Mayor Bill

Mayor Bill Barnett

I’m not sure as I write this article for Life in Naples on October 27th, that I’m quite ready for this December edition. Today is the alleged day that the depressing heat and humidity that we have endured since May is really going to disappear and cool dry weather will be with us hopefully until next May.

I would think that having lived in the City of Naples for almost 46 years I would be used to it. Well, the early days in Naples when my children were in elementary school the weather was somewhat novel. The weather patterns were very predictable. During the summer months you could count on looking east at around 2-3 pm in the afternoon, see the storm clouds building, and sure enough we would get an hour’s worth of downpours with thunder and lightning and by 5 pm it would be clear until the next day when the same pattern would occur.

I can absolutely say that the patterns have changed over the years. I don’t claim exclusivity for that here in Naples, it seems as if the entire country has witnessed the same strange weather patterns these days. I’m not complaining! Naples is a great city
and a great place to live regardless of whether you are young and just starting out or looking for a great place to retire we have it all and no snow! ( Just an occasional hurricane)

It is extremely difficult for me to watch the political scene on the national level these days and I hear from many of my
constituents on a daily basis just how disappointed they are as well. Thankfully our City and County politics remain civil and
I am pleased that although our City Council doesn’t agree with every issue (as it should be) we work well as a team. I suppose I
should consider myself lucky in today’s political environment to have such a great team to work with.

I am seeing on a daily basis that many of our winter residents are returning to Naples especially since it’s getting cold up north. I’m glad they are back but there are certain times each day that I wish they had left their driving habits back in
their home state. Lane switching with no signals, (actually I think that some of these drivers don’t even know their vehicle
has directional signals installed), going 15 mph in a 45 mph zone while blocking all three lanes, taking up two parking spaces, and myriads of others the list is endless.

However with all that being said my disposition remains calm and when I observe these infractions I just smile and take it in stride. Yes, our police do a great job in handling the violators, but it’s just a part of our winter season. I would be remiss if I didn’t comment on something I do every year around this time and that’s to let everyone know that as we move in to December and the busy Holiday season that there are a few things you shouldn’t take for granted. Each year Naples restaurant
population increases and our restaurants are highly competitive, as they need to be to stay in business. They are cutting edge and receive many awards both locally and nationally.

With family members and friends along with tourists coming to Naples to visit please make sure you make a reservation if you plan on dining out. I can’t begin to tell you how many folks tell me how disappointed they were when they went to dine out and couldn’t get a seat in the restaurant they chose. That’s not to say that there aren’t some really good restaurants that
don’t take reservations, there are, and I know lots of people who are equally happy to have a seat at the bar, enjoy some great conversation and have some laughs along with cocktails. When their table is ready they are not the least bit upset that they might have waited for over an hour to be seated. After all they are on vacation, enjoying family and friends, and loving Naples. I’m not one of them that would go without a reservation.

I wish each and every one of you a Happy, Healthy, Holiday Season! As Mayor of the City of Naples there isn’t a day that goes
by that I am not thankful for what our constituents have bestowed upon me and that is the honor and privilege to be their Mayor. I do respond to e-mail @ mayorbill@naplesgov.com. Mayor Bill