Background
I’ve spent my career in finance, property, and strategic planning. Currently I own a CPA firm.
Education
University of Florida - Finance, Florida Gulf Coast University - Masters of Business Administration
My professional life has been dedicated to understanding budgets, property, and growth. This background in finance, real estate, and strategic planning is not just a resume; it is the practical knowledge needed to govern a city like Naples. I’ve also volunteered my time and shared my expertise on various boards and currently serve on the Planning Advisory Board with the City of Naples. When I step into the role on City Council, my decisions will be based on what is best for the future of Naples for all residents and the entire city.
I think stormwater infrastructure is the most important issue facing the city today. The cost will be the largest the city has seen and logistically it will involve disruptions to every neighborhood, so action needs to take place right away. The other important issue is the lack of direction of leadership in the city. Between unnecessarily restrictive regulations put on property owners, not focusing on pressing issues that directly impact residents, and having selective accountability, we need more of a focus on leading with residents and the city as the top priority.
Upgrading the city’s entire stormwater system is vital and we do not have the luxury of time to politicize engineering decisions or delay this overhaul by second-guessing the data or experts. My approach to address this issue is to move forward immediately with expert recommendations and to plan for long term financial sustainability by leveraging a diverse financial toolkit of dedicated revenue streams like stormwater fees, with external funding like grants, long-term debt financing like bonds, and preventative spending.
The city population is declining, so we need to address the real source of the increase in traffic, noise, density, which is the county. City council needs to encourage collaboration with the county to make sure our needs are considered and work to get more favorable decisions on impactful projects. Minor simple residential variances should be decided with common sense; commercial variances should be looked at from the lens of is this absolutely required for the project and will the project give the city and its residents a large positive impact? If not, then they should not be approved.
Council has increasingly started disputes with the airport over noise but instead of working proactively with the airport, they have attempted to exert control over a body they have no right to. These actions have now reached a crescendo with new legislation from our state representatives that is a response to council’s irresponsibleness. We need to stop wasting time and money, show the state that we as a city can handle our board approval responsibility, work with the airport on funding more benefits to the city, and collaborate on any further noise reduction approaches that can be made.
Background
please see my website - TedBlankenship.com
Education
BS in Accounting from Auburn University; Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program
See website www.TedBlankenship.com
see website
see website
see website
see website
Background
Ray Christman was first elected to Naples City Council in 2019 and reelected in 2022. During his time on Council, his priorities have been to strengthen public safety, invest in infrastructure to increase resiliency and reduce flood risk, responsibly manage growth and development, and provide sound fiscal management for our city. Ray has also served as Chair of the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) overseeing new investments to improve that area of the city. Ray brings to his work on Council relevant professional experience in government and the private sector. Throughout his career, he has believed in collaborative approaches to address and solve problems, a philosophy he has continued to embrace in his work with the residents and neighborhoods of our city. Ray and his wife Eileen have lived in Naples since 2003.
Education
Florida State University, Bachelors Degree/University of Pittsburgh, Masters Degree in City Planning
I have been a resident of Naples since 2003, active in Naples civic life leading up to my election to City Council in 2019. My professional experience is particularly relevant to my work on Council. With a masters degree in City Planning, I served as Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority and as Pennsylvania Secretary of Commerce. I subsequently headed the Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and Atlanta. These experiences provided me with a deep understanding of the role of government at all levels and how public/private partnerships help communities succeed.
The top priority for Naples today is Resiliency -- finding ways to reduce flood risk for our residents and businesses in the wake of five hurricanes in three years. We need to address this problem by investing in stormwater system upgrades such as the Gulf Shore Boulevard Beach Outfalls project. Most recently, I provided leadership on City Council to approve a new $280 million Resiliency Plan to carry out additional stormwater drainage improvements.
The second priority is to continue to invest in public safety to ensure that our First Responders have the resources to do their jobs.
As mentioned above, I have been a champion on Council to invest in resiliency/stormwater system projects like the GSB Beach Outfalls project as well as projects in River Park West/the Design District, River Park East, and Fifth Avenue South. Most recently, Council adopted a citywide Resiliency Plan and Vision which identifies nearly 40 priority projects to be undertaken in the future. To begin this work, City Council approved a 20 year/$280 investment plan. It will be paid for through increases in fees charged through the City's Stormwater Utility Fund.
