, located in the Golden Gate Estates on land more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto
and incorporated herein,is hereby designated as a historical site.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Gore Nature Center shall hereafter be subject to the
Historic/Archaeological Preservations Regulations of the Collier County Land Development Code as they
pertain to historically designated property including all applicable incentives and restrictions.
This Resolution adopted after motion, second and majority vote this qi-11 day of
Dear, , 2025.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CRYSTAL K. K[NZEL, CLERK COLLIER COUNTY,FLORIDA
t3) .(-L4" By:
� er J') eputy Clerk n , Chairman
Aftest as to Chairman's
t signature only
Approved as to form and legality:
Courtney L. DaSilva C L D
Assistant County Attorney
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ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A-Legal Description
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Exhibit"A"
All of Tract 15 and Tract 18, Golden Gate Estates Unit No. 91, according to the Map or Plat thereof
as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 30, of the Public Records of Collier County, Florida. Parcel
#41501440005
Subject to easements, restrictions, and reservations of record.
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