We are excited to start the Spring season with some news and updates. First, I am pleased to share that our 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) has officially been published and is now available on our website. The preparation and publication of the ACFR represents a significant effort by our Finance and Accounting Department as well as numerous County personnel who contribute to its production. Sincere appreciation is expressed to our external auditors CliftonLarsonAllen, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), the Constitutional Officers, the County Manager, Deputy County Managers, Department Heads, Division Directors and Staff, for their assistance throughout the year in matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the County.
In this newsletter, we covered two agenda items that were discussed in the March BCC Meetings. First is the construction progress of the Golden Gate Golf Course at the county-owned property. After almost a year to securing funding and permits, The Gate Golf Club officially broke ground in February and initiated the three phases of construction for the project that are running concurrently. They expect to open the golf course in the Spring of 2026.
Another item that became a bit controversial, was the potential deactivation of the Everglades Airpark, which was brought for discussion and public comments at the March 11 BCC Meeting.
The deadline for filing income tax returns is April 15th! Considering the additional financial burdens brought by overdue taxes from prior returns and additional expenses incurred to complete and file the tax form, we are encouraging you to check for unclaimed monies at our office. We have compiled a list of unclaimed monies for the Clerk’s Office, the Board of County Commissioners, and Tax Deed Funds. If you feel that you have outstanding monies due to you, or if you may have forgotten to collect a deposit or cash a check, visit collierclerk.com and choose the button that says “Unclaimed Funds” to search for funds that may be returned to you.
In November 2024, our office introduced a new passport photo option at the courthouse’s main recording office to help expedite the process and avoid delays in releasing passports. This passport photo service is now available at our satellite office at the Heritage Bay Government Center, every weekday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The photo service cost is $15 per applicant, offering great value as it reduces the number of trips back and forth to correct photos that are not “quite right” according to Passport standards.
Citizens who wish to use the passport photo service at Heritage Bay may simply walk in during the specified times; passport appointments are recommended for those going to the Collier County Courthouse and can be made by visiting collierclerk.com/passports.
I hope everyone will be enjoying the great weather on our paradise coast!
Read and download the April 2025 Newsletter here.