When I was first elected to Council in 2019, my top priority was to change how the City was managing growth and development. Over the next several years, I was a leader on Council as we tightened requirements for granting variances, eliminated site plan deviations, and inscribed in our code the city's 42 foot height limit. As a result, all commercial and multi-family development approvals over the past five years have been within our code.
The development pressures residents do feel are largely generated by rapid growth in Collier County, often right at the city's doorstep.
The airport is a key economic asset for Naples and Collier County. It benefits many of our residents directly and indirectly. I have opposed efforts to relocate or close the airport.
However, I also oppose the proposed legislation that would change the governance structure of Naples Airport Authority from an appointed to an elected board. The city owns the land on which the airport sits, provides services to the airport, and has zoning authority over the airport. Naples City Council should retain the authority to appoint the NAA board members. This structure has worked well for years.
Background
Investment Banking, Real Estate, Adjunct Professor, Finance, investments
Education
BS Finance , MBA Business
My professional and personal experience prepares me well to serve on the Naples City Council. I have a diverse background in finance and real estate and currently serve as President of three real estate–related firms and as President of a local condominium association, working directly with residents on budgeting, governance, and long-term planning. I also serve as Chairman of the City of Naples Code Enforcement Board, giving me firsthand insight into municipal operations and enforcement. As a 22-year Naples resident, I bring strong local knowledge and a deep commitment to preserving our city.
The two most pressing issues facing Naples are infrastructure resiliency and protecting community quality of life. Aging infrastructure must be strengthened to address growth, storm impacts, and sea-level rise through long-term planning and responsible investment. Equally important is minimizing negative impacts on residents by protecting water quality, managing growth to prevent over-development, and prioritizing public safety. I support balanced policies that preserve Naples’ character while ensuring sustainable growth, environmental protection, and a safe community for residents.
Resiliency and stormwater management must be top priorities for Naples as we face stronger storms, extreme heat, flooding, and sea-level rise. I would focus on updating our stormwater system, installing back-flow valves, enforcing and updating building codes, adding pumps in low-lying areas, and expanding natural coastal protections such as dunes and mangroves. Funding should come from a mix of capital improvement planning, state and federal grants, and dedicated resiliency reserves to make Naples the most resilient city in Florida.
Balancing redevelopment with Naples’ quality of life requires careful planning and discipline. Zoning variances should be granted only when they clearly benefit the community or address true hardships, not as a convenience. Redevelopment proposals must include detailed community impact studies addressing density, traffic, noise, and infrastructure. Community input should be an essential part of the process to ensure growth aligns with Naples’ character, protects neighborhoods, and preserves the quality of life residents value.
The airport is a valuable city asset with significant economic benefits, but it must be managed to ensure safety and minimize nuisances. Home Rule should be protected, and City Council should continue appointing board members. We must use common sense in addressing noise disputes, avoiding costly studies that don’t meet community needs, and instead focus on practical airport management improvements that balance operations with quality of life for residents.
Background
Moved from Jacksonville, FL to Naples in 2002. Bought a home in the Seagate neighborhood in 2003. Married Lori Eytel, a resident of Naples sine 1971, in 2005. Helped raise three daughters who all went to school at Seagate, Gulfview2 and Naples High. I am a CPA by trade but founded and ran several other businesses that I moved to Naples with me. My largest business, MedScribe, worked with over 400 hospitals nationwide and had over 2000 employees that all worked remotely. This business was founded in 1991, and I sold it in 2024. Being deeply rooted in the City of Naples, I truly care about keeping Naples a wonderful place to live and grow old in, but I am not happy with direction our city is going. I have the time and passion for Naples to jump in the Naples City Council race to give back to the residents of Naples my 40 years of experience gain as a business owner. I am proactive in my thinking and actions and will fight to keep Naples a great place to live.eautiful fo
Education
Accounting degree from Univ. of Florida in 1982. Passed CPA exam in 1983
40 years of being the CEO of several businesses has taught me fiscal responsibility and how to make good things happen.
Stormwater upgrades and making city government efficient. By making the city more focused on making life better for the residents, good things will happen. My house flooded during Ian and the city almost made it impossible to get the repairs I needed. The stormwater upgrades should have started happening 20 years ago, but each city council has kicked the issue down the road and now we are faced with the enormous cost associated with the upgrades. I will find a way to this done sooner than waiting the 20 or so years the council's plan indicates, which doesn't even address all of Naples.
We can't do anything about the weather, but we can identify ways to mitigate extremes. Putting more sand on the beach helps but it just gets washed away. I would look for more permanent solutions including building a seawall in places that were more effected from rising water, obviously in a very unobtrusive way, like behind the dunes and backfilled with sand. Planting sea grapes and sea grasses helps a lot as well. I would propose a bond issue, federal grants or state grant to help fund this.
I think the current ordinances need to be reviewed to eliminate old rules or that don't apply anymore and new rules added, if necessary. There needs to be compassion built into this to help homeowners and businesses recover faster after a natural disaster and there needs to be common sense used when applying the rules, which the city has little of. All in all, when someone purchases a property or business, they need to be aware of the zoning restriction in place before they buy. I will propose the city start a City Concierge, to help old and new residents navigate these rules.
The city nor the airport have much input into the way the airport functions. The FAA controls this. In any event, I feel that the airport is doing all it can to mitigate noise. The city is the landowner and the three-page lease between the city and the NAA determines what the city can do regarding the management of the airport, which is next to nothing. The airport cannot limit traffic and building new hangers at the airport will not increase traffic as they claim. If the city backs off on their current posture, I firmly believe the legislature will drop the proposed bill.
Background
30-year career professional in marketing and strategy that spans private, non-profit, and public sectors. Former City Council Member in Ann Arbor MI.
Education
MBA, Harvard University; BA (Psychology) Williams College
I am a former Ann Arbor City Council Member and came to Naples with experience and a fresh perspective. I earned an MBA from Harvard; my private sector work focused on customer-led corporate strategy. As a public servant, I see residents as customers who invest a lot of money to live here and deserve an exceptional quality of life in return. I believe that resident perspectives matter and should be an intentional component of the City agenda. I am independent, accept no PAC money, and accountable to only the residents of Naples. I will bring a fresh voice to Naples City Council.
The two most pressing issues are interrelated. They are overdevelopment and its consequences; congestion, demands on an aging infrastructure, and threats to resiliency. I would address these issues by reexamining our codes and remove ambiguity that leads to inconsistent interpretation. Approving variances without careful examination of its consequences to charm and quality of life in Naples needs to stop. I would also uphold and expand he City’s 2025 Draft Resilience Plan and work to get it funded. Resiliency can also be improved by planting more shade trees such as cypress and magnolia.
I endorse the City’s 2025 Draft Resilience Plan and would like to see it adopted and expanded to address all neighborhoods. It is ambitious and innovative and could make Naples the national model for storm resiliency. City Council prudently approved a gradual increase in water rates over the next four years to help fund it. Other resources include the Florida DEP's Resilient Florida program which provides grants for cities seeking to evaluate vulnerabilities and implement projects for adaptation and mitigation. Other resources include FEMA and NOAA should their future funding be restored.
The Comprehensive Plan must reaffirm Naples as a city of neighborhoods each with its own character, history, & voice. I'll champion the reestablishment of Neighborhood Priority Plans so that every neighborhood is considered when decisions about zoning, traffic, & livability are made. I'll embrace responsible growth through building code updates that reward good choices; incentives for deeper setbacks, more permeable surfaces, & designs that exceed resiliency standards. We must revise our Interlocal Agreements with Collier County to mitigate further high-rise development such as Davis Triangle
The City should authorize the NAA to install air and noise monitors to continuously measure environmental threats to the surrounding residential and commercial neighborhoods. Costly studies of alternative locations are a non-starter, particularly without County collaboration. And yet there exists a state resolution to replace two City Council appointed seats with county residents and replace the appointment system to a general election where Naples residents who be outvoted 15:1. This is a violation of the Airport Enabling Act that ensures appointment authority is controlled by City Council.
Background
Former Money Manager, USPTA/RSPA Certified teaching Tennis and Pickleball Professional
Education
BA, Michigan State University
I’ve lived in Naples for over 21 years and have served our community in roles that demand independence, preparation, and accountability. As a current member of the City of Naples Planning Advisory Board and former Chair of the Collier County Coastal Storm Risk Management Ad Hoc Advisory Committee, I’ve taken tough votes, visited sites firsthand, and put residents first. My private-sector leadership experience, combined with real public service, gives me the judgment and backbone Naples needs on City Council.
The two most pressing issues facing Naples are responsible growth and resiliency. As development accelerates, we must protect neighborhood character, manage traffic, and resist unwarranted zoning variances. Equally critical is addressing flooding, stormwater, and aging infrastructure exposed by recent hurricanes. Drawing on my experience on the Planning Advisory Board and as former Chair of the County’s Coastal Storm Risk Management Committee, I will prioritize resident input, long-term planning, and fiscally responsible solutions that keep Naples livable and resilient.
Resiliency must be addressed comprehensively — stormwater, flooding, extreme heat, and sea level rise are connected challenges. I support accelerating drainage and stormwater upgrades, prioritizing vulnerable neighborhoods, expanding nature-based solutions like dunes and mangroves, and modernizing critical infrastructure. Funding should combine user fees, state and federal grants, and requiring new development to pay its fair share of infrastructure costs. Long-term planning and disciplined budgeting are essential to protect residents and reduce future storm impacts.
Redevelopment in Naples should improve our community without overwhelming it. Zoning variances must be the exception, not the rule, and approved only when they clearly benefit residents. Density, traffic, and noise impacts must be fully addressed before approval, not after construction. As a Planning Advisory Board member, I’ve consistently evaluated projects site-by-site and voted against proposals that compromise neighborhood character. Protecting quality of life requires disciplined planning, transparency, and the willingness to say no.
The airport noise issue reflects a failure of long-term planning and communication. Residents deserve meaningful noise reduction, safety protections, and transparency — not endless studies with no resolution. I support keeping the airport where it is, maintaining strong local control, and ensuring City Council retains its authority to appoint the airport board. Decisions must prioritize nearby neighborhoods, safety, and quality of life while restoring trust through accountability and resident engagement.
Background
Penny Taylor brings 46 years of dedicated service to Naples, combining extensive government leadership experience with deep community roots as a small business owner, mother, grandmother, and foster parent.
Education
Penny Taylor earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida.
With $500-600 million in stormwater infrastructure needs, Naples City Council faces unprecedented challenges. As a candidate, my experience is unmatched with 10 years on Naples City Council and 8 years on Collier County Commission. I have the experience to restore relationships with key state and federal partners, ensure resilience remains a top priority, and diversify funding resources so residents don't face these expenses alone.
When I decided to run, I recognized the infrastructure funding crisis and conflict with the Naples Airport Authority—now threatening our control of our own airport. On the campaign trail, I've heard from local businesses frustrated by a permitting department being stymied by Council micromanagement, and from residents genuinely concerned about safety. These issues share a common thread: inexperienced leadership that alienates rather than collaborates. I will restore state and federal partnerships and support City staff to work efficiently—not micromanage them.
Hurricanes Ian, Milton, and Helene were a wake-up call. Stormwater infrastructure alone requires $500-600 million, with a $336-436 million shortfall remaining.
Climate-resilient infrastructure must be our focus—upgrading stormwater systems,
We cannot fund this through rate increases alone. We must pursue federal grants, state assistance, and strategic bonding—but first, we must stop alienating the partners. My experience securing grants and building partnerships is exactly what Naples needs. We cannot go it alone.
Naples is a tapestry of unique neighborhoods, each with its own character. Balancing redevelopment with quality of life requires judicious, case-by-case decision-making—not one-size-fits-all approaches. I support variances granted carefully on individual merit, evaluated for neighborhood impact and comprehensive plan compliance. Variances should be the exception, not the rule. Critical to this balance: development must not outpace infrastructure capacity. Today's congested roads stem partly from development that exceeded what our infrastructure could support.
The Naples Airport is a valuable infrastructure asset for our city. The disputes have escalated into a war where Naples may lose our authority to appoint Airport Authority board members—control we've exercised since 1959. What's missing is leadership willing to find common ground. Renegotiating the Airport lease for fair market value rent has not been pursued as a tool to deescalate hostility and, more importantly, provide a new and continuous revenue source for the City. There is untold value in both parties sitting down in the spirit of cooperation and mutual interest.
